gas struts for bed

[denism28]

I have a Cruiser30 5th 2006. The bed platform is too heavy for my wife to lift. The original pressure springs have 60 pds extended and 80 pds compressed . They are 60 pounds. My question is ; what's best to replace with 80, 100, 120 , 150 pounds What would be too much and what problems would this bring . Is there a way to know whichis best by measuring anything. The price is the same.

[NH Horseman]

Glad you asked the question. Waiting to hear answers. Our Zinger mattress was fine with the stock gas struts. But, we replaced the mattress and now it's heavier than the struts can handle so we have to prop it up. Wife can't lift it by herself. So, I will keep tabs on this thread to see what advice you get.

[coastn]

Had the same problem with our original 60 X 80 inch queen bed platform. Just replaced struts before our trip last month with 95 pounders. We have the original spring mattress with a foam topper that adds a little weight. Original struts would not hold the platform upright andthe platform was too heavy for Joyce to lift. Nowworks fine and Joyce can lift the platform all the way up with the struts holding it fully upright. To me, it feels like the struts are right on the edge of their effectiveness, so will go with 120's if I have to replace if they lose their gas someday. They were surprisingly easy to replace with a broomstick holding the platform up. Took 5 minutes. Most important thing is to replace with same physicalmeasurements as the originals. Looked up the manufacturer and part numberon the originals themselvesand went online to their website for specs. Took those in to NAPA here in town and they matched the size exactly. Easy, cost effective and made a significant improvement.

[fhenn]

Hmmm replaced the mattress two weeks ago did not even think of the gas struts. But our is factory fresh under there

[Dayle1]

Be careful and don't go overboard with replacement struts. If they are too strong, the bed will pop up while traveling and the extra flex and stress will cause other problems for the bed platform. But you could also add a simple latch as a safety measure if the struts are too strong.

[gossamar]

Some real good information here....thanks for posting the question...

[rcflyer]

I had to go with the 120 lb struts with our memory foam topper. I had to do some reinforcement to the strut mounting area. Never havehad any problem with bed lifting by its self.

[sking]

I have a memory foam bed and I plan to add another strut on each side.

[cwit]

I have 8" full lentgh queen mattress and 100 lbs. works good. My wife can now open it herself and it will stay open.

[NH Horseman]

I thought about adding a strut but it would have to be a different length than the original or the bed won't go up right. I took the mattress out of my motorhome, put it in the camper, then also brought over the memory foam topper. The mattress is heavier than the stock one and the topper adds more weight still. Are struts available from camping supply places or automotive places? I didn't know they came in different strengths.

[denism28]

Originally Posted by coastn

Had the same problem with our original 60 X 80 inch queen bed platform. Just replaced struts before our trip last month with 95 pounders. We have the original spring mattress with a foam topper that adds a little weight. Original struts would not hold the platform upright andthe platform was too heavy for Joyce to lift. Nowworks fine and Joyce can lift the platform all the way up with the struts holding it fully upright. To me, it feels like the struts are right on the edge of their effectiveness, so will go with 120's if I have to replace if they lose their gas someday. They were surprisingly easy to replace with a broomstick holding the platform up. Took 5 minutes. Most important thing is to replace with same physicalmeasurements as the originals. Looked up the manufacturer and part numberon the originals themselvesand went online to their website for specs. Took those in to NAPA here in town and they matched the size exactly. Easy, cost effective and made a significant improvement.

I will go with 120. thanks for the answer.

[denism28]

Originally Posted by Dayle1

Be careful and don't go overboard with replacement struts. If they are tttoo strong, the bed will pop up while traveling and the extra flex and stress will cause other problems for the bed platform. But you could also add a simple latch as a safety measure if the struts are too strong.

Thanks I will keep an eye on that.

[denism28]

Originally Posted by rcflyer

I had to go with the 120 lb struts with our memory foam topper. I had to do some reinforcement to the strut mounting area. Never havehad any problem with bed lifting by its self.

I will prob. go with 120 too.

[denism28]

Originally Posted by sking

I have a memory foam bed and I plan to add another strut on each side.

Dont forget to choose another size cause the new ones wont be at the same position.

[denism28]

Originally Posted by cwit

I have 8" full lentgh queen mattress and 100 lbs. works good. My wife can now open it herself and it will stay open.

Thank you for the answer.

[denism28]

[QUOTE=NH Horseman]I thought about adding a strut but it would have to be a different length than the original or the bed won't go up right. I took the mattress out of my motorhome, put it in the camper, then also brought over the memory foam topper. The mattress is heavier than the stock one and the topper adds more weight still. Are struts available from camping supply places or automotive places? I didn't know they came in different strengths. [/

On the net type gas struts or gas springs. As an example seeMakariosRV.com but for prices maybe you could get better prices elsewhere. I am searching right now.

[KennyB]

We put in a new mattress that weighed more and went with 100# struts, they work great. We got them fromMichael Wilske</span>http://<a href="mailto:rv-trader@cle...arwire.net</a></span>and he was very helpful in selecting the correct strut.</span>

[dalemac377]

I relocated the end of the strutts that connect to the sides of the bed frame. Moved them toward the foot of the bed so they push in the same direction the bed is lifting. My 60 lb strutts now almost hold the bed up with my heavy mattress. When I change to 80 lb it will easily hold the bed up. Crossroads has always angled the strutts backword. Did the same thing on my 07 cruiser.

[sking]

Originally Posted by denism28

Dont forget to choose another size cause the new ones wont be at the same position.

Already picked up the same size, by changing mounting location you can adjust for proper fit. I chose to go with 2 sets rather then place all the stress from a heavier shock on 1 mounting point.

[GaPete]

Originally Posted by dalemac377

I relocated the end of the strutts that connect to the sides of the bed frame. Moved them toward the foot of the bed so they push in the same direction the bed is lifting. My 60 lb strutts now almost hold the bed up with my heavy mattress. When I change to 80 lb it will easily hold the bed up. Crossroads has always angled the strutts backword. Did the same thing on my 07 cruiser.

Sounds like an excellent idea!