New thread on gas struts for the galley hatch

[Doug S]

There are numerous threads on selecting and installing gas struts. I want to start a new one for a concern I have not seen discussed.

There is good discussion on force vectors and the orientation of the strut relative to the hatch that determine strut selection. A McMaster-Carr strut in the 50 to 70 lb. range is a common choice.

The McMaster-Carr strut in the compressed (hatch closed) state pushes against the strut mounts with the force they are rated for, the 50 to 70 lb. range most builders use. This force is transferred to the hinge and, in particular, where the hinge mounts to the trailer.

Each leaf of my galley hinge is screwed into a 1.5 x 1.5 pine strut with # 6 screws every three inches. Each end of the pine struts attach to the ½ inch plywood sides of the tear drop with a 2 and ½ inch long # 12 screw.

At this point the design works well; there is very little stress on the ends of the pine struts. But the hatch must be lifted without a mechanical assist. Gas struts would make it much more convenient. But I don’t want 50 lbs. of force pushing against the # 12 screws and the 1.5 inch square pine struts while the trailer bounces down a dirt road.

I believe there is a type of assist that is relaxed (no force) in the closed position, but provides force as it is opened, or as the assist is extended.

Is anyone familiar with this type of assist?

Doug

[halfdome, Danny]

Each end of the pine struts attach to the ½ inch plywood sides of the tear drop with a 2 and ½ inch long # 12 screw.

I believe there is a type of assist that is relaxed (no force) in the closed position, but provides force as it is opened, or as the assist is extended.

Is anyone familiar with this type of assist?

Doug

Doug, A #12 screw is way over doing it into that strut.
I would have more concerns with the #12 2 1/2" screw splitting the pine and making that point rotate.
A better choice would have been (2) #8 screws 1 1/4" long at opposing points with glue.
Whenever your attaching one wood member to another the rule is the fastener should be twice as long as the thickness that your first going into, being the 1/2" plywood x 2 = 1" screw.

As far as your asking for a different lift mechanism I believe the supplier you mentioned sells a metal lift similar in appearance to a side mount drawer slide.
There's also spring assist ones too.

Personally I use 153# gas struts with no problems but then I use red oak for the strut at the hinge and it's also screwed & glued to the galley bulkhead.
I weld half a door hinge to the attachment hardware by the hinge so I also have 3 side grain attachment points.

Danny