Davej Posted May 4, 2021 Report Share Posted May 4, 2021 I have a 2016 18' Redfisher. The long hatch under the driver seat is a bear to keep open because of the backrest that came on it. Someone has to hold it open while the other person digs through the hatch for her purse......hint, hint. Has anyone installed a Gas Shock or strut to hold it open? If so, can you send me some pics, and where you bought it? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. (by the wife 😀) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoneyB Posted May 4, 2021 Report Share Posted May 4, 2021 I know not as cool as gas strut but those old school springs might be another option. Once those things lock open you have to trip them to close the lid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MuddyBottomBluz Posted May 5, 2021 Report Share Posted May 5, 2021 Friction Hinges? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davej Posted May 5, 2021 Author Report Share Posted May 5, 2021 Friction Hinges ???? Great idea................where can I get them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MuddyBottomBluz Posted May 5, 2021 Report Share Posted May 5, 2021 https://www.boatoutfitters.com/stainless-steel-top-mounting-friction-hinge-1-5-x-1-5?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0P6O5bGy8AIVFA_nCh0L6wp1EAYYASABEgJom_D_BwE Do a search on this site, there have been many people using them on MBG products. The link is one of many suppliers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davej Posted May 5, 2021 Author Report Share Posted May 5, 2021 Thanks, You Da Man!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoneyB Posted May 5, 2021 Report Share Posted May 5, 2021 I do not think that is a good application for friction hinges. The hatch will weigh too much. Call gemlux before you order friction hinges. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davej Posted May 6, 2021 Author Report Share Posted May 6, 2021 22 hours ago, HoneyB said: I do not think that is a good application for friction hinges. The hatch will weigh too much. Call gemlux before you order friction hinges. Will do........Thanks, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fsu11 Posted May 25, 2021 Report Share Posted May 25, 2021 friction hinges is a no go for that hatch, Gemlux will advise you against it as well. (my buddy works for gemlux and the front center large hatch alone is too heavy for friction hinges.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davej Posted May 25, 2021 Author Report Share Posted May 25, 2021 Yep Talked to Gemlux last week and they said they would not work. Looking at other options now. Thanks, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geeviam Posted May 25, 2021 Report Share Posted May 25, 2021 I was going to install the same thing on my 2017 RF 16, but sold it before I could get to it. Shopped for all the parts. You'll need a piece of 2" x 3" 6061 aluminum angle to mount under the rear gutter with the 90 degree turned up. Then you can mount the other components to it. Forgot which length shock/strut to buy, but obviously, you need to get one that fits inside the hatch - not just on the hatch lid, when the lid is closed. Links to suggested parts here - hope this helps: https://www.ebay.com/itm/312711507892 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000MUTFT0/?coliid=I2HO1MQ8FBAMRU&colid=BK6U9OZ9IMZE&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it https://www.liftsupportsdepot.com/em-ball-stud-joint-10mm-3-8-3-hole-mount-l-bracket-s316-stainless/ https://www.liftsupportsdepot.com/et-ball-stud-joint-10mm-3-8-3-hole-mount-angle-bracket-s316-stainless/ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geeviam Posted May 25, 2021 Report Share Posted May 25, 2021 (edited) Here are some pics where the struts were mounted so they collapse at an angle when closed. Not sure if I would do it that way, but here is the support bracket needed to do it, if you went that route: https://www.liftsupportsdepot.com/qty-1-ball-stud-joint-10mm-3-8-3-hole-offset-bracket-s316-stainless/ You might not need the aluminum angle brackets when mounting this way if you used these ball stud mounts under the gutter: https://www.liftsupportsdepot.com/eh-ball-stud-joint-10mm-3-8-7-hole-mount-l-bracket-s316-stainless/ Edited May 25, 2021 by geeviam addition 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davej Posted May 26, 2021 Author Report Share Posted May 26, 2021 Thanks, that's exactly what I want to do. Appreciate the info. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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