Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 13, 2025 ...

gas springs for main cargo door

April 27, 2023, 11:01:57 am

My main cargo door on the passenger side never closed like the others (parallel with the body as it goes up and down).  As I close it, it pivots at the bottom first and then I push the top in to lock it in place.
So I thought it may be the gas spring.  I got two new ones.  But I need to push the spring in a couple of inches to snap it into place.  Is there a tool that I need to compress it.

BTW that wasn't the problem because the old one on is just as hard to compress as the new one. 

#1.)  How do I compress the gas spring.
#2.)  Why doesn't my door close like the others where both botton and top close and lock at the same time.

Thanks

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Re: gas springs for main cargo door

Reply #1 – April 27, 2023, 11:07:36 am

I use a cheap HF ratchet tie but do a search this has come up before with other suggestions.

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Re: gas springs for main cargo door

Reply #2 – April 27, 2023, 11:34:00 am

 Had to change one on the Joey Bed door couple years ago. PITA!  Bought a 36" carpenter's clamp at Lowe's. It's stored under the JB drawer for the next strut failure.

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Re: gas springs for main cargo door

Reply #3 – April 27, 2023, 01:02:01 pm

I had one.  With a little effort it worked.  Thanks.

But why won't this big door shut like the others; with top and bottom closing at the same time.

Thanks

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Re: gas springs for main cargo door

Reply #4 – April 27, 2023, 05:26:17 pm

As long as it closes I'd be happy!

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