Hi,

My friend Simon bought some 1250 N struts from Germany for the similar reason. They're great, lifts his spare tire rack and bike rack ( with tire and bike) that I made for him.

Without anything on the hatch it's hard to close.

Unfortunately the German source has dried up, but I mention it so you will know that 1250N is strong enough for a good load on hatch.

Oh, and before anyone asks, it's been almost three years now with the struts and no adverse effect noted on the hatch.

I've been looking for similar struts but not found any yet.

Alistair 

> On Mar 28, 2017, at 7:24 PM, Roman Haag <romanhaag@YMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
> I recently got a Gary Lee multipurpose rack, which has my spare, a gas can, and a hi-lift jack on it.  
> 
> I need some stronger struts and am having a hard time finding info about them.  Does anyone hear have any experience with them and could possibly recommend me some?  
> 
> All of the GoWesty/Bus Depot ones sound good, but they don't really give nay specific information.
> 
> I've found these but I'm not even sure they'll fit.  I know the Vanagon ones compress to 11.75", as well.  
> http://www.siraweb.com/gas-prop-c16-23835
> 
> Any help is appreciated.  I'd hate to be the guy responsible for our local Vdub mechanic getting hurt by a hatchback ;)
> 
> Roman