Gas Struts for Caravans, Campers and 4WDs: What Every Traveller Should Know
Anyone who has spent time on the road knows the frustration of a hatch that won’t stay open. Whether it’s a fridge door in a caravan, a camper trailer lid or a ute canopy, a tired gas strut turns a simple job into a two-handed juggle. Here’s what to know about choosing and replacing struts for life on the road.
Where you’ll find gas struts on the road
Caravans and RVs use gas struts in more places than most owners realise:
- Fridge hatches and external access doors
- Storage bay doors
- Awning assemblies
- Camper trailer lids
- Bed bases that lift for under-bed storage
On 4WDs and utes, struts hold up canopies, toolbox lids and rear doors. They’re also used with sliding drawer systems and storage setups in the tray.
Why road struts work harder
A strut on a kitchen cabinet lives a quiet life. A strut on a canopy or camper trailer faces corrugations, dust, heat and temperature swings. Australian outback conditions are tough on seals, which is what keeps the gas inside the strut. Once a seal wears, the strut slowly loses pressure and stops holding its load.
That’s why it pays to choose struts built for harsh conditions, and to replace them in pairs when one starts to fade.
Signs your caravan or 4WD struts need replacing
- The lid or hatch drifts down slowly after opening
- You need to give it a push to get it fully open
- Visible oil around the rod seal
- Rust or pitting on the rod
If a canopy or heavy lid drops without warning, stop using it until the struts are replaced. A falling lid can cause real injury.
Getting the right replacement
Measure the extended length centre to centre, then the compressed length. Check the rod diameter and look for the force rating in Newtons printed on the body. Note the end fittings too.
If you’ve added weight to a lid, such as a solar panel, a roof rack or extra storage, your original struts may now be underpowered. In that case, a higher-force strut or a custom build is the better option.
Schutts Industrial stocks caravan hatch struts, fridge strut kits, storage bay struts and heavy-duty struts for canopies and toolboxes. They can also custom-build struts to your exact length and force requirements.
Ordering before your next trip
Don’t leave it until the night before you head off. Struts from Schutts are gassed in Melbourne with a 24–48 hour production time, then shipped. Adelaide travellers can order through Gas Struts Adelaide with delivery in 4–6 business days. In NSW, Gas Struts Sydney delivers to Sydney in 3–5 business days.
Quick tip for the road
Carry a spare set of struts for your most-used hatch if you’re heading remote. They’re light, take up little space, and can save a lot of hassle a long way from the nearest supplier.