Community Forums

99dart · 02-03-2022, 03:00 PM

Not to beat a dead horse... But, I have a question about mounting to the door frame on my 2014 36M Meridian/Journey. This is the framing on the motorhome itself. Does anyone know what material the frame is made from? It also has a slight convex shape to it. I don't want to drill holes just to find out it is plastic that will crack. I figured I would compensate for the convex shape by applying foam double stick tape. Thanks for all insight!!

arcaguy · 02-03-2022, 03:20 PM

I'm pretty sure the frame will be aluminum, but not positive. If you want to find out, figure out where you are going to put the mount for the strut and put small scratch there or a small dimple with a drill. If it's aluminum it will look like aluminum under the scratch. If it's plastic it should be either the same color as the exterior or white if it's painted. As to using some sort of double sided foam to fasten the gas strut, I think you'll be severely disappointed, it will likely not hold. I would use screws. Before you start screwing thing to the door jamb and door make sure you have the correct ball mounts for both ends of the strut. Please don't ask How I know the one's that look like they will work won't. Good luck.

99dart · 02-04-2022, 06:30 AM

Thanks Arcaguy,
I thought about it a little longer and came up with using a spare magnet from my "Magne shade". It didn't stick and tapping made a nice aluminum sound. The double-sided foam tape was just to give the bracket a flatter area to screw down. I "manned-up" and drilled my first hole. And, YES it was nice heavy gauge aluminum. I had ordered two different styles of brackets, so the install went as planned. Works great.

153stars · 02-04-2022, 08:56 AM

You could compensate for curved shape with some JB epoxy putty. Put some tape down on MH and form the curve. Let it set up on mount. Give it a good shaping at edges of mount with file ,grinder emery paper ect. pre-drill holes through it. A good solid base will keep the holes from stripping. I recommend the Suspa brand cylinders because the have good dampening, made in USA.

99dart · 02-06-2022, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 153stars

You could compensate for curved shape with some JB epoxy putty. Put some tape down on MH and form the curve. Let it set up on mount. Give it a good shaping at edges of mount with file ,grinder emery paper ect. pre-drill holes through it. A good solid base will keep the holes from stripping. I recommend the Suspa brand cylinders because the have good dampening, made in USA.

Thanks, I'll look into those. The door is opening a bit too fast and bouncing at the end of it's travel.

Podivin · 02-06-2022, 06:33 AM

What brackets did you use? I'd like to add one of these to mine, but the brackets I've tried so far won't quite clear the rain guard at the top of the door.

99dart · 02-06-2022, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Podivin

What brackets did you use? I'd like to add one of these to mine, but the brackets I've tried so far won't quite clear the rain guard at the top of the door.

I used a combination of these two. The first bracket on the coach. The second on door positioned high to clear top of door.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BRJQAC...roduct_details

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZG64D12...roduct_details

Podivin · 02-06-2022, 05:45 PM

Thank you

153stars · 02-06-2022, 06:41 PM

Two of us tried to contact Suspa for special struts with extra dampening but got no response for stock or a distributor . They don't sell direct. Could have been custom and need large quantity order. The thread was about 2yrs ago not sure weight people ended up happy with. I haven't done the door strut yet my arm still works fine knock on wood.I got bunch of Suspa struts in groups of four from Amazon. All struts dampen better fat part up than visa versa or horizontal. I tested one I got. They were 200lb ,it was no easy task. Used whole body and against telephone pole for horizontal.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Podivin

What brackets did you use? I'd like to add one of these to mine, but the brackets I've tried so far won't quite clear the rain guard at the top of the door.

153stars · 02-07-2022, 05:15 AM

Hold up or tape bracket you have was close as it fits and snap a pic or two at different angle. Somebody here will have a solution.
You may have to find a bent metal bracket and cut down to shape and paint it ,as not to rust.
These are 2" looks like common mount ,ball is at 1" from surface.Could be cut to shape. Max would be about 1.75". Extra few if you mess up.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08RDBJP1T...Q7W75EJ8NR0GHR