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Topic: bed cover struts (Read 733 times) previous topic - next topic

bed cover struts

When I open the cover over the engine, I have to give it a hearty lift, and use a prop to keep it open.  Is this the way it is meant to be?

I don't know if the struts are weak, or if it is strong, properly-functioning struts that allow me to get it open at all!

I have replaced lots of the small cabinet struts, and what is proper is apparent to me in that case.
Matt B
1998 u-320

Re: bed cover struts

Reply #1 –
Struts (gas springs) are weak and need to be replaced.
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: bed cover struts

Reply #2 –
If you have a pillow top, they make struts with higher pressure.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: bed cover struts

Reply #3 –
Thanks!  I didn't know if my expectations were reasonable.

I was replacing the transfer switches yesterday, and a couple of times wondered about the mess that would have occurred if the prop slipped and caught my head...
Matt B
1998 u-320

Re: bed cover struts

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart –
If you have a pillow top, they make struts with higher pressure.

Be very cautious going with higher pressure - you can damage the piano hinge at the head of the bed.
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: bed cover struts

Reply #5 –
Quote from: oldmattb –
Thanks!  I didn't know if my expectations were reasonable.

I was replacing the transfer switches yesterday, and a couple of times wondered about the mess that would have occurred if the prop slipped and caught my head...
Mine is the same way. I worry about all the damage (to the platform) from it dropping on my hard skull.  :))  ^.^d
Jerry & Nona and Kimeru the cat that thinks she's a dog
1998 36' WTFE U320  #5314 Motorcade #17711
USAF 1975-1995
2019 Subaru Crosstrek 'toad'
2003 Subaru Legacy touring car
jerry Fincher | Flickr

Re: bed cover struts

Reply #6 –
I put a 2x2x36" stick in the electrical/transfer switch space and just put it up in place so the bed can't hit me in the head. I did the same with a rotating stick for the dash top. Took 5 minutes to cut, drill a hole, paint matte black and screw in place. Now, I lift the cover with two hands and then reach over to just past the middle and rotate it up.

Piano hinge is long with a lot of screws. Pretty tough.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: bed cover struts

Reply #7 –
My current mattress is heavier than original, I use 190 pound struts, but I also upgraded the hinge. It holds up the mattress without supports, but I sometimes put up an "what if" prop when I'm halfway inside the engine bay.
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.

Re: bed cover struts

Reply #8 –
Quote from: oldmattb –
Thanks!  I didn't know if my expectations were reasonable.

I was replacing the transfer switches yesterday, and a couple of times wondered about the mess that would have occurred if the prop slipped and caught my head...
Use 2 prop rods.

Re: bed cover struts

Reply #9 –
I made my props out of 1/2 inch schedule 40 water pipe. It is light and doesn't take up much room,
Just my two cents
Ron
Ron Clark
Sherwood,Arkansas
1999 U 295 40 foot Build # 5550
2020 Jeep Gladiator
Motorcade # 18173
FMCA # F485593

Re: bed cover struts

Reply #10 –
Our bed prop is a PVC pipe with PVC Tee fittings on each end. We store it in the electric compartment under the bed.

Re: bed cover struts

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart –
Piano hinge is long with a lot of screws. Pretty tough.


Just warning of an damage issue several folks have reported in the past when going to stronger struts.  YMMV
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: bed cover struts

Reply #12 –
Head Michelle's experienced warning

Piano hinge breaking loose damage has included suddenly forcefully sliding bed forward smashing into the legs of someone standing at front of bed.

When bed is closed, the compressed air struts exert more force on everything, like strut mounts, hinges, latches. Same stress can happen on bay and cabinet doors. Damage occurs when new struts use higher pressure and when other parts are worn.

Re: bed cover struts

Reply #13 –
I just replaced ours. Used 185 #er's, one on each side. Still takes a pretty good lift to start with, but once the mattress base is a couple of feet, (or less), off the bed frame, it goes up easily. HOWEVER, after seeing what happens when one end of the strut popped off the ball stud, (the wire latch did not stay hooked), a safety support IS a must. If I hd been under it, it probably wouldn't have been much fun!!!!!
1989 Grand Villa 3600  Our "Furevertravel",  "Ole Furry" for short.....
Cat 3208T  250 HP
Allison MT-643
36SBIORED
Motorcade Number  18541
Build # 3388
2014 Ford F-150 flat towed (My Bride wants "her" MKX in the garage)
Big John, my Bride Miss Mary Lou, and Buddy, Robbi, Gizzy, and Mack ( our furry kids)

Re: bed cover struts

Reply #14 –
I think there was a past post that used linear slides== that is the way I plan to go when that project moves to the top of the list.

The linear slide has no pressure on it when down and they come in 12v or 120v whatever you fancy
Chris
1999 U 320 DGFE
Build Number 5523
Chris & Elka Lang
In the field, Lonoke AR

Re: bed cover struts

Reply #15 –
Quote from: Chris m lang –
I think there was a past post that used linear slides

Here you go Red (saddlesore) posted some real good info on the how to. There are several coaches with this set up and they seem to work well.
Ordered new bed, May need to Add 2nd set of Gas lift rams for bed pedestal?
Read on through the thread as more info is further down.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."