Gas struts play a crucial role in enhancing the functionality and convenience of caravanning and camping experiences. These versatile devices provide strength, durability, and customization options for various applications.
If you need heavy-duty support, replacements for worn-out struts, or stainless steel options for outdoor durability, gas struts offer a reliable and customizable solution to elevate your caravan outing or camping adventure.
In this blog post, we will discuss gas struts, their types, benefits, and more things that you need to know as to why they make the perfect solution for caravan accessories. Knowing gas struts can also allow you to make informed choices and enhance your outdoor adventures to the fullest.
What are Gas Struts
Gas struts, also known as gas springs or gas shocks, are hydraulic and versatile mechanical devices designed to provide controlled movement and support in various applications. At the core, they consist of a piston shaft and a cylinder filled with pressurised gas.
When compressed or extended, the gas within the cylinder regulates the movement, offering smooth and controlled action. Gas struts are widely used in various industries, including the caravan industry, where they assist in lifting, lowering, and supporting heavy objects.
Importance of Gas Struts
Gas struts play a significant role in various industries and applications and here are some key reasons why gas struts are essential:
1. Safety
Gas struts contribute to safety by providing controlled and predictable movement. They prevent sudden and uncontrolled motions, reducing the risk of accidents or injuries. They ensure smooth and steady operation when lifting, lowering, or supporting heavy objects, creating a safer environment for users.
2. Convenience and Ease of Use
Making the operation of doors, hatches, lids, and other moving parts effortless and convenient, a gas strut assists in lifting and holding heavy objects, eliminating the need for manual exertion. This ease of use enhances the overall user experience, making tasks more manageable and less physically demanding.
3. Load Management
Managing heavy loads effectively is crucial and through gas struts, it can distribute the weight evenly, reducing strain on hinges, brackets, or other supporting structures. By utilizing gas struts, the load-bearing capacity of various components can be optimised, ensuring stability and preventing structural damage.
4. Extended Lifespan of Components
The longevity of components and equipment can be reduced by a gas strut as it provides controlled and cushioned movement and minimises impact and vibration on hinges, brackets, and other related parts. This results in cost savings by reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.
6. Customization and Versatility
Gas struts offer customization options, including varying lengths, sizes, and force capacities to fit a wide range of industrial, automotive, and recreational applications. This versatility allows for precise installation and optimal performance tailored to the requirements of different components or structures.
7. Enhanced Aesthetics
For a more streamlined and aesthetically pleasing appearance, gas struts can actually be hidden in view. But they can also contribute to the visual appeal through clean and unobstructed lines and by eliminating the need for bulky mechanical components or support mechanisms.
8. Industry-Specific Applications
Gas struts are widely used in various industries such as automotive, aerospace, marine, furniture, and medical equipment. They provide essential support and functionality in specific applications, including vehicle tailgates, hoods, access panels, hospital beds, industrial machinery, and more.
Benefits of Gas Struts
From heavy-duty industrial equipment to automotive hoods and furniture, gas struts offer an array of benefits
Smooth and Controlled Movement
Gas struts provide controlled movement, allowing for smooth and effortless operation. Whether it’s lifting a heavy object, opening a door or hatch, or supporting a platform, gas struts offer precise and consistent motion. The gas-filled cylinder provides resistance, ensuring a controlled and safe movement without sudden jolts or jerks.
Support and Load-bearing Capability
Designed to provide reliable support and handle significant loads, gas struts offer strength and stability, making them ideal for applications that require lifting, holding, or supporting heavy objects. Whether it’s supporting the weight of a bed or a storage compartment, gas struts provide the necessary strength to ensure stability and ease of use.
Resistance to Corrosion and Wear & Tear
With corrosion-resistant materials and coatings, such as stainless steel or protective finishes, gas struts are highly resistant to rust and other forms of deterioration caused by exposure to moisture, UV rays, and other environmental factors. This resistance to corrosion and wear & tear ensures its longevity and reliability even in challenging outdoor conditions.
Space Optimization
To help optimise space in your caravans, camper homes, or other applications, using gas struts to lift and hold beds, tables, or storage compartments, can create additional functional areas. This allows you to maximise the available space in your caravan, making it more versatile and comfortable for your camping adventures.
Easy Installation and Adjustment
Gas struts are designed for easy installation and adjustment. They typically come with mounting brackets or attachments that can be easily secured to the desired location. Adjusting the force or resistance of a gas strut is often as simple as turning a knob or adjusting a valve, allowing you to customise the performance according to your specific needs.
Durability and Longevity
A Gas strut is built to withstand demanding conditions and provide long-lasting performance as they are constructed with high-quality materials and undergo rigorous testing to ensure durability and reliability. Gas struts are resistant to corrosion, wear, and tear, making them suitable for outdoor and harsh environments.
Maintenance-Free Operation
Unlike mechanical springs or other support systems, gas struts do not need regular lubrication or adjustments. They require only minimal maintenance or if any at all. Once properly installed, a gas strut can operate smoothly and reliably without the need for ongoing maintenance and support, saving you time and effort.
Customization Options
Gas struts offer customization options to suit specific applications. They can be manufactured in different lengths, sizes, and force capacities to accommodate various requirements. This allows for precise installation and optimal performance, ensuring that the gas struts are perfectly suited for the intended purpose.
Uses of Gas Struts
Gas struts have numerous applications in the world of caravanning and camping, contributing to improved functionality and convenience. Here are some common uses of gas struts in caravans:
1. Caravan Doors and Hatches
For opening and closing of caravan doors and hatches, gas struts offer the effortless and necessary support and controlled movement, ensuring easy access and secure closure.
2. Bed and Storage Compartments
Gas struts are used to lift and hold beds and storage compartments in caravans. This feature allows for easy access underneath storage areas or transforms the seating area into a comfortable sleeping space.
3. Awning Supports
Gas struts support caravan awnings, providing stability and ease of deployment and retraction. They make the setup and adjustment of awnings a breeze, offering convenience and versatility for outdoor living spaces.
4. Lifting Platforms
Gas struts are employed to lift and stabilise platforms, such as caravan roofs or tables. This creates additional functional spaces, allowing for increased comfort and usability during camping adventures.
Types of Gas Struts
Standard Gas Struts
Standard gas struts are the most commonly used type. They provide reliable support and controlled movement for a wide range of applications. Standard gas struts are available in various sizes, force capacities, and custom strut lengths to accommodate different needs.
Heavy-Duty Gas Struts
Designed to withstand substantial loads and provide robust support, heavy-duty gas struts are ideal for industrial and commercial applications. They are capable of handling heavy machinery, equipment, and even vehicle canopies with ease.
Replacement Gas Struts
As gas struts age or become damaged, replacement options become necessary. With a wide range of sizes and configurations available, it is possible to find a suitable replacement strut for various applications, ensuring continued functionality and safety.
Stainless Steel Gas Struts
Stainless steel gas struts are highly resistant to corrosion, making them ideal for outdoor and marine environments. They are commonly used in caravans where exposure to moisture, salt, and other environmental elements is inevitable.
Adjustable Force Gas Struts
Adjustable force gas struts allow users to customise the force or resistance provided by the strut. These gas struts typically have an adjustment valve or knob that can be used to increase or decrease the pressure within the strut bracket, thereby modifying the force exerted.
End Fittings
Gas struts also come with different end fittings to accommodate specific mounting requirements. Examples of end fittings include ball studs, eyelets, clevises, brackets, or threaded ends. The choice of end fittings depends on the specific application and the method of attachment required.
Takeaways
When it comes to controlled motion and reliable support, gas struts are the go-to solution in various industries. From heavy-duty industrial needs to replacement options and stainless steel variants for corrosive environments, gas struts provide a complete solution.
With a range of applications and types available, they make a reliable choice for enhancing the functionality and convenience of your caravan. By investing in gas struts, you get to elevate your outdoor adventures and caravanning adventures.
Upgrade your equipment with high-quality gas struts for enhanced performance and durability. Explore our wide range of gas struts and find the perfect fit for your needs. Shop at TRA Australia today for all your caravan and RV accessories!
