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Topic: Bed gas strut strength (Read 753 times) previous topic - next topic

Bed gas strut strength

I originally had the spring lift 25-30 gas springs which were original, and just did not hold my bed anymore.  I replaced them with a 26 1/2 inch 120 lb gas struts to allow me to me to lift the bed. That works just fine, but it appears(maybe I just did not notice) the bed does not "seat" properly when down. I was assured by the fellow that sold them to me that once they were past the "pendulum " state they would collapse just as any of the other models.  Is this correct or have I just not noticed the bed does not lie completely flat and SEALED when down?
Peter    Alberta Canada
'98 U320 40'  Build 5359 M11 450 HP, Aqua hot, Blu Ox

Re: Bed gas strut strength

Reply #1 –
Some have reported issues with damage to the platform's piano hinge if the replacement struts were too strong.  You might check to see if that's starting to occur.
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 gas strut strength

Reply #2 –
I think I replaced mine in the U320 with 80lb struts. I had a very dense, heavy foam mattress. No issues for the few years we owned it
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

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

Re: Bed gas strut strength

Reply #3 –
So in rechecking it I discovered one side goes down all the way and the other does not. ( about a 1/2 gap)  I checked the struts to ensure they were the same, which they were. I can't see any hinging issues. Warped bed?  Not sure what to say?
Peter    Alberta Canada
'98 U320 40'  Build 5359 M11 450 HP, Aqua hot, Blu Ox

Re: Bed gas strut strength

Reply #4 –
Remove the struts to see if the bed is warped.
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: Bed gas strut strength

Reply #5 –
For safety, much better to use a length of PVC pipe with Tee's on either end for termination. Store PVC in under-bed electrical area, lift bed, stand-up PVC pipe to hold bed up. Many find this a better solution than increasing strut pressure, breaking hinge loose, risking bed falling, etc.

Look under bed from engine side to be sure struts are not too long, preventing bed from closing down completely.

BTW, one person replaced bed struts, closed bed down, while standing in front of bed, hinges completely broke loose, shooting bed forward, pinning him between bed and bedroom wall. It was a big job to strengthen hinge.

Re: Bed gas strut strength

Reply #6 –
I'm the one who got slammed by the bed. New and heavier hinge holding up well but a pvc prop would have been clean and simple.
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 gas strut strength

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Realmccoy –
I'm the one who got slammed by the bed.
Patrick,

Somehow I missed that story.  That must have been an exciting surprise. 

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
The selected media item is not currently available.

Re: Bed gas strut strength

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Elliott –
I think I replaced mine in the U320 with 80lb struts. I had a very dense, heavy foam mattress. No issues for the few years we owned it
Good info.  I added a heavy bed (Costco Novafoam) and will need to replace my struts.
Regarding the seal:  You must have a good seal for several reasons.
2000 U320 mid entry  #5688
2006 Jeep Liberty


USMCR retired
SDFD retired
FEMA US&R TF8

Re: Bed gas strut strength

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Sven and Kristi –
Good info.  I added a heavy bed (Costco Novafoam) and will need to replace my struts.

Sven,

Rather than using those struts why not go as several of us have done and use 2 12VDC liner actuators. Plenty of lift for the bed and push button to raise which saves the back. I use 16" stroke 330# of lift for ours and others that I have helped install.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

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

Re: Bed gas strut strength

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Pamela & Mike –
Sven,

Rather than using those struts why not go as several of us have done and use 2 12VDC liner actuators. Plenty of lift for the bed and push button to raise which saves the back. I use 16" stroke 330# of lift for ours and others that I have helped install.

Mike
Mike...you have a source for those ?
Thx
Hans
Hans & Marjet
1995 U300 "Ben" (#4719)
3176B Cat,4060HD,Jake
SKP#139131
Motorcade#17579
2006 Honda Element (towed)

Re: Bed gas strut strength

Reply #11 –
I generally use these folks  Set of 2X 12V 16" Stroke 330lbs Linear Actuators &Brackets&Wireless Control...

Now shop around as you may find these cheaper somewhere else.  These folks have always been supper to work with on all of our projects whether for this bed lift or a hood lift on a car for show.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

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

Re: Bed gas strut strength

Reply #12 –
So found it was not a warped bed frame. Must be the new springs I put in. And in the the process of checking, the hinge came off. Will have to put a heavier hinge on it (thoughts on what size and length??).  This may have something to do with the fact I used a 26.5 inch spring instead of the 25 inch which was on it ??  Also will try to get two springs that are about 80ish lbs instead of the 120 lb ones I installed...
Peter    Alberta Canada
'98 U320 40'  Build 5359 M11 450 HP, Aqua hot, Blu Ox

Re: Bed gas strut strength

Reply #13 –
The longer strut might be bottoming out.
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: Bed gas strut strength

Reply #14 –
Here are a few photos of my bed hinge replacement after it pulled loose. I found a more robust hinge online somewhere.

The bigger hinge moves the bed towards the foot about 1/4 inch or so which affects the latch.
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 gas strut strength

Reply #15 –
My geometry thoughts don't understand why the bigger hinge would move the plywood forward as the rear edge of the bed still meets the same location of the frame. The larger hinge is definitely a great  improvement.
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