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Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Discussions => Topic started by: Mike Leary (RIP) on September 25, 2016, 02:01:21 pm

Title: Storage bay door problem.
Post by: Mike Leary (RIP) on September 25, 2016, 02:01:21 pm
The "rods" that hold the bay door open have gotten tired. Natch, it's the bay I use the most! I have no clue what they're called, or where to get fresh ones. Looks like there are some keepers top & bottom, but don't want to fool with them without experienced advice. One pic shows the rods ( by holding it up while taking the pic), and the other as it sits without my help. Help! Thanks, M  ^.^d
Title: Re: Storage bay door problem.
Post by: John and Stacey on September 25, 2016, 02:20:59 pm
Mike,
  I would start with FOT, I have bought many from them, prices seemed very fair.

The Mfg I believe is SUSPA....Gas springs- SUSPA.com (http://www.suspa.com/us/products/gas-springs/)

May be a part No. on the strut.

Goog luck,
John
Title: Re: Storage bay door problem.
Post by: Mike Leary (RIP) on September 25, 2016, 02:41:45 pm
Thanks, John. At least I know what they're called now! Looks like a normal ball & socket connection. The connections at the coach have rivets, rather than screws, so I assume the struts just pop apart with a gentle screwdriver application? Can't find any model numbers, but will keep looking.  ^.^d
Title: Re: Storage bay door problem.
Post by: John and Stacey on September 25, 2016, 02:50:35 pm
I just used a med sized screwdriver to pop em off.....They are sized by the weight they are supporting.

John
Title: Re: Storage bay door problem.
Post by: Balcanthez on September 27, 2016, 03:16:38 pm
All mine said SL-34-20 (Slingline). I replaced the small door springs with 30# 20" struts and the larger bays with 80# struts (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007IV6AYE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1). Work fine and had no issues since.

There is a metal band that loops around the top and bottom pieces, insert a screwdriver into the back of the band (there is a slot) and twist, then pop off the strut from the ball. Replacing is just pop the new ones on.
Title: Re: Storage bay door problem.
Post by: Mike Leary (RIP) on September 27, 2016, 03:29:19 pm
There is a metal band that loops around the top and bottom pieces, insert a screwdriver into the back of the band (there is a slot) and twist, then pop off the strut from the ball. Replacing is just pop the new ones on.

Ah ha! I thought I could see a keeper, but with old eyes, was not sure. Thanks, Chuck!  ^.^d
Title: Re: Storage bay door problem.
Post by: wolfe10 on September 27, 2016, 03:38:10 pm
U240 would be different than U280 due to height of basement doors.

Yes, they pop off very easily with a standard screwdriver. The "keeper" is opposite the ball joint.  Pry it out a little and the ball joint will pop off.

Should be numbers on the current ones. 

My records show that the gas springs are  Attwood gas springs:  SL-34-40.  Please verify!
Title: Re: Storage bay door problem.
Post by: Mike Leary (RIP) on September 28, 2016, 12:20:45 pm
My records show that the gas springs are  Attwood gas springs:  SL-34-40.  Please verify!

Thanks to the DWs new led penlight, I found this: "Spring Lift Corp." Model # SL 34-20.........275/92.  I'll do a G-search today, unless one of you knows where to get them. M
Title: Re: Storage bay door problem.
Post by: Bill Willett on September 28, 2016, 12:29:50 pm
Check E Bay, I bought 2 135 lb. gas springs for the generator door for $36.00 delivered.
Title: Re: Storage bay door problem.
Post by: George and Steph on September 28, 2016, 04:39:47 pm
Bill any idea of part number on the bed/engine access lifts on our coach?
Title: Re: Storage bay door problem.
Post by: Larry Bradley on September 28, 2016, 05:50:37 pm
I purchased these off Amazon today. Purchased for generator door, but I am going to try them on another compartment first. Amazon.com: Qty(2) Fiberglass Lift Support Strut 19.69" 135 LB REPL SUSPA... (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00X9M2JCS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

Qty(2) Fiberglass Lift Support Strut 19.69" 135 LB REPL SUSPA GAS PROP C16-08376
by TOFNK
Be the first to review this item 
Price:   $15.69 Free Shipping for Prime Members
Larry
1998 U 270
Jeep
Title: Re: Storage bay door problem.
Post by: Bill Willett on September 28, 2016, 06:03:42 pm
If you use them on a bay door check that they are the same model # and pounds our you will pull the attachment point out of the fiberglass.
Title: Re: Storage bay door problem.
Post by: John and Stacey on September 28, 2016, 06:07:11 pm
Bill,
    You are right there are different weight/length doors on our coaches.
John
Title: Re: Storage bay door problem.
Post by: wolfe10 on September 28, 2016, 06:23:33 pm
To VERIFY spring force, remove a good one.  Compress it on a bathroom scale.  That will be a pretty good indicator of force (in pounds).

Do NOT necessarily believe the force printed on the gas spring.  If they have a surplus of, say 30 pound springs and have an order for 40, they will change a 30 to a 40 and the markings may not indicate it.
Title: Re: Storage bay door problem.
Post by: Larry Bradley on September 28, 2016, 06:51:56 pm
Thanks for info.  I might have had another uh oh moment.
Larry B
1998 U 270
Title: Re: Storage bay door problem.
Post by: Mike Leary (RIP) on September 28, 2016, 07:12:39 pm
  "Spring Lift Corp." Model # SL 34-20.........275/92.

So, are the numbers I have tell me anything?
Title: Re: Storage bay door problem.
Post by: wolfe10 on September 28, 2016, 07:17:55 pm
Mike,

Sadly, no one can give you an "absolute" answer.

Best to pull a good one (off door of same length) and test it.  Big difference between 20 and 40 pounds!

If you have not done it yet, removing a gas spring takes less than one minute and only a standard screwdriver.
Title: Re: Storage bay door problem.
Post by: Mike Leary (RIP) on September 28, 2016, 07:30:38 pm
Don't tell anyone, but I'm thinking about pulling the struts off the bays I hardly ever use, and sticking them into the "busy bay".  ^.^d