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Topic: Gas Struts on Generator Door (Read 478 times) previous topic - next topic

Gas Struts on Generator Door

I went to replace the gas struts on the generator door of my U270, but I'm struggling to figure out how to raise the door high enough to install the strut.  Removed the latch that holds the door in place and a couple others, but still no joy. 

Anyone know if there's a trick to this?.  I have 20" springs.  I

Joe Phebus and Jaime Trujillo
2002 U270 3410  Build: 5953 Motorcader # 18595
2100 W Solar, 600 AH Battleborn Batteries,  Victron Multi-Plus II 3000 Inverter, Cerbo GX, & MPPT Chargers
1992 Geo Tracker

Re: Gas Struts on Generator Door

Reply #1 –
You need to find away to compress the gas strut. If you have pipe clamps that would work.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Gas Struts on Generator Door

Reply #2 –
If you have a ratchet tie down strap use it to compress the lift cylinder.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Gas Struts on Generator Door

Reply #3 –
We used Irwin Quick-grip clamps
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: Gas Struts on Generator Door

Reply #4 –
This is why I'm on here every day!  So many folks a lot smarter and resourceful then me.  Mission accomplished.  My neighbor has a set of ratchet tie downs.

Gracias!!!
Joe Phebus and Jaime Trujillo
2002 U270 3410  Build: 5953 Motorcader # 18595
2100 W Solar, 600 AH Battleborn Batteries,  Victron Multi-Plus II 3000 Inverter, Cerbo GX, & MPPT Chargers
1992 Geo Tracker

Re: Gas Struts on Generator Door

Reply #5 –
While on the subject,I compared my basement door 20" struts to the gen. door ones,the cylinder and rod on the basement ones
are a slightly bigger diameter,anyone have any idea why?
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Gas Struts on Generator Door

Reply #6 –
after trying special invented clamp and trying to use another person's helping hand I fail to install the generator door gas struts

this is what did the job very easy
lift the hood to 3/4 of its travel ,
used a piece of 2x4 ( or if some one has a truckers load support bar ) to set on the ground behind the hood high enough to set the upper hood mounting hinge arm on top of it
by doing so, two of us were able to snap the lower strut end on the fitting ball and then able to push down the strut to reach its spot and snap in
the 2x4 was the key allowing putting pressure on top of the strut and being able to push it down
hope this will help other owners
Edmond 1998U295
Edmond
1998 Foretravel U295
Turlock Ca

Re: Gas Struts on Generator Door

Reply #7 –
I got lost in that explanation?
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Gas Struts on Generator Door

Reply #8 –
sorry I forgot to mention, a trucker load support bar is too long , but it can be cut down to required height
good thing about that , it has rubber shoes on not to slip on the ground and not to damage the hood
I also use it as a mattress safety support  when working on engine
please let me know where you got lost?
Edmond


Quote from: rvquestion –
after trying special invented clamp and trying to use another person's helping hand I fail to install the generator door gas struts

this is what did the job very easy
lift the hood to 3/4 of its travel ,
used a piece of 2x4 ( or if some one has a truckers load support bar ) to set on the ground behind the hood high enough to set the upper hood mounting hinge arm on top of it
by doing so, two of us were able to snap the lower strut end on the fitting ball and then able to push down the strut to reach its spot and snap in
the 2x4 was the key allowing putting pressure on top of the strut and being able to push it down
hope this will help other owners
Edmond 1998U295
Edmond
1998 Foretravel U295
Turlock Ca