Adding a gas strut to main entry door

tech740 · 02-18-2016, 10:45 PM

Has anyone added a gas strut to their main entry door in a location other than the bottom. There isn't enough clearance on my door for that. I have heard that it can be done on the outside. If anyone has done this or has pics I would appreciate it so I can get the correct brackets.
Thanks

**chuckster57** · 02-19-2016, 05:45 AM

I can post a pic on Monday if we have a trailer on the lot with a strut above the door.

tech740 · 02-19-2016, 02:44 PM

That would be appreciated

**chuckster57** · 02-22-2016, 06:28 PM

Didn't get a chance to look today, busy covering another tech who called in sick. We'll try again tomorrow.

**chuckster57** · 02-25-2016, 12:30 PM

I cruised the entire lot today including sales and service, didn't see a single unit with a strut above the door. Sorry, they were popular on a line of trailers we carried, but it looks like even they stopped using them.

I can say from experience that I saw numerous brackets pull out of the sidewall of the trailer and it was a real bugger to remount the hardware. Personally I wouldn't add one if it didn't have one.

tech740 · 02-25-2016, 03:12 PM

I may take the approach of not doing it. My old passport had it and the wife really liked it. This new door is just to low to the threashold.

fredetteb · 03-05-2016, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckster57

.... .. I can say from experience that I saw numerous brackets pull out of the sidewall of the trailer and it was a real bugger to remount the hardware. Personally I wouldn't add one if it didn't have one.

I have a 2009 Raptor 3602RL and my front door has/had as strut on the outside and on top. I agree with chuckster57 that I would check the mounting locations and reinforce them if possible. I have removed mine because:

a) we like having the door fully opened against the side of the camper for a better view.
b) the strut was beginning to pull the bracket mounting screws out of the door.

Another thing to check is the length (both extended and retracted) and strength of the strut. Too much extension and the door will be "pushed" beyond the opening arc. Too much strength and the door will be difficult to close.

TLB · 03-05-2016, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tech740

Has anyone added a gas strut to their main entry door in a location other than the bottom. There isn't enough clearance on my door for that.

You would think entry doors would be the same. My 2014 has a gas strut mounted on the bottom between the screen and the entry door.

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