Gas struts are used across a multitude of industries. You probably have struts in use in your life every single day and do not realize they're there. If you have a screen door on the front of your home, there is a variation of a gas strut there. If you open the trunk, hood, or hatchback of your car, you'll find struts in use. Freezer doors, marine hatches, tractor hoods, and industrial air compressor covers are just a small portion of the items that you'll find with gas struts attached.
When you're looking to replace, or upgrade, your struts (no matter the application) there are some essential industry suggestions to follow:
1. If your struts come in pairs, replace both at the same time. Struts can give out at different rates and just because a strut seems "okay," doesn't mean it won't fail, soon. Replacing only one strut could lead to catastrophic failure which could endanger you or your customers
2. Make sure the struts you purchase fit your application. It seems like a simple statement, but if you purchase the wrong length of the strut and mount it to your vehicle (or other surfaces), you could create problems (some serious) for yourself. Incorrect sizing could create a door that won't shut because the strut is too long. Furthermore, if you try to force it, you could shear the head off of the connecting bracket.
3. Know your weight capacities. It is imperative to know your weight capacities so you can have the right strut for the job. If you have a 200 lb. door and you buy two 60 lb. struts to support it, you're going to have a door that won't stay open and could cause an injury. You always want to have plenty of lifting capacity for your applications (but not too much or you'll never get your door closed!)
4. Always consult the manufacturer for exact strut requirements. This goes along with the adage, "Measure twice, cut once." Your vehicle's manufacturer will be able to tell you the exact length and weight capacity you will need for your application. Once you have that, you can make an informed purchase.
5. Check your brackets. You should check the brackets that your struts will be attached to before replacing your struts. Make sure the head where the strut will connect to the bracket is not bent or beginning to shear off. Check the attaching point where the bracket connects to the body of your vehicle (door) and confirm that the hardware is in excellent condition and secure. Any inconsistency in the equipment could lead to a failure of the unit, regardless of the quality of the struts.
When you shop at RecPro, you will find that no matter the product we like to offer plenty of options. From colors to sizes to add-ons, once you know what you are looking for you can select the one that will provide the right fit for your lifestyle. While our struts come in basic black, we have a variety of sizes and capacities for you to consider. And then you can choose between a 2 or 4 pack. If you need a new mounting bracket, we have those, too.
There's a lot to finding and replacing the struts on your vehicle. A little bit of diligence on your part will save you a lot of headaches, and possible injuries, in the future. Once you find the strut that will bring the most balance to your camping and RV-ing experience, contact the helpful folks here at RecPro to help you fulfill your strut, and strut bracket needs.