6 Gas Strut Lift Supports For Under-Bed Storage Access

Accessing under-bed storage shouldn’t feel like a wrestling match with a heavy mattress. Gas struts turn a cumbersome daily chore into a single-handed, effortless motion that maximizes the utility of small-space living. Selecting the right hardware is the difference between a seamless living experience and a recurring source of frustration.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

Hatchlift Bedlift Kit: Best Overall System

The Hatchlift system is the gold standard for those who prioritize reliability and ease of use in a complete package. It functions as an integrated kit, meaning the brackets, struts, and hardware are engineered to work in harmony right out of the box. This takes the guesswork out of sourcing mismatched components that often lead to uneven lifts or binding hinges.

This system is ideal for standard RV or DIY platform beds where the mattress weight is moderate and the user desires a set-it-and-forget-it solution. The inclusion of clear, specific instructions makes it a favorite for those who want professional results without needing to be an expert fabricator.

If the goal is to install a system once and never have to fiddle with it again, the Hatchlift is the clear choice. It is a premium investment, but the reduction in installation headaches and the long-term durability justify the price point for most high-use dwellings.

Suspa Heavy-Duty Lift: For Heavy Mattresses

When dealing with high-density memory foam mattresses or thick latex toppers, standard struts often fail to hold the platform open. Suspa is the industry leader for heavy-duty applications, providing the raw force required to handle significant weight without succumbing to gas leaks or seal failure over time.

These struts are best suited for those building custom platforms with plywood bases and dense bedding that adds substantial downward pressure. They are not designed for flimsy, lightweight frames, as the force exerted by these powerful struts can actually warp or damage weaker materials if not properly reinforced.

Trust Suspa when the build requirements lean toward structural integrity and heavy payloads. It is the necessary choice for anyone who refuses to compromise on mattress comfort but needs the mechanical support to make the bed usable.

Apexstone 150N Gas Struts: Best Budget Pick

For lightweight applications like simple plywood lids, flip-up tables, or small cabinet doors, the Apexstone 150N struts provide a cost-effective solution. They lack the specialized mounting hardware found in premium kits, but they deliver consistent performance for lighter loads where over-engineering is unnecessary.

These struts are perfect for the DIYer who is comfortable improvising their own mounting points and wants to save money on hardware. Because they come in lower force ratings, they are excellent for preventing over-extension on delicate cabinetry or lighter storage compartments.

Apexstone is the right path only if the load is genuinely light and the builder possesses the technical savvy to mount them correctly without a template. Avoid these for heavy mattress lifting, as they will likely fail to support the weight or, worse, snap under the strain.

RecPro RV Bed Lift Kit: Easiest DIY Install

RecPro specializes in the RV market, and their lift kit reflects a deep understanding of standard bed frame dimensions found in trailers and motorhomes. The components are designed for direct replacement or simple retrofitting, making them a top recommendation for those looking to upgrade their existing setup without a total structural redesign.

The kit is streamlined to minimize the number of holes drilled into the frame, which is critical when working with lightweight RV materials that can splinter or lose integrity if over-modified. It hits a sweet spot between ease of installation and functional strength.

If the current RV bed is difficult to lift and requires a quick, afternoon upgrade, this is the most logical purchase. It simplifies the transition from a manual, heavy lift to a assisted system with minimal specialized tools.

Stabilus Lift-O-Mat: Most Versatile Option

Stabilus manufactures high-end gas springs that are frequently used in automotive and industrial settings, and their Lift-O-Mat line is widely considered the pinnacle of engineering precision. These are the struts to choose when a space is non-standard or requires a specific, non-linear movement pattern.

Because these struts are available in a vast array of stroke lengths and force ratings, they can be calibrated to almost any specific geometry. This is the professional’s choice for complex cabinetry or custom-built murphy beds where timing and resistance must be exact.

The versatility of Stabilus does require a higher level of planning and calculation. If the project involves custom dimensions that fall outside of “off-the-shelf” kits, look no further than the Lift-O-Mat series to get the exact mechanical response needed.

T-Motorsports Compact Struts: For Tight Builds

In extremely cramped van conversions or teardrop trailers, finding space to mount a full-size strut can be impossible. T-Motorsports offers compact struts that thrive in tight footprints, allowing for a shorter stroke length that doesn’t compromise the ability to clear the storage area.

These are best for builders who are struggling with tight clearances between the mattress platform and the overhead cabinets or ceiling. While they occupy less space, they do not skimp on the compression force needed to keep the bed in the “up” position.

Choose these when spatial constraints are the primary challenge of the build. They are a niche solution for a specific problem, but when the dimensions are tight, they are often the only components that will actually fit and function as intended.

How to Calculate the Right Strut Strength

Calculating the required force is an exact science that requires knowing the weight of the platform plus the mattress, as well as the pivot point geometry. A common mistake is buying struts that are too strong; this makes the bed difficult to close, as the struts will constantly force the platform back up.

Start by weighing the bed platform and the mattress independently to get a total moving weight. The leverage provided by the distance from the hinge to the strut mounting point acts as a multiplier, meaning a 100-pound load might only require 50 pounds of lift force if positioned correctly.

Always check the manufacturer’s charts for force ratings, measured in Newtons (N) or pounds of force (Lbs). When in doubt, it is safer to select a slightly lower force rating and supplement with a mechanical latch than to select a rating that is too high and impossible to manage.

Frame Design: Building a Lift-Ready Bed Platform

A gas strut system is only as strong as the frame it is attached to, which is why standard particleboard or thin framing will fail under the repetitive torque of a strut. The frame must be rigid enough to resist twisting or bowing when the struts are at full extension.

Reinforce the mounting areas with hardwood blocking or metal plates where the strut brackets attach to the bed. If the platform is made of thin plywood, consider adding a perimeter frame of 2×2 or 1×3 lumber to ensure the structural loads are distributed evenly rather than concentrated on a few screws.

The hinge system is just as critical as the struts. Ensure the hinge is heavy-duty and mounted securely to the fixed base, as it will take the full load of the mattress plus the tension of the compressed struts every time the bed is moved.

Mounting Your Gas Struts: A Step-by-Step Guide

Proper mounting geometry is the secret to a smooth operation. Most struts have a specific “extended” and “compressed” length, and installing them outside of these parameters will lead to premature failure or the bed refusing to open fully.

Start by placing the platform in the fully open position and marking the bracket locations based on the manufacturer’s suggested geometry. Attach the struts while the bed is open, ensuring that the rod end is facing downward to keep the internal seals lubricated.

Test the movement slowly before letting the struts carry the full load. If the struts are binding or making a grinding noise, stop immediately and check for interference with the frame or mattress frame.

Troubleshooting: Strut Won’t Lift or Stay Down?

If the bed won’t stay up, the struts are likely underpowered or the weight of the mattress has shifted. Before replacing them, check for obstructions in the hinge that might be preventing the struts from reaching their full extension length.

Conversely, if the bed won’t stay down, the struts are likely too powerful for the weight of the platform. Adding a simple barrel bolt or a heavy-duty luggage latch is a common, effective way to hold the platform closed if the struts are slightly over-spec.

If one side of the bed lifts faster than the other, check for uneven weight distribution on the platform itself. Gas struts are sensitive to weight imbalances; ensuring the mattress is centered and the frame is level will often solve what appears to be a mechanical failure.

Choosing the right gas strut system is a balancing act between the structural limits of your furniture and the practical reality of your daily life. With the right hardware and a solid installation, you can reclaim your under-bed space and transform your small living quarters into a highly organized, stress-free environment.