3725RL Owners - Show Me The Way

[Captain Joe]

Looking for a 3725RL handyman to take a look at the 2nd storage door and figure out how to install a gas strut on this compartment. Can it be done? Would be nice if you would do it and post pictures and a parts list? Awww come on, you can do it. We need someone to lead the way. Any volunteers?

Joe

[bncinwv]

Expand on that a little Joe. What 2nd storage door are you referring to?
Bingo

[Captain Joe]

On the 3725RL, there are two storage doors. One is the main storage door. It has gas struts. The other storage area is a lot smaller (similar to the 3750FL rear storage), but it does not have a gas strut.

Here is a photo

[bncinwv]

Ironically, the first 3750's we saw had the struts on the beneath bed storage door. Ours did not, and the dealer attempted to install them for us. They did not work. The critical part will be getting the struts to be the proper weight rating required. I would think a couple of 5 or 10 pound struts would be all that is needed (this needs verified). There is another thread that shows some backing plate details that may be of use to you.
Bingo

[Carl n Susan]

It appears that "extra" storage compartment on the 3725 is very similar to the one on a 3700/3800 (R.I.P.). Montana installed 20 lb. struts on those doors. The doors are 41" wide by 21" tall. If you want pics and specifics on bracket installation, let me know.

P.S. That white door holder bracket would be less obvious if it were black.

[tbhd]

We also have a 3725 but have not been brave enough to try putting a gas strut on that door. We did do what Carl n Susan suggested by changing the two white holder brackets and the white outside electrical cover to black when we were in Goshen at the fall rally. The 2014 have the black covers. Let us know how you make out if you attempt this...good luck.

[PackerFan]

Hey Joe, I am with you on this one, I would like to do this mod also but not sure where to start on it. Will be following this closely.

Scott

[dieselguy]

I'd suggest calling one of the gas strut companies and asking for one of their techs if they have one. Give them your door dimensions, approximate degree of open swing needed, and composition as you will not know the weight then see what they recommend. Buy the struts and mounting hardware and install with your existing door as an example. Pickup truck tool boxes have gas struts ... call them and ask for their tech for guidance ... all they can say is get lost. Utility trailer manufacturers that use gas struts may also be an option of your call.

[tanner1070]

I purchased a set of gas struts for the front generator door at a rally a couple of years ago from HatchLift. They helped me select the right size and weight struts for my door. They were easy to install and their installation instructions were very clear. Haven't had an ounce of trouble with them. I can't say the same for the Keystone struts on my other doors. Worth a look. http://www.hatchlift.com/

Don

[Captain Joe]

@Carl.
Looks like it may be the same setup, only my compartment is 35 3/4" wide and 17 1/2" tall. Could you post some pictures and specifics as some with the same model are looking to do the same thing. Thanks for the help.

Yea, the white hardware sticks out like a sore thumb. This compartment, the door bumper, handrail, plug, etc. are all out of place.

Thanks everyone for your posts.

[Carl n Susan]

Here are the pictures and information on the struts used on my 3700RL. When fully extended, the strut is overall 21" and the sockets which connect to the bracket plate studs are at 20". The following information is on the label attached to the strut.

IGS - International Gas Spring

Volumeline
Romeoville, IL 60446
(815) 553-0253

8RU203468BB0089 10/11

20 lbs. Force

The lower brackets are the same as the brackets on all the other door struts. They are mounted right above where the curve of the door radius corner begins.


The upper bracket is also the same one used on all the other doors. These have not tended to loosen up as the others on the bigger doors have done. I suspect it is because the 20 lbs. struts don't exert enough force for this size of bracket.


The top edge of the top bracket is 4" from the door edge. The lower bracket is located as far down as possible. Since your doors are around 4" shorter than mine, you should measure carefully to ensure the strut will fit and operate properly. Maybe an 18" strut would be a better fit.

If you need anything more, you know where to find me. If you want full size pictures, I will send them via email.

[Captain Joe]

Carl,
Very nice. The pictures and info will work. Now I need to pull it all together.
Thanks again and again the MOC members come through.