Entry door swing arm to cylinder conversion issue.

[Rusty Kramer]

I converted my entry door from the swing arm to a cylinder. The issue i have is the door swings out hard and is bending and twisting the mounting brackets. I went from a 20# to a 10# pressure but this does not help, it is just easier to close.

It seems like I need the old swing arm back on just to take the hit and shock from the cylinder brackets.
Any one else? What am I missing?
Thanks.

[MSHappyCampers]

The door should not swing out fast or hard no matter what strength gas prop you are using. The strength of the prop determines how hard it is to close more than how it affects the opening.

[YC1]

Post some pictures Rusty. Mine has been fine for several years. I have had to replace the piston a couple of times as they seem to wear out.

[Rusty Kramer]

Joe, If I unlatch my door and let it go it opens fast and hits hard. I always hold on to it but it has been let go a few times by others.
Maybe I have the wrong style strut? Myron will take some photos when I have a chance. Thanks.

[PlanBee]

I'd love to replace my arm with a gas spring. I would like to see pictures also to see how you did it. Maybe you could add a small cable as a stop?

[153stars]

They make dampened gas springs...here is an explanation...at least
https://www.avmind.com/product/dynam...d-gas-springs/
I'm sure they cost a bit more.
Ones with temperate compensation as well might be worth the expense in this application.

[YC1]

Here is a great article posted a long time ago. And a link to previous threads.

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f115/repl...ut-276148.html

[windsorbill]

Here's my strut. I put it on several years ago and never an issue.
Opens slowly, stays open even in wind. Fairly easy to close.

It's a Signature brand strut model SX2000P-10

[Rusty Kramer]

Thanks to all for the info links etc.
Can someone advise where to buy the "soft opening strut"? I have not been able to track that down yet, but have not had much time to look.

[Mit12]

Is that picture showing the strut mounted on the inside of the coach? It looks like a very clean installation.

[Rusty Kramer]

Originally Posted by windsorbill

Here's my strut. I put it on several years ago and never an issue.
Opens slowly, stays open even in wind. Fairly easy to close.

It's a Signature brand strut model SX2000P-10
Attachment 243453

Windsorbill, I missed your part number and info when I looked at this the first time. I will call them thanks!

[windsorbill]

Originally Posted by Mit12

Is that picture showing the strut mounted on the inside of the coach? It looks like a very clean installation.

No. Everything mounted on outside. Strut came black. I painted the brackets to match. It’s been several years. Zero issues.
It might be hard to tell from that picture, but the bracket on the jamb is attached to the jamb. The metal above is the rain gutter. DON’t Attach anything it to gutter. You’ll bend the gutter for sure.

If you go that route, notice the brackets. They are not the same. One bends up. The other bends down.

[stillthinkin]

I mounted a #20 gas shock a couple of years ago and it's seems to be working well. It does bang pretty hard if I let it go, even with the original Monaco door brace left on.
A friend, John (Lilgto), swapped a luggage bay door #10 shock to the door and said it worked better.


The other day I noticed a neighboring motor home (in storage) that had the gas shock mounted backwards. At first I thought he made a mistake but then I thought maybe he did it to reduce the strength of the shock. I have never seen anyone around to ask. Mine is the dark brown one. Any thoughts on this?

[153stars]

The link I shared had dampened cylinders..even ones with temperature compensation valve. I'm sure they are not only company making them. For this application , I would spend the extra.