Installing gas shocks under bed storage

[Sharie]

Thanks for all the help guys!! I'm going to go with Dan on this and say it's because of the small area. But that mattress is heavy compared to the cheap thing in my last camper so I don't even like lifting up the bed ! lol So any install tips or if someone from GD can give me so help, I'd be forever grateful

[mbaker]

How did you solve it Rob?

Ben

[Cate&Rob]

How did you solve it Rob?

Ben

Hi Ben,

To add more lift to an existing gas strut system, it is as simple as replacing the struts.
Our original ones were Lavanture Products LGP8-200-80. (20" free length and 80lbs lift strength)
I replaced these with LPG8-200-120 struts (same length with 120 lbs lift strength)
These were a stock item at the RV parts counter for about $25 each . . . but likely available online for less.
These are just barely strong enough, if I were to do this again, I would go up one more step to the LPG8-200-150 (150 lbs)

For a "new" installation . . .
The lower attachment point to the box is 5 1/2" out from the hinge.
The upper attachment to the opening cover is 20" out from the hinge.
Our lifting cover plywood is 44" long.
If the cover & amount of bed being lifted is less than 44", strut force can be reduced accordingly.

Rob

[mbaker]

Thanks very much Rob. I replaced our light stock mattress with a rather heavy residential mattress which was soooo much more comfortable, but can barely lift it for the storage. It was only after putting the RV mattress in our guest room and sticking a thick Costco pad on it that it became usable, don't know if we want to move it back though.

Ben

[Sharie]

Hi Ben,

To add more lift to an existing gas strut system, it is as simple as replacing the struts.
Our original ones were Lavanture Products LGP8-200-80. (20" free length and 80lbs lift strength)
I replaced these with LPG8-200-120 struts (same length with 120 lbs lift strength)
These were a stock item at the RV parts counter for about $25 each . . . but likely available online for less.
These are just barely strong enough, if I were to do this again, I would go up one more step to the LPG8-200-150 (150 lbs)

For a "new" installation . . .
The lower attachment point to the box is 5 1/2" out from the hinge.
The upper attachment to the opening cover is 20" out from the hinge.
Our lifting cover plywood is 44" long.
If the cover & amount of bed being lifted is less than 44", strut force can be reduced accordingly.

Rob

Do you mean 44" wide? From hinge to end of platform?

[Dan the man]

Sharie,
I think he means the length of the plywood as if laying in the bed the 308 model doesnt have 44" length of lifting storage, I didn't measure but it probably is between 24-36"
Dan

[Cate&Rob]

Do you mean 44" wide? From hinge to end of platform?

Yes, as Dan says, I was using the term "length" vs "width" in the context of length and width of the bed.
44" from hinge to end of platform (which, interestingly enough is about 6" shorter than the OEM mattress) on the 303.

Rob

[Glamper]

Where can I get after market gas struts to hold the bed up

[RickTulsa]

Type in the part number Rob supplied. I did and found it on eBay for $16.99 ea

[gr8daggett]

I replaced mine with the Heavy Duty Lift kit because the factory gas springs would not support the mattress with 4" foam topper.

http://www.hatchlift.com/bedlift-kits

Mike