what #/force rating for gas springs on lid ?

[TacoDell]

^ looking at this configuration... noting that the lid needs to open at both sides. Should be full open around 80 - 85 degrees ?.
^ not to scale !

Think this configuration could work ?

I intended on using either a 35 or 36" (ext. L) strut - X2.

The lid/RTT's weight is around 95 - 100 lbs.

Because of the struts will be set at different angles I'm wondering what effect it might have as far as one angle having less or more force during the movement of the lid to it's 80* open position.
But I haven't a clue as to an attempt in understanding...
as I'm a little under educated in the math dept.

so possibly someone could help me out a little and give me an approximation, using your math skills, as to what lb./# force rating might support this lid ?
would be appreciated for sure.

Oh and these are the strut pressures and length for me to choose from.

36" - 467#
36" - 185#
36" - 154#
36" - 138#
35" - 100#
35" - 95#
35/36" - 80#

* notable...
When the lid is near upright 80* plus... it takes hardly any force to hold that position.
So I was concerned that an too high of gas pressure and my 154lbs. wouldn't be able to bring 'er back down. ~that'd be bad~ LoL

thanks if you can offer help

 

[StumpXJ]

There are several calculators to use to figure this out (you'll have to google it, dont remember where), but it didnt work to well for me and my lid. It took me several tries to get it right.

Are you sure the lid is only 95-100 pounds with the RTT? Seems awfully light. Is it aluminum?

I do know that i went with more poundage than I needed, and adjusted the angles accordingly to get the opening/closing right. I think I am using two 250# struts. But my lid is heavy.

~ James

 

[ntsqd]

It is simply solved using Similar Triangles. Assume that the force is the length of the hypotenuse of a Right Triangle. Can then use Trig & geometry to solve for the 'lengths' of the base and altitude. Those 'length' numbers will be the component forces in the horizontal and vertical directions. Do this for the fully closed and full open positions and you'll know what the forces are. Set this up in a spreadsheet and you can easily do iterative solves for the anchor location options.

 

[refried]

Here's my raft trailer, I'm using two 150# struts (I think) to hold it up and assist in opening it. the raft weighs about 220# rigged and the deck weighs about the same (I'm guessing), it will hold the deck open with the raft on top (but I use a stick to support it just in case) and takes about 50# of lift to open.

I'm sure you could make a deck that opens on both sides work after a few tries.

 

[BigDaveZJ]

The lid/RTT's weight is around 95 - 100 lbs.

I'd bet it's closer to double that. My RTT alone weighs 140, another 150 or so for the lid.

I have 2 225lb springs on mine and it works well. The greater vertical separation between your mounting points the more efficient the springs will be and your diagram shows MUCH less vertical separation than my setup.