Compartment Lift Struts

[painteredy]

Time to replace the lift struts on the exterior compartment doors, can I use the ones for camper tops? Maybe just matching the size, but I hear some have to much pressure for these lightweight hatch doors.

[Waiter21]

I replaced almost all of mine last spring. Look for a part number on the old struts. On my Southwind the larger doors were SL33-60 and the smaller doors were SL33-40. I did a short writeup on them that has some details.

Exterior hatch cover gas springs – 1999 Southwind 35S

..

[FIRE UP]

Originally Posted by painteredy

Time to replace the lift struts on the exterior compartment doors, can I use the ones for camper tops? Maybe just matching the size, but I hear some have to much pressure for these lightweight hatch doors.

Well Sir,
The first thing you need to do is, see if there's any part numbers or any other identifying markings on your existing ones. Then you can take that info, whatever you find and, start your search. What's of real importance here is, what the total length is, expanded and, the total collapsed length, compressed. And, what the "poundage" is. That is, some are rated at a mere 10-15 lbs and, some are rated for 120 lbs. like the ones used on each side of most of my compartment doors. In your search, you also need to make sure that if and when you find matching "gas springs", that you they have the correct ends too.
Scott

[DannyBarrett]

SL 33 20 1 vs. SL 33 20 5

This is for gas spring props

I have learned that "SL" is a type, "33" is 9.5"compressed & 15"extended. I have learned that "20" is pounds-lift. But i still have yet to find out from any website what the final third number category is. The "1" and also the "5"

Does anyone know what the "1" and the "5" is for?

Thanks

Danny
1997 Fleetwood Southwind 32V

[DannyBarrett]

My recent post about what the "1" and "5" meant when looking at gas strut model numbers such as SL 33 60 1 or SL 33 60 5 has been answered.

The "1" meant it comes in bulk without pretty packaging.

The "5" meant it comes individually in tall sturdy printed plastic ziploc packaging.

I wish the manufacturer would do away with that so not to confuse the customers.

[twojayhawks]

It's been mentioned the struts are both size and pressure specific. I replaced all mine on my last coach & was able to source locally cheaper than on line. You can certainly remove one & take it to Tractor Supply, hardware store, etc. and duplicate it . If pressure is too light the doors will simply not stay up & it will remind you every time one of them bonks you on the head. Too stiff is bad also as the mounting hardware may not take the pressure to compress & fail.

[MSHappyCampers]

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Looks like Waiter21 has given you the info you need!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[dennis45]

Came across this site a while ago for all things with gas lifts. There is a sizing chart to get the ones to match your needs.

HatchLift | Hydraulic Lift Kits | Rv Hatch Lifts | Hatch Hinges

[TowDawg]

Not to hijack this thread, but it made me think of something I've been trying to find.
Does anyone know where to get 2 position lift struts for compartment doors?

My old toter had them and I loved them, but I don't have any way to look at them now, as it's sold and gone, but I loved them.

Basically, if you opened the compartment, it would only take the door to 90 degrees, so it wouldn't interfere with a slide or water heater vent, but if you pulled up again, it would allow the door to go a lot higher in it's 2nd setting.

[Ray,IN]

When doing an internet search, use gas spring to get more results. SPD is the industry leader in gas springs, they have a detailed chart for assistance in matching up your spring to their numbers.
I do it the simple way, take one in to my local RV supply store, they measure, next day call to tell me to pickup my new SPD springs.
I found out the hard way, ordering off the internet for lowest price is what you get - lowest quality.

[DannyBarrett]

Thank you all for replying earlier.

I already had ordered the Atwood lifts from a website. Also I used another website for graphical guidance. It is a nifty photo chart of all the sizes, connectors and strengths.

https://www.backtoboating.com/collec...springs?page=2

But I realize that the post before this one talks of SPD. I may have to order SPD the next time around soon once my Atwoods start to fail.

Danny

[Edingale]

From my browser search, it appears that "SPD" is a Winnebago parts ID. I can't find a manufacturer called SPD. I get a lot of results searching for "gas springs" or "lift springs". I think the post(s) recommending getting the part number off the existing gas spring should be the first step.

[MSHappyCampers]

Originally Posted by DannyBarrett

Thank you all for replying earlier.

I already had ordered the Atwood lifts from a website. Also I used another website for graphical guidance. It is a nifty photo chart of all the sizes, connectors and strengths.

https://www.backtoboating.com/collec...springs?page=2

But I realize that the post before this one talks of SPD. I may have to order SPD the next time around soon once my Atwoods start to fail.

Danny

Hi Danny! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Thanks for the very useful info!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[Ray,IN]

Originally Posted by Edingale

From my browser search, it appears that "SPD" is a Winnebago parts ID. I can't find a manufacturer called SPD. I get a lot of results searching for "gas springs" or "lift springs". I think the post(s) recommending getting the part number off the existing gas spring should be the first step.

SPD is a brand of asraymond co.
Kinda like Cadillac is a brand of GM.