Sorry for the late response, I don’t frequent this board much since I no longer have a GFC.
To answer your question, yes I had to undo the lower snaps on the rear half or so to gain another couple of inches in height on the roof to allow me to get the old strut off and the new one on. I could not configure a way to get any compression on the strut while on top of a rickety ladder. Once the new struts were in the camper behaved just like it did without anything on the roof. I only had one big trip in the camper prior to losing the vehicle in a fire, it was a lot a serious 4wd and the camper behaved perfectly for me. I posted a pic below which was the best I could find of the rack and panels installed.
3 Likes
Thanks for the info, I really appreciate it. My struts should be arriving today and hopefully I can get them installed this weekend.
1 Like
Commenting to check back on this thread. Did you ever get the higher load struts installed? My tent struggles to get open in colder weather and would like it to open easier even in the summer. I have ski racks and a big sky rod box on top of my GFC (two beef rack bars) which amount to probably 75lbs.
1 Like
I’ve been running the higher rated struts for a long time without any problems. It does make the tent very taut. I haven’t had any issues with the tent sagging or collapsing in high winds anymore.
5 Likes
What struts worked for you?
Did you swap struts on a v2, and if so , how hard was it to do?
@Medicfung, I did a brief write-up of when I had to swap out a leaking strut on my V2. Obviously, higher load rated struts will be harder to compress, but I would think similar process could be followed.
2 Likes
GFC does not recommend running a stronger strut on the V2: you will run the risk of shearing the strut mounts.
5 Likes
Mine was a V1 (production number 80ish). I’m pretty sure that the struts reached end of life after a few years and were ready for replacement.
Thanks for posting the link, I’ve just installed them. Compressing with ratchet straps worked very well.
GFC’s comment about shearing strut mounts is noted. If anyone has had this happen please report it to this thread.
Hey @GFC_Support revisiting this thread and I’m glad I did. So do you just recommend using something to prop the tent up instead? I’m having the same issue described by multiple users. Winter time with ski racks and skis. With three pairs of skis (2 x lightweight touring setup) and one alpine/slack setup and it’s too heavy.
1 Like
I picked up some 3/4 inch PEX from home Depot, measured to length and cut a slit in the side so I can just slide them onto the gas struts when it is cold or stupid windy to work as a prop rod and it has worked well so far
2 Likes
I did the same thing but I used pvc. Works well in windy conditions.
Peace.
Did you use Suspa, or McMaster gas springs, I need to go up to 125# or 150#. Any issues running the beefier spring on your v2? thanks!
I used McMaster 150# gas springs from PNW’s link above. Absolutely no problems with use or installation. I’m driving home after five weeks on the road with a rocket filled with skis. Before the substitution I had to use a 2x4 to support the tent. After installation I didn’t need the 2x4. Additionally, it was too hard to pull the tent down without the rocket box.
3 Likes
Eureka! I think I’ve found a solution to this while watching car issues on motortrend tv… saw one of the cars with hood support clamps and realized that’s exactly what we need to prevent it from drooping or unexpectedly closing… they have different sizes for different strut thickness… going to order some once I figure out just what the thickness is on our V2s
Of course we would have to put it on and off every time we use it but should only take seconds
6 Likes
Did you end up trying this solution?
I had to do mine because it broke off the mount. It is not easy to do it, you’ll definitely need someone to help you
Now facing the same issue, definitely concerned about the gfc post that it could shear the strut mounts for the v2…but it’s been a few years, how are people finding this solution working?
Is shearing the strut mounts recoverable or na?