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I had one strut pop off due to a loose connection on the door side. Problem with getting it back on was the strut was 1/4 inch too long, and I had no way of compressing it. Solved the problem by loosening the back end bracket bolts, which gave me enough play to get the strut back on the door side. My highly scientific method of putting tension back on the strut was to lie on my back in the compartment so I could tighten the bolts for the back bracket. Put my feet (with soft soles) on the bottom of the door, and pushed as hard as I could before tightening the back bracket bolts. Do not recommend this procedure if there is anyone with a camera nearby!

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I have purchased struts from Prevost. They are two hundred pounders and found them to be a bit weak for the application. Of course it depends on how much stuff is stored on the inside of the bay door. So, over several years of experimenting, I use a 220 pound strut that is .6 inches longer when extended than the one Prevost sells, and I pay less for them. This strut lifts the door completely without any manual assistance, and to its full open position.

I just bought four last month:

Orr & Orr Inc

708-496-9800 and they have a web site of course.

part number H9506-220

$21.95 each

Do not use one rated above 220 pounds, it may bend the bracket on the door on earlier models. Later models are made stronger, probably after discovering this weakness.

Some specs in inches, first number is what I use, second number is Prevost part:

Extended length 26.97 vs 26.3

Compressed length 15.16 vs 16.1

Stroke 11.81 vs 10.2

Notice that the longer strut also is shorter when compressed.

The ends are composite like oem, and use the same 10mm ball stud.

[Archived]

I don’t have any extra weight mounted to the inside of the bay doors.

The .6 inch longer struts are more difficult to mount. Procedure is to first mount the end that is hard to reach back in the bay. Then use channel locks with one jaw on the door bracket and the other jaw on the end of the composite fitting, then squeeze them together. It helps to use a board to hold the bay door to its absolute limit of travel, not just what the old strut raised it to..

[Karl]

Dan, if there is extra weight (chair pockets, tv etc) use the next mntng hole on the strut mount. There should be 2 on an XL. Geo.

[Archived]

Prevost also has the 220 pound struts. I was told by them they have them for applications that have items mounted on the back of the door.