Date: Sun, 9 Apr 2017 21:44:06 -0700
Reply-To: James Vogl <jamesvogl@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: James Vogl <jamesvogl@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Hatchback struts
In-Reply-To: <219AB11B-C85E-469C-BEE4-0C1EF20B648C@shaw.ca>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
I just installed a set of 250lb force struts from LiftSupportsDepot. Lou
seems to be the owner and is fairly responsive via email. 250lbs seems to
be about the max force they carry that will fit the Vanagon. (but perhaps
he can get you something custom). The higher pressure factory strut I
believe to be 140lbs. The heavy duty struts from GoWesty are 150lbs. Here's
what I bought:
Part #: ST200M1-250
Force: 250lbs
Extended length: 20"
Compressed length: 12"
Body connector: 10mm ball socket cup
Shaft connector: 8mm eyelet hole
Total cost: $60 w/ CA tax, free shipping
These are nice beefy struts, with larger diameter body/shaft. They come
standard w/ steel ball/socket ends on both sides, which are different than
factory, but work fine for the ball side. You have to specify an eyelet for
the shaft side (no extra charge).
So, these *just* support my loaded (more on that below) hatch in the fully
open position. It takes just a small amount of pressure to pull the hatch
down from there, and it will not stay open at any in-between position.
Overall, though, I'm super pleased. I can actually open the hatch now with
all my crap on it, whereas before I had to remove everything!
Still, I'd be nervous bent over the engine, so I'm thinking I'll use some
sort of slip-over safety stop, like the tube-over-the-strut method. (These
struts are larger in diameter, though, so the 3/4" PVC I was using on the
stock struts won't fit. And a larger 1" PVC has too large an O.D. to fit in
the channel when closed.) I was thinking a thinner-walled metal tube
instead. Or...?
With everything removed from the rack (but rack still attached), it does
take some effort to close the hatch, but it's certainly do-able for someone
of moderate strength/weight (I'm a small guy). Others may have more
difficulty. In this config, the hatch will *just* stay open with only one
of the 250lb struts installed. So, for the majority of the time that I
don't have a full load, I may swap back one of my old stock struts on one
side, for a happy medium.
Back to my full load:
1 Gary Lee custom Multi Purpose Rack: ~30lbs (? - just a guess, don't wan
to take it off to weigh it)
2 Yakima Boa Mounts + fork mounts: ~8lbs (?)
1 Scepter gas can + mount + 3 gallons gas: 30 lbs
2 bikes: 45 lbs
2 tie dow straps: ~2lbs
Total: ~115lbs
Removing the stuts, then supporting the hatch vertically with 2x4 at the
strut connection point, the weight supported by the 2x4 is ~230lbs. So in
my case, the total strut force to hatch weight ratio is about 2.2:1. This
would vary depending how the load is dispersed.
Pics: https://goo.gl/photos/hLRmCUX2ysAouMHD6
James V
86 Syncro Westy
On Tue, Mar 28, 2017 at 9:05 PM, Alistair Bell <albell@shaw.ca> wrote:
> Hi,
>
> My friend Simon bought some 1250 N struts from Germany for the similar
> reason. They're great, lifts his spare tire rack and bike rack ( with tire
> and bike) that I made for him.
>
> Without anything on the hatch it's hard to close.
>
> Unfortunately the German source has dried up, but I mention it so you will
> know that 1250N is strong enough for a good load on hatch.
>
> Oh, and before anyone asks, it's been almost three years now with the
> struts and no adverse effect noted on the hatch.
>
> I've been looking for similar struts but not found any yet.
>
> Alistair
>
>
>
>
> > On Mar 28, 2017, at 7:24 PM, Roman Haag <romanhaag@YMAIL.COM> wrote:
> >
> > I recently got a Gary Lee multipurpose rack, which has my spare, a gas
> can, and a hi-lift jack on it.
> >
> > I need some stronger struts and am having a hard time finding info about
> them. Does anyone hear have any experience with them and could possibly
> recommend me some?
> >
> > All of the GoWesty/Bus Depot ones sound good, but they don't really give
> nay specific information.
> >
> > I've found these but I'm not even sure they'll fit. I know the Vanagon
> ones compress to 11.75", as well.
> > http://www.siraweb.com/gas-prop-c16-23835
> >
> > Any help is appreciated. I'd hate to be the guy responsible for our
> local Vdub mechanic getting hurt by a hatchback ;)
> >
> > Roman
>
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