BAC Forum

General Boards => Technical Support => Topic started by: Dave Parks on December 21, 2016, 08:24:54 PM

Title: Interior Bin Struts
Post by: Dave Parks on December 21, 2016, 08:24:54 PM
Where can I get stronger interior bin struts to hold the wood bin panel open in the rear bedroom. Existing bin struts will not hold the large wood panel open.  Current struts are 6 lb - need stronger bin struts.

Dave
2006 Beaver Monterey
Title: Re: Interior Bin Struts
Post by: Joel Ashley on December 21, 2016, 08:39:32 PM
By "wood bin" I assume you mean the bed pedestal.  Ours was relatively easy to open when new, but not after the biscuit burner loaded the mattress with bedding and such.  Rather than look for strong struts or do much engineering, I just cut a 2X2 that lays handy under the bed and, when needed, just "jambs" the thing open.  Not exactly sophisticated, but its certainly less costly than new struts.

In a situation where the solenoids let a slide sneak out on the highway, the 2X2 doubles as a retaining device to keep it in until repairs can be made.

Joel
Title: Re: Interior Bin Struts
Post by: Dave Parks on December 21, 2016, 08:44:41 PM
No not the bed struts.  These are the bins overhead at the foot of the bed. My Beaver is 3 slide out and these bins are the non slide bedroom side.
Title: Re: Interior Bin Struts
Post by: Steve Huber on December 21, 2016, 09:21:34 PM
Dave,
I think this is what you are looking for. https://www.amazon.com/RV-Designer-H271-Spring-Cabinet/dp/B003VAT8KE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1482355192&sr=8-2&keywords=Cabinet+door+struts
Steve
Title: Re: Interior Bin Struts
Post by: Dave Parks on December 21, 2016, 09:34:01 PM
Exactly, but the pound strength is not mentioned.  The strut pictured has 6 lb strength - which is what I have.  Need to find this exact model but with poundage greater than 6 lbs to hold the bin door open.
Title: Re: Interior Bin Struts
Post by: Keith Moffett Co-Admin on December 22, 2016, 12:42:14 AM
Dave
I suggest that you contact Larry in parts at BCS.  I am sure he has them in stock and can give you advice about a stronger than OEM strut.
Title: Re: Interior Bin Struts
Post by: Steve Huber on December 22, 2016, 01:05:16 AM
Dave,
You could possibly retrofit with these (22.5 lb) if BCS can't help.  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KPW4YQI?psc=1
Steve
Title: Re: Interior Bin Struts
Post by: Bob Jae on December 22, 2016, 04:26:56 AM
Do you have two struts on the door.  If not add the second one on the other side.  That worked for me.
Title: Re: Interior Bin Struts
Post by: Dave Parks on December 22, 2016, 04:14:02 PM
Thanks for the suggestions, BUT. . . . .   
BCS was no help - have my current size only.   
22.5 is way too big to fit.   
Have 2 struts per bin door cover and they are not strong enuf.   

Need struts that are stronger than 6 lbs each, extended length about 6 inches, compressed length about 4 inches.

Would like to find a manufacturer of struts who could help.  Any suggestions?
Title: Re: Interior Bin Struts
Post by: David T. Richelderfer on December 22, 2016, 05:25:44 PM
Found this - and still looking.  The price is way too high though.

https://www.grainger.com/category/gas-springs-and-dampers/springs/hardware/ecatalog/N-mgd/Ntt-gas+spring+force+10+extended+length+6+inches?refineSearchString=gas+spring+force+10+compressed+length+6&searchString=gas%2Bspring%2Bforce%2B10%2Bextended%2Blength%2B6%2Binches&sst=All&ts_optout=true&_=1482427232228&ts_optout=true

appended later:

http://www.westmarine.com/buy/taylor-made--stainless-steel-gas-struts-for-dock-boxes-hatches--P024_720_003_513

https://www.amazon.com/Apexstone-Struts-Springs-Support-Shocks/dp/B01CMI5ZE8/ref=sr_1_1?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1482428351&sr=1-1&keywords=gas+springs+10+lbs

http://www.ameritoolmfg.com/ProductInformation/AdjustableForceGasSprings/8752.aspx
Title: Re: Interior Bin Struts
Post by: Jim Murray on December 22, 2016, 07:19:02 PM
Try NAPA Auto Parts, they had the ones I needed.
Title: Re: Interior Bin Struts
Post by: Joel Ashley on December 22, 2016, 10:58:04 PM
Sorry about misunderstanding your question and rambling off a bunch of non-relative info, Dave.  I have the same model year coach as yours, but obviously I'm not picturing the bins you have on yours since I have a slideout with drawers.

I replaced the tailgate and rear window struts on our old Explorer this summer, and my search led me to Rock Auto.  You might check out what they have that might work for you, although they are all probably too big for what you are doing.

Under "Body", click on "Universal Lift Support", and they list different options by length and strength.
http://www.rockauto.com/en/tools/body,universal+lift+support?a=Referer+www.bing.com+URL+%2Fen%2Fcatalog%2F

As I recall they had the correct supports for my car at a fair price and with a discount code offered at the time, and shipping cost was not a factor at the time or very reasonable.  All I had to do was punch in my model and year of car.  In your case you'll just have to go by weight strength and extension amount, but don't go too far in strength of course, and the lightest ones I see there are about 20lbs., and may not be the right length at all - the shortest extension looks like 10".  I suppose you can email Rock Auto for assistance, or try AMS or Monroe websites for numbers to call and talk to a live person.

-Joel
Title: Re: Interior Bin Struts
Post by: Dale Soule on December 23, 2016, 05:39:00 PM
Hope I'm not too late, on our 2002 Safari we had similar struts They were just tired we replaced with new ones from Monaco and worked fine.  Happy Holidays. Dale