How to Install Gas Struts on a Camper Trailer?

If you’re a camping enthusiast, you’re always looking to enhance the entire experience and make your stay in nature better and more interesting. Aside from standard solutions, there’s one more that many people love because it makes the entire camping time fancy and fun.

We’re talking about the popular gas struts people install on camper trailers. These items provide a convenient and fun way to handle your belongings while being around the campsite. The camp struts help you work with the equipment and are kind of a hands-free solution.

In this blog post, we’re focusing on installing these simple but so valuable items. We are talking about the few steps on installing gas struts for everyone trying to do this alone. Remember that if you’re not skilled enough, the pros at the shops will always do that for you. Now, keep reading if you want to know more about the process, but first, let’s clear some other terms, too.

What is a Camper Trailer?

Although Australians and the rest of the English-speaking world differ in many terms, when it comes to camper trailers, we’re in line with most of the planet. Camper trailers in Australia are considered trailers that are fully equipped for camping.

Camper trailers provide almost anything you need for a comfortable stay in nature. Although they look slim when packed, nearly all items on it will unfold and become ready for use. This is why so many people prefer installing camp struts – because it eases the job.

What is a Gas Strut?

The first thing to know is that gas struts are complex items that you have already assembled. You only need to install them on your camper trailer. You are not limited to trailers. You can mount them on UTE drawers, toolboxes, and other storage solutions.

All gas struts are made of a piston rod, cylinder, and compressed gas. The gas moving through the rods creates the smoothness when you open or close the items. Fix them on the drawer, for example, and the main body of the trailer, and you’re getting a simple and elegant opening and closing.

Needed Materials For Gas Struts Installation Process

Before starting the installation process, you must know the materials and tools you will need. You will need mounting brackets, drill bits, a drill, a screwdriver, a wrench, measuring tape, and a marker. You will also need some safety equipment, like gloves, goggles, and similar.

5 Steps for Installing Gas Struts

Once you have everything, you can start with the process. Although the entire deal is pretty simple, you must mind every step of the process, because if you miss one thing along the way, the whole installation will be useless.

1. Start by making sure you have everything by your side

Check if you have everything above. You might have bought something from the store needed for the task but forgot it in the car. When you need it, you might not have enough time to jump to it, so make sure you have everything nearby. Place the brackets and gas struts the closest, with the rest of the tools within your hand's reach.

2. Inspect the area and make sure you know where the gas struts will go

It’s not the same as mounting the gas struts on a UTEs canopy, a caravan toolbox, or a camper trailer. Inspect the elements and be sure you know where exactly they should go. You can’t change your mind along the way, so ensure perfection before even starting.

3. Start by measuring

Measure everything perfectly. While doing this, you can think about the perfect position of the gas struts. Once you’re sure about where they will go, use the market and mark the places where you will drill. Make sure you have the right drill bit size, as the holes must be perfect.

4. Install the brackets

The next thing to do is to install the mounting brackets. These items are the backbone of the gas struts because they hold the entire mechanism in place. After drilling the holes in the marked places, place the brackets and screw them tightly. Make sure they are safe.

5. Attach the gas struts to the mounting brackets

Once the brackets are there, attach the gas struts on both ends of the brackets. Ensure precision – both ends need to be on the camper trailer, and the other on the item you’re planning to use. After this, you can test the gas struts and see if they work.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

In many cases mistakes happen due to entirely normal reasons. If you struggle with the final product, check out these issues and see if some of them help.

• Using the wrong pressure: Choosing the right strut with the correct pressure is vital. Using one that’s too strong or too weak can cause the lid to swing open too fast or collapse unexpectedly. Always refer to a pressure chart or consult a professional before purchasing.
• Mismatched struts: Struts are designed to work in pairs. Using mismatched gas struts causes uneven pressure, premature wear and tear, and may damage the shaft or the ball joint. Replace both struts when one begins to fail for a balanced connection.
• Wrong orientation: Installing the gas struts in the wrong orientation can compromise the seal and reduce the unit’s lifespan. The shaft should ideally be facing downward when in the closed position to keep the internal oil over the seal and prevent leaking.
• Improper alignment: Poor alignment can affect how smoothly the struts extend or close. Always double-check the measurement and the mounting centre to ensure everything is properly lined up before drilling. Misalignment may also stop the mechanism from working altogether.

Final Checks Before You Hit the Road

When you have done everything, you might realize you make mistakes. See if you need a stronger or a weaker strut. You might also see that you need a longer, shorter, or other gas strut types. It’s ok to look for another option, but if everything works well, you’re ready to hit the roads and enjoy your camping experience.

FAQs

What happens if I install gas struts with too much force?

If you apply too much force or use the wrong tools, you risk damaging the mount or the internal components of the gas struts. It may affect how smoothly the mechanism works and might reduce its reliability or cause collapse under pressure.

Can gas struts be adjusted for pressure after installation?

Most standard RV and camper trailer gas struts cannot be pressure-adjusted once installed. If the pressure is incorrect, you'll need to replace the gas struts with a model offering the right specifications for your application.

Can I install gas struts in extreme temperatures?

Yes, but always check the description from the manufacturer. Some struts are designed for extreme conditions, but others may stop functioning properly if exposed to intense cold or heat. Always choose the ideal model for your climate zone.

Is it safe to travel with the camper trailer lid supported only by gas struts?

While gas struts provide strong support, it's not recommended to rely solely on them while driving. Always use a secondary mechanical lock or stop system to prevent accidental opening or damage during travel.

Can I use automotive gas struts on a camper trailer?

You might be able to, but only if they match the correct measurement, connection type, and force required. We recommend referring to a struts Australia guide or consulting with a professional to choose the right replacement for your setup.