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Post Info TOPIC: Gas strut for esky (top opening fridge/freezer)


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Gas strut for esky (top opening fridge/freezer)


I was sick & tired of holding up the esky lid. I did later have a prop to hold it up, plus a few other solutions with Velcro which also worked well. They all actually were pretty good solutions.

 

But thought there has to be a better way!

 

Bought the shortest gas strut I could find for caravan cupboard doors, 40nm (4kg) load. I tested it on the scales & it was pretty right, maybe 10% over. 46mm stroke.

 

Thought it would be too higher nm, when ordering, but 40nm was the smallest load I could find, & also when I pushed it in by hand once I go it, but it worked out perfectly on the Waeco 28L fridge. A bit of luck for a change!

 

I can't open the lid fully due to extremely limited position in the car (an entire topic in itself). So gas strut stroke didn't have to be much for my set-up.

 

I added an aluminium plate to the brackets to spread load. I used stainless screws. The strut may rust over time, so I may end up buying a few spares & simply replace them as required.

 

Very happy now that both hands are free to work on the actual task in front of oneself, getting things in & out efficiently!

 

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When open over half way the lid does lift up a touch. When one quarter open the lid drops closed (other than locking), so basically perfect calculations (luck).

 

Couldn't be happier with open & closed positions. Also haven't lost too much space within the fridge.



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Procrastination, mankind's greatest labour saving device!

50L custom fuel rack 6x20W 100/20mppt 4x26Ah gel 28L super insulated fridge TPMS 3 ARB compressors heatsink fan cooled 4L tank aftercooler Air/water OCD cleaning 4 stage car acoustic insulation.

KJB


Guru

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Date:

Nice job.......



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KB



Senior Member

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Posts: 291
Date:

A great solution to a common hassle...

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Member

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Posts: 17
Date:

A very clever solution. I went for something a little more basic. Safe Travels. Dave

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Guru

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Posts: 7578
Date:

The previous solution was a length of 3.18mm 316 stainless steel, ends rounded. It worked well.



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Procrastination, mankind's greatest labour saving device!

50L custom fuel rack 6x20W 100/20mppt 4x26Ah gel 28L super insulated fridge TPMS 3 ARB compressors heatsink fan cooled 4L tank aftercooler Air/water OCD cleaning 4 stage car acoustic insulation.

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