121 replies to this topic

[DrJ]

I originally put in the 40lb Suspa struts. I used them several times and didn't think it was quite enough.

 

So then I installed the 100lb Suspa struts. Similar price and brackets as above.

 

They work amazing well. They roof lifts itself without much of any effort. I have 3 solar panels on the roof but they are all flexible panels that probably weigh less than 30 lbs all together.

 

There is a little extra pulling to put the roof down. But I start pulling down the far side and then the side by the door. The weight of the roof works with you and little effort.

 

I know there are several reports of danger using more than 40-60lbs, but it works great for me. I've never had it pop up on it's own. It takes just a little push from the door side and up it goes. No effort at all.

[buckland]

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

Hawks use 36" and Eagles use 40"... that's the 'rub' ... 40" are $100.  Can't use 36" which are $30. 

[buckland]

Here is what is in the FWC install PDF

 

Attached Thumbnails

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[ETAV8R]

Mine are 50# and work great. They cost $22.30

http://www.wanderthe...e-27#entry86547

[RicoV]

A great discussion here.  A number of you have mentioned using 60#, 80#, or as much as 100# struts to address your lifting needs.  In my case I chose the 60# Suspa and have successfully used a pair of them (inside, front-only) for my Grandby's ~12-ft long roof.  From my read of these posts It's been suggested that FWC wouldn't recommend using anything more than 40# in any of its roof applications.  Can anyone point me to the rationale or basis behind this?  Is there any reason to believe that my 60#ers are overkill?  Or possibly even a danger to occupants?  Thanks,

Rico

[craig333]

Even with my Kayak on top the 40# struts are enough but I'm still a youngster. My guess is FWC is being very conservative and cya just in case.

[DrJ]

Above a certain weight, it's actually harder to pull the roof down than it is to put it up.
With my roof weight this is probably closest to 80lbs.
Mine springs up to action easily with just a tiny push. Coming down is a little tougher, but then I have gravity working with me instead of against me. I like it this way, but it's not for everyone.

Edited by DrJ, 17 August 2014 - 10:55 PM.

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Here is what is in the FWC install PDF

 

I guess I am being hardheaded here. I just don't understand why you would have to go with a 40" strut with a standard roof.

Is that a miss print  and they mean the taller liner?

 

Doesn't matter to me though. My Bobcat which is similar to the Eagle only 5" or so wider works great with the 36" struts.

 

The bottom line It's  one of the best mods I have done to my camper.

Frank

[ETAV8R]

Are we talking about # or "

[DesertDave]

A great discussion here.  A number of you have mentioned using 60#, 80#, or as much as 100# struts to address your lifting needs.  In my case I chose the 60# Suspa and have successfully used a pair of them (inside, front-only) for my Grandby's ~12-ft long roof.  From my read of these posts It's been suggested that FWC wouldn't recommend using anything more than 40# in any of its roof applications.  Can anyone point me to the rationale or basis behind this?  Is there any reason to believe that my 60#ers are overkill?  Or possibly even a danger to occupants?  Thanks,
Ricso

Don't forget that FWC is probably talking about their current-style install of four exterior struts, where many here using the higher number ones are using two internal struts. As an example, I have two 20# on the rear and two 30# on the front, whic might produce similar forces to two 50# internal ones.

Also, the mounting of the external ones is into the side of the frame members, while the internal ones appear to be into the underside of the roof. Side-mounts may be weaker, ie the recent recall on the exterior mounted strut mounts.