Cabinet support struts

[DavidEM]

The pneumatic struts that hold the upper cabinet doors open on my2021 Axis are getting weak. Anyone know wher I can buy them?

David

[Grumpy Grampa]

Amazon

[ArcticGPS]

GG is right, Amazon is probably your best bet for variety. I replaced the ones in my previous Winnebago and they worked much better than the stock ones.

Here are some tips. Do a search for "7" gas strut" to get you started. The cabinets are pretty small so you don't need long ones. The other variable is what their strength is. I had big doors in the Winne so I bought 10" struts rated for 22 lbs. I doubt if you need to go over 10 or 12 in the Axis.

Lastly, be careful when you install them. Follow the instructions and they will hold the cabinets closed. Do it wrong and they will swing the doors open when you go around corners etc. At lest in my 24.1, they installed the ceiling puck lights directly where the handles are so you have to make sure you install them low enough that they don't swing he cabinet door up high enough to smash your lights.

Post which ones work for you. I plan do that upgrade on my cabinets next year.

[DavidEM]

I will get some measurements this weekend and try to determine the load rating on a good one. You are right, Amazon has them, about $15 for a pair.

David

[DavidEM]

I got these struts on Amazon for $9.00 for a pair. They are the right length, have the ball end fittings and at 11# seem to be the right force. Will install them in a few days and let you all know how they work.

See: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086JLLSB3...t_details&th=1

David

[David_Reaves]

.
JR Products 70545 Cabinet Door Strut - Metal

These are another alternative. My new motorhome had bad supports in one cabinet that we didn't ID until we left the dealer. I decided replacing the defective struts myself was better than an hour drive back. More than the cost of the struts in gas and I didn't want to wait until I have a list of warranty items to go back. I also didn't want to live with a cabinet that wouldn't stay open.

They were almost an exact replacement (color slightly different) and worked perfectly. I didn't even make new holes in the cabinet.

David R

[Galobo]

Originally Posted by DavidEM

I will get some measurements this weekend and try to determine the load rating on a good one. You are right, Amazon has them, about $15 for a pair.

David

Look closely at one of the shocks, most have a sticker and some have a stamped number. Search the internet with the number and you will find numerous sources.

[blingo]

Unbelievable. My vegas 24.3 2021 cabinets have some struts upside down! Some weak, not holding door up. Even mounted crooked, none are the same. I Ordered 10 in 22lb. 6 pack on Amazon. Waiting on arrival.

[DavidEM]

Well, I popped one of the struts off of the cabinet on my 2021 Axis. It wasn’t easy and took a large screwdriver to pop it off. It was much stiffer than the 10# ones I bought on Amazon. So I probably need the 20# ones like the PP bought.

But it looked fine and I popped the other side off and they had about the same force. So I suspect that the upper mount is too high resulting in not enough leverage to keep the door open. So I will drop the bracket down maybe an inch (it won’t take much as you have a great leverage effect) and see how that works.

Reinstalling the struts took a lot of force to pop the mounting ball in place so it took a big pair of channel locks to do it.

David

[DavidEM]

Sorry, it has been a long while since I originally posted this, but it is now fixed. Here is how:

As noted above I dropped the upper mounting bracket down roughly an inch so I could use what was the lower mounting hole as the upper and drill a new hole for the lower screw. With the extra leverage of the lower position it stayed open fine with just one side lowered. I left the right strut as is.

So all is well.

David

[paulwadley]

Glad you were able to repair the issue and returned to the forum with the results.


Paul