After dealing with the factory strut arrangement for several years we decided to upgrade the gas springs to a stronger capacity. We purchased and installed two struts rated at 300 lbs each. The bed lifted quite easily but we noticed that there was a sizable amount of flex, at the lower attachment point, when the bed was in the upright position. To correct this we inserted a 1/8" shim in the gap between the square tube and sidewall. We then installed a 3/8" grade 8 bolt through the wood side wall and into the interior of the square tube. We used a 1/4" backup plate on the wood side and inside the square tube.
Additionally we replaced the piano hinge with heavy duty hinges. As a safety precaution we will continue to use a 2x4 wood support.
WHAT?? THAT's where the engine is? I need to lift up my bed and take a gander! :D :D
Thanks for the info!
A karma worthy post to be sure! ^.^d Do you by chance have pictures of your hinge upgrade?
Don
Here is a photo of the hinges Don. We found the factory piano hinge was completely rusted and frozen in place???
Good luck lifting the bed Steve!! :D
I had the bed hinge come off one time as I was lifting the bed and the bed shot up at me. :o
The struts were putting to much pressure I guess. I Reinforced the piano hinge:
Bed Hinge Repair Modification (http://beamalarm.com/Documents/bed_hinge_repair_modification.html)