Hydraulic Arms For RV Bed: What Size RV Bed Lift Struts?
RV beds are extra storage space. That is the unique thing about beds in trailers and RVs. You can just lift them up and pack some extra clothing or other items inside the frame. It is a handy storage area but sometimes the support arms are not that strong and need replacing.
The size you buy will depend on different factors. The main factor will be the weight of the mattress. 20-inch hydraulic arms seem to be the standard but it is the weight capacity you should look at most. 2 100-pound arms should handle most RV beds.
To learn more about this topic, just continue to read our article. It explores the topic so you have the right information to support your bed when you are se3arching for something underneath. Take a few minutes to see how this important information helps you.
How do You Keep an RV Bed Up?
The best way to keep your RV bed raised while you are doing something underneath is by installing hydraulic arms. Whether the factory hydraulic arms are strong enough or not remains to be seen. Some owners are very happy with them.
Other owners have installed arms that can hold 100 pounds or 150 pounds and gives them a few more inches of height. You will have to assess your bedroom situation to see if you need hydraulic arms that strong and how long they should be.
Arm lengths vary and start at 15 inches, go to 17 inches, then on to 20, 23, and 24 inches long. You get to pick how long they should be. Your purchase decision will depend on how much room you have to work with and how much room you want under your bed when lifted up.
The price of these arms is very reasonable and affordable. Their cost ranges between $7 and $40 for the most part.
What is a Bed Lift In An RV?
A bed lift is defined by the product’s name. This is a system that helps you raise your bed so you can get to the space underneath. It is a simple concept and there are basically only 2 designs for bed lifts.
The first design is the hydraulic arms you see in almost every RV and trailer. These attach to one end of the bed and then with a little help from you, lift up the mattress so you can access the items you stored there.
These are simple and easy to install and the same adjectives apply to their operation. The second type is a whole bed lift. This is where the device attaches to the box under your bed and then mechanically lifts the whole thing off the RV’s floor.
It is nice and can be easy to operate but it is usually far more expensive than the hydraulic arm option. Repairs to the system may be quite expensive as well since there are more parts as well as a motor to think about.
Which one you choose to use is up to you and the second option sounds interesting but maybe not as practical as the hydraulic arms.
Hydraulic Arms For RV Bed
These are found everywhere hydraulic arms are sold. Where you decide to shop will determine the price you will pay. We saw a large selection on Amazon and they will meet most people’s bed lifting needs.
You can buy smaller ones at 15 inches and larger ones at 24 inches. It will all depend on how much room you have and how much room you need. The important aspect of these devices will be their weight limit.
You can get them strong enough to hold 100pounds or 150 pounds. There are also, models that can hold up to 180 to 200 pounds or as little as 40 to 70 pounds. The weight of your mattress and bedding will help you determine the weight capacity you buy.
There are companies that sell these devices and they make them for storage lids and covers as well as for beds. If you do not like Amazon, you can check those companies out or go to one of your big box stores to see what they have in stock.
The better ones probably are found in the home improvement box outlets.
What Size Bed Lift Struts To Use
You can buy gas or hydraulic lift struts. Each type will have its pros and cons to them but they essentially do the same task. Your purchase decision will depend on your budget and since both options are strong, you just need to decide how much you are going to spend.
The size that you will use will depend on where you are going to use them and how much of an opening you will need. The bigger the application, the bigger the lift struts.
For gas struts, the length of the strut should be about 60% of the length of the lid or cover. Do not forget to calculate the weight of your mattress, etc. That weight will determine the size of the strut you will need.
Hydraulic struts will be close to those requirements and all you will need to do is lift your mattress up now and take some measurements to see what will work best for you.
Your size will depend on the size of the bed, the amount of room in the bedroom, and so on.
How do You Measure Gas Struts For RV Beds?
The following steps come from this website and are placed here unedited for clarity:
1. The function of the gas strut: should it open without any assistance, assist or hold open.
2. The speed and frequency of movement.
3. The dimensions of the application (width, thickness, and length).
4. The position of the application (the direction of operation).
5. The weight of the application and its center of gravity.
6. Environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity.
That website also has a calculator you can use and you can find it at this link. The instructions to use their tool are as follows:
1. Decide what you want to use the gas spring for.
2. Enter the dimensions of the application.
3. Measure the thickness of the application.
4. Investigate which material the application is made of.
5. Determine the total weight of the application.
6. Determine the position of the pivot point.
7. Choose how many gas springs you want to use.
8. Check the angle of the application.
Those are just the basics, You will find more detailed explanations on that web page.
Finding RV Bed Lift Struts For Sale
You are not going to have too much difficulty in finding replacements for your current bed struts or new ones. They are on sale just about anywhere RV parts are sold and where you shop will determine your cost.
There are two businesses that directly make and sell them. One is at the links we already attached to the previous section and the other is called Hatchlift Products. Just click on the name to go to their website.
There are probably many more similar businesses that do the same thing. If you do not want to go that route, Amazon has more than you can imagine and they are at all different lengths and weight capacities. Or you can shop at the different RV parts and Accessories outlets that are easily found on the internet.
How do You Install RV Bed Lift Struts?
Installation should not be that difficult. The packages should come with all the hardware and instructions you will need. The hardest part will be to place the strut in the exact location of the bed to make it easy to lift and close.
In some cases, you will need your drill to drill the hole needed for the nuts and bolts. Make sure to use a wood bit when drilling through wood. Make it the right size and a tight fit is okay.
When the hole is ready, place the bolt through the hole of the strut, and then place the bolt through the hole. Remember to go in the right direction or you may have to do it all over again.
Once the bolt and arm are in place, place the nut on the bolt and tighten it up. You will need a pair of pliers for that task. When you are installing, make sure to have a helper hold the bed up and in place.
Some Final Words
This may be one of the easiest parts for RVs to find and install. Just about everyone sells them and they are very easy to install. All you have to do is get the right size and your bed will lift up without any hassle and remain in position until you push it back down.
Make sure to do your calculations so you get the right size and weight limit before you buy.
