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Old 07-05-2016, 03:14 PM   #1
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Mini Lite under bed storage access

Hello everyone - we have a '15 Mini Lite 2104s, the one with the walk around queen bed (not the murphy bed). There is some storage under the foot of the bed, but lifting the lid and mattress to get to it is a real struggle, at least on ours. The hinges do not hold the lid up, and it is difficult to get a good grip on the handle because the mattress slides over your knuckles. We added a pillow top mattress topper but that should not be enough weight to account for the difficulty of operation. Generally it takes the 2 of us, one to hold up the lid and the other to reach in to get what we want. Is this how it's supposed to operate? Anyone have a resolution to making it easier to get at the contents? It's too much space to let go unused!
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Old 07-05-2016, 05:41 PM   #2
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You need springs/shocks to help raise the bed. Here's a Camping World version; there are others:

Heavy Bedlift Kit - Hatchlift 120-150 - Furnishing Accessories - Camping World
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Old 07-05-2016, 05:47 PM   #3
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X2 with the bed lift
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Old 07-06-2016, 10:25 AM   #4
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I agree that you need some gas struts to assist you holding the bed up.

Be careful about the strength you get. The link above is for two 150 lb struts. That's a lot for a bed lift. You probably only need 40 to 60 lb units. The problem with the 150 lb units is that once you get it lifted you'll never be able to push it back down.
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Old 07-06-2016, 11:58 AM   #5
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I hear you about over a sizing the gas struts. I read some online reviews about not being able to close the lid. They make a small and an extra small version, I just need to go measure the size of the storage compartment - it is pretty small. Thanks y'all!
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Old 07-06-2016, 12:45 PM   #6
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Agree with the 40-60lb struts

We added to 40 to each side and it works ok but 60 probably would have been a little better. We have a pillow top on ours as well.
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Old 07-06-2016, 01:05 PM   #7
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I keep a sawed off broom handle close by to hold it up while I'm in the trunk. Nothing fancy but works well.
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Old 07-06-2016, 01:53 PM   #8
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we have a 2103 Mini Lite 2109S and it has struts on the under bed compartment.....if your has not it must be one more thing they have eliminated in the newer models
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Old 07-06-2016, 02:02 PM   #9
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Ours also is a 2013 Mini Lite 2109S with the struts but the struts don't do the job alone. We have added a mattress topper that could be part of the problem. We love our Mini Lite and as of 10 minutes ago it is packed and ready for a 6 week trip out west. Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, and everything in between. Leaving early tomorrow.
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Old 07-06-2016, 05:06 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chaslorr View Post
we have a 2103 Mini Lite 2109S and it has struts on the under bed compartment.....if your has not it must be one more thing they have eliminated in the newer models
When you have a moment could you post a photo of where the struts are mounted. Nothing time sensitive but I would like to add some struts to ours and having a photo may take some of the guess work out.

Thanks.
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Old 07-06-2016, 06:55 PM   #11
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Ditto that. Right now the broom handle is looking good to the DH and I need to make this as straightforward as possible.
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Old 07-06-2016, 08:57 PM   #12
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I had a 2014 for 2 1/2 years and we had gas struts. In fact, the 2703WS I've got now has the exact same bed and struts with a Serta on it. The old trailer would stay up, but the new one won't. Same struts, different mattress weight. Pull the one you've got and measure it (I believe closed length and inner rod length) and look online. They're about $10 - $20 ... I had to replace my 2104S door strut last year. I'd look for one about 150% of the one you have now and go from there.
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Old 07-07-2016, 12:15 AM   #13
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I wouldn't give up my broom handle, so we have a 1" diameter dowel cut to length with a rubber cap on each end. Works like a champ when DH isn't available to hold the bed up for me
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Old 07-09-2016, 08:19 PM   #14
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we added a memory foam mattress so that underbed storage is strictly for extra towels & paper products ... don't have to get in to it too often
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