FOUND! Cheaper source for tip-up canopy struts

[bullojm1]

I've been meaning to replace my gas struts on my RV-7 tip-up for a couple of months. However, every time I look at Orr & Orr site for the better price ($18.25 each + $8.70 S&H), I couldn't help but think there's got to be something cheaper.

And there is.

I was looking for an alternative to the Stabilus brand version Van's sells. The spec's on the OEM strut van's provides is an extended length of 15.95", stoke length of 6.30", 22.5lb force and 10mm ball sockets on either end. I liked the idea of a strut that had a little more force than the stock one. However, Stabilus only makes a 100N (22.5lb) and 150N (33.7lb) version. Something in the middle would be ideal.

I found the Suspa C16-08941 strut fit the bill almost perfectly. 125N (28.1lb)force, 10mm ball sockets, 6.3" stroke length, and the extended length was 15.7". A little shorter than the Van's ones, but only by 1/4". The best part - Amazon sells them on for $18.25 a PAIR, with free shipping for Prime members (a week ago I paid $14.28, so the price seems to vary).

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...ilpage_o00_s00

I ordered them last Saturday night, they arrived Monday morning and I snapped them on the RV today. They look identical to the other struts and seem to work just fine. Even though the picture on Amazon shows the struts with an unpainted metal clip on either end, mine came with a black painted clip, just like the Van's ones. The extra force is really nice as it now has the strength to life the canopy up on it's own. The other struts just seem to be able to hold them at whatever place I stopped lifting the canopy. They have an excellent rating, with a 4.7/5 star rating on Amazon, based on 301 votes.

Enjoy the savings!

[rockwoodrv9]

Thanks Mike. Mine have been off and on so many times, I could take them off without much effort on the clip.

[Brantel]

Awesome find Mike! You are my frugal hero!

[AspenFlyer]

Thanks, Mike. These snapped right on with zero issues.

[Bill Boyd]

Don't be surprised if fresh or stronger struts increase the forward force on the closed canopy to the point the sheet metal forward edge catches on the forward fuselage top skin when you try to open it, resulting in a loud pop and a puckered lip and necessitating trimming of your painted sheet metal parts

[Paul 5r4]

Thanks for post Mike. I like to replace the struts at annual in the even numbered years. My vans struts allowed the canopy to drop closed once, (and that was enough for me to learn to NEVER let the struts get worn down). Thankfully no damage. I do like the increased pressure in these so although I've just finished an annual I'm going to order and install these.

[newt]

Orr wants to charge $130 to ship to Australia

[rockwoodrv9]

I snapped mine on today - perfect fit and hold the canopy on my 9 up better than original. Thanks for the tip.

[bullojm1]

1 week PIREP - these struts work great! They have enough force to push the canopy fully up once you crack the canopy 30 degrees or so. They also aren't too powerful, as the canopy is still easy to pull down. The 28 LB of force seems to be the sweet spot for what's optimal for a RV tip-up. Time will tell the quality, but for $15 a pair, these are just getting replaced every annual or two.

[Steve Melton]

coming up on annual, I ordered a set. thx for the tip.