2016 195RB bed strut question

[PJC]

Hi All,

We have a new-to-us 2016 195RB and wanted to do the bed strut mod. However, when I was at the dealership the service dept said they “didn’t recommend it because it can blow out the sides of the bed.”

Anyone actually experience this? Couldn’t I just add some L brackets to reinforce the corners?

Thanks for your 2 cents in advance.

[ttavasc]

I added a pair of struts on our 2015 195RB. I did some reinforcing of a few things as part of that. Here are a couple of posts that show what and how I installed mine as well as which struts I used:

https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...tml#post303990

https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...tml#post508815

https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...tml#post452333

[LuckyDuck]

Originally Posted by PJC

Hi All,
Anyone actually experience this? Couldn’t I just add some L brackets to reinforce the corners?

Short answer: Yes and yes. My OEM struts eventually blew out one side (crappy staple joinery). Reinforced it with angle brackets.

[brwarrior]

I wouldn't doubt that it would. These things are like a house of cards.

[PJC]

Thank you this is very helpful.

Looks like I’ll go the reinforcement route when I install them. Thanks for the recommendations!

[RogerR]

I haven't reinforced my sides but all the screws on the bed lifter shocks pulled out. I replaced the screws with small bolts and used the largest washer I could get on the outside. Can't be seen because the bed overhangs the ends. I did reinforce the bed bottom and the edges to reduce stress on the bottom. I replaced the mattress with a Zinus 10 inch so a lot more weight on the lifters. Now I sue a prop to avoid it falling on my head and the lifters just help me get it up.

[PJC]

Originally Posted by RogerR

I haven't reinforced my sides but all the screws on the bed lifter shocks pulled out. I replaced the screws with small bolts and used the largest washer I could get on the outside. Can't be seen because the bed overhangs the ends. I did reinforce the bed bottom and the edges to reduce stress on the bottom. I replaced the mattress with a Zinus 10 inch so a lot more weight on the lifters. Now I sue a prop to avoid it falling on my head and the lifters just help me get it up.

Thanks for the idea. I like the idea of beefing it up with the bolt/washer setup—smart.

It’s too bad nobody makes a cheap motorized lift option. That’d be the dream! Wonder if you could use power awning parts or something. At any rate, I think I have a really good plan of attack now.

[RogerR]

If you want to use a power riser search above for this
Has anyone used linear actuators to raise/lower bed?


I have been looking at them but not installed myself.

[sturgissteele]

Originally Posted by PJC

Hi All,

We have a new-to-us 2016 195RB and wanted to do the bed strut mod. However, when I was at the dealership the service dept said they “didn’t recommend it because it can blow out the sides of the bed.”

Anyone actually experience this? Couldn’t I just add some L brackets to reinforce the corners?

Thanks for your 2 cents in advance.

Welcome to the site from SW Michigan!

[PJC]

Originally Posted by sturgissteele

Welcome to the site from SW Michigan!

Thanks! I’ve got family in the Grand Beach area.

[PJC]

Originally Posted by RogerR

If you want to use a power riser search above for this
Has anyone used linear actuators to raise/lower bed?


I have been looking at them but not installed myself.

My thinking at this point is that either way I’m going to be installing some hardware so...I’m going to pull the trigger on some actuators. They look exactly like what I was thinking. I saw these (below) recommended in the thread you mentioned. From reading this forum, I know you’ve done a LOT of projects and I’d love to know which ones you were considering (if different).

https://www.amazon.com/WINDYNATION-Actuator-Maximum-Mounting-Brackets/dp/B00P4U556U/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467033409&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=12v+linear+actuator+225+lb+lin-act1br-12

Second question: what do I use as a power source? Tap into something or run a new source?

[RogerR]

I don't know of any 12 volt sources under the bed. There are some wires to the water tank but I don't believe they are hot except for when the test button is pushed.
I will probably drill under the sink to run a wire from the power panel under the bottom and into the under-bed area. Then I intend later to add a wire into the fridge for a fan and to add a light under the bed somewhere. Maybe a second near the hatch for when I need to get into it at night.

I will center a single lifter in the center as I already have installed spring lifters on the sides. I am not sure about two power lifters as keeping them in sync could be a problem.

[PJC]

Thanks. The parts will arrive while we are camping in greater NY state and I’ll be on it when we get back in a couple weeks (thank god for WFH!). I’ll post some pics when it’s all installed. If you have any other ideas (or others have experiences to share), please send them my way.

We have the goal of getting our daughter to all 50 before she’s 5. Since I’m from the west coast and my sister got married in HI, we are already up to 16 and still have a little over 3 years to go.

[MrKABC]

Reinforcement is a simple matter, you just need to enclose your bed pedestal with 3/8" plywood.

Here's how mine looks. +1 on the Zinus 10" mattress as well. Gas lift supports work great!

Be sure to reinforce the header bolts, the OEM ones are cheap and will bend. Ask me how I know.