What are Gas Struts?

Gas Struts, also referred to as gas shocks or gas springs, have many applications in RVs. They are used as supports to keep baggage doors or entry doors open, and to hold up an RV mattress when the underbed storage is being accessed. They also have many automotive applications, the most common being support of hoods, trunks, or rear hatches.

The end connectors on most gas struts are universal, they fit onto a round ball that is part of a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket can be different configurations (flat horizontal, flat vertical, 90 degrees, etc.) depending on the configuration of the mounting surface. But the ball to strut connection is consistent.

Gas Struts look similar as well. The difference is the length and the amount of force or pressure that the gas strut exerts when it is extending or supporting. The length is determined using two measures: The open length and the closed length. The pressure is expressed in pounds (short for pounds per square inch.)

Measuring the Strut

If you are replacing a gas shock on your motorhome or travel trailer, here's how to measure:

1. Measure the open or extended length of the gas strut from the center of the one ball socket connector to the center of the other ball socket connector (end to end) when the prop is completely extended.
2. Measure the closed or compressed length of the gas prop from the center of one ball socket connector to the center of the other ball socket connector when the prop is completely compressed.
3. Measure the Diameter of both the Barrel and the Rod to get the gas shock size. It is usually recorded as the Rod diameter over the barrel diameter. (e.g. 6/15, 8/18, 10/22, 14/28, etc.) and the more robust the strut is, the "fatter" it will be.
4. Measure the exposed Rod length from the Barrel to the center of the ball socket when the gas strut piston rod is extended. This is the stroke length.
5. The force of the gas strut will usually be marked on the barrel of the strut. Look for a number that is followed by "Nm" or "N". This stands for Newton Metres, a measure of force.
6. If there is no force marked on the strut, you'll have to determine what force you need by the application. See below for a few common RV gas prop applications and the force required for each of them.

Common RV Strut Applications and Required Strut Force

Horizontally Hinged Baggage Door

Vertically Hinged Baggage Door

RV Entry Doors

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RV Bed Lifts

Buying Gas Struts

For further information on the range of gas shocks available, consult the RV hardware section of our catalog, available by clicking on "Catalog" on the main menu of every one of our web pages. You have no need to purchase your gas struts from Princess Auto, contact one of our customer service representatives if you need any assistance identifying or purchasing a gas shock for your RV.

About RV Part Shop - Our RV Part Store & RV Shop 

RV Accessories, Marine Parts, Camping & Outdoor 

RV Part Shop was born from the idea that RV owners should be able to get RV parts online easily and inexpensively. Let us be your parts department because we have the most comprehensive parts store online. We offer parts to fit all vehicles from all RV manufacturers. For your smaller vehicle, we also have a wide selection of truck and auto parts.

Purchasing parts from RV Part Shop is better than buying from RV dealers. Those brick-and-mortar dealers have the competing interests of unit sales and service. We deal in parts for motorhomes and travel trailers exclusively. Our focus is on getting you the right part or accessory to fit your needs at the best possible price.

Nationwide RV Service

Local customers consistently tell us that we're the best place for owners of RVs to purchase parts. We are a proud member of the RV industry because we serve customers across the country and even internationally.

We operate two sites to serve customers:  www.rvpartshop.com serves customers in the USA from sixteen different warehouses.  Canadian and international customers can purchase parts at www.rvpartshop.ca, which supplies our customers from seven warehouses across Canada including RV owners in Calgary for RV parts. Travel trailer owners shop with us to get Edmonton RV parts. We're also trusted as the best source for RV accessories for Edmonton customers and RV Parts in Calgary. Closer to home, local camping enthusiasts shop here for their RVs in Barrie.

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RV Products and Services We Offer

We have the most comprehensive parts and accessories selection for your RV online. We combine that with exceptional customer service, fast free shipping, and easy returns.

Our RV parts catalog online is a great way to browse all the great products we carry. You can review our product selection quickly and easily in a digital book format. It is an RV superstore catalogue, the most comprehensive and informative in the industry. If you are looking for a travel trailer parts catalog, it is well worth checking out.

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If you have something smaller, We've got what you need in Coleman trailer parts. We also serve owners of Fleetwood RV vehicles, Jayco trailers and camping trailer accessories.

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Our sale items include the best items of RV surplus in the USA and Canada. We ship our parts and accessories from a large network of 23 RV warehouses continent-wide. If you're looking for "RV parts near me" online, we're almost in your neighborhood.

Our RV Product Lines

Our catalog is as diverse as the parts that are built into you RV. We offer products from all of the major RV Part manufacturers like:

• Thetford RV toilet parts for RV toilet repair

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RV Part Shop also carries a wide range of RV accessories to help you optimize your enjoyment of the RV lifestyle.

Marine Parts Superstore

For boating enthusiasts, we are the marine parts supply store to shop. We offer a catalog of discount marine parts and boating parts and accessories, including Mercury Marine parts and supplies. Our knowledgeable staff makes us the best marine parts outlet for boaters.

Need it in a hurry? Get your marine parts shipped to you the same day. Our marine parts warehouses across the country are fully stocked and ready to get you the parts you need in the fastest possible time, including Mercury outboard parts.

RV Part Shop is the marine parts outlet favored by owners of pleasure craft nationwide. So make your best choice for marine boat parts. When you are searching for "marine parts near me", remember that we are your marine parts source.

Best Camping Gear in Canada and the USA

Finally, our product offering includes very cool camping gear for sale and outdoor supplies, including camping cooking gear.

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It's important to have the essential camping gear you need to have a safe and enjoyable experience in the great outdoors. So why not save money and get cheap camping gear with fast shipping nationwide. Here's a sample of some of the camping essentials we carry:

• Water resistant stuff sacks

• First aid kits

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We deliver anywhere, so camping gear in Vancouver is the same as camping gear in Calgary to us. No need to look for Canadian Tire camping gear, we have it all here and are ready to deliver to your door in lots of time for your next camping trip. So make your best camping gear list and start your shopping with us. When you are thinking “camping gear near me”, there is no better choice than RV Part Shop.

When you are thinking about RV Parts, marine parts, truck accessories or camping/outdoor gear, there is no better choice than RV Part Shop.