How To Install a Gas Shock/Strut On a RV Door That Never Had One

Updated 07/02/2025 | Published 04/29/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Gas Shock - 20 lb Force - 20" Extended, 11.41" Compressed - Black Nitride

(426)

$21.54

Gas Shock Mounting Brackets - 10 mm - Qty 2

(6)

$7.46

Question:

Can you show how this strut is installed on the door which way on the door?

asked by: Ronald W

Expert Reply:

A Gas Shock # 372-5300-20 is attached to your door and frame with Mounting Brackets # 372BR-1015. To position the mounting brackets correctly you will need to consider the shock dimensions along with the size of the door. This shock is 11.41" compressed and 20" extended and those measurements are from center of attachment point to center of attachment point. I find it best to temporarily position the mounting brackets with a double sided tape or painters tape to more easily be able to ensure the brackets are where you want them for the door to open. By moving the bracket closer to the hinge, it will allow the door to open further.

If mounting to an entry door the mounts are placed either on the bottom of the door between the bottom of the screen door and the threshold or on the outside of the door on the top of door. Mounting hardware will depend on the door and framing materials which may be wood or metal. If mounting on a baggage door the shock is generally placed on the top of the door that swings side to side or on the side of a door that opens vertically.

expert reply by: Bud M

Glenn

3/6/2024

Have a 2004 Monaco diplomat class a. Want to put a gas strut on the bottom front door. Can this be done and part numbers please. Thanks

Bud M.

3/7/2024

@Glenn I wish I had a way to say exactly what part you need but I have no way to look up manufacturer specs for the door size and weight. If you can provide me with the dimensions of the door and the amount of force it takes to open as well as pictures I can see if you have enough room to mount a strut on the bottom of the door.