Adding a gas strut to the entry door

[billmill3461]

I attended the local camper show today and noticed a couple of units that had a gas strut mounted either hidden underneath or outside on top of the main entry door. The brillant designers of my trailer put the awning mount right next to my entry door so it can't open much past 90 degrees. I have broken about 5 nylon door stays so now I use a bungee cord to hold it.

Has anyone ever looked into installing one on their door that previously did not have one? My trailer is about 25 miles away sitting in storage so I can't really go take a look at it to get some ideas about clearance etc.

Thanks in advance for the help.

[JRTJH]

Our gas strut is mounted on the inside at the bottom of the door. The screen is about 1" shorter than the screens on all the other RV's we've had. That allows the gas strut to pull the door closed and it fits directly under the screen when the doors are closed. There is a "brush wiper" to seal the bottom of the screen to keep insects out. I don't know if you could install one on a screen door that fits all the way to the bottom threshold.

This is one that I think you need to look closely at your door to see what you really have before making any decision to install a gas strut.

[Sduff]

Would a quick call to your dealer answer the question. I know I don't have any problems calling mine and asking stuff...just saying.

[Western Traveler]

We have a gas strut at the bottom of our door. On our last trip we had some little ones visiting for the day. As I watched them go in and out through the door I thought to myself "that is going to be my first necessary repair."
The thing is it was taking the door from their hands and snapping it out to a ninety rather abruptly. Then when we had it open with the screen door closed and the wind started blowing the door wanted to close on itself. I am afraid a stiffer strut will put too much stress on the door to hold it open in the wind and it already opens sharply with what we have so not sure what direction to go.
Our last two trailers opened flat against the trailer side but that was a pain always having to latch it but that is what I foresee in our future. Ours opens away from the awning arm.

[billmill3461]

Thanks for the advice. I'll do some investigating in the spring.

[327fls]

I added a gas strut to mine for the very same reason. I mounted a block of wood on the door to spread the forces out to a wider area. I originally used a 20 lb. strut. That eventually pulled the screws out of the top of the door. I now use a 10 lb. strut and it works good.

[billmill3461]

Perfect. Thanks for the help!!