Advice on gas strut weight?

[RovingFalconer]

I have a 2002 eagle that came without any lifter struts from the factory. It’s a bit tricky to lift it now, and nearly impossible with stuff on the roof. I am curious if people can provide advice regarding what weight struts to buy?

I will sometimes have ~50-80lbs of weight on the roof (Yakima bars with 2-3 large surfboards). But often I will have nothing up top.

Will 30 lb struts be too light for the surfboards? Conversely, would 40 lb struts be overkill when the roof is empty, or would they put too much stress on the canvas and hinges?

Thanks!

 

[Vic Harder]

I have 40's on my Hawk, with a large 265W solar panel on it in the front. At the back, I have pull down a bit to get the roof to come down. Other than that, they are perfect.

 

[CaptRussia253]

Im in the same boat. I have a 2017 swift with 30 lbs struts and lifting the roof was a little difficult with my Thule cargo box up top.

Anyone have a part number for the 40 lbs struts for a swift?

Thanks

 

[larryqp]

Rather than pull down your roof, try closing all windows and door, turn on the fantastic fan on high. The fan will suck the sides in, and the roof will lower much easier. It also eliminate having to go around the roof and tuck in any pieces of sidewall that may stick out.

With regards to surfboards on roof, when I carry my canoe on my yakima racks, I remove the canoe before lifting the roof. I have four external 40lb struts on my 2014 Eagle. I'll look for part #.

 

[Vic Harder]

i do the fan thing too... and still have to pull down the roof in the back with 40 pound struts in the back and no extra weight. in the front where the solar panel is, 40 is perfect

 

[bike4mee]

40# are overkill in most cases. That being said, when I transport kayaks on top it lifts them no problem. I'll try the fan idea. I also have handles on the inside to help pull it down

 

[buckland]

I have an Eagle and installed 30 lbs 5 years ago. I just bought 40 lb struts as, though the 30's work, I too have a large solar panel up there in front and a rack with the 2 sand mats stored at the back. I have the Yakima bars as well or when I take the canoe (never raised it with the boat).
I also carry along the speaker crank in case my wife needs to do the roof or my back is sore.

 

[knoxswift]

I have an Eagle and installed 30 lbs 5 years ago. I just bought 40 lb struts as, though the 30's work, I too have a large solar panel up there in front and a rack with the 2 sand mats stored at the back. I have the Yakima bars as well or when I take the canoe (never raised it with the boat).
I also carry along the speaker crank in case my wife needs to do the roof or my back is sore.

I too am an Eagle with solar and roof racks. I went 40 and it is just right, the front is lighter than rear so sometimes I'll have to pull down a little bit on front to fully close but not a big deal.