7 Best Hydraulic Lift Supports For Heavy Rv Storage Compartments
Upgrade your RV storage with the 7 best hydraulic lift supports for heavy compartments. Click here to find durable, reliable replacements for your motorhome today.
There is nothing more frustrating than bracing a heavy RV storage door with your head while frantically searching for a loose camping chair. Properly functioning hydraulic lift supports are not just a luxury; they are the difference between seamless camp setup and a constant, low-level safety hazard. Choosing the right struts ensures that your gear remains accessible without the weight turning a simple storage retrieval into a battle of physics.
|
|
|
|
$22.05
|
$14.99
|
$24.84
|
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!
Suspa C16-08054 Gas Prop: The OEM Standard
When reliability is the only metric that matters, the Suspa C16-08054 serves as the industry benchmark for a reason. Many manufacturers install these as original equipment because they offer a predictable, smooth release and consistent tension over years of exposure to fluctuating temperatures. They avoid the erratic “jumpiness” found in cheaper, off-brand alternatives.
Opt for these if the original struts on your RV were branded Suspa or if your current setup requires a standard 20-inch, 40-pound force unit. They are the definition of a “set it and forget it” component for standard-sized baggage doors.
Avoid these if your storage doors have been modified with thicker exterior panels or heavy-duty add-ons. If your setup exceeds the factory weight, the C16-08054 will lack the necessary lift capacity, leaving you right back where you started.
Tuff Support 611933: Best for Heavy Doors
If your RV features large exterior compartments or doors reinforced with heavy trim, the Tuff Support 611933 is the engineered solution. These struts provide a higher force rating designed to manage the increased mass that causes standard supports to fail prematurely. They effectively eliminate that annoying “sag” that happens when the gas seal begins to weaken.
Use these when replacing struts on doors that require a distinct amount of force to close initially but stay securely locked in the open position. They excel in environments where wind gusts frequently challenge lighter-duty supports, providing enough resistance to keep the door from slamming shut.
Consider the physical dimensions closely before purchasing. These are robust units, and they require sufficient clearance within the compartment frame to mount correctly without binding against hinges or interior storage bins.
Apexstone 100lb Gas Struts: Best Value Kit
For those managing multiple failing struts across the entire rig, the Apexstone 100lb kit offers the most economical path to a full refresh. Buying in pairs or kits removes the guesswork of matching different brands and provides a uniform lift feel across all exterior compartments. They are ideal for mid-sized doors that require a bit more punch than the standard factory issue.
These are the go-to choice for the DIY enthusiast performing a comprehensive rig overhaul. The inclusion of various mounting brackets in many of their kits makes them highly adaptable to different door configurations that standard struts might struggle to fit.
Be aware that 100 pounds of force is significant; these are not intended for lightweight aluminum access panels. If you install these on a door that is too light, the door will essentially try to rip itself off the hinge every time it opens.
Arana 150lb Gas Shocks: For Extra-Large Doors
Arana 150lb shocks are the heavy artillery of the RV world, built for massive under-bed storage or oversized rear gear garages. When a door is tall enough to double as a rain awning, a standard support simply cannot handle the lever arm created by the door’s length. These shocks provide the necessary structural support to hold such large surfaces open, even in inclement weather.
Choose these strictly for heavy-duty applications where the door weight is substantial. They provide a slow, controlled ascent that prevents the “whiplash” effect often seen with weaker, over-extended supports on large panels.
Do not be tempted to “over-spec” these for standard doors. If the force rating is too high for the hinges or the gas shock mounting points, you risk cracking the fiberglass or bending the mounting bracket right out of the compartment frame.
JR Products GSNI-5300-40: Top Replacement Pick
JR Products has built a reputation on high-quality, aftermarket-focused replacements that prioritize durability and compatibility. The GSNI-5300-40 is a refined option that often outperforms the original factory struts found on many mass-produced trailers. They feature high-grade seals that resist the drying out and cracking commonly caused by extreme sun exposure.
These are the ideal choice if you want to upgrade your hardware without deviating from the standard force specifications of your RV. They offer a premium feel and smoother travel than most entry-level struts, making them a great “quality of life” upgrade.
Trust these for long-term consistency. If you are tired of replacing struts every single season, moving to a brand like JR Products provides the longevity that cheaper alternatives lack.
Hatchlift Bedlift Kit: Best for Interior Lifts
The Hatchlift Bedlift Kit is a specialized system designed specifically for the interior challenge of lifting queen or king-sized beds for under-bed storage. Unlike exterior compartment struts, this system accounts for the unique geometry of a bed platform, which requires a specific lift arc to open fully without damaging the headboard or adjacent cabinetry.
This is a complete, well-engineered solution that includes the struts, mounting hardware, and the necessary pivot points to ensure the bed stays open while you retrieve bulky items. It turns a physically demanding task into a one-handed operation.
Prioritize this if you are retrofitting an older unit or building out a custom interior where bed-storage access is frequently used. It is a substantial upgrade over the basic, light-duty supports typically found in factory builds.
Vepagoo 20-inch Struts: Versatile All-Rounder
The Vepagoo 20-inch struts are an excellent, budget-friendly option for the average RVer who needs a reliable, standard-fit replacement. They bridge the gap between low-cost generic struts and high-end specialized components, making them the most versatile choice for common storage compartments.
They provide a consistent, predictable lift that works well for a majority of travel trailers and fifth-wheel compartments. They are the “safe bet” when you need to replace a worn-out strut quickly without spending heavily on name-brand performance parts.
Keep these in your spare parts bin for emergencies. Because they match the dimensions of most standard compartment doors, having a pair on hand can save a trip to the store when a strut finally gives out mid-season.
How to Measure for Force and Extended Length
Accurate measurement is the difference between a functional upgrade and a costly return. Start by measuring the “extended length”—the distance from the center of one mounting ball to the center of the other when the door is fully open. Then, measure the “compressed length” when the door is fully closed.
Force is measured in pounds (lbs) or Newtons (N). You can usually find the force rating printed directly on the cylinder of your existing strut. If the text has worn away, a simple bathroom scale can help: support the door at the mounting point, push down until the door is at the desired height, and note the weight.
Always account for the weight of the door itself. If the door weighs 40 pounds, you generally need a strut rated for at least that weight, ideally slightly more to account for temperature drops that naturally reduce gas pressure inside the cylinder.
Installing Your New Gas Struts: A Quick Guide
Installation is straightforward, but safety is paramount. Always have a second person hold the door in the open position while you work; never attempt to swap both struts at the same time if you are alone, as the door will lose all support and fall.
Use a small flathead screwdriver to gently pry the metal retaining clip at the end of the strut socket. Once the clip is loosened, the socket will pop right off the ball stud. Clean the ball stud with a cloth before snapping the new strut into place, ensuring the clip is fully seated to prevent accidental detachment.
Orientation matters significantly. In almost all cases, the “cylinder up, rod down” configuration is required. This ensures the internal seals remain lubricated by the oil inside the strut, which prevents them from failing prematurely and losing pressure.
Troubleshooting Failed or Weak Lift Supports
If your door is slowly losing height or won’t stay open in cold weather, the seals have likely failed. Cold temperatures cause the nitrogen gas inside to contract, leading to a temporary loss of force. If the issue persists in warm weather, the gas has leaked out entirely, and the unit is non-functional.
A “bouncy” or noisy door usually indicates that the strut is not correctly sized for the weight of the door. If the door slams open too quickly, you are using too much force. If you have to fight to push it up, you are using too little.
Check your mounting hardware regularly. Sometimes the strut is fine, but the ball stud is loose or the mounting bracket is pulling away from the sidewall. Tighten all fasteners before assuming the hydraulic component itself is the culprit.
Maintaining your lift supports is a small investment of time that prevents significant headaches and potential damage to your RV’s exterior. By choosing the right force rating and adhering to proper installation techniques, you ensure that your gear stays exactly where you need it—out of the way and ready for your next adventure. Consistent, reliable access is a hallmark of a well-maintained rig, allowing you to focus on the journey rather than the maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does a hydraulic lift support do on an RV storage compartment?
A hydraulic lift support uses pressurized gas and hydraulic fluid inside a cylinder to smoothly open, counterbalance, and hold open heavy RV compartment doors. This mechanism counteracts gravity, preventing heavy baggage doors from slamming shut on your hands or head while accessing gear. Most RV storage bay supports deliver between 20 and 120 pounds of lifting force per strut, letting you open large compartment doors with one hand.
What does the pound rating mean on RV hydraulic lift supports?
The pound rating indicates the exact amount of force a hydraulic lift support exerts outward when fully extended. For example, a 60-pound strut exerts 60 pounds of pressure to push a door open and keep it elevated. When buying replacements, look for numbers stamped on the steel cylinder barrel followed by “lbs” or “N” for Newtons, where 4.45 Newtons equals roughly one pound of force.
How do I measure heavy RV storage compartments for replacement hydraulic lift supports?
To measure for replacement hydraulic lift supports, prop the RV door open and measure from the center of one mounting ball socket to the other. Note this extended length in inches, then compress the door fully closed to measure the compressed length between the same points. Next, check the cylinder body for a printed part number and force rating to ensure the stroke length and weight capacity match your replacement hardware.
How do I install hydraulic lift supports on heavy RV storage doors without damaging hinges?
Installing hydraulic lift supports requires propping the compartment door higher than its normal open position to relieve pressure on the hinges and hardware. Use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry the retaining clips back on the ball socket ends, pop the old strut off the 10mm ball studs, and snap the new strut into place with the rod facing downward. Installing the shaft pointing down keeps the internal oil lubricating the seals during storage.
Which is better for heavy RV storage compartments, mechanical springs or hydraulic lift supports?
Hydraulic lift supports are significantly better than mechanical springs because they provide smooth, dampened motion without sudden snapping or metal fatigue over time. Mechanical springs can jerk open or snap shut violently, which damages aluminum door frames and risks pinch injuries. In contrast, sealed hydraulic struts use internal fluid damping to softly decelerate the door as it reaches maximum extension, protecting RV mounting brackets from structural strain.
How much do heavy-duty hydraulic lift supports for RV storage compartments cost?
Replacement hydraulic lift supports for heavy RV storage compartments typically cost between $15 and $35 per pair. Specialty high-force struts rated above 100 pounds or those with stainless-steel shafts for marine and coastal rust resistance can cost between $40 and $60 per pair. Replacing both struts on a compartment door at the same time is best practice, as mixing old and new struts causes uneven door twisting and hinge wear.
Why do hydraulic lift supports fail to hold heavy RV storage doors open in cold weather?
Cold temperatures cause hydraulic lift supports to drop pressure because the nitrogen gas sealed inside the cylinder contracts when chilled. When ambient temperatures drop below freezing, internal strut pressure can decrease by 10 to 15 percent, leaving the support unable to hold up heavy compartment doors. If your doors stay up in summer but sag in winter, replacing aging struts with a slightly higher pound rating solves the issue.
Are heavy-duty hydraulic lift supports safe to use on lightweight RV baggage doors?
Excessively heavy-duty hydraulic lift supports are unsafe for lightweight RV baggage doors because the overpowering upward pressure will bend the door frame and tear mounting brackets out. If you install an 80-pound strut on a door engineered for 30 pounds, the door will resist closing, bow at the center, and potentially strip screws out of the RV sidewall. Always select a strut rated within five pounds of the manufacturer’s original specification.
