roof lifting helper shocks thingys

I just got my shocks and found the right end mounts on McMaster to fit in the bimini fittings without any milling. I will be using 3x5 or 3x7 tie plates for my internal lifting thingy instal.

I think the whole set up cost me about $70 at most.
 
Oh YEAH!
:D
With much help from Overland Hadley and others in this thread my roof lifting helper thingys are installed on the inside of my Finch.
I wasn't able to get pics since I finished after dark. The 50lb struts are perfect for my roof with the Yakima Tracks, nothing else up top yet. The roof lifts up easily and comes down easily. At first I thought the 50lb might be too much but it is perfect.

Within the last few days I thought I had it figured out. Popped it up and then was in a dilemma and didn't have a solution. I really thought with the Finch something was different. Well with some insight from Hadley I popped it up again today and started again looking at lining things up. Well that did it. Got them installed in about 2 hours. Now mine isn't as clean since I used off the shelf 2x5 tie plates but I am more than happy.

The parts:






Disregard the larger tie plates. I went back to the hardware store and got more of the smaller ones and they worked great. More pics tomorrow.

Parts were purchased from the following:
McMaster-Carr
Struts: 9416K23 Gas Spring with Threaded Ends, 33.94" Extended Length, 16.14" Stroke $22.28
End fittings: Zinc Part#9416K88 $1.62

Bimini Fittings:
http://www.marinepartdepot.com/dehiwirepin.html
~$7.00 each

2x5 Tie Plates from Lowes, these were about ;0.55 each
Slight update, I don't feel the tie plates are necessary with the fittings.
Small screws-various prices.


I've also found the spring loaded pins on McMaster but not sure which size is needed but wanted to share it for reference.
http://www.mcmaster.com/#clevis-pins/=13kda5z
 
ETAV8R, Thanks for your awesome post, I just ordered all the parts for my eagle and will be following in your tracks!

A few question:

1.) Could you explain to me how you placed your brackets in the correct position?

2.) Was your roof popped up during the installation?


Thanks for your help!
 
The installation looks great, ETAV8R, but do you find yourself bumping into the struts when walking about the camper or getting in and out of bed? Just wondered.
 
Hi, Thought this thread had cobwebs since no one commented. Glad the work will hopefully help others in their quest.
yajssor said:
ETAV8R, Thanks for your awesome post, I just ordered all the parts for my eagle and will be following in your tracks!

A few question:

1.) Could you explain to me how you placed your brackets in the correct position?

2.) Was your roof popped up during the installation?


Thanks for your help!
Click to expand...
Do you have an arctic pack? I think it actually made it easier due to the sticky glue for the velcro. I shimmied the plate under the velcro on the wall and it helped hold it in the right spot.

1. When I placed the brackets I attached the bimini fittings to the struts and held them up by hand where I wanted them and used a pencil to mark the holes to be used. You may have to drill an extra hole in the tie-plates prior to instal. After you have the plates ready to go hold them up by themselves and mark the holes you will use with a pencil.

2. Yes I had my roof popped during the installation.

Doug Stewart said:
The installation looks great, ETAV8R, but do you find yourself bumping into the struts when walking about the camper or getting in and out of bed? Just wondered.
Click to expand...
That is the glory of the bimini fittings. Once the roof is up the struts are EASILY removed. I just store them behind the couch for the time being. It literally takes less than a minute to remove them. Overland Hadley was my inspiration for this type of installation.
 
ETAV8R said:
That is the glory of the bimini fittings. Once the roof is up the struts are EASILY removed. I just store them behind the couch for the time being. It literally takes less than a minute to remove them. Overland Hadley was my inspiration for this type of installation.
Click to expand...
Wow! I guess I should have looked up "bimini" fittings. Looks like I'll copying your install, ETAV8R! Thanks to you and Hadley.
 
The factory installation uses a ball and socket attachments. The struts have socket ends and the brackets have the ball. It's nice because the struts can be removed and re-installed very easily without tools other than something to pry the quick release clip back. Just a suggestion for those looking to do an installation of their own.
 
Today I installed the rubber mounts to hold the lifting struts when not in use. They will go under the storage box on the passenger side. It got dark so couldn't get good pics. I will take pics soon.
 
By the way, I just ordered my setup (thanks to the nice writeup from ETAV8R) and decided to try the 75# struts because of my Hawk and aluminum roof rack setup. I usually have a few items like chairs up on the racks as standard.

Will post results on the bigger struts in a week or so when they arrive and get installed.

Appreciate all the info on this post folks!
 
Glad I could help. Sorry for the delay with the new addition. I just got back from Saline tonight. Will wash the truck/camper and take some pics.
 
I just finished installing interior struts to my Grandby and wanted to thank Overland Hadley and ETAV8R for there pictures and posts and used ideas from both parties. I ordered the parts ETAV8R listed in post #262 of this thread except I ordered the 75lb. struts because I have two fantasic fans. roof rack, and a 130 watt solar panel on the roof. It was a struggle to get the front of the roof up before the struts were installed but now it goes up with ease and no problems getting the roof down, 75lb. struts are just about right for my set up. Thanks again guys.
 
Fitz, you beat me to it! My struts go in sometime in the next day or so. Waiting on 2 more eye's for the ends. McMaster Carr shorted me 2 but are getting them out to me in a day or so. I'm wondering why you need backing plates and why not just mount the bimini things right to the side and top? How did you mount yours, with backing plates?
 
KILROY,

I used an aluminum backing plate that measures 3" x 4.75" x 3/16". The wood paneling in the camper as well as the aluminum frame are very thin. I think the backing plates help distribute the 75 lb, pressure from the struts to a wider area and helps to distribute the side way forces of the two bimini fitting screws, thus hopefully preventing the screws from ripping out of the thin aluminum frame of the camper. The holes I drilled into the backing plate for the bimini fitting are a snug fit for the screws to minimize any play from the side way forces.

ETAV8R,

Nice job on the strut holders. I would like to do the same, where did you get the holders?
 
Similar mounting as ETAV8R but used 3/16" titanium plate from our scrap bin (off of an F-15 Eagle, hard to drill). I also used #12 x 1" stainless screws (countersunk) for my mounting option. You won't want to go much longer/bigger because of the side-wall thickness:



Here is my mounting location on the side-wall. It's mounted just below the white edge trim. You will have to cut the thermal pack velcro back a bit as shown, and tap the side-board staples in a tad. I also removed one factory panel screw in the process. then, just drill through the side of the camper (inside layer only obviously) and place.



Here is my top plate/mount location. Similar to ETAV8R but went through the back and used a similar backing plate on the back side (with lock nuts)


Thanks for all your help, It reassured me that this project is really easy, and cost me less than $75. Of note, I have a hawk with aluminum roof rack and nothing more. The 75# struts lift the top with my pinky finger. Put 3 lawn chairs and a few sticks of firewood and it's not at all bad one-handed. For storage I'll remove the struts and store similar to ETAV8R so they aren't pushing on the sidewall all winter. I'll have to find another location because I have cooking sticks and my awning crank mounted below the cupboard now.

 
Looks great Kilroy!
I think your plates are a bit thicker than mine. I was able to gently wedge mine under the adhesive velcro which helped when screwing them in. Big props to Hadley for coming up with the ocean going hardware solution.
 
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