5 Best RV Storage Struts

That massive, awkward space under your RV’s master bed could hold a season’s worth of gear, but lifting that heavy mattress and plywood base is a two-person job. Gas struts transform these dead zones from frustrating afterthoughts into effortless, one-handed storage solutions. Choosing the right one isn’t just about convenience; it’s about fundamentally changing how you use your limited square footage.

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Why RV Gas Struts Are a Small-Space Game Changer

Gas struts, or gas springs, are the unsung heroes of efficient RV design. They take the grunt work out of accessing hard-to-reach storage by providing assisted lifting and holding a door or platform open for you. Think about the overhead cabinets that are just a little too high to hold open while you rummage inside, or the exterior bay door you have to prop open with your head.

These simple mechanical devices solve that problem elegantly. By using pressurized nitrogen in a cylinder, they provide a controlled force that makes a 50-pound bed platform feel like it weighs just a few pounds. This doesn’t just add convenience; it adds usable, accessible space. That under-bed cavern or deep dinette bench becomes prime real estate for bulky items, because you know you can get to them without a struggle.

Calculating Force and Length for the Perfect Lift

Choosing the wrong strut is worse than having no strut at all. A strut that’s too weak won’t lift the load, and one that’s too strong will be impossible to close or could damage your cabinetry. Getting the calculation right is the most critical step.

First, you need the weight of the object you’re lifting (your lid, door, or platform). For a bed, that includes the plywood, mattress, and bedding. A simple bathroom scale can give you a good estimate. You also need to measure the lid’s length and determine where you’ll mount the struts. As a general rule, mounting the strut closer to the hinge requires more force.

Most manufacturers provide online calculators, but a good starting formula is to take the lid’s weight in pounds, multiply it by its length in inches, divide by the number of struts, and then divide by the distance from the hinge to the mounting point in inches. This gives you a rough force estimate. For length, you need the extended length (how long it is when the lid is open) and the compressed length (how long when closed). Measure the distance between your planned mounting points in both the open and closed positions to find the right size.

Don’t guess on this. A 40-pound platform might need two 100-pound struts depending on the geometry. Take your time, measure carefully, and if you’re unsure, it’s often better to choose a slightly less powerful strut, as you can always upgrade.

Suspa C16 Series: For Heavy Under-Bed Platforms

When you’re dealing with a heavy queen or king bed platform, you need a strut that’s built for serious work. The Suspa C16 series is the industry standard for these applications. They are what many RV manufacturers use from the factory, and for good reason—they are reliable, consistent, and come in a huge range of force ratings, often exceeding 100 or even 200 pounds per strut.

This is not the strut for a small cabinet door. This is the solution for lifting a 75-pound assembly of wood, foam, and fabric safely and repeatedly. Their robust construction means they can handle the dynamic loads of a moving vehicle without failing prematurely. If you’re retrofitting a bed lift or replacing worn-out factory struts, the Suspa C16 is a trusted, heavy-duty choice that won’t let you down.

Apexstone 100N/22.5lb: Versatile Cabinet Support

Not every storage solution needs a high-powered lift. For the countless overhead cabinets and small access hatches in an RV, a lighter touch is required. Apexstone struts, particularly in the popular 100N (22.5 lb) rating, are perfect for these lighter-duty jobs. They provide just enough assistance to pop a cabinet door open and hold it there, preventing it from slamming shut on your fingers.

These struts are often sold in multi-packs, making them an incredibly cost-effective way to upgrade every cabinet in your rig. They are simple to install and come with the basic hardware needed for most wood or composite cabinets. While they lack the brute force for a bed lift, their value and utility for smaller tasks make them an essential item in any RVer’s toolkit for maximizing vertical and overhead storage.

Tuff Support: Durability for Exterior Bay Doors

Exterior storage bay doors face a different set of challenges. They are exposed to rain, road grime, and extreme temperatures, and they are often heavier than interior doors. Tuff Support specializes in building struts that can withstand this abuse. Their products often feature enhanced corrosion resistance and more robust seals to keep the elements out.

When replacing the struts on your main pass-through storage or generator compartment, durability is key. A failing strut here isn’t just an inconvenience; it can be a safety hazard if a heavy door slams down unexpectedly. Tuff Support is a solid choice for any exterior application where reliability and weather resistance are non-negotiable. They are built to handle the constant vibration and exposure that comes with life on the road.

Stabilus Lift-O-Mat: Premium OEM-Quality Choice

If you believe in the "buy it once, cry once" philosophy, Stabilus is the brand for you. As a major OEM supplier for the automotive and furniture industries, their Lift-O-Mat struts are engineered to precise specifications for longevity and flawless performance. They are often the original part used in high-end RVs and motorhomes.

While they come at a premium price, the investment pays off in smooth, silent operation and a service life that often outlasts cheaper alternatives several times over. If you are replacing a strut on a critical component and want an exact match for the original’s performance, or if you simply want the best-engineered product available, Stabilus is the top-tier option. Their quality control ensures that the rated force is exactly what you get, every time.

Arana 100 Lb Struts: High Value for DIY Projects

For the dedicated DIYer building custom storage solutions, value is often as important as performance. Arana’s heavy-duty struts, especially their 100 lb models, hit a sweet spot. They offer significant lifting power for custom-built benches, outdoor kitchen lids, or generator slides without the premium price tag of an OEM brand like Stabilus.

These are workhorse struts. They might not have the refined finish of a German-engineered product, but they deliver the raw force needed for custom projects. They are a fantastic option when you need to lift a heavy, non-standard lid and want a reliable product that won’t break the budget. For a custom dinette that hides storage or a homemade toy hauler ramp assist, Arana provides serious power at a price that encourages experimentation and creativity.

Safe Installation and Long-Term Maintenance Tips

Installing gas struts is straightforward, but doing it safely is crucial. An improperly installed strut can fail, causing a heavy lid to fall. A strut under pressure can also cause injury if mishandled. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, but keep these core principles in mind.

First, always install gas struts with the cylinder (the thicker part) up and the rod (the thinner part) down. This orientation ensures the internal seal stays lubricated, dramatically extending the strut’s life. Use hardware that is appropriately rated for the force involved; small wood screws are not sufficient for a 100-pound strut. Reinforce the mounting points with a backing plate if you’re attaching to thin plywood or lauan.

Maintenance is minimal but important.

• Periodically wipe the rod clean to prevent dirt and grit from damaging the seal.
• Check mounting hardware to ensure it remains tight, as road vibrations can loosen screws over time.
• If you notice any oil leakage or a gradual loss of lifting power, that’s a clear sign the strut is failing and should be replaced immediately. Don’t wait for it to fail completely.

Ultimately, the right gas strut is a small, inexpensive piece of hardware that unlocks a disproportionate amount of utility and comfort in your RV. By taking the time to calculate your needs and choose the right product for the job, you can transform clunky, inaccessible areas into some of your most valuable storage space. It’s one of the simplest and most satisfying upgrades you can make to your home on wheels.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does an RV storage strut do?

A gas-charged RV storage strut is a mechanical cylinder that assists in lifting, opening, and holding heavy compartment doors or bed platforms in an open position. These cylinders counterbalance the weight of heavy plywood lids, exterior cargo doors, or queen mattresses so you can load gear hands-free. Without functioning struts, storage compartments can slam shut abruptly, posing a serious safety hazard. Most RV manufacturers use nitrogen gas-charged cylinders rated between 20 and 120 pounds of force.

What pound rating should RV bed storage struts have for heavy mattresses?

RV bed storage struts for standard mattresses typically require a force rating between 80 and 120 pounds per strut. Upgrading to a heavy residential memory foam mattress usually pushes the required support to 120 or 150 pounds per cylinder. Because bed frames use two struts in tandem, two 100-pound struts provide 200 pounds of combined lifting assist. Always check your bed frame’s mounting plate strength before installing struts exceeding 120 pounds to prevent wood splitting.

How do I measure replacement RV storage struts correctly?

To measure replacement RV storage struts correctly, calculate the fully extended center-to-center length between the mounting ball sockets, followed by the compressed length. Use a tape measure to record the distance from the center of one ball socket hole to the other while the strut is completely open. Subtract the fully retracted rod length to calculate total stroke length. Check the original strut body for printed part numbers or poundage ratings, typically marked with numbers followed by lbs or N for newtons.

How do you install replacement gas struts on an RV exterior compartment door?

Installing replacement gas struts on an RV exterior door requires propping the hatch open, releasing the retaining clips with a small flathead screwdriver, and snapping on the new units. Pry the flat metal spring band back just enough to slip the old socket off the ball stud. Press the new strut socket directly onto the existing ball stud until it clicks firmly into locked position. Always mount the strut with the thicker cylinder body pointing upward and the shiny rod downward to keep the internal seals lubricated.

Are metal ball socket RV storage struts better than plastic ball ends?

Metal ball socket RV storage struts offer significantly better long-term durability and resistance to cracking than plastic end fittings, especially in extreme temperatures. Plastic connectors often turn brittle and snap when exposed to road vibration and sub-freezing winter weather. Struts featuring zinc-coated steel or aluminum ends withstand higher shear stress when supporting heavier loads like under-bed frames. While plastic connectors cost a few dollars less, metal hardware provides greater reliability for heavy exterior cargo bay doors.

How much do replacement RV storage struts cost on average?

Replacement RV storage struts generally cost between $15 and $40 for a matching pair, depending on length, force rating, and hardware material. Standard interior cabinet struts rated between 10 and 30 pounds average $12 to $20 per pair. Heavier 80-to-150-pound gas springs designed for under-bed storage or large exterior baggage doors range from $25 to $45. Buying two-packs from reputable brands like ARANA or Suspa often includes fresh 10mm ball mounting brackets and replacement screws.

Why will my new RV storage struts not compress after installation?

New RV storage struts will not compress by hand because their internal gas pressure requires substantial mechanical leverage from the door or bed frame to cycle. High-pressure struts rated at 80 to 120 pounds cannot be pushed closed against a floor or workbench without risking bodily injury or bent rods. Mount both ends to the camper door or bed platform before attempting to close the mechanism. If the strut still refuses to move once mounted, the pound rating is likely too high for the compartment’s weight.

Is it safe to put stronger storage struts on lightweight RV cabinets?

Putting stronger storage struts on lightweight RV cabinets is unsafe because excessive pressure can rip mounting brackets out of thin wood and crack door frames. Most camper cabinetry uses particle board, hollow-core wood, or thin vinyl-wrapped pressed paper that cannot endure forces over 20 to 30 pounds. Overpowered struts force the hinges outward when closed, warping cabinet frames over time. Match replacement struts directly to the manufacturer’s original weight specifications rather than sizing up on delicate overhead doors.