Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Issue: Engine Cover Gas Struts (Read 733 times) previous topic - next topic

Issue: Engine Cover Gas Struts

Replaced with same Manf., PN., then could not get the cover in the air.
One old strut was wasted and the new pair were less than useless.  Returned to the old one that was good and now opening the cover is possible.
I'm wondering, if for what ever reason I've got new struts that are not up to the spec of the older strut (it took four of use to put it back in place)??

Bright Idea=use an S tie-down sling over the top of the strut for a pull down for the installation, two to hold up the hatch and someone on the roof to pop the strut on the pin (?)  What a fire-drill. pc


S/W Houston 95" U320C SE/40' 
Build #4778  Cummins M11
Repairs & Covered RV Parking (BAO)
PPL is close..

Re: Issue: Engine Cover Gas Struts

Reply #1 –
My cover gas springs are getting weak and I was hoping there was an easy way to change them. I replaced those on the large bay door on the pass. side and had a fit with it by myself. Hoping someone knows an easy way to change the back springs. Also, did you get your springs from FOT?
Larry
1996 U295 36'
Build # 4805
Actually we sold it but just like to lurk

Re: Issue: Engine Cover Gas Struts

Reply #2 –
Quote from: pocketchange –
Replaced with same Manf., PN., then could not get the cover in the air.
One old strut was wasted and the new pair were less than useless. 


What pound rating did you order.  Many times, if a gas spring manufacturer does not have the correct pressure spring in stock, they will take an existing spring and "pump it up" to the correct PSI.  What is printed on the strut may or may not reflect actual force.

Tell us what coach you have and perhaps we can tell you what springs DO work.  I now what works on the 1993 U240:

Attwood gas springs: 4 basement doors: SL-34-40. Bed: SL25-170
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: Issue: Engine Cover Gas Struts

Reply #3 –
Quote from: lgshoup –
My cover gas springs are getting weak and I was hoping there was an easy way to change them. I replaced those on the large bay door on the pass. side and had a fit with it by myself. Hoping someone knows an easy way to change the back springs. Also, did you get your springs from FOT?

Irwin Quick-Grip or pipe clamp

Spring Lift on Outside Access Doors
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Issue: Engine Cover Gas Struts

Reply #4 –
We had Extreme's Rance change our rear engine door to a light weight hinged door. Dave M also did the mod and now door that is not a back breaker safety risk. Doors are about a foot shorter so it can easily lift over anything hitched up at the moment.

Re: Issue: Engine Cover Gas Struts

Reply #5 –
95' U320C SE.
S/W Houston 95" U320C SE/40' 
Build #4778  Cummins M11
Repairs & Covered RV Parking (BAO)
PPL is close..

Re: Issue: Engine Cover Gas Struts

Reply #6 –
Funny you should ask this.  Have the same coach.  I was looking at mine yesterday as they are getting weak.  Mine are Spring Lift 25-30.

Here is a source:

Item # SL-25-30, Gas Spring On Moore Industrial Hardware

I have not checked for lowest price yet but Foretravel are quite reasonable and you will get the correct ones.

Keith
Keith, Joyce & Smokey the Australian Cattle Dog
1995 U320 SE Extreme 40' WTBI Build # 4780, with a Honda CR-V hopefully still following behind.
Motorcade # 17030
FMCA # F422159

Re: Issue: Engine Cover Gas Struts

Reply #7 –
Correct; That is the strut pair I went with.  The SL 25-30 is a 60psi unit. 
In my instance (for whatever reason) they are not doing the job.
I'm going to return them and go with the 90psi version and locate a ratchet strap.  pc
S/W Houston 95" U320C SE/40' 
Build #4778  Cummins M11
Repairs & Covered RV Parking (BAO)
PPL is close..

Re: Issue: Engine Cover Gas Struts

Reply #8 –
As I posted above, I used two 170 PSI struts for the bed lift on U240.
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: Issue: Engine Cover Gas Struts

Reply #9 –
In case anyone is interested, I ended up purchasing new generator door struts from Harco for $10 each (20"/ 150psi) after FOT sent me struts that were too long (26"/150psi).

Black Nitride Gas Springs

They seem to be the same quality as the other brands and quite cheap, as long as you know the length and pressure. 
Robert
Build # 5304
1998 34' U270 Cummins 6CTA8.3