Key Takeaways:
Are camper shell gas struts? Yes, gas struts are a must-have when you are traveling around. Because gas struts will help you to pull some doors or your bed up. In camper trailers, some doors aren’t built in a way to open themselves. It needs some support to stay open. And gas struts are that support. But wait! You can’t just buy random-size gas struts and expect that support. You need to buy the right size struts.
So, what size gas struts for camper trailer?
Well, Gas struts should be about 55% of the hatch height. For a 1000mm tall door, a 550mm gas strut works well. The optimal length is roughly half the height of the door, plus a little extra. But the size isn’t certain. Size struts also depend on factors.
So, how do I know what size gas struts I need? You need to keep reading to get all the answers.
What Size Gas Struts For Camper Trailer?
So, what size gas struts for camper trailers? Well, getting the correct gas strut is important. Because the correct gas strut can only ease your hassle. So, in general, go for a gas strut length of about 55% of your door’s height, so if it’s 1000 MM tall, a 550 MM gas strut is the way to go.
Keep it simple: half the door height plus a bit more, and you’re golden. But you need to be very careful with size struts. Because the wrong gas springs can get you in trouble.
What’s The Importance Of Choosing The Correct Gas Strut Strength For Your Camper Trailer?
Just like you need to be careful while using mobile home tires on a trailer. You can’t use any gas strut on any camper trailer. Picking the right strut rating strength for your camper trailer ain’t no small deal. Get it wrong, and you’re in for a world of trouble. If it’s too weak, your hatch or door won’t stay open, and that’s plain annoying. But go too strong, and it’s like trying to open a tin can with a sledgehammer – overkill.
You risk damaging your gear and even your trailer. So, finding that sweet spot is the name of the game. The correct gas strut strength keeps things safe and functional and avoids any costly mishaps. Plus, it’s all about convenience.
You don’t want to struggle with that trailer every time you need to access your stuff. Don’t experiment with gas struts. Pay attention to the numbers, and your camper trailer will thank you for it.
What Are The Common Problems Associated With Incorrectly Sized Gas Struts In Camper Trailers?
Knowing how do you fit gas struts on a camper trailer is important. Because using gas struts that don’t quite fit the bill in your camper trailer can bring on a bunch of headaches. One big issue is the struggle factor. If your current gas struts are too weak, your hatch or door won’t stay open as it should.
That’s a real pain when you’re trying to grab your gear. On the flip side, if they’re too strong, it’s like a wrestling match to close things up, risking damage to your trailer or gear.
Safety is another big concern. Incorrectly sized struts might not provide the right support, leading to accidents or injuries. And you don’t want that when you’re out in the wild.
Plus, there’s the wear and tear. Wrong-sized struts can put extra stress on your trailer’s hinges and other parts, shortening their lifespan.
Then there’s the cost. If you keep using the wrong struts, you might have to replace damaged parts more often, which can dig into your wallet.
All in all, the right-sized gas struts are like the unsung heroes of your camper trailer, making life easier, safer, and less expensive. So, size matters when it comes to your current gas struts.
How To Determine The Ideal Gas Strut Length For A Camper Trailer [Step By Step]?
How do you measure gas struts for an RV bed? Well, determining the right size gas springs can be tricky. But if you know how to calculate the size of the gas strut, then it will be an easy process if you can use a gas strut calculator.
![How To Determine The Ideal Gas Strut Length For A Camper Trailer[Step By Step]?](https://littleanywhere.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/How-To-Determine-The-Ideal-Gas-Strut-Length-For-A-Camper-Trailer-536x1024.jpg)
Step 1 – Gather Cover Info
Okay, first things first. Let’s get the deet on your cover. The best you can do is check trailer house axles rated for. The right info will help us nail the gas spring calculation. When you see a question mark, you can click for a quick explanation.
1. Toy box
2. Market stall
3. Angled cover
4. Horse trailer
Step 2- Cover Length [mm/inch]
Measure from the hinges to the edge. Don’t mix up length and Width, alright?
Step 3- Closed Angle [degrees]
For a standard box, it’s usually 0 degrees ’cause the cover’s flat when it’s closed. But for a market stall, it’s -90 degrees ’cause it’s vertical. If it’s something else, measure it using the angle meter or your phone.
Step 4- Weight [Kg/lb.]
Get the whole cover off and weigh it if you can. If not, weigh one side and double it to estimate the total weight. This trick works for simple, rectangular covers.
Step 5- Number Of Gas Springs
You mostly need two, one on each side. Using just one might make the cover go wonky. Placing it in the middle helps, but your cover’s got to be sturdy enough.
Step 6- Cover Width [mm/inch]
This is the side with the hinges. Don’t mix it up with the length.
Step 7- Cover Height [mm/inch]
For a plain board cover, it’s just the board’s thickness. If there are edges, measure the whole height, including those edges.
Step 8- Open Angle [degrees]
For a regular box, it’s around 80-90 degrees ’cause the cover stands tall. But for a market stall, it’s 0 degrees ’cause it’s flat. If it’s different, you know what to do with the angle meter or your phone.
That’s it! If you can measure all those numbers correctly, then you can have the right size gas strut.
What Factors Influence The Selection Of Gas Struts For Camper Trailers?
Although the calculation can easily get you the right size, there are a few things that can influence the selections. Knowing those factors will help you with the calculation. Here’s the lowdown on what influences your widest selection:
Weight and Size of the Trailer: The size and weight of your camper trailer are pivotal. Heavier trailers require gas struts with more lifting power, while the size of the trailer may determine the number and length of gas struts needed.
Type of Application: Different parts of a camper trailer, such as the hatch, door, or roof, may require gas struts for various purposes. The specific application will dictate the required strut characteristics.
The angle of Movement: Consider whether the strut needs to support a horizontally opening hatch or a vertically opening door. The angle of movement influences the gas strut’s widest selection, as it affects the force required.
Environmental Conditions: If your camper trailer is exposed to extreme weather conditions. You may need gas struts designed to withstand temperature variations, moisture, and corrosion.
Mounting Points: The location where you intend to attach the gas struts can influence your widest selection. Ensure that there is a suitable and secure mounting point.
By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and select the gas struts that will best serve the needs of your camper trailer.
What Are The Different Types Of Gas Struts Suitable For Camper Trailers?
Does determining the right size seem confusing to you? Well, then, hold back now. There are different types of gas springs. And not all of them are suitable for your camper trailer. Here are some of the gas struts for camper trailers:
- Standard Gas Struts: These are the everyday heroes. It’s good for hatches, doors, and basic stuff. They come in various lengths of gas struts and strengths.
- Variable Damping Gas Struts: These are the cool kids that control the speed of your hatch or door. Slow and gentle or quick and snappy, you choose.
- Locking Gas Struts: These are like the bouncers of the gas strut world. They lock things in place when you want ‘me locked. It’s ideal for hatches that need to stay put.
- Stainless Steel Gas Struts: If your trailer’s hanging out in wet or corrosive places, these rust-resistant struts are your pals.
- Adjustable Force Gas Struts: Need to tweak the strength? These struts let you adjust the power to fit your needs. Pretty handy, right?
- End-Fitting Variety: You can pick different ends for your gas struts to fit your trailer setup. Clevis, eyelet, or ball joint, take your pick.
So, whether you’re all about the standard, adjustable, locking, stainless steel, or dampened gas struts. Pick the one that suits your camper trailer’s groove.
How To Install Gas Struts On A Camper Trailer Correctly[Step By Step]?
Buying the right size struts isn’t enough. You need to know how to install gas struts on camper trailer. So, let’s break this down step by step camper trailer gas struts installation:
Step 1: If you are installing a 10-inch gas-charged strut on some cabinets and a 6-inch one on the other side of the camper for smaller cabinets.
Step 2: You need all the specs and measurements. If you’ve got a similar setup, this should work for you, too.
Step 3: Here’s the lowdown on the measurements for the 10-inch strut. The top bracket goes 5/8 inches in from the outer edge and 2 and 3/4 inches from the back. This is for a cabinet with a half-inch overlay and a 10-inch cabinet opening. The bottom of the strut pretty much touches the bottom.
Step 4: Now, for the 6-inch subpages strut, it’s pretty much the same. The inlet is 5/8 inch in from the outside and 1 and 1/4 inch from the back. This is also for a cabinet with a half-inch overlay.
Step 5: First, mount the door hardware. The ball joint mount goes about an inch and a quarter in from the back and 5/8 inch from the outside of the door. This is because the doors have a half-inch overhang.
Step 6: Drill where the ball joint lines up, and be careful not to drill through your door.
Step 7: Tighten the screws, but don’t overdo it; you don’t want to strip them.
Step 8: Test to make sure the door closes without rubbing.
Step 9: Pop the strut in place and use the bottom mounting hardware. Line it up with the hole on the strut.
Step 10: To make sure it lines up right, you can eyeball it or use the previous one as a reference. If you’re doing two side by side, you can adjust them for a better look.
And that’s how you do it, no rocket science, just some good old DIY.
Where Can You Find Gas Strut Sizing Guidelines For Your Specific Camper Trailer Model?
If you’re still unsure about the size, then you can look up for some guidance. Because some states have some issues with mobile home axles being legal on the trailer. So, buying a mobile axle or gas strut is a waste of money if it is illegal. First, flip through the owner’s manual or any paperwork that came with your trailer. It might have some nuggets of wisdom about gas-charged struts. You can search for a lift supports depot. The lift supports depot will provide you with the necessary info you need. If you think the lift supports depot doesn’t give you the right guidelines.
Then, hop onto the manufacturer’s website – they could have some useful info or even a support section with guidelines. Don’t underestimate the power of online communities and forums.
Fellow camper trailer owners often share their experiences and tips, and you might find someone with your exact model who can offer guidance. And if all else fails, don’t hesitate to reach out to the manufacturer’s customer support for personalized advice.
If you’re still scratching your head, consider talking to a pro, like an RV mechanic, who can check out your setup and steer you in the right effective strut push direction. Remember, getting those gas current struts just right is key for keeping things safe and hassle-free in your camper trailer. So, don’t hesitate to look for an expert.
What Are The Recommended Brands Or Manufacturers For Camper Trailer Gas Struts?
There are a few reliable brands and manufacturers known for producing quality products. Here are some recommended options for buying gas struts:
- Suspa: Suspa is a well-regarded manufacturer of suspa gas strut known for their durability and reliability. They offer a wide range of gas struts suitable for various camper trailer applications.
- Stabiles: Stabiles is another reputable brand that produces gas struts for a variety of industries, including automotive and RV applications. They offer gas struts with different features and sizes to meet your specific needs.
- Master Lift: Master Lift is a reliable manufacturer of suspa gas strut suitable for a wide range of applications, including camper trailers. They provide various options to choose from.
- Metrol Springs: Metrol Springs specializes in gas springs and dampers, and they offer products suitable for camper trailers. They provide options with different specifications and features.
Before making a choice, Research product lines & features to match your camper trailer’s requirements. Reading reviews and seeking recommendations can help when choosing a camper trailer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are Gas Struts For Camper Trailers A One-Size-Fits-All Solution?
No, gas struts for camper trailers ain’t a one-size-fits-all deal. These things come in different sizes and strengths. You got to pick the right one that matches your trailer’s or you’ll run into trouble.
Can I Replace Camper Trailer Gas Struts With Longer Or Shorter Ones?
Yes, you can swap out camper trailer gas struts with longer or shorter ones, but go longer if you want a higher lift and shorter if you want less. Just make sure the new struts can handle the weight and don’t mess with the door or hatch’s operation.
Which Is Better: Gas Or Oil Struts?
Gas struts tend to be the way to go for camper trailers. They’re more reliable, and they can handle a wider range of temperatures without losing strength. Plus, they’re less likely to leak or corrode compared to oil current struts.
Can You Increase The Pressure Of A Gas Strut?
No, you can’t really pump up a gas strut like a bicycle tire. They’re set at the factory to a specific gas strut pressure, and it’s not something you can easily change. If you need a different level of force, you usually got to get a new strut.
How Long Do Gas Struts Last?
Well, they usually stick around for about 5 to 7 years. But it’s not set in stone; it depends on factors like usage, quality, and weather. So, it’s like saying, “How long does a car last?” There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
Overall
I have cleared out your what size gas struts for camper trailers doubts fully. So, why are you still sitting with a confused look? Get up and calculate the size of the current struts with the calculation. If you are still confused, then look at the guidelines. No matter what, you just don’t mess up with the size. Because the wrong size will bring danger. You definitely don’t want that, right?
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