Need to replace gas struts

mojospeople · March 30, 2018, 06:57:20 PM

Quote from: mojospeople on November 24, 2017, 01:42:58 AM
Quote from: Merlin on November 23, 2017, 07:19:52 PM
Super easy mod. I bought the long hinges called piano hinges at the hardware store and hinged the compartment lids. I used simple SS self-threading screws, but with a pilot hole and did about every 4 hole in the hinges. Instead of a gas strut, I went cheap and use a wood dowel rod to hold the lids up. Now that gbpack has listed the struts that work, I think I'll add one of the those to each lid to ease the lifting. I have photos posted in the forum archives that I'll go find if you need them.

I was thinking you had done the hinges. I'll find that post for reference. I think it will make a good winter project.

Hey Merlin, I went looking for the archive post and found the post but not the pictures. I'm about ready to start this project and if you can find those pictures it would help me a lot! Thanks!

Merlin · March 30, 2018, 08:25:57 PM

Couldn't find the pics, but new ones were easy to shoot. One shows the entire lid with part of the piano hinge across the back. I peeled back the duct tape enough to see the hinge. The other is close-up showing the hinge, screws, and tape. A total of about 8 screws were plenty and the hinge is full length. I never did add gas struts to either compartment under the beds. We use those compartments relatively little (just for long term storage stuff) and it wasn't worth the time compared to the simplicity of using a wood rod to hold them up.

mojospeople · March 31, 2018, 07:06:42 PM

Hmmm, interesting. I see that your lids appear to be framed (around azdel?). My covers are some sort of particle/pressed board that sits in the base - not framed up. Will have to get a picture. I'm not sure it will hold up to the forces of being hinged with the weight of our heavy mattress on top. I might have to come up with a way to frame them to help dissipate the load.

Merlin · March 31, 2018, 10:49:04 PM

Wow, I sure hope you don't have pressboard or particle board in there. Under the mattress would be a prime place for mildew and mold in particle board. The cover on mine is aluminum square channel framing and cross-bracing with heavy Azdel on top. It's very strong and solid, with a full black aluminum corner edging. The screws are in metal and there is a full length aluminum frame member under the forward edge of the "lid" for support.

F3Dawg · March 31, 2018, 11:04:21 PM

I saw this post today, and it made me replace the struts on my 21rbs. This is going to make this storage space much more useable. Now I don't have to worry about being decapitated.

Fatdog2 · April 07, 2018, 12:29:55 PM

Here's a good website in determining Hatch, bed lift cylinders called hatchlift. I ordered a set of lift cylinders from Amazon for my queen size mattress from Original Mattress Factory. They were $10.00 each and fit perfect, 20" long, 100# capacity and it lifts the queen size bed with no problem. One thing I read is to not let the hatch slam shut, lower it with assistance from the gas cylinders. https://www.amazon.com/inch-Prop-Spring-Strut-Heavy/dp/B00Y3H319S

http://www.hatchlift.com/

mojospeople · April 08, 2018, 04:17:44 PM

OK, so upon review, the covers are not wood/particle but a really heavy plastic of some sort about 3/8' or 1/2" thick I'd guess. That's good news and makes more sense. They sit inside the frame I'm not sure though if I can safely put screws in this material or if it will crack.

If I can screw into this material, I think it could be piano hinged although from below in the "closed" hinge position and lifting the cover would open the hinge. Here are pictures of what I have to work with.

Also, I realize that I kind of hijacked this thread even though the topics are related. i can start a new one if that is more appropriate.

Merlin · April 08, 2018, 10:56:03 PM

No need to start a new thread; this one's a good one for your work.

However, Photobucket does not work on this site (or any others) without everyone viewing having a paid account. Can you just post the photo files?

mojospeople · April 09, 2018, 02:06:36 AM

Updated my post with attachments.

Merlin · April 09, 2018, 09:05:55 AM

Looks like the same stuff under the shower pan in my camper. I'll bet regular wood screws will hold a hinge in that.

ADR · April 09, 2018, 07:04:47 PM

Quote from: mojospeople on April 08, 2018, 04:17:44 PM
OK, so upon review, the covers are not wood/particle but a really heavy plastic of some sort about 3/8' or 1/2" thick I'd guess.

That's the same stuff in my 2018 16TBS, It was nice to see something like that rather than the typical plywood or wafer board in other campers