Replacing worn compartment hold-open

[pine tree]

Our 2001 Journey has experienced several compartment door hold-open air spring failures. One simply got "stuck" and would not open more than about half one third way. I discovered the piston had been pitted by rust. Another became weak and would not hold the door open.

Not sure what the good old Winnebago dealer parts department replacement cost would be, but as in all their prices I know these little puppies would be expensive.

I therefore removed the rust pitted unit from the coach, took it with me as a sample and shopped my local automotive supply store "Auto Zone." Happy day, I found an almost exact match for $18.00. The spring I found was just a little longer, so I figured that would not hurt a thing and it did not. Bought three, replaced two on our rig and have one as a spare.

The auto parts store spring is sold under the brand name "STABILUS" the part is called "Lift-o-mat" and is sold as part # SAC SG314001. I'll bet it can be found on the web also.

Nothing costs only $18.00 at my "Wiinny" dealer. I think their cash register is programed to start at $50.00.

Pine Tree

[smlranger]

Another good source for those at a very reasonable price is one of the forum sponsors, RV Upgrades.

[John Hilley]

I just bought some at the Service Center in Forest City. They were $23.

[Theberrys]

Another good source for gas springs.
Gas Struts

Dick

[Petro]

I agree with smlranger. I needed new struts and RV Upgrades was very helpful and prompt. I always try and patronize IRV2 sponsors.

DM

[Okie]

I paid $11.00 each for 90 lb. air struts at a NAPA store....the original were 60 lb struts.....the 90 lb ones work much better than the OEM.

[BlueLine]

Check out eBay. I bought them in lots of 10, renewed all basement doors. Local auto parts stores were double what I paid on eBay.