Door strut on a 36d7

[Jc4ut]

Thinking of replacing mine but not sure how many lbs the strut should be. I want it hard enough to keep the door secure in the wind. The one on the door won’t stay open in a stiff breeze.
Any suggestions?
Paging Ray !!!

Jimbo

[markb5900]

The amount of tension of your current one should be printed on it.
Best way I found to get a new one or change the amount of tension is to look at auto parts stores or Amazon.
Just watch the connections on each end to get the same type.

[JoePK]

Hello, the original is more than likely a 20 inch 10lb strut. I tried a 40lb and it was too much force. Maybe a 20lb would be something you're looking for: https://www.amazon.com/C16-08568-Mot...41&sr=8-3&th=1

[Jc4ut]

A 15lbs and a 20lbs. Which to get hum?

Jimbo

[realshelby]

Be careful about "overpowering" that strut! Not so much the strut that is a problem. But the strut mounting points. These are....typical RV engineering. Mine already came loose and fell out. I installed a much larger rivet nut that will hopefully secure it long(er) term.
You might also note that the strut rubs the threshold plate ( end that secures to door rubs as it closes over the threshold). I "made room" so the strut end isn't hitting like it did before.

[Jc4ut]

I ordered both a 15 and 20 lbs strut to see which one I like better.

Jimbo

[awellis3]

Originally Posted by Jc4ut

Thinking of replacing mine but not sure how many lbs the strut should be.

That's not the only issue. The OEM struts are self-dampening, also. When you turn them loose, they spring open at first, then slowly complete the process ending with a soft, full extension. Using single function struts will result in doors springing open and violently snatching at their mountings if not held and controlled for their full travel.

[Jc4ut]

Originally Posted by awellis3

That's not the only issue. The OEM struts are self-dampening, also. When you turn them loose, they spring open at first, then slowly complete the process ending with a soft, full extension. Using single function struts will result in doors springing open and violently snatching at their mountings if not held and controlled for their full travel.

Mine have never acted in the way you described as I always hold the door till it extends all the way. There ain’t no soft full extension. But maybe my new 15lbs strut will act that way

Jimbo

[Jc4ut]

And it sure holds the door in place better than the factory installed one. BTW it’s windy today so it got a real good test.

So in summary 15lbs works well/better than the original. I’ll keep my 20lbs as a backup.

Jimbo