Cargo Door piston question

[Gamma]

So the wife and I looked at a Brinkley the other day and felt our Alpine was on par with it so but saw a few things we liked. The full length closet rod lighting was cool as were the bed motion lights. Easy enough. We really liked the gas pistons on the drivers side cargo door and want to add them. Has anyone done this yet? If so any suggestions on piston strength and working length? Thanks.

[foldbak]

They make a good product. I like the fit and finish. No trim or molding.

[NH_Bulldog]

When you say the driver's side cargo door, is it a door that swings to the side or one that lifts up like on the passenger side? Adding a piston to a door, the door frame and hinge that isn't strengthened for it could lead to more issues than simply trying to keep a small door open. As you have noticed, all the doors on that side are hinged on the front edge and the wardrobe slide prevents the door from swinging up, so options are limited.

Is your intent to hold the door open to load/unload stuff from the compartment, or to just keep it from opening too far and getting damaged by the propane tank bay door? If it is to limit travel, I would add a simple screen door chain/spring to keep it from swinging too far.

Otherwise, you will need a light duty gas piston. Mark a point about 2-3" on the door frame from the hinge side at the top of the opening. Then mark a point on the door frame 5-6" from the latch side of the opening, and a corresponding mark on the door that corresponds to the latch side mark on the frame. Hold the door in the 90 degree position and then measure the distance between the mark on the door and the mark on the hinge side of the frame and that will give you an idea of the extended length of piston you will need. Then check the measurement between the hinge side mark and the latch side mark on the frame and that will tell you the compressed length of the piston you need.

[Gamma]

Thanks for your help. It’s a top hinge door but with the bedroom slide out it will only open a bit past halfway. I will take some measurements. The Brinkley had a piston on each side so that makes sense to use two light duty pistons which reduces stress on each mounting point.

[Gamma]

I thought the build quality was better than many but there was a few items that had some extra thought put in. The windows, convenience lighting, multifunction items. I just couldn’t justify trading a 2 1/2 year old Alpine which is also a good unit. The Alpines 100 inch width and ceiling height makes the inside feel huge. If I buy again the Brinkley will get serious consideration.

[Jeff615]

Originally Posted by Gamma

So the wife and I looked at a Brinkley the other day and felt our Alpine was on par with it so but saw a few things we liked. The full length closet rod lighting was cool as were the bed motion lights. Easy enough. We really liked the gas pistons on the drivers side cargo door and want to add them. Has anyone done this yet? If so any suggestions on piston strength and working length? Thanks.

Here is a good website to get what you want.
https://www.hatchlift.com/hatchlift-kit