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Topic: How to change basement rams (Read 757 times) previous topic - next topic

How to change basement rams

What is the trick to replace the basement rams?  These are 150# rams and I need to compress them about an inch to install them.
Getting the old ones off shouldn't be difficult but need tips on how to install the new ones.
Forest & Cindy Olivier
1987 log cabin
2011 Roadtrek C210P
no longer 1999 36' U320 build #5522
2013 Rzr 570 & 2018 Ranger XP1000
2006 Lexus GX470
2011 Tahoe LT 4x4
Previous 1998 45' 2 slide Newell, 1993 39' Newell

Re: How to change basement rams

Reply #1 –
I use a 1" ratchet strap on the high rate ones. Get the ends centered in the strap, and tighten the strap. You may have to help the strap slide on one end as it's tightened. Be careful.

Greg
Greg & Cathy
2000 U320 4010 DGFE Build #5650
Had: 1999 Tradewinds 7370

Re: How to change basement rams

Reply #2 –
I too used a ratchet strap to compress gas lift struts but as MisterEd said, be careful as it can slip out easily especially since the strap has to slide around the end as it is compressed.  Furthermore the strap can get in the way when you are doing the install on the ball stud.

This video (compress a lift strut) shows a method using a pipe clamp and wire.  I like the wire idea as I think it would not impede getting the strut on the bolt.  I am interested in the creative ways others have devised.

And be careful when you remove the old one too as they can still have enough pressure in them to hurt you, not to mention the door needs to be secure so it will not drop down.  I had a near miss when I removed one thinking it was weak.  It was not holding the door all the way up, but still had a lot of pressure.
40ft 1997 U320

Re: How to change basement rams

Reply #3 –
We used an Irwin QuickGrip clamp.  300 series, 24"

Obviously be VERY careful as the struts/spring lifts will be dangerous once compressed.
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: How to change basement rams

Reply #4 –
Quote from: folivier –
These are 150# rams and I need to compress them about an inch to install them.

Forest, 150# sounds high.  Not trying to second guess you.  Just seem to remember a post a while back that suggested they were 70#, but that might have been for a different application/door.  I do not think this is a more is better situation as having them too strong will put extra stress on the mounting points.
40ft 1997 U320

Re: How to change basement rams

Reply #5 –
Quote from: DayDreamer –
Forest, 150# sounds high.  Not trying to second guess you.  Just seem to remember a post a while back that suggested they were 70#, but that might have been for a different application/door.  I do not think this is a more is better situation as having them too strong will put extra stress on the mounting points.
These are for bus style doors, takes more force.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: How to change basement rams

Reply #6 –
Roger told me about a wooden jig he built for replacing my propane gas door with 100# lifts. It was a challenge. I used his idea after rigging up my bar clamp to compress the strut. Transferring the strut from the clamp to the jig is tricky. Took me a couple of tries. Search for his post.
150# sounds correct. I bet it will be lots of fun.
Glenn and Amy Beinfest
2001 36' U320
#5812
2014 Honda CRV

No Whining on the YACHT

Re: How to change basement rams

Reply #7 –
Use a notched stick to hold the strut to the right length, just short of the max length needed. Pop it on.
Gas struts at LP tank door
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: How to change basement rams

Reply #8 –
Finally finished installing the ram.  I used an Irwin 24" bar clamp and on the screw handle end since the rubber pad is floppy I used a washer to keep the ram end centered.  I used a 2x to support the door when I released the old ram.  I removed the old dead ram then after popping up the metal keepers the new ram just slipped on.  Set the 2 keepers and removed the bar clamp.  Easy.
Forest & Cindy Olivier
1987 log cabin
2011 Roadtrek C210P
no longer 1999 36' U320 build #5522
2013 Rzr 570 & 2018 Ranger XP1000
2006 Lexus GX470
2011 Tahoe LT 4x4
Previous 1998 45' 2 slide Newell, 1993 39' Newell