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Topic ClosedBed Risers for 172 Lower Bunk
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CharlieM View Drop Down
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Posts: 1797 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Bed Risers for 172 Lower Bunk
    Posted: 02 Aug 2015 at 7:47am
Glad you were successful. What props did you go with and how does it feel??
Charlie
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OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD
PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD
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Jay L View Drop Down
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Posts: 4 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Aug 2015 at 11:44am
Got the 20/40's and they were pretty stiff at first but the 2x2 helped build trust in it.  I would have had no issue putting in a full 2x4 with how flimsy and thin the board is.  We don't keep much on top of it because we double-mattressed the top bunk for the little one.  We have a foam mattress for the dinette conversion that sits nicely on top or our duffel bags when actually on our way to a camp site.

I will check the nuts and bolts periodically to make sure it holds.  Wife is super happy =)
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CharlieM View Drop Down
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Posts: 1797 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Aug 2015 at 1:46pm
Originally posted by Jay L



Wife is super happy =)



That's what really counts. Camp on!
Charlie
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OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD
PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD
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The Doop View Drop Down
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Posts: 7 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Aug 2015 at 10:55am
So I'm attempting to do this mod on my 176T bottom bunk and I went with the same size/weight gas prop. (20in/40lb)  I've only installed one side thus far and it works, but the bed will not stay fully closed even with moving the bottom connection back and forth to different spots.  I'm thinking the 40lb might be too much for the weight, but curious of your guys' thoughts.  All it is lifting is the plywood top and the stock mattress.  The lid is a bit shorter on the 176T compared to what you have in your diagram.  It's ~24" as opposed to 32".
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CharlieM View Drop Down
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Posts: 1797 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Aug 2015 at 11:25am
If the bed feels like it closes all the way and if the gas prop is essentially horizontal when closed you may have too much prop for the job. The prop should slope slightly downward when closed. Here it becomes experimental.Does it stay open OK? I used two 40# props, but the bed was wider and I piled on a foam topper and bedding.  It's important to use two props so you might try two at 20#. You need some reserve if you ever contemplate upgrading or supplementing the OEM mattress. If all else fails you can add a small luggage latch to keep it closed. Better to need the latch than have not enough force to keep it open.
Charlie
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OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD
PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD
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techntrek View Drop Down
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Posts: 9059 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Aug 2015 at 11:30am
If it is too light, I would just add some weight to the bottom of the lid.  The closer to the opening the better, since it will apply more leverage on the cylinders.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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The Doop View Drop Down
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Posts: 7 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Aug 2015 at 12:39pm
Great advice guys and I really appreciate the quick response.  I haven't added the 2x4 or 2x2 yet so maybe that extra weight will help things along.  It stays open with no issues with just one, I just was testing before adding the other side.  Worst case, I can just swap the 40lb props for 20lbs to see if that helps.  Luckily they aren't very expensive.  :)
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The Doop View Drop Down
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Posts: 7 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Aug 2015 at 8:42pm
Just letting you guys know that after installing the other sides prop along with the 2 X 4 brace it's staying closed just fine now with the 20in 40lb props. Love it and more importantly the wife especially loves it. Thanks so much for the excellent plans and advice!!
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goombah View Drop Down
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Posts: 21 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 May 2016 at 11:21am
Resurrection time!

I just tried to install this in the 176.  Thanks very much for the diagrams and parts list!  Those are a big help.

The 40lb props are just too much.  The platform won't stay flush when closed on the hinged side- too much pressure in that area from the prop and it is fighting the hinge.  They are very stiff to close and open almost vertical, so I'm going to try to order two 20lb props to see how they work (they aren't very common, I'm discovering).  As Doop said, there is only about 24" to work with.
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