Gas strut for side storage door

[Gubs]

We have a 2020 Montana that recently blew a gas spring on the storage door on the side with the water hookups. It's the one closest to the front and the original manufacture wants $52.00 for one. Anyone have a better idea? Does it have to be original equipment? Just wondering

[Lee-CI]

Larry I can't give you a specific answer, but those pneumatic struts are rated by pounds of force and length. If you could find out the pounds of force the stock strut supplies, you should be able to match one by poundage and length at an auto supply store. Just a thought anyway. Hopefully someone who has already had to change one out will be able to give you are more specific answer. Let us know what you come up with.

[RMcNeal]

Here are some options on Trekwood. Most expensive is less than $20.00!

https://www.trekwood.com/parts-searc...23+%2F+Keyword

[RMcNeal]

I will note that shipping is usually high from Trekwood, but $52.00 seems excessive.

[Rotnjonny]

I had to replace one on the entry door of my Class A. What I found was that there are a few “sizing” variables.

-the length of the body and the diameter of the body
- the overall length with the shaft fully extended as well as the diameter of the shaft
- the size of the ball

I then matched one up auto parts stores

[Daryles]

Take the bad one to an auto parts store. They will match it up with a replacement.

[sourdough]

There should be information on the strut on the side. If it has been working well go with the same pound rating, if not you can raise or lower the resistance but do so with both struts. Measure the length and you can sometimes find them at an auto store or get them online. I've purchased them at various places over the years but the only one I recall is rvupgradestore.com. None I have purchased was ever $52.00.

[rohrmann]

Trekwood shows three different weight struts for that year, 40, 60, and 80 lbs, and none over $20. https://www.trekwood.com/parts-searc...23+%2F+Keyword

[twindman]

FYI These struts are rather difficult to install. Think about having to compress that 80 lb. strut while trying to hook it over the 'thingy' on the end. I have replace one of these and also one on the bed. Both take a lot of force to squeeze then in an inch or two when attaching. Of course my biceps are not exactly like the 'Rock', etc. LOL

[rohrmann]

The struts on the slam doors are easy to replace. You just lift up on the door and the strut is fully extended and a small screwdriver is all that is needed to release the clip on the ends of the struts and the new ones just push on the ends to seat them onto the balls of the brackets.

[Budman229]

We have a 2021 3121RL. I have replaced the water side with these from Amazon and added the same ones to the other side. Easy to replace and work fine.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Y3H2X0G...t_details&th=1

[DebNJim B]

I've purchased several on Amazon. Sellers there seem to have a good variety of lengths and strengths.
I had to get higher #'s when we changed the mattress, and I added them to the overhead doors over the bed.