New owner with another problem

[flyboy43]

Yesterday while exploring my new 2019 Palomino Solaire 258 RBSS I opened up the storage area underneath the bed. I wanted to take out and assemble the out door gas grill. And now I cannot figure out how to unlock the two extension arm supports that hold the lid open. I did not think to photograph these parts, but if anyone has a suggestion, I would appreciate your help. Thanks much.

[captrcurtis]

They should be hydraulic struts and should just close. On our 2013 my wife has a hard time closing ours

[5picker]

If your extension arm supports look like this they are pneumatic (gas) struts/shocks.

There is no locking mechanism and force is all that is required to close.
Depending on shock pressure (available in different ratings) it may take a strong push to overcome the strut/shock.

Be aware once you get past the initial effort needed to close the bed, it may slam shut as the strut/shock doesn't let the bed close slowly, it only holds it open. They have no liquid in them and are not hydraulic.

[flyboy43]

To all who so promptly replied to my question - THANK YOU! This forum has been the best help to me as a new travel trailer owner. BETTER than my dealer.

[flyboy43]

FYI, I tried pushing evenly on the lid, expecting to overcome the resistance as described by others. All that happened is the right hand bracket screws, (which look too short to me), broke free of the wood. So rather than mess with this issue any more, I removed both the brackets attached to the lid. So now I can close the lid. Not what I expected with a brand new RV.

[5picker]

Post a photo of the supports.

[flyboy43]

I will take some tomorrow and post them.

I have my RV in a secure storage facility, and will head over there Wednesday am.

Cheers, from the new guy.

[flyboy43]

Here are two photos I took this am of the "does not close" hardware that was installed in my new travel trailer.

[5picker]

Those are pneumatic (gas) struts/shocks and have no locking mechanism.

Once removed, unless something came apart internally you should be able to hold the larger barrel end in your hands and using your weight, push the rod end against the floor and collapse. Once released the rod end will extend again as it is always under pressure.

Looks like they are 60# shocks so somewhat stout.

It is possible they were installed incorrectly (incorrect angle) or as you mentioned, maybe the screws were too short to hold.

[tomkatb]

Bought the heavy duty shocks for mine. Factory used the wrong shocks.

When installing the bracket on the plywood there are two screws to sort of hold it in place, then you are supposed to drill the third or more hole for a nut and bolt.

Kind of appears they forgot that step?

[campingguy]

Originally Posted by flyboy43

FYI, I tried pushing evenly on the lid, expecting to overcome the resistance as described by others. All that happened is the right hand bracket screws, (which look too short to me), broke free of the wood. So rather than mess with this issue any more, I removed both the brackets attached to the lid. So now I can close the lid. Not what I expected with a brand new RV.

Our 2013 model had the same installation. And the same thing happened. I'd say a redesign is in order.

[truemanrst]

All too familiar a problem. I had to reinforce the structure on my 251RBSS front under bed storage where the strut brackets attach to the frame. Stapled pine is just not strong enough to hold the force required to close the lid. I added L brackets and screws to the frame. Much stronger now. The list of things to correct just keeps growing.