Bed Gas Strut Modification

[photobug47]

I'd like to share with other Classic owners a modification I've done to our queen bed. The factory OEM gas struts are way underpowered to lift the bed with mattress, bedspread and blankets. A call to Airstream yielded a response of "no upgrades available". So here's what I've added. The OEM struts are about 85 lbs. The new ones from Amazon are 120 lbs. The strength of the new ones were flexing the lower metal attachment on the bed frame so I strengthened the connection with metal from a piece of angle iron from a Big Box store. Tools required were wrenches, screwdriver, grinder, and belt sander. Total cost around $25. If you' like more detailed information, drop me a line.

[thebaum]

Originally Posted by photobug47

I'd like to share with other Classic owners a modification I've done to our queen bed. The factory OEM gas struts are way underpowered to lift the bed with mattress, bedspread and blankets. A call to Airstream yielded a response of "no upgrades available". So here's what I've added. The OEM struts are about 85 lbs. The new ones from Amazon are 120 lbs. The strength of the new ones were flexing the lower metal attachment on the bed frame so I strengthened the connection with metal from a piece of angle iron from a Big Box store. Tools required were wrenches, screwdriver, grinder, and belt sander. Total cost around $25. If you' like more detailed information, drop me a line.

Could you please send more detailed information about your modification? we bought a new mattress and the struts will not lift it. We purchased struts from Amazon which are rated 120 pounds and now the metal attachments have bent. We would appreciate any information you could provide.

[G8trwood]

Has anyone installed struts a little longer to lift the bed up to the upper cabinet and make access a bit easier

[G8trwood]

Editing to add, there was enough compression left in the stock lifts to move the mounting point. I just needed to glue a shim under the mounting bracket so the end didn’t bind. Gained several inches of opening and the boss is very happy

[SandKSmith]

I’d put up with lifting that bed by hand for 5 years. Even replaced the struts once. It was too much. I put in an electic lift back in December. Cheap made in China stuff from Amazon, but it works. I think the actuator and controller was < $60.
Steve