Gas struts- you lot are my last hope!
Hi all. Recently I renewed the Gas struts on the bed of our 2011 Bailey Unicorn Valencia. So far so good. However, during my search on the Bailey website I discovered that the two Hekis should have gas struts on them and they haven’t! They have never had gas struts on them - I thought it strange but never questioned it but it now appears that the van went through QC without gas struts! That’s a discussion for another time!
This is my problem, - Even from Bailey, they are £35.99 EACH when they used to be £35 per pair and I need 4. I am loath to pay out £150 for something that should be on the van as standard. However, all is not lost as, at the show, a contact told me of SGS Engineering in Derby who make Gas struts of good quality and much cheaper. However, for them to supply them, they need various dimensions including the force the struts produce. This is very important due to the fact that if they are too powerful, they could smash the Heki- not good! Does anyone out there have a similar van? I believe the Heki is a heki 2. There should be data on the barrel of the strut which would be very valuable. I have the Bailey part number but it’s the manufacturers part/model number I require to try to get a match. I know Dometic make the Hekis and talking to Jacksons of Old Arley who have struts (49.99!) they are only stamped with ‘Dometic’ and Do not open. If anyone can help, please contact me and I’ll let you know what dimensions etc I need. Many thanks to all.
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Is this not them, Link Listed on your suppliers website ?
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Hi David, long time no speak!! I’ve always wanted open Hekis!! Just thought as they weren’t fitted that they couldn’t be. Funny that they didn’t mention the force thing although to be fair, it was Jacksons that mentioned that and not SGS. Glad you got sorted with yours.
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Could well be Milo. Thanks for the link. One of the things I’m not sure of is the end fixings. Is it eyes, ball joints or one of each. I need to get it right obviously and as I am replacing the catches on both Hekis very soon (as one has been degraded by UV light) I can do it at the same time. Thanks again. I spoke to them (SGS that is) this morning and he never mentioned this but he would still need to know the end fixings wouldn’t he??
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I replaced mine on my Coachman when I had it with These if it's any help.
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That’s the same as Milos link David- this is looking hopeful. Further info. Apparently SGS do a adjustable gas strut to allow less pressure if needed. Just something to bear in mind if needed in the future. Thanks to all. I will have another word with SGS and see what can be done. Hopefully I’ll spend this summer with wide open Hekis!! ( and I hope everyone else does too!)
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All sorted. For anyone in a similar position, the part number is G4 12 140 1 330 AU11 AB07 40N. There will be a date( of manufacture it must be) after that for example 11/10. The 40N is the force in Newton’s. SGS engineering do an exact replacement except the bar is 6mm not 4mm. A better quality strut than the original equipment?? We shall soon know. Thanks to all who helped me resolve this problem. CT at its best!!
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With a problem like that I don’t blame you heethers! Got to say that I ordered the parts (4 new Heki struts) at 3.30 on Tuesday afternoon and by 12 midday Wednesday I had then in my hand and the whole job was finished by 3.30! Excellent service- if the struts are as good as their delivery I be well pleased!
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The gas struts on the bed of our Bailey Valencia were no good and changed under warranty with no improvement. We then realised that the memory foam topper on the bed was adding weight that the struts were not designed for.
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