39 replies to this topic

[buckland]

Well the ball bolts go straight through and the plate itself mostly has only stress between the opposing struts...playing off each other. The ball joint bolts are snug and I put butyl tape (stretched out so thin) beneath. It worked great.

[Trowbocop]

Reviving an old thread here, I know. But does anyone think these would be too weak to mount 40# struts with?

 

Ameritool BR-3300-32 Stainless Steel Short Flat Bracket

2.5" long .75" wide

10mm Ball Stud

 

Thanks in advance!

[tobincory]

I am also wondering if the ball studs listed by Trowbocop will be sufficient for 40# struts.

[Buckshot62]

All of this reading is soo confusing. Has anyone done this to an older Fleet ? Mine is an 86 and I would like to do this modification to it.

[buckland]

Buckshot62 I think if you get the appropriate (ask FWC) length struts (36 or 40") the install really is straightforward. I would highly recommend the 1/4" plates just so the stress is not on the camper but is opposing forces on the plate. I used a piece of wood: just a strip 42" long and measured out the length of the strut (in my case Eagle 40") and drilled a couple holes in the wood strip. Then found the middle of the top. placed the stick as a pattern up on the roof edge. (see my pdf on this thread) ....swing the stick from that point and it gives you the other install point on the camper body. I admit i was wicked nervous about the whole thing but check out the pdf... it all came together and has worked fine for years (always good to do pre flight bolt tightness checks on vital parts or clamps etc) 

 

You will be happy with the results. I am sure FWC will tell you which struct length to buy.The 36" is cheap....the 40" is not. I put 30 pound struts on and honestly I would probably be happier with 40. but hey picky picky picky.

[Buckshot62]

Thanks Buckland. I just got back in town. Will be looking at your pdf.

[john cotterman]

Buckland, and others . . . 

 

Good news. The 40", 40lb. stuts ARE cheap.

 

I have a 2016 Fleet and decided to up my stock 30lb, 40" struts with 40 pounders. I have a solar panel and a small (7-cu. ft.) storage box on top of my my Yakima tracks.I also have a late 60s body which still can lift the roof but for how many more years?

 

I got a great tipoff from alijabosdotcom in one of these old strut thingy threads. He turned me onto https://www.geminigassprings.com/ in Vernon, British Columbia. Great customer service. I ordered four custom-made stuts/gas springs for $26 USD each. Their website is somewhat intimidating (because they manufacture so many types and sizes) so order this: Part #645, ball sockets, 1022 mm total length, rated 40lbs. The 1022mm is 40.25". What a find. 

 

I am leaving from NC to "Wander the West" for 4 months starting in 2 weeks. The struts are promised to be manufactured and delivered by next week. I will update this post if their delivery is slower than promised or if there is any other problem, but I'm thinking this is THE solution to this situation.

[buckland]

Wow that is wonderful news thanks for the link and the numbers. If it works out that that 1/4” doesn’t deny me a step up in poundage I’ll be a happy camper. Especially at that real price. Great hunting that out and hope you are planning on posting your travel adventures in WTW. Happy Trails!!

[fwctaco]

Thanks for the info!  I just received 4 custom made 60lb 40.5" struts from Suspa.  We carry a bunch of gear on the roof and I have a lingering back injury... going to test them out with reinforced mounting points and see how they work.

 

If they are no good I will definitely be ordering the 40lbs from Gemini!

[buckland]

I’d like to upgrade to 40lb 40” struts for my eagle. I installed the 40” 30lb a couple years ago and now want to buy the Canadian ones as they are cheaper ... my concern is my ball mounts are 40” and the attached photo it says 40.25” for the Canadian. Am I safe to assume that that is the total open height and that the closed measure should still be able to attach to my current mounts?

Edited by buckland, 03 September 2018 - 07:23 PM.