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Offline porschetrimr

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Uprated tailgate struts
« on: January 15, 2016, 11:27:27 am »
Ive just refitted my fiamma bike rack but my tailgate struts cant cope with the extra weight even without a bike on !!
Ive been searching for stringer ones but am not 100% on whats  what ??
Am i correct in saying that the 770n on mine is the strength of them ? And so if i want more powerful ones i need a higher number ??
Ive found 830 ,990 and 1200 ones,im tempted to get the 1200's but dont want the tailgate to fly up when the racks not on !!
Any ideas?
Cheers
Dan


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Offline Cole

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Re: Uprated tailgate struts
« Reply #1 on: January 15, 2016, 02:51:38 pm »
I'd be interested in this as well. Where are you finding these struts? Links?

I have contemplated mounting a spare tire on the Fiamma bike rack. But would need the tailgate to still lift up.

Cole

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Offline porschetrimr

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Re: Uprated tailgate struts
« Reply #2 on: January 16, 2016, 06:15:25 pm »
Mainly on ebay

These are the most powerful i can find http://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/231388729865

Volkeswagen VW T4 (all models) Nitro Struts uprated tailgate gas struts - 1200N


but also found some on
http://www.justkampers.com/7d0-829-331-e-tailgate-gas-strut-t4-july-1992-april-2003-for-vehicles-with-rear-wiper.html

But think im going to buy these as they seem the best compromise on strength and cost
http://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/321923184391

VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER T4 830-910N VAN (1992-2003) TAILGATE BOOT GAS STRUTS

Re: Uprated tailgate struts
« Reply #3 on: January 17, 2016, 06:49:29 am »
Yes - 770N is the rating for your strut. 

My T4 had problems keeping the rear hatch open in cold temps after I installed back rack (steel structure, ladder, shelf - not sure but guessing more than empty Fiamma bike rack but less than if loaded with bike.)

I upgraded to VW 910N and all good now for me but sort of doubt it would stay up with more than single light road bike (if then.)  I find it no harder to close but that might change at 1200N.

I posted up some experience in the Yakima thread as that may be of use - made a temporary strut locking device that you could consider as an option.  Scroll down in linky - there are a couple of related posts.

http://www.cavevan.com/forum/index.php?topic=15.15

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Offline gerwazy

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Re: Uprated tailgate struts
« Reply #4 on: January 22, 2016, 08:06:10 pm »
Mainly on ebay

These are the most powerful i can find http://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/231388729865

Volkeswagen VW T4 (all models) Nitro Struts uprated tailgate gas struts - 1200N


but also found some on
http://www.justkampers.com/7d0-829-331-e-tailgate-gas-strut-t4-july-1992-april-2003-for-vehicles-with-rear-wiper.html

But think im going to buy these as they seem the best compromise on strength and cost
http://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/321923184391

VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER T4 830-910N VAN (1992-2003) TAILGATE BOOT GAS STRUTS
This is good info as mine are getting weaker in cold temps especially after I installed the hatch spoiler and bumper filler on the tailgate...Thanks.

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Offline Farther

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Re: Uprated tailgate struts
« Reply #5 on: January 24, 2016, 05:16:08 pm »
I have contemplated mounting a spare tire on the Fiamma bike rack. But would need the tailgate to still lift up.
+1.
« Last Edit: January 24, 2016, 05:17:53 pm by Farther »
Thanks,
~Farther

Re: Uprated tailgate struts
« Reply #6 on: January 25, 2016, 10:08:58 am »
I have done this to both the Vanagons I have owned:
http://www.telusplanet.net/public/gary2a/rack/hatchsupport/hatchsupport.htm

However, I used copper instead of the pvc as I was worried that the pvc would eventually crack.  While I think getting the better hatch stuts makes sense, I am not sure that they will hold up 3 bikes like the link above allows.

I also like this option (see the post by busfever): http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=5320380&highlight=#5320380
 
Bill
1993 Syncro Weekender (5 speed Manual)

Re: Uprated tailgate struts
« Reply #7 on: March 03, 2016, 05:04:09 pm »
In case anyone is considering the GoWesty gas struts, the rating is not listed on their website so I asked them which ones they are selling and they said they are 445N, so about half the strength of the stock ones.  No wonder they are cheap.
Bill
1993 Syncro Weekender (5 speed Manual)

Re: Uprated tailgate struts
« Reply #8 on: May 24, 2016, 01:30:25 pm »
I upgraded to the 1200N struts and took the van to a mountain bike race this past weekend.  I thought it was worth noting that the 1200N struts can hold up the tailgate, fiamma rack, and 3 mountain bikes with no problems.
Bill
1993 Syncro Weekender (5 speed Manual)

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Offline Itsamoto

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Re: Uprated tailgate struts
« Reply #9 on: May 25, 2016, 02:06:02 pm »
I upgraded to the 1200N struts and took the van to a mountain bike race this past weekend.  I thought it was worth noting that the 1200N struts can hold up the tailgate, fiamma rack, and 3 mountain bikes with no problems.

Good to know -- cause I'd like to put the spare tire on the door.

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Offline pureinla

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Re: Uprated tailgate struts
« Reply #10 on: July 24, 2017, 11:59:41 pm »
As Bill mentioned, the 1200's can hold quite a bit, they're quite strong. I just installed the Fiamma ones today - a huge difference from the 9xx's It takes some force to get the tailgate down with only the rack on there.