Which strut has anyone used for the RV4 canopy? I want to switch from a metal hinge type to a gas strut design. Any suggestions?
Thanks,Mike
Mike,
I'd follow what Fixinflying guy says.
I installed one on mine last year after I had a blow-over/blow off incident.
I did not know the hold down had fractured (because it is behind my point of view)- and my back seater didn't say anything.
I purchased the strut from McMaster-Carr pat number LGP85-150-30 15' long and 30# of lift.
In retrospect I should have used 50#.
I thought 30 # was way more than the weight of the canopy, but oh well.
The knob end came from the Chevy dealer- it is intended to hold up the rear tailgate of a Suburban/Tahoe (which weighs about 250#) I asked for 2008 (upper bolt) but I think they are all the same though 2015.
It comes with a threaded end, but a cleaner installation was to cut off the bolt and braise an AN-4 bolt to it.
Total cost: about $40 Looks slick.
Daddyman
I used a piece of nylon cord. Simple, light, won't leave a mark on the passengers head if you have to jettison canopy. Granted it won't hold the canopy open, but I don't walk away from plane with the canopy open unless it is inside the hangar.
Mike,
I'd follow what Fixinflying guy says.
I installed one on mine last year after I had a blow-over/blow off incident.
I did not know the hold down had fractured (because it is behind my point of view)- and my back seater didn't say anything.
I purchased the strut from McMaster-Carr pat number LGP85-150-30 15' long and 30# of lift.
In retrospect I should have used 50#.
I thought 30 # was way more than the weight of the canopy, but oh well.
The knob end came from the Chevy dealer- it is intended to hold up the rear tailgate of a Suburban/Tahoe (which weighs about 250#) I asked for 2008 (upper bolt) but I think they are all the same though 2015.
It comes with a threaded end, but a cleaner installation was to cut off the bolt and braise an AN-4 bolt to it.
Total cost: about $40 Looks slick.
Daddyman
Mike,
I'd follow what Fixinflying guy says.
I purchased the strut from McMaster-Carr pat number LGP85-150-30 15' long and 30# of lift.
Daddyman
Hi Bill, Please post or send pics to [email protected].I have a gas strut on mine, and it's a very nice clean installation. The key is to use a neutral pressure strut, which doesn't push up at all. It simply acts as a hold open and if wind blows it over,the canopy doesn't slam down. Mine is only about 8" long and requires very little work to install. I can post pictures later, as I am away from any photos at the moment.