Vanagon Rear Hatch Struts
How to keep your rear door open when you are carrying cargo on it.

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• If your hatch struts are in good shape, the rear door will stay open by itself with just a rack mounted.  The rack alone does not
  make it noticeably harder to open the door.
• With bikes, tire or gas can on the rack the door will not stay open by itself.

There are several things you can do:

1.  Some people can open the rear door with a rack and one item mounted (tire, bike, gas can).  A strut
     prop tube can be used to hold the door open. See this page for pictures  
     This option works for some people.  I include this tube free with all orders. 
     Make sure your hatch struts are in good shape, new ones are not that expensive. 
   
    
    
2. The vanagon parts book specifies a different hatch strut for each side of the door. 
   Left side 251-829-331B lower strength
   Right side 251-829-332 higher strength
   If you use two right side hatch struts you may find this to be adequate to keep your door open
    
3. Extra high force hatch struts. 
   "Lift Supports Depot ST200M1-250 Gas Charged Lift Support"
   I have not used these myself and cannot comment on their suitability or fit. 
   The picture below is of a van with these lift supports installed.
   
   https://www.liftsupportsdepot.com/lift-supports-depot-st200m1-250-gas-charged-lift-support/

      20.00'' LIFT SUPPORTS DEPOT ST200M1-250 LIFT SUPPORT WITH METAL CUP | ST200M1-250-W

• Extended Length A [in]: 20.00
  Stroke C [in]: 8.00
• Compressed Length B [in]: 11.77
• Force (Lbs): 250
• Force Newtons: 1112
• Shaft Connection: Ball Socket Cup (Steel) Type=10mm=3/8"=.39"
• Body Connection: Ball Socket Cup (Steel) Type=10mm=3/8"=.39"
• Rod Diameter (MM): 10
• Cylinder Diameter (MM): 22
• SKU: ST200M1-250-W
• A Interchanges: ST200M1-250

      These are about twice the force of stock lift supports.  These will keep the door open with a tire and gas container in place.
      You will not be able to close the door when no cargo is in place.  Also, the door will dangerously fly open if no cargo is on the rack.
      You can only use high force hatch struts when cargo is on the rack.