How Do You Remove Gas Cargo Door Struts?

[Jackm]

Due to a slight mishap, I have to remove one of the cargo doors in my 2004 Winnebago Brave. However, I have to take off the gas struts that hold the door open but I can't figure out how to disconnect the top part of the strut. The bottom is attached to a small mounting plate with two screws but the top is less straightforward. I would be grateful for any advice from someone that has performed this task. Thank you.

Jack

[RV Wizard]

Jack, there are basically two styles I have seen. One has a metal spring clip that holds the strut to the ball bracket. On this one you simple insert a flat screw driver in-between the metal spring clip and the body of the strut; prying the spring clip away only slightly and pulling the strut away from the bracket. Do this on both ends. There is no need to remove the brackets. If your cargo door has a limiter under a slide out and when removed the door can be raised higher, you will need to retract the room and remove the limiter on the door prior to removing and installing a strut.
The other is a plastic retainer cap that can be pried slightly out of the body of the strut to allow the ball of the bracket to easily slide out of the strut. Again a small straight screwdriver can be inserted in the seam to pry it open. Good luck and keep us posted.

[Gary RVRoamer]

Make sure the door is open as wide as possible when you pop the strut off. It will be under tremendous pressure if not fully open and that strut will really jump! Don't ask how I know...

[Wizard]

Don't ask how I know but be sure the door is supported properly after the strut is removed. A broom handle can easily be kicked around causing red bumps on heads.

[Jackm]

Thank you for the information. Our struts have the plastic retainer cap referred to by Mike. As for the advice on avoiding "attack struts" and cargo door head smashers, much appreciated. It's a nice change not learning something the hard way. Thanks again.

Jack