New roof lifting struts installed on 2009 Hawk

Greetings

Thanks to all the help on that extensive thread about roof lift struts, I got some and got them installed tonight. I opted for the side install for my 2009 Hawk. Nothing was in the way. I got the brackets from Maxum hardware that someone suggested. I got the Columbia struts off Ebay from the Strut your Stuff storefront. Got them for a little less than originally posted by making offers to the seller.

My boy and I did it in an hour or so. We were in no hurry. Used self tapping screws after pre-drilling with a small bit.

Greetings

Thanks to all the help on that extensive thread about roof lift struts, I got some and got them installed tonight. I opted for the side install for my 2009 Hawk. Nothing was in the way. I got the brackets from Maxum hardware that someone suggested. I got the Columbia struts off Ebay from the Strut your Stuff storefront. Got them for a little less than originally posted by making offers to the seller.

My boy and I did it in an hour or so. We were in no hurry. Used self tapping screws after pre-drilling with a small bit.

I do have to seal the screws. I did not prepare for that since I was not sure if I would get it right the first time. The roof definitely lifts easier and does not crash down on you when let it down now. Looking forward to my redwoods trip in a couple weeks.

Looks like a good father & son team. Great skills to teach the next gen.
I kind of like the way the side mount action seems more aligned with the lift.

Looks good!

Great photos of your project, thanks for posting. This mod is in the back of our minds. The side mount wouldn't work with our storm flaps.

Looks great, thanks for the great pix, I notice you did this on the rear of the camper, how does the front lift? I was wanting to do the same thing but had thought of putting the top mount in line with the board in the inside for lifting the front. After doing this what are your thoughts/suggestions?
ps I also looked on ebay, mind telling how much of a 'deal' you got?

I'm in the process of installing a new rear door in my Grandby and in taking out the old door I had to disconnect my lifter thingies. A bit later I decided to lift the roof, forgetting my lifters were off. At first I thought there was something wrong and then it occurred to me I was back in manual mode. I have about 50# of solar up there and now can't imagine not having the thingies.

Looks great, thanks for the great pix, I notice you did this on the rear of the camper, how does the front lift? I was wanting to do the same thing but had thought of putting the top mount in line with the board in the inside for lifting the front. After doing this what are your thoughts/suggestions?
ps I also looked on ebay, mind telling how much of a 'deal' you got?

Both the front and rear lift much easier and they both come down slowly and softly. I do have a the FWC larger solar panel on the front of my Hawk as well. To lift the back I sit on the couch and just push up. Used to have to put a shoulder under it and struggle. Hated putting it down. I laugh now. I do not know if putting the front strut closer to the lifting board would be better. I thought about it but stayed with putting them in the corner as I did.

The front lift is more of a push as well versus a shoulder struggle. I feel I will be more likely to put the top up at any ole time now. Before once a day was enough.

The Strut your Stuff guy lets you make an offer. I started at $31.00 for the pair to help offset shipping. He took $35. Paid $86.00 for the two pairs including shipping. $23.32 for the 8 brackets from Maxum Hardware including shipping.

Great photos of your project, thanks for posting. This mod is in the back of our minds. The side mount wouldn't work with our storm flaps.

You are correct. The one fellow who had posted mentioned he did not consider the flaps when he side mounted. My newer model did not have anything in the way.

Also I never intend to have a awning. Never used the one I had on my previous RV.

Either way works and now that I have them, I believe they should be standard issue for FWCs.

Thanks to the folks who came up with the idea.

Thanks for your helpful comments!