Singin the Gas Shocks Boogie - New Pics

[toypusher]

Gee its 0308 and were struttin the gas

Can't put any time constraints on that!!!

[Sonetpro]

I think your problem might be the strength of the struts. I converted Newtons and 170N = 38.217520327 pound-force.
If those are 38 lb struts they won't be enough. Your hatch looks to be about the same size as mine and I have 2 90 lb struts on it.

[Classic Finn]

Tony also one thing notice that our bottom barcket is not flat? It has a built in gap ...would that cause a problem or should I go get a totally flat bracket?

[Sonetpro]

Tony here is the top bracket we have and the way it was installed.





And Lower Bracket

I have mine installed the same way.
As Kerry said put the big end up. That way the oil stays on the seal and it won't dry up and crack.

[Classic Finn]

I think your problem might be the strength of the struts. I converted Newtons and 170N = 38.217520327 pound-force.
If those are 38 lb struts they won't be enough. Your hatch looks to be about the same size as mine and I have 2 90 lb struts on it.

You know Steve the more Ive been staring at these the more I see that these are just not strong enough as well, now that you verified this also in Newtons.. Im willing to bet these are wrong..

So in your opinion should I go double or triple even on the shocks? Just so I dont go too heavy again.

Classic Finn

[Classic Finn]

Tony here is the top bracket we have and the way it was installed.





And Lower Bracket

I have mine installed the same way.
As Kerry said put the big end up. That way the oil stays on the seal and it won't dry up and crack.

I,ll have them totally changed around.. thank you as well Steve.

[Classic Finn]

Well Im going to sleep for a few hours its getting sort of late.. also the sun is starting to shine quite bright at 03:29 hrs.

But anyways I want to say thank you for all the photos and information and help on this problem.. I,ll get back to you with this again with a cup of coffee.

Ohh thats in 4 hours.

So good night everyone.

Classic Finn the Rookie Gas Shock installer.

[QuietOutdoorsman]

Finn,

You're going to want to pick up some struts in the 100-120 lb range (444 - 530 Newtons). The same 10/20 inch length of the strut will work and allow you to attach at about 6 inches from the hinge.

Disclaimer: Even the 120 lb strut might be a bit on the high side. 150 lb struts might prevent you from closing the hatch, and that's no way to be driving back from camp!

Dirk

[Classic Finn]

Good Morning from Reindeerland.

I called the shock company and they said it was indeed too weak to carry the hatch on our voyager. they were very apologetic and said they will call me back shortly with an idea for new ones.

I,ll keep you posted as to how things go.

Ahh Id sure prefer to come back from camping with a closed hatch

Dirk thanks

[Classic Finn]

By the way

I have a question. Is it better to have the cabinets in place 1st before adding the shocks?

Classic Finn

[Classic Finn]

Ok the company called me back and they said that they have about the same length but 440 newtons = 98.915935 pounds force. In stock.

Close to what Sonetpro mentioned as far as weight .

or 98.915935 pounds = 44.8675134 kilograms. They said that this time it should be sufficient.

So Im going to go pick them up. Back Later but after install.

[Ivar the Red]

Ok the company called me back and they said that they have about the same length but 440 newtons = 98.915935 pounds force. In stock.

Close to what Sonetpro mentioned as far as weight .

or 98.915935 pounds = 44.8675134 kilograms. They said that this time it should be sufficient.

So Im going to go pick them up. Back Later but after install.

Good luck!!!

[Classic Finn]

Ok just got home.. New shocks on hand.

This time with 450 Newtons..or 450 newtons = 101.164024 pounds force.

Now to reread the info here from Tony so I dont make mistakes.

I just wish I would of known about this Newton equation thing or been familiar with it.. I am now...


Ohh well live n learn. Now to go install.. I,ll let you know how it went.

Sonetpro what do you think about the size now?

Classic Finn

[Tripmaker]

Looks like you need to reverse your mounting points. Mount the lower end, attached to the galley walls closer to the hinge, and the mount attached to the hatch further from the hinge. I used starwheel supports so lifting it is by the armstrong method. But with gas struts this configuration requires less effort to lift the hatch.



When you close the hatch the support rotates downward. Mounted vertically like you have it you are limited to lowering the hatch to the closed length of the cylinder.

[Sonetpro]

Ok just got home.. New shocks on hand.

This time with 450 Newtons..or 450 newtons = 101.164024 pounds force.

Now to reread the info here from Tony so I dont make mistakes.

I just wish I would of known about this Newton equation thing or been familiar with it.. I am now...


Ohh well live n learn. Now to go install.. I,ll let you know how it went.

Sonetpro what do you think about the size now?

Classic Finn

The size sounds much more like it. Here is how mine are mounted. Almost the same as yours.