For those interested, I did get upgraded struts to try, the first one was recommended and used by someone in the awning thread, to lower the clearance a bit, but also is upgraded to 50lbs lift, from 40lbs stock (Suspa C16-12104 Multi Purpose Lift SupportLift Support) so I know 100% they will fit.
The second one I figured I’d try is around the same size, but with 70lbs of lift (Lift Supports Depot 4511M10 for the Universal Applications) don’t know if it will fit, but looks very similar in size (holding them next to each other right now).
FYI The mount is 10lbs and each maxtrax is around 8-9lbs and there is 2 of them. I hope the hinges hold up lol not worried about the struts. If Shaun from the story till now can run this while wheeling like crazy (
FYI did a test fit today and it looks like the 70lbs strut is a NO GO. This is just my opinion, but I would be very weary of going anymore than 50lbs, as when I put on both 70lb struts and pulled down the panels, the place where it is riveted felt like it was flexing as well as the hinge felt like it was flexing. Hard to explain it, but the force needed to push down the 70lbs strut looked like it was flexing everything and “pushing” out the panel from the hinge as well as the rivets. I immediately took them off and would not recommend.
The 50lb struts were perfect. I needed to get some for my awning anyways, and the way that they held the maxtraxs + mount, I could live with, esp mounted further up on the panels.
Re-ordered 4x more 50lbs struts to go all around, as it will be able to hold what I need as well as be perfectly aligned with my incoming FSR 270.
Doesn’t look like many people have opinion on this process, so when I actually do the drilling and mounting, i’ll document.
So I still haven’t had time to fully do this yet, but wanted to update with the limited time I had this weekend to prep. Should be able to do the drilling and mount soon.
Measure twice, cut once they say…
First, gotta line out where the support beams are first. Used super strong rare earth magnets to line them out. Super recommended.
@babyyota - Way to measure at least twice and marking things off for success. The breakdown regarding the struts is SUPER helpful, and those 70 pounders are definitely a bit much. We would recommend struts rated for 45-50 lbs as well. You might have mentioned this, but are you mounting to the panel so you can still fit the taco into your garage?
In case others are looking to follow suit I do have to mention, any alterations made to a panel will void the warranty for that specific panel.
My #1 tip is, don’t be afraid (even if it voids the warranty on the panels, lol).
Having this stuff mounted externally and the gridwall internal has made access so much easier and freed up tons of space in the bed. #2 tip is observe all the obvious stuff like use lube, go slow, and triple-check your measurements.
I used 13" 100lbs struts on the side and 12" 65lbs struts on the rear.
Here are some pics from a recent trip. Adding gridwall to the inside of the rear panel helped a lot.
The breakdown regarding the struts is SUPER helpful, and those 70 pounders are definitely a bit much. We would recommend struts rated for 45-50 lbs as well. You might have mentioned this, but are you mounting to the panel so you can still fit the taco into your garage?
