RV Gas Spring Selection

Why RV Gas Spring Selection Matters

RV gas spring selection matters because a recreational vehicle has many different moving panels, and each one behaves differently. A lightweight cabinet door, a side baggage compartment, a heavy engine hatch and a generator service cover should not be treated as the same application just because they all use gas struts.

A good gas spring makes the RV easier to use. It reduces lifting effort, helps the door stay open, slows movement near the end of travel and protects the user from sudden drops. For OEMs, it also helps reduce warranty issues linked to bent brackets, weak doors, mismatched replacement parts and low-grade seals failing after outdoor exposure.

For aftermarket distributors, the challenge is slightly different. A customer may bring an old gas strut with faded markings and ask for “the same one.” That usually means matching the length, stroke, force, end fittings and application type. If one of those is wrong, the new part may install correctly but behave incorrectly.

Where Gas Springs Are Used in RVs

Gas springs are used in RVs wherever a hinged or lifted panel needs controlled motion and support. The most common areas are baggage compartment doors, exterior storage doors, engine hatches, generator compartments, entry doors, under-bed storage lifts, roof access covers and interior cabinet mechanisms.

Exterior baggage doors usually need smooth opening and reliable hold-open behavior. Engine and generator hatches need stronger service-access support because a technician may need both hands free. Under-bed storage lifts often need a softer feel because the user is close to the moving panel. Entry doors may need controlled opening more than heavy lifting.

Each location has a different duty cycle. A generator compartment on a rental RV may be serviced often. A seasonal storage door may open only occasionally. The spring selection should match the real use, not just the drawing. For a more specific example, Newtone also covers gas springs for RV baggage doors as a separate application.

How to Measure an Existing RV Gas Spring

To replace an RV gas spring, measure the extended length, compressed length, stroke, force rating and end fittings before ordering. If the old gas spring still has a readable label, record the Newton or pound-force value. If the label is missing, the door geometry must be reviewed instead of guessing.

Extended length is measured from the centre of one end fitting to the centre of the other end fitting when the spring is fully extended. Compressed length is the same centre-to-centre measurement when fully compressed. Stroke is the difference between those two lengths.

End fittings matter. Ball sockets, eyelets, blade ends and threaded ends are not interchangeable without checking brackets and motion. Ball stud diameter should be confirmed. A spring with the right force but the wrong socket can create installation play, binding or side-load.

For older RVs, do not assume the fitted part is original. Many vehicles have been repaired over the years. The old spring may already be a poor replacement. That is why checking the door behavior is as important as reading the part number.

Single vs Paired RV Gas Springs

A single gas spring can work on narrow or lightweight RV doors, but wide doors and heavier hatches usually need paired gas springs. Paired springs spread the load, reduce twisting and help the door move evenly across the hinge line.

Force matching is important in paired applications. If one side is stronger than the other, the door may lift unevenly or stress one hinge more than the other. This becomes more noticeable on wide baggage doors, rear hatches and larger service panels.

Newtone controls force tolerance at ±5%, which helps paired springs behave consistently. For OEM supply, matched springs from the same platform are better than mixing parts that only share a nominal force value. For aftermarket distributors, replacing both sides together is often the cleaner solution when the door uses a pair.

Material and Environment Selection for RV Gas Springs

Material selection depends on how and where the RV is used. For most general RV applications, black nitrided rods with HNBR seals are a strong standard option. Stainless steel should be reviewed for coastal use, high humidity, road salt, washdown exposure or long outdoor storage in corrosive environments.

Newtone gas springs use HNBR sealing as standard, selected for UV and ozone resistance. The black nitrided rod has a typical surface hardness of 900–1000 HV with a treatment depth of 20–30 µm. That rod surface helps protect the seal interface over repeated cycles.

RVs see heat, cold, dust, rain and vibration. A gas spring that works nicely in a workshop at 20°C (68°F) can feel different in winter or in a hot storage compartment. Gas spring force changes by about 0.3% per °C, so outdoor conditions should be considered before adding force to “solve” a weak-feeling door.

When to Use Locking Gas Springs or Safety Tubes

Locking gas springs or safety tubes should be considered when the RV panel must stay open during service or when unexpected closing could cause injury or damage. A standard gas spring provides lift assistance, but it is not a mechanical safety lock.

Engine hatches, generator compartments and heavy service covers are the most common RV candidates. If a technician must work under the open panel, a locking solution deserves review. A locking gas spring may be useful when the panel needs controlled position holding. A safety tube may be useful when the main requirement is full-extension backup.

For normal baggage doors, a standard gas spring is often enough. For heavier service-access panels, the risk profile changes. The right answer depends on the door weight, access position and what happens if the panel closes unexpectedly.

Common RV Gas Spring Selection Mistakes

The most common RV gas spring selection mistake is assuming more force is always better. Too much force can make the door hard to close, increase bracket stress and cause lightweight panels to flex. It can also push the door open too aggressively when the latch is released.

Another common mistake is matching length but ignoring stroke. If the compressed length is too long, the spring may bottom out before the door closes. If the extended length is wrong, the door may not open fully or may overextend the brackets. Both problems can damage the installation.

We often see this with aftermarket matching. A dealer or service team finds a low-cost replacement with the same open and closed length, but the force is higher than the original because the customer wants a “stronger” door. The part fits, but the door starts closing harshly or loading the hinge differently. The better fix is to match force, stroke, end fittings and mounting behavior together.

Other mistakes include mixing old and new springs on the same paired door, ignoring rod-down orientation, using poor-quality seals in outdoor RV compartments and choosing end fittings that do not allow the angular movement required by the hinge geometry.

Frequently Asked Questions About RV Gas Spring Selection

How do I choose the right gas spring for an RV door?

Choose the gas spring by checking the door weight, extended length, compressed length, stroke, force rating, mounting geometry, end fittings and environment. Do not select only by length, because the same size gas spring can have a very different force and movement behavior.

Can I replace an RV gas strut with a stronger one?

You can sometimes increase force slightly, but stronger is not automatically better. Too much force can make the door hard to close, overload brackets, stress hinges or bend lightweight RV compartment doors. The force should match the door geometry and use case.

What measurements do I need for an RV gas spring replacement?

You need the extended length, compressed length, stroke, force rating, end fitting type and mounting hardware details. If the old label is missing, measure the door and mounting geometry instead of guessing from length alone.

Should RV baggage doors use one gas spring or two?

Narrow or light RV baggage doors may use one gas spring, but wide or heavier doors usually work better with two matched gas springs. Paired springs reduce twisting and help the door move evenly across the hinge line.

Do RV gas springs need stainless steel?

Not always. Black nitrided rods with HNBR seals are suitable for many RV applications. Stainless steel should be reviewed for coastal use, high humidity, road salt, washdown exposure or long-term corrosive outdoor conditions.