Installing Bed Lift Gas Props

[pthomann]

We have a queen size mattress with storage area underneath. The mattress is supported by a piece of 1/2" plywood. At one time it looks as though there were gas props, but they are gone. Can anyone give me the proper size, length and installation process for these? We have a very difficult time in accessing the storage without these and I really only want to install them once and need to make sure I have the right ones.

[Ray,IN]

We have a king bed, which came with 2 gas struts, not adequate for my wife to raise. I installed a 3rd, 80# strut which I purchased at an automotive supply store. The closed length on mine is measured from the fixed portion to the foot of the plywood support. There is a 2"X2" running the full length of the moving portion of the plywood base where each strut should be mounted. The Fixed end of the strut is mounted about 2" below the bed support fixed part.
Sure hope this helps and is logically written.

[pthomann]

Thanx Ray for the info and yes, it is clearly stated. I am also interested in knowing the overall length of your cylinders and the opening length. Also, the angle at which they are installed, that is, are they straight up and down, angled forward or angled backward? I am just trying to avoid drilling holes all over the place. Thanks again!

[hardy1000]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pthomann We have a queen size mattress with storage area underneath. The mattress is supported by a piece of 1/2" plywood. At one time it looks as though there were gas props, but they are gone. Can anyone give me the proper size, length and installation process for these? We have a very difficult time in accessing the storage without these and I really only want to install them once and need to make sure I have the right ones.

I have a 2007 Diplomat with a Queen bed and and I used high pressure strut part # ML26-160 and installed a third with a prop rod but the struts work so well I do not need the rod. Sorry, could not invert the photo. Here is the place I purchased them. I got the idea from Diplomat Don, search him he has done alot of great mods.

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[Ray,IN]

Hardy1000's picture is nearly a copy of my king bed. The struts do little until the bed is raised about a foot, then the struts take over and lift the bed with little effort from me. If the struts were positioned so they lifted from the down position the bed would raise on it's own.

[pthomann]

I tried to install the cylinders that I have (2 - 120lbs 27") yesterday, but when I went to close the bed, the shear weight of the mattress caused them to shift and bend. The bed would not close - the cylinders held it up, but because it appeared to be so flimsy, I did not trust the installation and removed them. Maybe I need to add thicker plywood and/or some type of reinforcement bracket(s) to the top and bottom mounting brackets? I am using a house style queen size sealy mattress that is quite heavy. I am going back to the drawing board. Also, wondered where Hardy1000 got the nifty support bracket shown on his pic?? Thanx for the info guys!

[pthomann]

Thanx for the info, I looked up Diplomat Don's idea's and that looks like exactly what I need to do. From the photo's I believe I can get this accomplished after this busy week-end. Thanks for steering me in the right direction to all!

[hardy1000]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pthomann I tried to install the cylinders that I have (2 - 120lbs 27") yesterday, but when I went to close the bed, the shear weight of the mattress caused them to shift and bend. The bed would not close - the cylinders held it up, but because it appeared to be so flimsy, I did not trust the installation and removed them. Maybe I need to add thicker plywood and/or some type of reinforcement bracket(s) to the top and bottom mounting brackets? I am using a house style queen size sealy mattress that is quite heavy. I am going back to the drawing board. Also, wondered where Hardy1000 got the nifty support bracket shown on his pic?? Thanx for the info guys!

If you are reffering to the lower mounting bracket It is a 2x2 and I mounted a steel strip 1/8 " thick by 2" wide that I purchased from Home Depot. If you are talking about the strut brackets I ordered them with the struts.

Good luck on your project.

[Ray,IN]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pthomann I tried to install the cylinders that I have (2 - 120lbs 27") yesterday, but when I went to close the bed, the shear weight of the mattress caused them to shift and bend. The bed would not close - the cylinders held it up, but because it appeared to be so flimsy, I did not trust the installation and removed them. Maybe I need to add thicker plywood and/or some type of reinforcement bracket(s) to the top and bottom mounting brackets? I am using a house style queen size sealy mattress that is quite heavy. I am going back to the drawing board. Also, wondered where Hardy1000 got the nifty support bracket shown on his pic?? Thanx for the info guys!

After installation of my 3rd strut the cheap plywood broke out where the hinges were mounted. I had to use a piece of 3/4" marine plywood and add 3, 2X2" the length of the plywood for strength, for re-mounting the struts.

[pthomann]

As a follow-up to everyone who helped me with this project, again Thanks to all who replied with ideas and pictures. I finished up yesterday, re-installing the (2) 120 lbs lift cylinders. To reinforce the brackets, I added a piece of 3" x 3" aluminum to the outer side and underside of the brackets between the plywood and the brackets. I then drilled the (3) holes using the brackets as a template and installed them and the cylinders. The overall dimensions of my plywood board under the mattress is 48" x 65" x 5/8". The aluminum plates were probably overkill, but I didn't want to stress the plywood or brackets more than necessary. The results work so well that a small child can now lift the bed up to access the storage area underneath. The really great thing is that even with a full Queen size house mattress, once it is open, it stays up by itself without any need for additional support(s). I will take a few pictures and post later, right now I have to get to the campsite!