Gas struts for lifting RPod bed?
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Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2010
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Topic: Gas struts for lifting RPod bed?
Posted By: Hodge-PODge
Subject: Gas struts for lifting RPod bed?
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2011 at 11:00am
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Hey Podders,
Several weeks ago some of us had a rather comical discussion on accessing the hot water heater valves for winterizing/dewinterizing the Pod. The difficulty in some RPod models is that the valves are UNDER the bed, and we all know that
 (beepity bleep) mattress is pretty doggone hard to lift - which is one reason I'm thinking about replacing it with a foam mattress.However, other than the absolutely brilliant
 (literally tongue-in-cheek) ideas Mountain Mist and I received from our fellow Podders, I was wondering if anyone on the forum has actually installed the gas/hydraulic struts on the boards under the mattress to lift it up, just like the ones on my fifth wheel would do. If so, what size, and are they hard to install?Just wondering. Thanks.
Diane
------------- 2011 RP 177, the Hodge-PODge 2011 Mercedes ML350 "A man travels the world over in search of what he needs, and returns home to find it." |
Replies:
Posted By: Podsible Dream
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2011 at 6:55pm
Golly gee Diane next you'll be wantin' one of them fancy new fangled electric winch lifters to raise that panel....!!! 
Your idea is sound, but the main panel goes only partway back, and then you have the panel over the water heater area to lift... It would take a hefty gas strut or two to lift the panel and mattress- basically fold the mattress. The panel would have to be reinforced or constructed of thicker plywood. Think the back door of a minivan. The added weight would bring you close max gross weight. The more I read these post about folks weighing their loaded 171's, the more worried I get about exceeding that max gross weight number. ------------- Chris and Walt '10 RP-171 'Free Spirit' '13 Dodge Durango Crew 5.7 L Hemi V8 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2011 at 9:41pm
Hmm, let's see, you could add an eye bolt above the bed and then get an electric winch... 
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: Hodge-PODge
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2011 at 9:41pm
Okay - laugh - I can handle it!  Point taken. I guess I will have to stick with the 2 x 4 idea for making a prop. BUT, I think even that will work better if I replace the R-Pod innerspring mattress with a foam mattress - it will be lighter in weight to lift. Since I am determined to do everything myself I want I want to make the solution as simple as possible. (Hmmm, I SAY that, but I don't picture MYSELF installing gas struts!)
And by the way Tech and Podsible. . . . I LIKE new fangled things, but I never considered using an electric winch. Is that possible? . . . . Just kidding!
 Diane ------------- 2011 RP 177, the Hodge-PODge 2011 Mercedes ML350 "A man travels the world over in search of what he needs, and returns home to find it." |
Posted By: Podsible Dream
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2011 at 10:09pm
Any emoticons for a big kiss!,?. Here'sa smack for you, Hodge-PODge!  ------------- Chris and Walt '10 RP-171 'Free Spirit' '13 Dodge Durango Crew 5.7 L Hemi V8 |
Posted By: secretbard
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2011 at 10:17pm
Yes, she is cute as a button.  ------------- 2010 Rpod 172 :) 2004 Chevy Trailblazer |
Posted By: Hodge-PODge
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2011 at 10:38pm
 ------------- 2011 RP 177, the Hodge-PODge 2011 Mercedes ML350 "A man travels the world over in search of what he needs, and returns home to find it." |
Posted By: Podsible Dream
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2011 at 10:49pm
 We're with you!! ------------- Chris and Walt '10 RP-171 'Free Spirit' '13 Dodge Durango Crew 5.7 L Hemi V8 |