121 replies to this topic

[Oryguntroutbum]

I have a 2014 Hawk. I outfitted it with 40# struts front and back. I have the full Yakima rack with basket and a 100 watt panel. The 40# struts are perfect and sometimes I need to coax them down.

The ball sockets used are 10mm and can be found at a good auto parts/hardware store (not O'Reilly's or Autozone). They can also be bought online but I felt more comfortable grabbing them at a store where I could check and make sure they fit.

If you find the Suspa model number you can put it into the eBay search engine and find an off brand for a way better deal. I got two pairs of 36" struts for $29.99 per pair with free shipping. Work great. I definitely would not buy heavier than 40# with the new threaded system. If people are having problems with the factory install then I would guess heavier ones would cause damage much sooner. I ended up having around $100 invested compared to the $300+ charged by the factory. Good luck!!

Chris

Sorry, just re-read your post and saw you have a 2011 which is prior to the threaded sleeves being standard. The angle brackets you will need are readily available on eBay and other sites. It should still be 10mm.

[buckland]

All sounds good. I have also seen folks put a 6" metal strip first on the roof before installing the ball/bracket for added distribution of stress. Think this is overkill? I tend to put a 4 ft deep foundation on a 2 ft wall. "Safety Joe".

[craig333]

Mines seen quite a bit of use and I can't detect any wear and tear around my brackets. I have nothing against overkill though.

[buckland]

Well getting a tad interesting... this goes out to Finch Eagle and Fleet folk who have the gas struts. Does anyone have 40lb ones?
If so where'd you get them? I contacted Suspa and they sent this:

 

Hello Robert Lord!

Four Wheel Campers has a 40” ext. cyl.

C16-31895, 20 lbs.

C16-31896, 30 lbs.

We have not shipped any 40lb. cyl.,

 

FWC's pdf says this below

 

 

Thanks

Attached Thumbnails

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Edited by buckland, 13 August 2014 - 09:39 PM.

[craig333]

I'd take those warnings with a grain of salt, although I did have an issue in DV once where having the struts made getting the top down more difficult because of the wind. Of course if I'd had another cup of coffee and not been so anxious to beat the snow I might have just moved the truck so the wind wasn't blowing directly into it. Live and learn.

[buckland]

Well, I spoke with Suspa and Brenda. The best fit for me would ....I say would..... be the 30 lb 40" lifters. Buying them from Suspa is out of the question as they want $100 per each... yup... plus hardware. I have searched in all the wrong places to find them at a reasonable price mentioned in the other strings. If anyone has a source I'd be mighty obliged.

Onwards and upwards...I hope.

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Just checked the Suspa site and was shocked. Not only at the price but trying to find the right strut was to much searching.

4 years ago I ordered mine from them and the process sure was easier and 4 struts plus 8 angle brackets if my memory is correct about $140 TOTAL

 Frank

[buckland]

Ya the sight was a pain in the butt... could not search for size ...if you don't have # there was 161 pages to leaf through!. I will say when I called they were nice but the prices are crazy... $150 for a replacement... or $100 each if 2 or more. I contacted Brenda as FWC buys bulk and should be able to give me a deal on a 'kit' I hope. Yikes.... was not expecting this.

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

I went back to the original thread by   the saints. " roof lifter helper thingies".

 

The struts that I and others ordered are    #C16-15952  40# cost is $30 still. The bracket I used is  #P67-00203, which is an angled one in coated black. #P67-00205 is a flat bracket also in black. They cost $3 apiece.

 

So my memory didn't fail me , total cost would be 4 struts $120 ,8 brackets $24  $144 out the door!

 

Don't know where or why you were directed to the  $100 struts. I think the struts you asked about have a different attachment end style. Or maybe higher due to total length. Mine are 36" opened.

 

There are other members who also have this # strut plus I think it was the one used from the factory FWC/ACT.

Hope this helps.

 

PM me if you want more info.

Frank

[Oryguntroutbum]

Here is what I bought that fits the stock threaded sleeves in the new Hawk campers.  Way cheaper than Suspa.

http://www.ebay.com/...984.m1423.l2649