Gas Prop installation

[silversport]

I thought this was going to be easy; (HA) I am attempting to add gas props to my bed. What I bought were two AP 100# 29.75 gas spring and the four brackets. First thing, the brackets do not fit the spring second; I can not find any guide on how much spring pressure I really need or how to mount these things; all I have found are guides for replacements. I am thinking that the springs I bought are way too strong (bed is a comfort air). Looking for help on size of spring needed and were to mount them.
Robert

[JackConrad]

I used 12 volt linear actuators on our bed, but know of  several people that installed gas shocks.  1st, make sure they are very strongly mounted, they create a tremdous amount of stress when closed. Depending on how far from the hinge end of the bed they are installed has to be determined by shock stroke length. Also installing them closer to the hinge requires a stronger shock, but raises the bed further. The people I know that used them found the right location by trial and error.  Since bed type (regular mattress vs. air mattress) and bed construction can vary, I do not know of any formula for calculating the proper location or rating.  Jack

[jjrbus]

I used the trial and error method for installing the gas shocks. It was a PIA, it worked but in hindsight the shocks were too powerful. The shocks can be dangerous so use a lot of common sense when working with them.

After seeing Jack's actuators, I would go that route.  HTH   JIm

[silversport]

Thanks, was afraid trail and error was the order of the day.
Robert

[gus]

I've added gas struts to a bed, baggage doors and two engine doors.

If the strut is too strong and you have space, move the mounts farther apart so the strut doesn't fully compress.

The closer the mount is to the hinge (which it almost always is because of short strut movement)  the stronger it needs to be.

It is, indeed, trial and error unless you're an engineer or math whiz!

[jjrbus]

After thought, you could go to an RV place and check out what they have done, check the specks on the shocks, take pic's. Now I think of it  JIm