Let’s discuss an item that might seem minor but can cause significant inconvenience when it fails – RV gas struts.
These are the components that hold up overhead cabinet doors, compartment doors, and sometimes even bed platforms. When they’re functioning correctly, they are hardly noticeable. However, when they wear out and a door either slams shut unexpectedly or refuses to stay open, their importance becomes clear.
Having been around RVs for many years, I’ve encountered numerous instances of sagging doors and frustrated owners. The positive aspect is that replacing gas struts is often a much simpler task than many people anticipate. Ensuring you have the correct size is crucial, and I will guide you through that process as well.
One of the insights I’ve gathered over the years is that too many times owners tolerate failed gas struts, believing they are difficult to replace.
Individuals might resort to propping doors open with makeshift supports or learn to live with a compartment door that won’t stay up, all under the assumption that it’s a complicated or costly repair. However, it is usually neither.
Most struts have a part number; if not, simply measure the stroke length and the compressed/extended lengths before ordering replacements. This is often the case.
A failing gas strut is not merely an inconvenience; it can also pose a safety risk. A heavy compartment door that doesn’t remain open can fall and cause injury. An overhead cabinet door that won’t stay up can make accessing stored items challenging, particularly if one hand is needed to hold the door open while searching with the other.
Taking a little time to replace a worn-out strut is a worthwhile effort for the convenience and safety it restores to your RVing experience.
Gas struts, also known as gas springs or gas shocks, are essentially sealed cylinders containing pressurized nitrogen gas and a small amount of oil.
A piston and rod move through this mechanism, providing a controlled lifting force. Over time, the seals can deteriorate, the gas pressure can diminish, and the struts lose their effectiveness.
They are available in various lengths and force ratings (measured in pounds or Newtons). Using an incorrect force rating is a common error – if it’s too weak, the door won’t stay open; if it’s too strong, the door might be difficult to close or could potentially damage the hinges or mounting points over time.
When searching for replacements, a common brand you’ll encounter, and one we stock at RVupgradestore.com, is JR Products. They manufacture a wide variety of gas springs suitable for many RV applications. Let’s examine a couple of examples to provide a clearer idea:
This is where the insight I mentioned earlier becomes particularly useful. Here’s my recommended approach:
Carefully inspect your existing gas strut. Often, there’s a label or stamping on the cylinder with a part number.
If you find one, this is the most straightforward way to identify the correct replacement.
A quick search for that part number (perhaps on RVupgradestore.com or a general web search) will usually lead you directly to the correct replacement or an equivalent cross-reference.
If the part number is missing or illegible (which is common with older struts), don’t worry. You’ll need to take a few measurements from your old strut:
Pay attention to how the strut attaches. Most RV struts use 10mm ball sockets, but some might have eyelets or other fittings. Ensure your replacement has the same type of ends.
Once you have these measurements and details, you can confidently shop for a replacement like the JR Products examples above, ensuring the specifications match.
Actually swapping out the strut is usually quite straightforward:
That’s often all there is to it. A ten-minute job can save a lot of future frustration.
Don’t let failing gas struts diminish your RVing enjoyment or create difficulties. As previously mentioned, many people tolerate them for far too long. Check for a part number first, and if it’s not available, a few simple measurements will guide you to finding a suitable replacement, such as those from JR Products.
It’s a minor repair that makes a significant difference in the day-to-day usability of your RV. Keep those doors operating smoothly.
I’m Bill Rowell, the founder of RVupgrades.com. In 2002, I launched the business to help fellow RV enthusiasts find unique and hard-to-find products. Over the years, it’s grown to offer more than 15,000 items, with a warehouse in Eastlake, Ohio. Having owned and repaired nearly every type of RV, I bring over two decades of hands-on experience to the table. For me, this isn’t just a business – it’s a passion and a way of life that I love sharing with the RV community.
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