Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

I was wondering which galley strut I should use.

I would use 100# to 120# struts depending on your size and weight of your hatch. Do you have a picture of your hatch. Also I buy mine from McMaster Carr and I also buy the ends from them. Don't buy ones with plastic ends they don't last. Also if you go to long they will interfere with your galley depending on what profile your trailer is.

The length of the strut, distance from the hinge, and weight of the hatch all impact the strength of the strut you will need. I went through three sets to find what I needed. Started with 120 lb and couldn't close the hatch. 60 lb wouldn't keep it up. 80 lb -- just right!

If you want to try to avoid the guesswork look on McMaster's strut page. It will give you a very simplistic way to calculate roughly what you need. Then go one notch higher.

There are some strut companies that have more sophisticated models for calculating the strut but I found them too hard to use. I'm no ME.

IMO, use a longer strut farther from the hinge. You will put less stress on the hinge and can use a weaker strut.

thanks guys.that mcmasters site does give lots of info.

There are several variables that will determine which strut you will need i.e. distance from hinge, hatch weight, opening distance, etc. I bought my struts from NAPA auto parts, I'd recommend that over ordering them.

Why? because you can return them if it doesn't work out. So long as you don't mangle the product, they should swap them for a longer or more powerful strut.