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Exterior Gas Strut Roof Lift Assists  Installation

Step by step guide to install exterior gas struts for the roof lift assist

Installation for External Lift Assists Shocks

It is really hard for most customers to install Exterior Gas Strut Roof Lift Assists on older campers. There are so many variables to watch out for, and many things that need to be taken into account. We highly recommend customers take their camper to an authorized Four Wheel Camper dealer for proper installation of these list assists. Please read caution notes below before proceeding with installation:

Caution

  1. Roof latches sometimes need to be moved / relocated to be able to install gas strut roof lift assists.
  2. Campers with running lights / marker light sometimes create fitment issues installing gas strut roof lift assists.
  3. Some older campers have a taller camper door that doesn't leave room for the addition of gas strut roof lift assists.
  4. Older campers with a Rear Awning sometimes make it difficult to add gas strut roof lift assists.
  5. Older campers with a rain gutter on the end of the roof sometimes make it difficult to install gas strut roof lift assists.

 

Installation for New External Lift Assists (Front)

Front Kit Includes:

  1. (2) - 2 Hole Offset Brackets

  2. (4) - #10x12" Self-Tapping Screws
  3. (2) - Threaded Ball Studs
  4. (4) - 5/16" Fender Washers
  5. (2) - 5/16" Locknuts



Step 1: Make sure the roof is closed.

Step 2: The 2 hole offset brackets will need to be installed first.

  • The 2 hole offset brackets need to go on the inside against the roof catches.

Step 3: Align the holes in the 2-hole offset bracket with the existing screws in the trim.

Step 4: Mark the location then pre-drill a 1/8" hole all the way through the tubing walls using a drill bit. Make sure to pre drill the holes straight.

Step 5: Attach the 2-hole offset bracket using the #10 X 2" self-tapping screws.

Step 6: Remove the bracket and silicone the holes in the camper roof and back side of the 2 hole offset bracket.

Step 7: Reattach the 2-hole off set bracket with the 2 #10 X 2" self-tapping screws.

Step 8: Repeat the process on all 4 corners of the roof.

Step 9: Go inside the camper. Starting at the front remove the mattress, and the piece of carpet covering the inside of the cab over channel.

Step 10: Mark where the ball stud will go through the camper.

Step 11: Drill a 1/8" pilot hole and check the inside for wiring clearance at the bottom of the channel.

Step 12: Enlarge the hole to 5/16" using a drill bit.

Step 13: Place 5/16" fender washer onto the threaded end of the ball stud and silicone the threads.

Step 14: Insert the ball stud with the washer through the hole in the front of the camper and place a 5/16" fender washer and nylon lock nut on the inside, and tighten together.

Step 15: Attach the end of the gas lift assist to the ball studs.

Step 16: Tuck the carpet and the push the mattress back in place.

Step 17: Move to the rear of the camper.

 

Installation for New External Lift Assists (Rear)

Rear Kit Includes:

  • (2) - 2-Hole Offset Brackets

  • (4) - #10x12" Self-Tapping Screws
  • (2) - Ball Studs
  • (2) - Barrel Nuts
  • (2) - 3/8" Fender Washers
  • (2) - 5/16" Flat Washers

Installation for New External Lift Assists (Rear)

Step 1: Mark location and center punch the mark. The ball stud should be approximately 1" below the trim.

Step 2: Using a 5/16" drill bit, drill through the first wall of the tubing only. (Do Not Drill Completely Through Yet)

Step 3: Check for the wiring that runs through the tubing. Use a flash light to look into the frame to ensure that the wires are out of the way.

Step 4: The rear running light may have to be removed to better clear the wires if necessary.

Step 5: After making sure wiring is clear, drill the 5/16" hole through the camper.

Step 6: Enlarge the interior hole to 3/8", making sure to only drill through the paneling and the first wall of the tubing.

Step 7: Insert the barrel nut through the interior hole with one of the 3/8" fender washer.

Step 8: Place a 5/16" washer onto the threaded end of the ball stud and silicone the threads.

Step 9: Insert the ball stud through the outer wall and thread into the barrel nut.

Step 10: Tighten the ball stud into the barrel nut and tighten together.

Step 11: Attach the gas lift assists to the ball studs.

SHOCK Part Number Reference Chart

Raven, Hawk, Grandy:

  • 20 lbs - C16-28169

  • 30 lbs - C16-22241
  • 40 lbs - C16-15959

Swift, Eagle, Fleet:

  • 20 lbs - C16-31895

  • 30 lbs - C16-31896
  • 40 lbs - C16-31896A

Disclaimer: These are very generic install instructions. Most customers find it difficult to install their own exterior gas strut lift assists due to the many different install measurements and methods required on the older FWC. Use caution.