Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Glockjock on September 11, 2015, 06:35:23 pm

Title: Source for gas springs for cabinet doors?
Post by: Glockjock on September 11, 2015, 06:35:23 pm
I found a few new gas springs in our coach so I started replacing the old springs which will not keep the cabinet doors open.  They all need replacing, for not one door stays open on its' own.  I need to order at least 28 more springs, so I got the Suspa part number (C16-21696) and got on-line to Suspa.  I quickly got off-line when I saw that they are $95 each, but only $55 each if I order 26 or more springs!

Where do you go to get replacement gas springs?  Suddenly I miss the tambor doors in my old U-240! 

Glen
Title: Re: Source for gas springs for cabinet doors?
Post by: jeff on September 11, 2015, 06:42:24 pm
Foretravel Parts.  <$10.00  Ask if they are going on sale soon?  They usually sale price them once or twice a year..
Title: Re: Source for gas springs for cabinet doors?
Post by: Glockjock on September 11, 2015, 07:21:07 pm
Thanks Jeff.  I guess I'm surprised that the price from Foretravel is comparatively low.  My experience has been that the parts from FOT are normally more expensive, but sometimes they are the only game in town.  I just did that with a hard-to-find fluorescent bulb that I couldn't find locally.  I found it on line for about $12, but I bought it at FOT for $34 because they had it in stock.

I'll check with them soon.

Thanks,
Glen
Title: Re: Source for gas springs for cabinet doors?
Post by: cwickham on September 11, 2015, 07:26:11 pm
Just received some from Foretravel this week $ 9.85 each Foretravel part number is P37559 They are SUSPA.
Title: Re: Source for gas springs for cabinet doors?
Post by: Michelle on September 11, 2015, 08:05:52 pm
+1 on FOT parts for the struts.  We've shopped around several times and they have the best version of the struts/gas springs for a competitive price.
Title: Re: Source for gas springs for cabinet doors?
Post by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on September 11, 2015, 08:17:30 pm
I agree, FT for struts especially on sale.  Pick them up or have somebody pick them up at the factory if possibe to save on shipping.  If you have to ship buy plenty.  I don't think FT does you any favors on shipping.  And get your Motorcade discount.  MOT might match price, ask.

There were many doors on my coach that had two struts. One new one seemed to do the job.  So now I have several spares.  Be sure to mark the new ones so you know which is which if they are mixed.

And check all of the screws on the hinges.  They get loose over time.  If you take them out and but a small drop of carpenters glue in the screw and then put it back in snugly it will hold.  Sort of like loc-tite for wood.
Title: Re: Source for gas springs for cabinet doors?
Post by: Michelle on September 11, 2015, 08:20:13 pm
There were many doors on my coach that had two struts. One new one seemed to do the job. 

Watch that carefully!  During the short period of time we had Encore-purchased struts, we used only one per side and ended up with a couple of doors that needed adjustment afterwards.  Uneven stress on the hinges....
Title: Re: Source for gas springs for cabinet doors?
Post by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on September 11, 2015, 08:27:09 pm
Thanks, Michelle,  I am three 1/2 years into new struts now with no hinge issues that I see.  Most of the front overhead doors have two struts.  They get used a lot.  BR overheads have one.  If the struts from Encore were too strong that might lead to the hinge issues even if you have them on both sides.  I got all of mine at FT when they were on sale.
Title: Re: Source for gas springs for cabinet doors?
Post by: amos.harrison on September 11, 2015, 08:40:18 pm
Glen,

I find the FT Parts are usually reasonable, and buy from them to support the business.  If you search the posts, there are many who have searched far and wide for a part, only to find it in stock at FT.
Title: Re: Source for gas springs for cabinet doors?
Post by: Glockjock on September 11, 2015, 08:57:14 pm
Glen,

I find the FT Parts are usually reasonable, and buy from them to support the business.  If you search the posts, there are many who have searched far and wide for a part, only to find it in stock at FT.

Brett, I totally agree with the part about supporting the business.  I buy most of my stuff locally for just that reason, rather than shopping on-line.  Now if I can't find what I need locally, then I can usually find it at Amazon.  However, if I need a lot of a item, such as 28 more struts, my cheapskate side kicks in and I shop for the low price.

I'm going to Eureka Springs on my Goldwing tomorrow.  It's nice on a motorcycle this time of year.  Fire up the Beemer and come along.

Glen
Title: Re: Source for gas springs for cabinet doors?
Post by: amos.harrison on September 11, 2015, 09:04:04 pm
Glen,

I'd love to.  I'm in New England, leaving for the SSR National Rally in Springfield, IL next week.
Title: Re: Source for gas springs for cabinet doors?
Post by: Tim Fiedler on September 11, 2015, 10:00:25 pm
+1 more on FOT for struts - they probably buy them by the whole lotta qty, and get a better price, straight from Manufacturer.
Title: Re: Source for gas springs for cabinet doors?
Post by: Dave Cobb on September 13, 2015, 12:37:34 pm
Whenever I install a new strut, I put the new one in with the push rod pointed up.  Then I can see which is new or old on any door with two struts.  I often have found only one strut will have failed.  Of course marking them works as well.  I too try to support FOT for parts.
Title: Re: Source for gas springs for cabinet doors?
Post by: Dan Stansel on September 13, 2015, 01:38:41 pm
Looked everywhere for these struts and always back to Foretravel parts.  They are the cheapest and with your motorcade discount can't be beat the price anywhere if you can find.  I looked and looked.