Closing the slider on vanagons is usually a noisy event, and sometimes
involves a few attempts when you don't give it a vigorous yank, then let it
use momentum and let it slam home with that distinct sound.  The stock
handle is awkward when closing from the inside, and it 'seems' like the
inner handle could be broken easily, though mine hasn't..

   I've added a simple second cabinet door handle  to the rear of mine to
allow it to be pulled closed from inside.  The handle is mounted on the
bodywork between the window and the door panel with two panhead sheet metal
screws, # 10, I think I used, and it's positioned about 8" from the rear of
the slider, about on the apex of the curved section between the panel and
the window. I located it when the door was at it's "resting" place, where
it ends up after a failed slam-attempt.   Now it's easier to close and you
aren't forced to slam it...