Bike racks (again)

Gingerbeer

New Member
Apologies if this has been discussed many times before. Currently having a van converted, and looking to put a tail gate bike rack on. Aware of the discussions of up-rated struts (to around 1250N). Also aware that the door can become difficult to control if no bikes and rack on with this type of strut.
Is there any evidence that a slightly lower specification strut would be better as the bike rack weighs 13kg and the bikes (never more than two) would not be above 35kg (rack capacity 60kg).
If so,which?
 
I have 1250N struts, as I intend to mount recovery tracks on there too. The tailgate needs a good pull, but not difficult. 1200N would be suitable for rack alone.
 
I’ve got 1250nm struts and the tailgate works fine without the rack on. It opens normally but is a bit heavier to pull down the first 2/3rds of travel when closing it.

I’ve only ever opened it with a single road bike on and that was absolutely no issue. I don’t open it with more or heavier bikes on, especially MTBs as the bars can catch the pop top / solar panel.
 
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Yeah, as said the uprated struts are to keep the tailgate up with the bike rack fitted not to account for the additional weight of any bikes. I had aftermarket 1250 struts and found them too much (or the wife did). I think I now have the caravelle struts fitted which are just a little too weak and I need to push the tailgate up slightly in some weathers. I would recommend paying for the VW uprated struts
 
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