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  1. #1
    Seasoned Camper
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    I Know, I'm Lazy, but Could You Help Me Figure Out How to Adjust My Bed Gas Struts?

    I installed stronger struts on our bed to try to make it easier for the Mrs. to lift the mattress to access the storage below. However she still struggles a bit. How do I adjust the position of the gas struts to decrease the force required to lift the cover? Do I need to move both ends of the struts, or just one end of each one? If I move the bottom end, that would lower the overall height, but would it help with the force needed to lift it?

    See the attached sketch.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Capture.JPG 
Views:	21 
Size:	47.2 KB 
ID:	35883

    Thanks.
    2020 Grand Design 230 RL
    2019 Ford F-250 6.7L Diesel

  2. #2
    Site Team WhittleBurner's Avatar
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    Wouldn't it be easier for your wife if you would lift the bed for her
    Marcy & Gary
    2014 Grand Design - Reflection 303RLS
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  3. #3
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    If you move further to the right it will have better leverage and will make the bed easier to lift BUT…

    Moving just the bottom of the strut to the right will make it so the strut runs out of stroke before the bed gets closed all the way so you would need to move the top also. In many installations the top of the strut is already so close to the end of the box that it can’t be moved or it will be between the cover and the side of the box when the box closes. If the strut can be moved some to the right it will also make it so the cover does not open quite as far.

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by WhittleBurner View Post
    Wouldn't it be easier for your wife if you would lift the bed for her
    You're kidding, no doubt.
    2020 Grand Design 230 RL
    2019 Ford F-250 6.7L Diesel

  5. #5
    Long Hauler Canyonlight's Avatar
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    For some reason Marcy, I don't see Gary doing this every time for you !lol

    To the OP, yes moving either or both mounting points towards the "foot" of the bed will help to reduce lift force by your DW. However, you will need to consider correct mounting points to ensure complete strut closure. Measuring the distance of current or original mounting points when fully open would be a good base measure to use for new mounting points.

    This said, the bed platform will not open as far but that may be acceptable. Over the years, folks have mounted struts with higher capacities and/or mounted an additional set of struts which both options have worked well.

    Dan
    Dan & Carol
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    Site Team traveldawg's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by WhittleBurner View Post
    Wouldn't it be easier for your wife if you would lift the bed for her
    Marcy...... we know better..... lol.....
    Larry KE4DMG
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  7. #7
    Site Team WhittleBurner's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by MJMCCAND View Post
    You're kidding, no doubt.
    Maybe.




    Yes, I was kidding
    Marcy & Gary
    2014 Grand Design - Reflection 303RLS
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  8. #8
    Rolling Along OurNewEra's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by MJMCCAND View Post
    I installed stronger struts on our bed to try to make it easier for the Mrs. to lift the mattress to access the storage below. However she still struggles a bit. How do I adjust the position of the gas struts to decrease the force required to lift the cover? Do I need to move both ends of the struts, or just one end of each one? If I move the bottom end, that would lower the overall height, but would it help with the force needed to lift it?

    See the attached sketch.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Capture.JPG 
Views:	21 
Size:	47.2 KB 
ID:	35883

    Thanks.
    I agree with what @DougW9876 said. You can't move only one end without possibly causing the strut to not close all the way. If you move the top and bottom of the strut to the right in your diagram it will make the platform easier to lift - But the platform won't lift as high and you need to be sure the top of the strut is still inside the box. You may want to investigate getting a higher rated (pounds of force) strut. But don't get one too much higher otherwise the platform may not close/stay closed.
    Mike & Lisa
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  9. #9
    Site Team traveldawg's Avatar
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    How about an electric strut lift like this?

    Amazon has a bunch of options too....
    Larry KE4DMG
    2022 F-350 KRU SRW LB - Airlift 5000+, ForScan, 37 RDS Aux Tank,
    2019 310GK-R - Sailuns; MorRyde IS; Disc Brakes; 20K Reese Goosebox
    Search kalakamods for my mods


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