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Kenneth Neal · 10-14-2016, 03:41 PM

I have a 2012 Daybreak 29PD. The gas strut (gas spring, gas lift) that modulates the opening and closing of the entry door needs to be replaced. The door is made by Dexter and is 80"x26". The brand name is Master-Lift.
The writing on the side should tell me the force required to close the strut, but it is no longer readable. The strut is 20" long with an 8" stroke. I called Thor and they couldn't help me and I also called Dexter and they don't return phone calls. Does anyone know what the force rating is in pounds (or newtons) for the door's gas strut? I suspect it's around 10 lbs. Does anyone know of a good source for shopping for this product?

MSHappyCampers · 10-14-2016, 03:44 PM

I installed one on our MH a few months ago and used a 15 lb. strut. I read that others have used anywhere from 10 to 20 lbs. Personally, I think anything above 15 lbs would be too much, as ours is a little harder to pull closed than we like!

I can't believe the manufacturer can't tell you what size it is! Doesn't speak very well for their customer service!

jelag · 10-18-2016, 07:14 PM

look at your old strut and find the numbers stamped into the housing and google those numbers... I had a gas strut that was used as a lift for a lid with the same issue... I was able to find both a chart that would allow me to interchange the strut to another brand... and later found what I wanted on either Amazon or Ebay... In some cases the guys in the auto parts stores have access to these catalogs.. but you need a knowledgeable person, not one of those kids who just wants to run off at the mouth..

Kenneth Neal · 10-19-2016, 11:08 AM

I finally figured out the number of pounds it takes to close the gas strut. With a bright light and a magnifying glass I could just make out a faint 0045N which is 45 Newtons. There are 4.45 Newtons to pound. Therefore, it has a 10 lb. rating.Now I just have to locate one.