Jimmer Posted June 21, 2021 Share Posted June 21, 2021 Raising and lowering bed. Bed seems to be getting heavier as I get older, even with wife's help. Any suggestions? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redstickbill Posted June 21, 2021 Share Posted June 21, 2021 Jimmer, The lift springs are wearing out, there should be numbers on the cylinders that give the length and pounds lift. Not a difficult project. Bill B 07 Dynasty 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr4Film Posted June 21, 2021 Share Posted June 21, 2021 I agree with previous poster. Either the gas springs are getting old too and can't perform their job. Or possibly have you change out the mattress to one that is heavier than the original which would require a stronger set of gas spring to raise and lower it safely? 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacwjames Posted June 21, 2021 Share Posted June 21, 2021 My wife insisted on putting one of the thick foam pads on top of the mattress and as a result the struts don't hardly lift the bed. I ended up installing a linear actuator to assist the lifting. I bought one off EBAY the same length/extension as the strut and mounted it next to one. The actuator has a remote. I still have to help it a little to get it moving but once it's lifter about 6" it takes off and lifts the bed. If I were to do it again I'd install 2 actuators. Here is an example https://www.ebay.com/itm/384034523807?_trkparms=aid%3D1110006%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D232727%26meid%3D93eb77271e334d7b9895a7230cc7f749%26pid%3D101195%26rk%3D10%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D194210511685%26itm%3D384034523807%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2047675%26algv%3DSimplAMLv9PairwiseWebMskuAspectsV1&_trksid=p2047675.c101195.m1851&amdata=cksum%3A38403452380793eb77271e334d7b9895a7230cc7f749|enc%3AAQAGAAACEMkkBk0G7OK1orh%2B6tosie8yabSm1PLReiOZHya5koh5DVITgKV2PD5puvnlRsQHsMVhI0nNAZVgA1aXWSt0GafvYaGObUFSbqPlHNmV2xlFHW8IxcURpngmKKqHA3r4UJ%2FcL4XTZjLkprRCM3L5COovMIQ1Ma6umh9uMhYcnIf8HaWr%2FeSKp1FX1QJMkX72Ual0g9UcHVnI2O8UwOabibzxP8NcmwN8jX5UgsBmmE2gXF4hKp5Z2PPtfBENK%2BOghWpwN96F7ttDeL73%2BuA3MIxy8PEbeXIMgTCMx4ZiacSJRgVoWydcgSnBX6cuMECnvg%2ByB0myIyzTgT%2BnUKblcoWPWyepNBVl%2BxESGbd%2Brk%2F2gheeWC68FevlCMQrc9pJW2vcxOZ3TM6TZVh7Re4KE6vBonCLmMxn9FGvEKWkl91E30eBSqWPDxkeos6lvnuD%2BrvYWbFjzFB0X3fTbkoSoF7lNmOyStMG4bM4nr32CEvbgk8UeYhMYNDrQPGdMS4RpFpZmSGC%2F%2BldZ7M1YOegPt5M3HGk8Wtb9RqsprlELLW3yunCYgfWEeOiaw0qpUoV3JHW%2BlEHyjoOJdfbSBPPcfy9PRFk8EJa%2B%2Br%2F2vnLv7Utw%2BBvF2fw1fJHQ8aHuqFrLidHOeAGks4%2BOCHObTRTWQO6PcWoPSEs6lI5zHsFuAjeZris4VKlvdxk1QilmH2NyQ%3D%3D|ampid%3APL_CLK|clp%3A2047675 One of my concerns was if the actuator failed I wouldn't be able to easily access under the bed to fix so I attached a thin cable to it with a pull pin on the end attached to a short lever to make it easy to release. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary 05 AMB DST Posted June 21, 2021 Share Posted June 21, 2021 I cut an access door on the end of the bed storage space. Just lay on the floor to access the storage area. Gary 05 AMB DST 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dale n Deb Posted June 21, 2021 Share Posted June 21, 2021 My husband bought a scissor jack and an extender. He placed it about in the middle. He cut a circular small holes for the socket adapter to fit in it. He uses his drill with a socket to raise and lower the bed. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cbr046 Posted June 21, 2021 Share Posted June 21, 2021 I put heavier gas springs on the old coach after adding a topper. I might have gone two spring rates higher. Turned out it was hard keeping the bed DOWN. I ended up mixing the rates. With the HR we added a topper and now can barely lift it. One concern with stronger springs is the screws pulling out from all the force. Not a difficult problem. - bob 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike H Posted June 21, 2021 Share Posted June 21, 2021 Those gas struts are rated at 150 - 200 pounds, even heavier than the ones on the engine compartment hatch. The ones on our King bed are 200 lbs. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimmer Posted June 21, 2021 Author Share Posted June 21, 2021 2 hours ago, Dale n Deb said: My husband bought a scissor jack and an extender. He placed it about in the middle. He cut a circular small holes for the socket adapter to fit in it. He uses his drill with a socket to raise and lower the bed. Where in the middle did he mount the jack? 4 hours ago, jacwjames said: My wife insisted on putting one of the thick foam pads on top of the mattress and as a result the struts don't hardly lift the bed. I ended up installing a linear actuator to assist the lifting. I bought one off EBAY the same length/extension as the strut and mounted it next to one. The actuator has a remote. I still have to help it a little to get it moving but once it's lifter about 6" it takes off and lifts the bed. If I were to do it again I'd install 2 actuators. Here is an example https://www.ebay.com/itm/384034523807?_trkparms=aid%3D1110006%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D232727%26meid%3D93eb77271e334d7b9895a7230cc7f749%26pid%3D101195%26rk%3D10%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D194210511685%26itm%3D384034523807%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2047675%26algv%3DSimplAMLv9PairwiseWebMskuAspectsV1&_trksid=p2047675.c101195.m1851&amdata=cksum%3A38403452380793eb77271e334d7b9895a7230cc7f749|enc%3AAQAGAAACEMkkBk0G7OK1orh%2B6tosie8yabSm1PLReiOZHya5koh5DVITgKV2PD5puvnlRsQHsMVhI0nNAZVgA1aXWSt0GafvYaGObUFSbqPlHNmV2xlFHW8IxcURpngmKKqHA3r4UJ%2FcL4XTZjLkprRCM3L5COovMIQ1Ma6umh9uMhYcnIf8HaWr%2FeSKp1FX1QJMkX72Ual0g9UcHVnI2O8UwOabibzxP8NcmwN8jX5UgsBmmE2gXF4hKp5Z2PPtfBENK%2BOghWpwN96F7ttDeL73%2BuA3MIxy8PEbeXIMgTCMx4ZiacSJRgVoWydcgSnBX6cuMECnvg%2ByB0myIyzTgT%2BnUKblcoWPWyepNBVl%2BxESGbd%2Brk%2F2gheeWC68FevlCMQrc9pJW2vcxOZ3TM6TZVh7Re4KE6vBonCLmMxn9FGvEKWkl91E30eBSqWPDxkeos6lvnuD%2BrvYWbFjzFB0X3fTbkoSoF7lNmOyStMG4bM4nr32CEvbgk8UeYhMYNDrQPGdMS4RpFpZmSGC%2F%2BldZ7M1YOegPt5M3HGk8Wtb9RqsprlELLW3yunCYgfWEeOiaw0qpUoV3JHW%2BlEHyjoOJdfbSBPPcfy9PRFk8EJa%2B%2Br%2F2vnLv7Utw%2BBvF2fw1fJHQ8aHuqFrLidHOeAGks4%2BOCHObTRTWQO6PcWoPSEs6lI5zHsFuAjeZris4VKlvdxk1QilmH2NyQ%3D%3D|ampid%3APL_CLK|clp%3A2047675 One of my concerns was if the actuator failed I wouldn't be able to easily access under the bed to fix so I attached a thin cable to it with a pull pin on the end attached to a short lever to make it easy to release. would 18" be a good length of actuator? mount it where there is a 18" gap when bed fully raised? I assume it will also pull the bed down. Where did you get your 12Vs from? 1 hour ago, cbr046 said: I put heavier gas springs on the old coach after adding a topper. I might have gone two spring rates higher. Turned out it was hard keeping the bed DOWN. I ended up mixing the rates. With the HR we added a topper and now can barely lift it. One concern with stronger springs is the screws pulling out from all the force. Not a difficult problem. - bob Wouldn't heavier struts be harder to lift and pull down? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimmer Posted June 21, 2021 Author Share Posted June 21, 2021 5 hours ago, Dr4Film said: I agree with previous poster. Either the gas springs are getting old too and can't perform their job. Or possibly have you change out the mattress to one that is heavier than the original which would require a stronger set of gas spring to raise and lower it safely? using the original bed and no topper. Had a topper but removed it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dale n Deb Posted June 21, 2021 Share Posted June 21, 2021 18 minutes ago, Jimmer said: Where in the middle did he mount the jack? would 18" be a good length of actuator? mount it where there is a 18" gap when bed fully raised? I assume it will also pull the bed down. Where did you get your 12Vs from? Wouldn't heavier struts be harder to lift and pull down? When we get back to the MH, we'll post some pics. At a doc appointment now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimmer Posted June 21, 2021 Author Share Posted June 21, 2021 2 minutes ago, Dale n Deb said: When we get back to the MH, we'll post some pics. At a doc appointment now. great Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacwjames Posted June 21, 2021 Share Posted June 21, 2021 (edited) I went back and looked at my original order and it said 12", I assume that is the extension. I'd suggest measuring the current strut and try and find an actuator that has the same length extended. Here's a picture of how I mounted. The structure of the bedframe isn't very heavy so I added a piece of 2X4 behind the existing strut, I used a piece of aluminum tubing to make a mount for the bottom and used the one that came with the actuator for the top. I ran a fused power supply from my passenger side rear electrical compartment, I actually used a length of extension cord 14 awg. If I were do this again I'd just use 2 of the actuators and eliminate the gas struts. Edited June 21, 2021 by jacwjames Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick A Posted June 21, 2021 Share Posted June 21, 2021 I put in a linear actuator. https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07HT9DR5X/ref=cm_sw_r_em_api_glc_i_QG3SAW11RRW8GG94QWPB?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 I used a 5?" Strap Hinge. Photo 1 thru 5. Cost Ca $50 + $8. Any questions. This works 100% The hinge allows it to open for easy access and you can also lift it up on the hinge to give you an extra wide open. To close just pull it down to close the hinge and then hit the double action switch. I'll rephrase this sentence. "The hinge allows it to open for easy access and you can also lift it up on the hinge to give you an extra wide open." You hit the button (up) to lift the lid. If you need an extra little lift, you lift the bed manually the last 8" or so. To close you simply pull the bed down the until the hinge close down and then hit the button to draw the lid down. The trick here is the hinge at the bottom. Its mechanically sound, you do not need to try and figure out the exact length of the arm stroke and it will not tear the screws out of the base plates (top or bottom) when you have storage area overloaded height wise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cbr046 Posted June 21, 2021 Share Posted June 21, 2021 2 hours ago, Jimmer said: Wouldn't heavier struts be harder to lift and pull down? heavier meaning stronger spring rate. These struts have part numbers on them. You can look up the part numbers and either replace directly or get a stronger version of the same length. Once you figure out the clips they're an easy and direct replacement. The length and spring rate are the key specs. This is just an example - https://www.amazon.com/ARANA-Camper-Tonneau-Supports-C1608054/dp/B07CGNQCCJ Best, - bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick A Posted June 21, 2021 Share Posted June 21, 2021 The struts are as expensive as the electric actuator. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Ray Davis Posted June 21, 2021 Share Posted June 21, 2021 Rick, the double acting hinge is brilliant Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacwjames Posted June 21, 2021 Share Posted June 21, 2021 7 minutes ago, Rick A said: The struts are as expensive as the electric actuator. Yup, and if you get one strong enough to lift the bed it makes it hard to push the bed down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick A Posted June 21, 2021 Share Posted June 21, 2021 13 minutes ago, Ray Davis said: Rick, the double acting hinge is brilliant Thanks Ray. Its the best solution and its mechanically sound. I used a 14" actuator that pushes 225 lbs. Its will within its load specifications as long as the wife doesn't try to open it when you are seeping on the bed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary 05 AMB DST Posted June 21, 2021 Share Posted June 21, 2021 Rick, I don't even want to picture you seeping on the bed. Gary 05 AMD DST Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dale n Deb Posted June 21, 2021 Share Posted June 21, 2021 Here are some pics of our scissor jack solution. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick A Posted June 21, 2021 Share Posted June 21, 2021 23 minutes ago, Gary 05 AMB DST said: Rick, I don't even want to picture you seeping on the bed. Gary 05 AMD DST We agree on that point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ivan K Posted June 21, 2021 Share Posted June 21, 2021 I just love to see all these innovations. So far, I can lift the bed but one day these will come handy. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick A Posted June 21, 2021 Share Posted June 21, 2021 Just now, Rick A said: We agree on that point. But you could at least give my creation a thumbs up/ Just now, Rick A said: We agree on that point. 3 minutes ago, Ivan K said: I just love to see all these innovations. So far, I can lift the bed but one day these will come handy. 2 minutes ago, Rick A said: This is about an improvement. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary 05 AMB DST Posted June 22, 2021 Share Posted June 22, 2021 👍 Quote This whole discussion is great!👍 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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