We Tested 5 Best Struts For Trucks In 2025

I don’t know about you, but there’s nothing more annoying than a failing truck cap strut. That sudden thud when your heavy topper window slams shut is a clear signal that it’s past time for an upgrade. I recently dove deep into finding the best struts for trucks, specifically focused on replacing those worn-out gas springs for caps, toppers, and toolboxes. We put five popular options through the paces to see which ones offer the smoothest lift and longest lifespan, saving your head (and fingers) from future accidents.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Pamagoo 16 Inch 38 Lbs Shocks A.R.E Truck Cap Struts…	View on Amazon
	C16-18233 HUOPO 10 Inch Gas Struts, 40Lb/178N Gas Spring…	View on Amazon
	Vepagoo C16-09209 16 inch 38 Lbs/169 N Gas Shocks Struts…	View on Amazon
	C16-09209 16 inch 38lb/169N Gas Strut Shock Spring Lift…	View on Amazon
	C16-06874 C16-33312 17 inch 40lb/178N Gas Strut Shock…	View on Amazon

Pamagoo 16 Inch 38 Lbs Shocks A.R.E Truck Cap Struts C1609209 15.7 in 38# Gas Spring Lift Support for Snugtop Camper Shell Window Leer Topper Replacement Parts 2 Pack C16-09209

These Pamagoo struts are solid, direct replacements designed to restore the functionality of your ARE, Leer, or Snugtop truck cap rear window. Rated at 38 pounds of force, they provide reliable support without being overly difficult to compress when closing the lid. Installation is straightforward and requires zero special tools, often taking less than two minutes per side for the whole process. They are a reliable option when you need a standard fit that just works.

Key features that stand out:
– Extended Length: 15.7 inch, a common replacement size.
– Force: 38 lbs Per Strut, suitable for lids weighing 30-42 pounds.
– Fitment Part Number: Direct replacement for C1609209 and related OE numbers.
– Support: Backed by 18 months of quality support.

Pros:
– Very easy and fast installation process.
– Excellent interchangeability with major camper shell brands.
– Strong customer support commitment.

Cons:
– Buyers must be certain they need the specific 38lb force rating.

Best for: Direct, hassle-free replacement on standard Leer or ARE rear windows requiring 38 lbs of force.

Expert Opinion: These offer excellent OEM interchangeability. Buyers must confirm their existing part number (C1609209 is key) or measure their lid weight carefully, but once the fit is confirmed, installation is hassle-free and delivers immediate results.

C16-18233 HUOPO 10 Inch Gas Struts, 40Lb/178N Gas Spring Lift Support, c16-09322 Shock for RV Cabinet Door Truck Toolbox Lids, Replacement for Weather Guard Tool Box Parts, 2 Packs

Unlike the longer cap struts, this HUOPO set is built for smaller, heavier applications like sturdy truck tool box lids or RV cabinet doors. Despite the short 9.65-inch extended length, they pack a stout 40 pounds of force, making them ideal for handling heavy metal lids that require strong, compact support. They come as a complete, budget-friendly package including mounting brackets and screws, meaning you often have everything needed for a full overhaul right in the box.

Key features that stand out:
– Application: Truck Toolbox Lids, RV Cabinets, boat hatches.
– Extended Length: 9.65 inch (very compact).
– Force: 40Lb/178N, offering dense lifting power.
– Package Content: Includes mounting brackets and screws for flexible installation.

Pros:
– High force rating for their size.
– Excellent value, often exceeding customer expectations.
– Comes with installation hardware included.

Cons:
– The short length makes them unsuitable for most truck cap applications.

Best for: Heavy-duty, compact applications like Weather Guard, Husky, or US General tool boxes.

Expert Opinion: The inclusion of mounting hardware is a huge bonus, especially when replacing struts on older, custom, or rusted toolboxes where existing mounting points might be damaged. While rated highly, buyers must be precise about the shorter length (9.65 inches) to ensure proper closure clearance.

Vepagoo C16-09209 16 inch 38 Lbs/169 N Gas Shocks Struts for Leer Truck Cap Strut Leer are ATC Camper Topper Rear Window Camper Shell Canopy, C1609209 Pack of 2 PCS

This Vepagoo set is a top-tier contender for replacing failing struts on Leer and ARE truck caps, sharing the highly common C16-09209 interchange number. They promise stable support and effortless control, stopping those jarring slams that occur when old gas springs weaken. Installation is specifically described as fast—a five-minute, block-building simple job—making this a quick and effective DIY fix. The smooth, cushioned motion they provide also helps to silence metal clanging when closing the topper.

Key features that stand out:
– Motion Control: Smooth, cushioned motion prevents sudden pops or slams.
– Force: 38 lbs Per Strut.
– Installation: Super quick 5-minute process with minimal tools.
– Professional Support: Guaranteed 24-hour email responses and 18-month protection.

Pros:
– Excellent smooth lifting and controlled closing motion.
– High degree of compatibility with common cap brands.
– Exceptional customer service backing.

Cons:
– Specifications are nearly identical to competitors, making differentiation subtle.

Best for: Truck owners seeking a fast, quiet, and stable replacement lift for a standard 16-inch cap window.

Expert Opinion: The emphasis on preventing “jarring metal clangs” is a key selling point here. These are designed for smooth operation, which adds a noticeable sense of quality even though they share the exact force and length specs as many competitors in this common category.

C16-09209 16 inch 38lb/169N Gas Strut Shock Spring Lift Support for Leer Camper Shell Truck Topper Cap Canopy Door Pickup Window Snugtop Replacement Parts, C1609209, C16-33277, C16-33309, Set of 2

Providing the exact dimensions and force needed for standard 16-inch truck caps, this strut set ensures reliability for windows and doors on Snugtop and Leer models. It provides the standard 38 lbs of lifting force over a 15.71-inch extended length, matching the required specifications for numerous OEM parts. The manufacturer backs up the product with a solid 12-month replacement guarantee, offering peace of mind that these parts are built to last through regular use.

Key features that stand out:
– Extended Length: 15.71 inch (Ball center to ball center).
– Force: 38lb/169N.
– Fitment Guide: Comprehensive list of interchange part numbers for easy verification.
– Guarantee: 12-month replacement guarantee provided by AUCLIDIS.

Pros:
– Precise length measurement provided for careful fitment confirmation.
– Good warranty coverage for a budget option.
– Reliable standard lifting force.

Cons:
– Only includes the struts; mounting hardware must be reused or sourced separately.

Best for: Buyers prioritizing a specific length match (15.71 inches) and a solid manufacturer warranty for standard camper shell windows.

Expert Opinion: While similar in specs to others in this review, the highly detailed specification guide provided (including compressed length and connector dimensions) assists truck owners who need meticulous fitment confirmation before purchase. Always verify the original OEM number printed on your old strut before ordering.

C16-06874 C16-33312 17 inch 40lb/178N Gas Strut Shock Spring Lift Support for Leer Camper Shell Truck Topper Cap Canopy Door Window Toolbox Snugtop Replacement Parts, C1606874 SG359011, Set of 2

If your truck cap window is slightly larger or heavier than the standard, this 17-inch, 40-pound force option provides the extra muscle you need. This set offers a longer extension (17.13 inches), which is crucial for full clearance on taller canopies or caps with added weight (like internal racks). This is an ideal choice when standard 16-inch struts aren’t quite strong or long enough for the job, ensuring the door stays up securely, even in cold weather.

Key features that stand out:
– Extended Length: 17.13 inch, offering greater clearance.
– Force: 40lb/178N, superior lifting capacity.
– Application: Ideal for taller/heavier camper shell windows.
– Interchange: Matches C1606874 and the commonly used SG359011.

Pros:
– Increased force and length addresses common shortcomings of standard struts.
– Wide array of interchange part numbers for verification.
– Excellent support for heavy-duty windows.

Cons:
– The longer length may interfere with mounting points if you truly needed a 16-inch strut.

Best for: Non-standard, heavier, or larger camper shell windows requiring more lift and extension than the common 16-inch models.

Expert Opinion: This strut set fills an important niche. We often see truck owners struggle with 38-pound struts on slightly heavier lids; the bump to 40 pounds and the longer 17-inch reach solves this problem cleanly, ensuring the lid stays up securely without manual assistance.

Comparison Insights on Best Struts For Trucks

Choosing among the best struts for trucks primarily requires matching three criteria: length, force, and application.

The primary choice boils down to application: Are you lifting a heavy toolbox or a rear window? The 10-inch HUOPO model is solely for compact, dense objects like tool boxes and cabinets. The density of material means they need high force (40 lbs) over a very short distance.

For truck caps, the majority of standard Leer/ARE replacements hover around the 16-inch extended length and 38 lbs of force. Pamagoo, Vepagoo, and the 16-inch C16-09209 all fit this category and are largely interchangeable in terms of function. Vepagoo stood out slightly for its focus on cushioned, quiet motion control, making it the best standard choice if smoothness is paramount.

If your cap is particularly tall, uses thicker glass, or has experienced failure with 38-pound units, you may need to upgrade to the 40lb, 17-inch C16-06874 option for reliable, full support. Measuring your existing strut (ball-center to ball-center) is the single most important step before purchasing any of these best struts for trucks.

Final Decision: Finding the Right Lift

• For the Everyday Truck Cap Owner (Standard Fix): Go with the Vepagoo C16-09209. It perfectly matches the required specs for most standard toppers, offers rapid installation, and focuses on a smooth, controlled lift and close.
• The Heavy Hauler’s Choice (More Muscle): If you have a custom or heavy topper, the C16-06874 (17 inch, 40 lb) provides the crucial extra length and force needed to guarantee your window stays open safely.
• The Toolbox Technician (Compact Power): For truck box lids, the HUOPO 10 Inch Gas Struts are the clear winner, combining a high force rating with the necessary compact size and convenient included mounting hardware.

Best Struts For Trucks FAQ

How do I know the correct force rating (lbs) for my new struts?

The force rating is the weight the strut can handle. The easiest way to determine the necessary force is to check the old gas springs. The force rating (usually listed in pounds, e.g., 38#, or Newtons, e.g., 169N) is typically stamped on the cylinder body near the part number. If the number is worn off, you must measure the weight of the cap/door and the distance from the pivot point to the strut mounting point, though this is much more complex.

What are the signs that my current gas springs are failing?

The most obvious sign of failing gas springs is a sudden inability of the strut to hold the weight of the lid or door when partially open. Other signs include slow or sluggish lifting, or, conversely, a dangerous “sudden pop” when the strut extends, indicating internal pressure seal failure. If the strut is wet or greasy, it’s leaking gas and oil and needs immediate replacement.

Are these gas lift struts the same as suspension struts?

No, these products are gas springs or gas lift supports. They are simple hydraulic cylinders designed to assist in lifting and holding stationary weight (like a camper shell window). Suspension struts are complex components designed to dampen vehicle movement and are used in a truck’s suspension system. They serve entirely different purposes.

What does the OEM number (e.g., C16-09209) signify?

The OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) number is a critical identifier that specifies the exact dimensions (extended length, compressed length) and force rating (lbs) of the strut. Using this number ensures you get a replacement that perfectly matches the required fitment for your specific truck cap or tool box. Always match this number or its exact cross-reference.

Can I mix and match different length best struts for trucks?

No, you should never mix and match different lengths or force ratings on the same door or window. Doing so will put uneven pressure on the hinges and mounting points, potentially twisting the lid, warping the frame, or leading to premature failure of the new strut. Always replace gas springs in pairs.

Do I need special tools for strut installation?

In most cases, replacing these lift supports is a simple DIY job that requires minimal tools. For ball-socket connections, often just a flathead screwdriver or small pick tool is needed to pop the retaining clip. Struts that use brackets may require a wrench or socket. Special alignment tools are usually not required for these types of gas springs.