Gas Springs for Bay Doors

[Stan Simpson]

I need to replace some of the gas struts in a couple of bays where the doors go up instead of sideways. I'm attaching a picture of one that I removed. The length is the easy part. I can't find anywhere that says what the .lbs of pressure is, and I assume that its different for different sized doors.

Does anyone have an idea what the pressure is for the water bay door, and the one directly left of it, and the two doors that come out with the roadside front slide?

Thanks,

Stan

[Doug Neal]

I don't see anything that indicates PSI to me. Since I have a 03 Contessa I can't tell you what the psi of the doors are because I don't know the width of them. If you send me the info I can supply the PSI. I also have a web site you can order from on my laptop.

[Stan Simpson]

Cool Doug, thanks.

I'll be at the coach later today or tomorrow and will measure the width of the doors.

Stan

[Steve Huber]

Stan,
The larger doors are usually 60 psi. 80 psi will also work. The smaller doors i.e. electrical bay, is usually a 40psi. I got mine at R&P Carriages via ebay.
http://stores.ebay.com/R-and-P-Carriages-Trailer-Sales/_i.html?_nkw=gas+springs&submit=Search&_sid=13922267
Steve

[Doug Neal]

I agree with Steve as to PSI of different doors. I have purchased from the same company as he did. Received prompt shipping, quality product and good price.

[Roy C Tyler]

 http://www.liftsupportsdepot.com/catalogsearch/advanced/partconverter/?interchange_part_numbers=1604ew&pns=1    

61 lbs for the Stabilus

[Richard And Babs Ames]

If you are in a rush take the old one to a chain Auto Parts store like Advance and they will have them the same day or AM the next. As long as the ends, and lenght and PSI is close they will work.

[Keith Cooper]

For what its worth:
I have been using Signature SEP200-80 gas struts (80 lb struts) there are four key measurements in a strut: extension length =20”, stroke = 12”, compression = 8” and lifting force = 80 lbs. Its also helpful  to know the interchange  between manufacturers to identify the low cost alternatives. For example, using the strut I am replacing here are the cross reference numbers I found at http://www.liftsupportsdepot.com/lift-supports-depot-10384-w.html
SG359015 | SE200P80 | SE800V80 | SE812V80 | NP200080 | 8195520 | 012152 | 3872LN | 003538 | 230080 | 230080 | GP53080 | GP53080P | GU08.OP-80 | GU08OP80 | 183160 | GL2080 | GL2080 | GS230080 | SPD230080 | NI230080 | GS530080 | GS5300-80 | SPD-2300-80 | SPD-230080 | SPD2300-80 | NI-2300-80 | NI-230080 | NI2300-80 | SE812A-80 | SL34-80 | ML34-80 | SL-3480 | ML-34-80 | SL-34-80 | SL14-80-1 | SL-14801 | SL-14-80-1 | SL14-80-5 | SL-14805 | SL-14-80-5 | SL34-80 | ML34-80 | SL-3480 | ML-34-80 | SL-34-80 | SL34-80-1 | SL-34801 | SL-34-80-1 | SL34-80-5 | SL-34805 | SL-34-80-5 | SL3480 | SL34801 | SL34805 | ML3480
Lift Support Depot price was $17.95 per strut but using the cross reference numbers with the  R& P carriages e-bay site I was able to save a few bucks (http://stores.ebay.com/R-and-P-Carriages-Trailer-Sales/_i.html?_nkw=gas+springs&submit=Search&_sid=13922267)

[Edward Buker]

I have used several brands in the past and if I can find Suspa at a fair price I buy those. The lift action of that brand on the main bay doors I find is superior. They seem to control the lift pressure through the whole range better which balances the door lift better from start to finish. I also recommend 80lbs over the 60lbs for the big vertical rise basement doors given all these lifts lose gas pressure with time so the 80lb version tend to have a longer useful life. If it is a light door I may stick with 60lbs or what was in it.

Later Ed

[Dick Simonis]

I've been using these:

http://www.spdhardware.com/catalog/GSEL%20Shock-Lock%20Gas%20Spring

I find the locking shroud to be very useful and can lower the lift pressure so the doors close real easy without having to push them done but stay securely in the up position even in heavy wind.  FYI, I only use one locking strut per door.

Dick

[Stan Simpson]

I don't see anything that indicates PSI to me. Since I have a 03 Contessa I can't tell you what the psi of the doors are because I don't know the width of them. If you send me the info I can supply the PSI. I also have a web site you can order from on my laptop.

Thanks everyone for the help and suggestions.

Doug,

I'm attaching pictures of the 4 doors where I need new gas springs. If you could let me know the PSI per each door, I would appreciate it.  Also, can someone tell where the standard length measurement begins and ends. End to end? Not including the ends?

Thanks all,

Stan

edit: Looks like my dimensions are unreadable. In door # order, 36",50",54", and 53". On the strut...longest = 20-1/2", and inside dim is 18".

[Keith Cooper]

the measurement is from the center of each socket (20 inches extended)

[Stan Simpson]

the measurement is from the center of each socket (20 inches extended)

Thank you, Keith. Much appreciated.

Stan

[Doug Neal]

For my doors I use the following, 36"-40PSI 44"- 60PSI 24"-30PSI. Based on what  I have I think you should use 80PSI for your 50"-53" doors. It is not critical as to PSI, but I don't think there is a need to use a higher PSI as it is more strain on the hardware. Hope this helps, if you need more info please post a request.

[Stan Simpson]

Thanks so much Doug. I drove to R&P Carriages yesterday as its only 95 miles from home. I bought 3 sets of 80 psi and 4 sets of 60 psi, and will be installing them today. Robin (the R in R&P) gave me a good break on the price due to volume and not having to pay the eBay and PayPal fees.

Thanks all for your help!

Stan

P.S. No more getting conked on the head!!