This design works great. I simply lift the bottom of the rear hatch until it is open. Once open, it supports itself. To close, I pull down on the back/bottom of the rear hatch and support the hatch as it closes. It stays in the closed position when I let go. I am thinking of using some gas struts in the system to hold the hatch open very securely and prevent the hatch from closing too fast if the wind hits it or someone doesn't hold the hatch while closing it.