Skip to main content
Topic: Storage bay door problem. (Read 1099 times) previous topic - next topic

Storage bay door problem.

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
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Storage bay door problem.

Reply #1
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

May be a part No. on the strut.

Goog luck,
John
John and Stacey Smith
Motorcade NO: 11973
1997 U295 CSGI 40'..Build No. 5036     
920 Watts on the roof..CAT Power w/fuel Inj. Programmer
2021 GMC Sierra AT4 1500
EX..2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
Ex 1990 U280 RSAI 36'..Build No. 3638

Re: Storage bay door problem.

Reply #2
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
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Storage bay door problem.

Reply #3
I just used a med sized screwdriver to pop em off.....They are sized by the weight they are supporting.

John
John and Stacey Smith
Motorcade NO: 11973
1997 U295 CSGI 40'..Build No. 5036     
920 Watts on the roof..CAT Power w/fuel Inj. Programmer
2021 GMC Sierra AT4 1500
EX..2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
Ex 1990 U280 RSAI 36'..Build No. 3638

Re: Storage bay door problem.

Reply #4

All mine said SL-34-20 (Slingline). I replaced the small door springs with 30# 20" struts and the larger bays with 80# struts. 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.

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
AKA Chuck
1993 U280 40' WTB, Build 4345, CUM 8.3 "Falcor", 2010 Honda CRV TOAD (Spock), 970W solar on roof
Full-Time traveler between Quartzsite AZ, Longview WA, Ellendale ND, and Lake City SD
The selected media item is not currently available.

Re: Storage bay door problem.

Reply #5
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
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Storage bay door problem.

Reply #6
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!
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Storage bay door problem.

Reply #7
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
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Storage bay door problem.

Reply #8
Check E Bay, I bought 2 135 lb. gas springs for the generator door for $36.00 delivered.
The selected media item is not currently available.Bill&Doris 97 U270 36'
University of Parris Island Class of 66
Semper Fi  Build# 5174 MC#17094

Re: Storage bay door problem.

Reply #9
Bill any idea of part number on the bed/engine access lifts on our coach?
George and Steph
1997 U270 36 Build 5081 "Honu"
1180w Solar 400A lithium all Victron house system
Motorcade 17670, SKP 128300, FMCA F459019
73 VW Camper, 79 VW Camper, 2363 Sunline, and an Arctic Fox 25P

Re: Storage bay door problem.

Reply #10

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...

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

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Larry Bradley
SOB
former 1998 U270
Build 5251
Jeep Grand Cherokee

Re: Storage bay door problem.

Reply #11
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.
The selected media item is not currently available.Bill&Doris 97 U270 36'
University of Parris Island Class of 66
Semper Fi  Build# 5174 MC#17094

Re: Storage bay door problem.

Reply #12
Bill,
    You are right there are different weight/length doors on our coaches.
John
John and Stacey Smith
Motorcade NO: 11973
1997 U295 CSGI 40'..Build No. 5036     
920 Watts on the roof..CAT Power w/fuel Inj. Programmer
2021 GMC Sierra AT4 1500
EX..2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
Ex 1990 U280 RSAI 36'..Build No. 3638

Re: Storage bay door problem.

Reply #13
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.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Storage bay door problem.

Reply #14
Thanks for info.  I might have had another uh oh moment.
Larry B
1998 U 270
Larry Bradley
SOB
former 1998 U270
Build 5251
Jeep Grand Cherokee

Re: Storage bay door problem.

Reply #15
  "Spring Lift Corp." Model # SL 34-20.........275/92.

So, are the numbers I have tell me anything?
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Storage bay door problem.

Reply #16
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.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

 

Re: Storage bay door problem.

Reply #17
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
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'