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Topic: gas springs for overhead cabinet doors (Read 359 times) previous topic - next topic

gas springs for overhead cabinet doors

     There are two of those gas springs (little shock absorbers) on each door.  If one or more are failing or failed how do i know which one or should I replace both.  They were on sale at FT TX at $9.77 so I got two.

    Thanks
Rick & MJ Berry
1998 U320 40'
Ohio

Re: gas springs for overhead cabinet doors

Reply #1 –
I change both other wise there is a twist on the door.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: gas springs for overhead cabinet doors

Reply #2 –
Unclip them and press them in individually. You will be able to tell.
Tom and Michelle 2004 U270 36WTFS

Re: gas springs for overhead cabinet doors

Reply #3 –
Rick,

Good advice in the posts above.  But considering the age of our coaches, I might suggest that you buy a bunch of the gas springs when you can get a good price for them.  I have replaced many if not most of mine over time. 

Richard
Jan & Richard Witt
1999 U-320  36ft WTFE
Build Number: 5478 Motorcade: 16599
2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited w/Air Force One
Jan: NO5U, Richard:KA5RIW
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Re: gas springs for overhead cabinet doors

Reply #4 –
Yea, I'm surprised any of them are working at all at this age. It's possible some have already been replaced, so worth checking. I agree with the previous post though... buy them now while they're cheap. That's about 30% less than I paid at FOT last year.
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: gas springs for overhead cabinet doors

Reply #5 –
I think I have replaced all of mine in the year that i have owned it.  I also wrote the month and year on each one I replaced. Will be interesting to see how long they actually last.
Tom and Michelle 2004 U270 36WTFS

Re: gas springs for overhead cabinet doors

Reply #6 –
The shocks use an O-ring on the shaft to keep the gas in the shock. O-rings are not designed to work that way. You can extend the life of the shock by opening the door slowly and closing it slowly. The friction of the shaft on the O-ring will eventually cause the O-ring to fail.
Charlie and Mernie Matthews
2003 U320
2020 Chevy Equinox
18918

Re: gas springs for overhead cabinet doors

Reply #7 –
Charlie, how about silicone spray on shaft to lubricate O-ring? Also, some of our gas struts have a forever extended life with a piece of PVC slipped over shaft.

Re: gas springs for overhead cabinet doors

Reply #8 –
If you haven't reversed them they were put in wrong. The rod needs to go to the bottom and the cylinder to the top. Then the oil in the cylinder keeps the O- ring lubed and they last much longer.
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: gas springs for overhead cabinet doors

Reply #9 –

How oddly timed that this topic came up, I just replaced all the ones in the bedroom (cabinets in the front are tambourine sliding doors in my coach).  I used these from Amazon.  They installed in a snap, fit perfectly and work great.  There was only one pre cabinet door from the factory and that's how I kept it.  $14.00 for a 2 pack.  Not much more for 20" ones for the compartment doors.

Amazon.com: 7.5Inch 30Lb/115N Gas Struts Spring Shocks Lift Support for...

Bill

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
95 36' U295  CAI, build #4757
—>formerly homed in the midwest, now mobile again,
      mid-atlantic for the present.