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Old 11-23-2016, 01:34 PM   #1
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Storage Lid Gas Shock Mod

Anyone seen or done a mod to add gas spring to the front storage lid? Having to always open and close it on the starboard side so you can move the prop rod is a pain.

Ours is flimsy so I'm sure you would have to reinforce the lid somehow (the 2017s have better lid). But I don't think that would be too difficult.

I've never engineered anything with gas spring so I thought I'd ask for some input.
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Old 11-23-2016, 08:16 PM   #2
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Good idea, and I am interested to see any results.

I had issues with a leaky seal on the lid, and I am not completely sure what the dealership tightened to fix it, but I am suspicious that it was related to the uneven horizontal stress on the hinge as a result of using that prop rod. I now prop the center of the lid against the front jack crank using a tiki torch!
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Old 11-24-2016, 08:58 AM   #3
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Put in another prop rod, on the other side. All it needs is a wood block behind the plastic lip of the trunk, just like the one in place.
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Old 11-24-2016, 10:52 AM   #4
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I noticed in that video of the new 215 that the factory is installing rods on both sides now. I'm definitely going to add one to mine.

As for the gas shock, it is doable, but you would have to engineer the pivot points in such a way that it isnt still trying to push the lid open when closed, and you already know youd have to deal with the flimsy nature of the lid. For the time and effort it would take to reinforce it, you might be better off using the original to mold up a new one in fiberglass or something. Once you got that figured out, still gotta find a lift support that has the right amount of force. Off the top of my head the small lifts from the trunk of a mid 90s Honda Civic would probably be pretty darn close.

Very doable, just depends on how much time you want to spend on it.
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Old 11-24-2016, 02:21 PM   #5
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I disliked that metal flip up rod right from the start. I just cut a niece piece of hardwood stick and painted it a nice bright colour. Always easy to find. I leave it on the top shelf in the centre, near the BBQ, and can access it from either side. Having it at the left or right is a pain. It seems you always end up at the other end when you're ready to close the lid. LOL The original rod is never used.
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Old 11-24-2016, 02:52 PM   #6
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Originally Posted by Pooneil View Post
Put in another prop rod, on the other side. All it needs is a wood block behind the plastic lip of the trunk, just like the one in place.
Yep. This occurred to me as well. May end up there.

I sent an inquiry to a company called HatchLift.com.

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

Seems they specialize in RV gas springs. Looks like they have some neat stuff.
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Old 11-24-2016, 10:10 PM   #7
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Gas spring come in more variations of strength and stroke than you might think are possible. A good source I've used in the past is www.mcmaster.com They have a wide variety in stock, and many different brackets and swivels. We used a bunch of them when we were converting coaches, and I put stiffer ones on the bed base when we installed a heavier mattress, and the thing wouldn't stay raised. Yep, I'm a fan of the gas springs!
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Old 11-25-2016, 07:37 PM   #8
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One downside to the gas strut would be the inability to leave the trunk lid closed but un-latched. Such as when setting up or striking camp in the rain it is nice to just reach in for what I need. I also leave it unlatched while in camp when I know I am going to be going in and out.

Just something to consider.
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Old 11-25-2016, 08:21 PM   #9
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One downside to the gas strut would be the inability to leave the trunk lid closed but un-latched...
That all depends on where you put the anchor points. I changed the anchor points on our outside door and it will help close the door when it gets within about 6" of closing. Same way on our storage doors.
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Old 11-26-2016, 01:28 PM   #10
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That all depends on where you put the anchor points. I changed the anchor points on our outside door and it will help close the door when it gets within about 6" of closing. Same way on our storage doors.
That's good to know. Do you have any more details on the mod you made? How did you change the anchor points?
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Old 11-26-2016, 01:50 PM   #11
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These should help. You just move the anchor points to positions that will make the strut do what you want.
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File Type: pdf Gas Cylinder Instruction Manual.pdf (1.65 MB, 47 views)
File Type: pdf Suspa Gas Cylinders series16web2010.pdf (1.93 MB, 38 views)
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Old 12-18-2016, 10:44 AM   #12
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Success!

This was quite easy to do actually. And seems to work nicely. I'll 'pretty it up' later. It's too #@£× cold.
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Old 12-18-2016, 05:20 PM   #13
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What did you secure the wooden block to the lid/top with?


2015 rockwood 194A HW.
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Old 12-18-2016, 06:00 PM   #14
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What did you secure the wooden block to the lid/top with?


2015 rockwood 194A HW.
Actually I haven't (yet). I plan on using some sort of adhesive, but it's too cold.

I'm not sure it is necessary. The four screws into the raised part of the lid seem to suffice with the block just being wedge in there and stabilized with the 5th screw. The block acts as a spacer more than a stabilizer.

That being said I will probably add some adhesive when the weather warms.
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Old 01-25-2017, 02:33 PM   #15
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I ended up replacing the wood blocks with some scrap PVC trim boards glued to the lid. Works great so far. All but the two screws on the upper outside of the brackets are into the lid.

No issues with the lid staying closed when unlatched. In fact the springs hold it down.
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Old 01-28-2017, 07:44 PM   #16
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Nice looking job.
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Old 01-29-2017, 09:05 AM   #17
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OYO, what were the part #s you used? I pick-up my T21TBHW on Wednesday and think I'll do this as one of the mods.
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Old 01-29-2017, 10:08 AM   #18
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OYO, what were the part #s you used? I pick-up my T21TBHW on Wednesday and think I'll do this as one of the mods.
I got them from hatchlift.com.

(1) Bracket Kit - Standard BRKT-STD
(2) Spring H6 100 - 15
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Old 01-29-2017, 10:25 AM   #19
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Thanks, sounds great. I showed the DW and she likes the idea.
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Old 01-29-2017, 10:44 AM   #20
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No problem.

I did add wood blocking to the port side. The side with the existing prop already has one.
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