Has anyone replaced the gas/shock lift on the bed?

[Ladywendolyn]

After adding a space foam topper to our master bedroom mattress our gas/shock lifts are no longer strong enough to lift the load and open the storage area. We are thinking of adding a second pair or replacing with heavy duty ones.
Has anyone had any experience with this?

[dlfeather]

Our last trailer had that problem also when we added the foam topper. I sometimes would use our travel pole for our slide to prop it up. Not all the new trailers come with travel poles though. You could just make a simple pole out of pvc.

[hotrod51]

Wow! We just had a new mattress made by one of our local Amishmen and it weighs more than the original. Same issue,I thought about pvc or conduit, cheaper than gas charged struts.

[Ladywendolyn]

The main issue for me is lifting it as I am no longer able to do this.. Once it is lifted it would be easy to build in a prop. I found some listed on line that are rated to lift 150 pounds and cost $25 for 2. I am going to call their tomorow and ask if they would be appropriate. If I get them I will post a link.

[rwilley]

You can reposition the existing shocks a little so they are more vertical and they will work just fine. You don't have to move them much but it may take several tries to get it right.

[Ladywendolyn]

I think I need extra help... I decided to order these.. My husband is teasing me that they are going to turn out bed into a "Murphy Bed" and fold us against the wall... We shall see.

http://www.amazon.com/SUSPA®-Spring-...9390204&sr=8-1

[Murphie]

We ran into the same problem. Never thought of repositioning the shocks. I'll consider that thank you. Lady W. let us know how the new shocks work.

Using the DIY screen window kits, I made a drop in clear plastic window for our screen door today. The white aluminum frame material matched the screen door perfectly. I bought 3m two sided tape and clear plastic sold for window insulation. The window frames are made just to push in from the inside. At the top of the screen door I cut a piece of quater inch veneer to match curve of the door. It is less than 3 inches wide, and i installed two nobs so i could remove it and have some fresh air. It turned out great.It's still cold on the west coast and I wanted keep the door open and not loose heat. Next year I'll install Lexan.

[Rob_Fla]

I also look forward to response on the new shocks since we have the same problem after adding memory foam.

Our will stay up but just barely, if I touch it, it will close on my head.

[Topher24]

Originally Posted by Ladywendolyn

The main issue for me is lifting it as I am no longer able to do this.. Once it is lifted it would be easy to build in a prop. I found some listed on line that are rated to lift 150 pounds and cost $25 for 2. I am going to call their tomorow and ask if they would be appropriate. If I get them I will post a link.

With 4" memory foam, we now have the same issue

[Ladywendolyn]

I am also planning to add a thick strap to the end of the bed platform to lift it with, because Jayco designed our model of bed with the matress hanging past the wood by several inches. This seems to hamper me being able to grip it properly. I would like a strap handle that is easy to grab for lifting.
I will post pictures once we are done.. If this all works out.

[nylyon]

Hey, why not go over the top For just a few $$ more you can add electric lift to the bed. Just have to mount this in there, cut an access panel (in case of failure you'll want to disconnect it), run the wire and switch, then NO MORE manual lifting!

[Ladywendolyn]

That is very cool Nylon... Too bad I already ordered mine..
Wait! I think we should ad this item to the list of things we would like to come "standard" with our trailers.

[lx22f/c]

Just to let everyone know, you can get the gas lifting struts at a local auto parts store. I needed a new one for my pontoon boat and i took it off and they matched it up off of mearsurements and the numbers on it. Hope this helps.

[edatlanta]

I replaced my original king mattress with a Sleep Number RV Radius King. Not only does it sleep great, but it is slightly lighter than the original POS. When I lift mine up it is easier than it was originally.

[Topher24]

Ladywendolyn - Did you happen to install them?

[Ladywendolyn]

We pick them up tommorow. ( we live in Canada and we have to drive to the border to a parcel pick up depot). I will install them this weekend, and report any improvement on this thread.

[Shaner]

Ladywendolyn, I wish you the best of luck in finding that those struts are just right for you.
Additionally, I was curious if you knew the part number or the uncompressed length or the weight resistance on your stock bed struts. We have a 264BH (with the same bed setup yet original mattress) but NO struts. Doesn't bother me much but, my wife is hardly able to lift it. I can't seem to find any info online about weight, length or part number. I have read that the info I need can be found printed right on the strut itself (which it may or may not be) but, I have no access to said strut. If you could pass any of this info on to me my wife would GREATLY appreciate it! Then I'll just head to the local auto part store and cross one more thing off the mod list. Thanks in advance for any info you may have.

ADDITIONALLY ... if you do find the compression of your new struts is too extreme (murphy bed reference) then you could place a thumb lock or hook/loop lock under the plywood where it meets with the outerside of the foot end of the bed right next to your new (and genius) handle . Much like a car's hatchback would pop back open if it isn't latched closed ... if you find your new mattress is lighter than the 100 lb struts you ordered, just add a thumb lock to keep it down.
Also, was wondering if your plywood under your bed is seperated by a piano hinge at the foot end of your pass-thru storage, or if the whole sheet of plywood lifts hinged at the headboard? I'm so sorry to be pressing you for all of this information. I may just start a new post to take the burden off of you doing all of my homework.

[FPM III]

Another solution is to buy a gas strut clamp (Lisle #44870 or Thexton #430) that attaches to the strut to hold it open. These can be purchased at an auto parts store.

[Shaner]

I couldn't wait until they shipped so ... the kids and I headed to Camper's Barn and picked up 2 X 20" 100lb gas struts, 4 X ball hinges and then I sweat like a pig in 98 degree sunshine inside a 105 degree TT and got it done. Honestly, other than ordering LED lights for replacing the 921 bulbs inside, this is the BEST modification ever! So easy. So inexpensive. Makes life much easier. Ladywendolyn, I can't thank you enough. Best idea I ever stole from someone else. I even stole the handle idea.
I thank you very much!
Oh ... and my wife says thanks too

[Ladywendolyn]

That looks great.. I just picked mine up last night.. so I will tackle it this weekend.
I hope mine works as well as yours does..