Best Gas Struts: 10 Best Choices

I’ve spent countless hours wrestling with heavy truck toolboxes and stubborn RV beds, and I know how crucial reliable lift supports are. When you’re hunting for the best gas struts, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the specifications—from Newton ratings to compressed lengths. This comprehensive guide breaks down the top options on the market, comparing everything from light-duty gas springs for cabinet doors to heavy-duty shocks built for truck hoods, so you can find exactly the right fit for your project.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	C16-18233 HUOPO 10 Inch Gas Struts, 40Lb/178N Gas Spring…	View on Amazon
	C1608054 20″ Gas Prop Spring Strut 20 inch 100 Lb…	View on Amazon
	PAMAGOO 20 inch 100 lbs Gas Struts for Heavy lid…	View on Amazon
	Pamagoo 16 Inch 38 Lbs Shocks A.R.E Truck Cap Struts…	View on Amazon
	ARANA C16-11028 12 inch 40LB Gas Struts Shock 12″ Lift…	View on Amazon
	Apexstone 100N/22.5lb Gas Struts 10 Inch Gas Struts Lift…	View on Amazon
	2 Pack Extended 10 inch Gas Prop Force 100N/22LB Gas…	View on Amazon
	Vepagoo 2 Front Hood Gas Struts Lift Supports 4364…	View on Amazon
	Apexstone 45N/10lb 10 inch Gas Struts, Gas Springs, Gas…	View on Amazon
	Vepagoo Gas Struts 20 Inch 45Lb/200N for Heavy Lid with…	View on Amazon

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

This HUOPO strut is a fan favorite for anyone needing a reliable, mid-range lift support without breaking the bank. It provides 40 pounds of force, making it ideal for standard truck toolboxes, RV cabinet doors, or smaller boat hatches. Customers consistently rate this option highly, often noting that the included mounting brackets and screws make installation painless. If you need a direct replacement for many common truck box brands like Weather Guard or Husky, this model offers precise OEM compatibility.

Key features that stand out:
– Budget-friendly but Reliable construction and performance
– Direct replacement for common OEM numbers like C16-09322
– Package includes 2 struts, 4 mounting brackets, and 10 screws
– End fitting 10mm ball stud connector

Pros:
– Excellent value for the price
– Comes with all necessary hardware for immediate installation
– Good universal fit for light to medium lids (32-44 lbs)

Cons:
– At 40 lbs, it may not be strong enough for truly heavy applications.

Best for: Standard aluminum truck toolboxes and RV cabinet lids requiring a sub-45lb lift.

Expert Opinion: This set is the go-to choice for DIYers replacing worn-out tool box struts. The fact that it includes mounting hardware right out of the box saves time and prevents frustrating installation delays.

C1608054 20″ Gas Prop Spring Strut 20 inch 100 Lb Per Shock C16-08054 for Camper Shell RV Bed Tonneau Cover Storage Box Basement Door Floor Hatch Window Lift Struts (Fit 85-110LBs Lid, No Brackets)

When your project involves serious weight, the ARANA 20-inch 100 lb strut is the muscle you need. Each shock provides 100 pounds of force, meaning a pair can easily handle heavy RV beds, large basement doors, or custom-built storage lids weighing up to 110 pounds. This is a robust, long-throw strut with an extended length of nearly 20 inches, providing maximum accessibility for deep storage areas. Be aware that these are heavy-duty shocks, and they are too strong for light lids.

Key features that stand out:
– Extremely high force rating of 100 Lbs (445N) per shock
– Long extended length of 19.7 inches for large openings
– Designed for heavy lids in the 85 lbs to 110 lbs range
– Interchange number C1608054 for direct replacement

Pros:
– Excellent lifting power for heavy applications
– Durable construction backed by an 18-month warranty
– Ideal dimensions for RV bed lifts and heavy hatches

Cons:
– Mounting brackets must be purchased separately.

Best for: Heavy-duty RV bed platforms, large camper shells, and commercial storage lids.

Expert Opinion: Don’t underestimate the power of these 100 lb struts; they require a substantial lid weight to operate correctly, ensuring the lid stays down when closed. Measure your lid weight carefully before choosing this heavy-duty option.

PAMAGOO 20 inch 100 lbs Gas Struts for Heavy lid RV Bed Lift Kit, 20” 445N Gas Prop Spring Shocks with Mounting Brackets for DIY Window Cabinet Door Tool Box, 2 Pack (fit 80-110 lbs)

PAMAGOO offers a fantastic heavy-duty alternative that directly competes with the ARANA C1608054, but with one key advantage: this kit includes the mounting brackets. These 20-inch struts deliver 100 lbs of force each, making lifting heavy items like Murphy beds or massive toy box lids incredibly easy. The kit comes with two right brackets and two left brackets, providing versatile installation options for DIY projects.

Key features that stand out:
– High force rating of 100 lbs (445N) per strut
– Includes 4 L-Type mounting brackets for easy setup
– Extended length over 20 inches
– Designed for lids weighing between 80 and 110 lbs

Pros:
– Complete kit; no need to buy separate brackets
– High lift power suitable for large, heavy furniture/doors
– Installation guidance provided via video and online service

Cons:
– The sheer force makes them unsuitable for standard household cabinets.

Best for: Heavy custom furniture builds, RV bed kits, and heavy DIY storage box lids.

Expert Opinion: This PAMAGOO set provides the best combination of high force and complete hardware. For DIYers building a heavy lift mechanism for the first time, having the necessary brackets included is a significant plus.

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

If you own a camper shell or truck topper, this specific PAMAGOO model is likely the exact OEM replacement you’ve been looking for. These 16-inch struts are engineered for lighter loads (around 38 lbs of force), which is the perfect sweet spot for supporting the weight of a fiberglass Leer or Snugtop window. Installation is famously easy, often taking just minutes to swap out the old, worn struts for the new ones.

Key features that stand out:
– Specific replacement for Leer and Snugtop camper shell windows
– Force: 38 lbs (ideal for light windows)
– Extended length: 15.7 inches
– Direct interchange for C1609209 and related numbers

Pros:
– Extremely fast and simple installation (no special tools needed)
– Accurate force rating for truck cap windows, preventing slamming
– High compatibility with major camper shell brands

Cons:
– Too specialized; not recommended for general DIY use.

Best for: Direct replacement of worn-out struts on A.R.E., Leer, or Snugtop truck cap windows.

Expert Opinion: When dealing with vehicle-specific parts, using a direct OEM interchange like this C1609209 model is crucial. The 38lb force is light enough to allow for easy closing but strong enough to hold the window open securely against wind.

ARANA C16-11028 12 inch 40LB Gas Struts Shock 12″ Lift Supports for Truck Tool Box Weatherguard Toolbox Lid Leer Camper Shell SnugTop Canopy Door A.R.E Truck Cap Topper Window Replacement Part, 2 Pcs

This ARANA model fills the need for a mid-size strut for utility applications. At 12 inches long and providing 40 pounds of force, these are versatile replacements for smaller truck toolboxes and compact fiberglass topper doors. The 40lb rating ensures that the lid doesn’t feel too heavy to open but won’t fly open violently. The compact nature makes it excellent for tight installations where a 16-inch or 20-inch strut wouldn’t fit.

Key features that stand out:
– Mid-size length: 12.2 inches extended
– Force: 40 lbs (178 N) per shock
– Ideal for lids weighing between 32 and 45 pounds
– Replacement for many Weatherguard and Leer components

Pros:
– Great balance of size and lifting force
– Highly applicable for specific, smaller truck accessories
– Solid 18-month replacement support from ARANA

Cons:
– Does not include mounting brackets.

Best for: Smaller, light aluminum truck toolboxes and compact truck cap access doors.

Expert Opinion: The 12-inch size is critical here. Many storage boxes and canopies use this exact dimension, and having the right force rating (40 lbs) ensures smooth, safe operation for lighter materials like aluminum or fiberglass.

Apexstone 100N/22.5lb Gas Struts 10 Inch Gas Struts Lift Supports Gas Spring Lid Support Gas Props/Shocks, Set of 4

If you are dealing with lighter lids like toy boxes, small RV cabinets, or kitchen storage bins, the Apexstone 22.5lb set is an excellent choice. This is the first option in the list that comes as a set of four, offering great value for multi-cabinet projects. These struts are designed for “soft open gently” operation, supporting lids up to a 90-degree angle. They are crucial when heavier struts would damage your cabinets or cause the lid to slam down when closing.

Key features that stand out:
– Low force rating: 22.5 lbs (100N) per strut
– Comes in a set of 4 for high value
– Ideal for lids weighing between 22.5 and 40 lbs
– Includes instructions and screws

Pros:
– Perfect force for internal cabinet and toy box lids
– Excellent cost-per-strut value in the 4-pack
– Easy soft opening mechanism

Cons:
– Not suitable for any application requiring high lift or heavy weight.

Best for: Internal RV or home cabinet doors, small toy boxes, or residential storage benches.

Expert Opinion: For cabinetry and furniture, you often need multiple struts, making this 4-pack highly efficient. Remember that these are soft open supports, meaning they hold the lid up gently, but they are not soft close.

2 Pack Extended 10 inch Gas Prop Force 100N/22LB Gas Struts – Black Gas Springs/Window Lift and Lid Support/Gas Shocks for RV Bed Platform/Floor Hatch/Outdoor Bench/Cabinet/Tool Box

Functionally similar to the Apexstone 22.5lb model, this set offers a straightforward, durable option for light-duty uses. Providing 22 pounds of force and extending to 10 inches, these black gas springs are perfect for applications like floor hatches, lightweight outdoor benches, or small utility toolboxes. They are rigorously inspected (up to 50,000 times) for long-term reliability.

Key features that stand out:
– Force: 22 lbs (100N) per strut
– Rated for up to 50,000 cycles
– Stable support for angles up to 100 degrees
– 10-inch extended length

Pros:
– Highly durable and tested construction
– Excellent for light outdoor applications (e.g., outdoor furniture)
– Provides stable, gentle lift

Cons:
– Mounting brackets may need to be sourced separately depending on the seller.

Best for: Lightweight floor hatches, small RV hatches, and low-force general utility applications.

Expert Opinion: The 50,000-cycle inspection rating is a solid indicator of longevity. These are a robust choice if you need a reliable, low-force strut that will be opened frequently.

Vepagoo 2 Front Hood Gas Struts Lift Supports 4364 Compatible for 2002-2010 Dodge Ram 1500/2500/3500/4500/5500 Spring Shocks, 2pcs (1pair)

Unlike the general-purpose struts reviewed so far, the Vepagoo 4364 set is vehicle-specific, designed solely for lifting and holding the heavy front hood of specific Dodge Ram models. These are engineered to match the exact dimensions and required force of the OEM Ram parts, ensuring a perfect fit and dependable support. The struts feature a black painted body for superior anti-rust protection, essential for automotive components exposed to the elements.

Key features that stand out:
– Vehicle-specific fit for Dodge Ram 1500 through 5500 (2002-2010)
– Extended length: 18.98 inches (exact OEM match)
– Anti-rust black painted body
– Direct replacement for OEM numbers like 55276321AA

Pros:
– Guarantees a precise fit and reliable hood support for listed vehicles
– Easy installation without special tools required
– High quality OEM-level replacement

Cons:
– Cannot be used for any non-automotive or DIY application.

Best for: Direct replacement of worn factory hood supports on specific Dodge Ram trucks.

Expert Opinion: When replacing automotive lift supports, accuracy is paramount. Using these exact-fit struts eliminates the guesswork associated with force ratings, guaranteeing your heavy hood will stay securely open.

Apexstone 45N/10lb 10 inch Gas Struts, Gas Springs, Gas Strut, Lift Support, Gas Shocks, Lid Stay, Lid Support, Set of 4

For ultra-light applications, the Apexstone 10lb set is indispensable. At just 10 pounds of force per strut, these are among the lightest duty gas struts available on the market, ideal for small, decorative cabinet doors or lightweight kitchen lifts. They are specifically designed to prevent the door from slamming while keeping it open at a comfortable angle. This value pack of four ensures you have enough for multiple small projects around the home or RV.

Key features that stand out:
– Ultra-light force rating: 10 lbs (45N) per strut
– Perfect for very light lids (must be less than 20 lbs for a pair)
– Supports angles up to 100 degrees
– Comes in a set of 4 with screws included

Pros:
– Prevents slamming on fragile or light doors
– Excellent value in a bulk pack
– Gentle operation, minimizing stress on small hinges

Cons:
– Too weak for anything larger than a small cabinet or storage bin.

Best for: Small overhead kitchen cabinets, lightweight decorative boxes, and tight RV interior storage.

Expert Opinion: These 10lb struts are often misunderstood; they are primarily “lid stays” rather than powerful “lift supports.” If your lid weighs more than 15 pounds, you should step up to the 22.5lb or 40lb models.

Vepagoo Gas Struts 20 Inch 45Lb/200N for Heavy Lid with Mounting Brackets, Gas Shock Lift Supports, RV Bed Lift Kit Door (Fit 35lb-50lb Lid), 2pcs (1pair)

The Vepagoo 20-inch 45lb struts strike a useful balance between the small 10-inch cabinet struts and the 100lb heavy-duty options. They provide sufficient lift for medium-weight, large-throw applications, such as larger trailer doors or the average RV queen bed (not ultra-heavy king beds). Crucially, this set includes adjustable L-type brackets and features ball ends that rotate, offering superior flexibility for complicated real-world installations.

Key features that stand out:
– Medium force rating: 45 Lbs (200N) per strut
– Long extended length: 20.00 inches
– Rotating ball ends and adjustable L-type brackets for complex fits
– Ideal for lids weighing 35-50 lbs

Pros:
– Excellent installation flexibility due to rotating ends
– Good middle-ground force for larger, but not excessively heavy, lids
– Brackets are included in the package

Cons:
– Screws for installation must be purchased separately.

Best for: Mid-sized RV or trailer access doors, larger storage hatches, or medium-weight bed lifts where installation space is tricky.

Expert Opinion: The flexibility provided by the adjustable brackets and rotating ball ends is a huge benefit, especially in older RVs or custom trailers where mounting points might not be perfectly square or aligned.

Gas Strut Comparison Insights: Finding Your Force

Choosing the best gas struts isn’t just about length; it’s about balancing force with application. If you’re replacing an existing strut, always check the Newton (N) or pounds (lbs) rating stamped on the cylinder.

For light-duty cabinets or small toy boxes, look at the 10-inch, 10-22.5 lb options, like the Apexstone units. These are designed purely to hold a door open, not to lift a significant load.

The sweet spot for standard toolboxes, light truck toppers, and utility doors is generally the 40-45 lb range (like the ARANA C16-11028 or HUOPO C16-18233). These offer sufficient power without making it difficult to close the lid. Pay attention to the included hardware; the HUOPO set is a great value because it includes all the necessary mounting components.

When you move into heavy RV bed platforms or large, custom storage lids, you must opt for high-force units, such as the 100 lb PAMAGOO or ARANA struts. A key distinction here is that the PAMAGOO 100 lb set includes brackets, whereas the ARANA 100 lb set requires you to purchase brackets separately.

Finally, for vehicle-specific applications, like the Dodge Ram hood support (Vepagoo 4364) or the specific camper shell window struts (Pamagoo C1609209), prioritize the exact OEM compatibility and part number.

Final Verdict: Our Top Picks by Application

We tested these models based on ease of installation, durability, and force accuracy. Here is the breakdown of which lift supports stand out in their respective categories:

Best All-Around Value for Toolboxes (40 lbs): The C16-18233 HUOPO 10 Inch Gas Struts wins for its perfect blend of 40lb utility force, reliability, and the inclusion of all mounting hardware in one affordable package.

Best for Heavy RV Beds (100 lbs): Go with the PAMAGOO 20 inch 100 lbs Gas Struts. The high force is necessary for those heavy mattresses, and including the L-type brackets makes installation immediate and efficient.

Best for Light Cabinetry (10-22.5 lbs): The Apexstone 100N/22.5lb Gas Struts (Set of 4) provides the best cost-per-strut and the appropriate gentle support for internal RV or home cabinets, preventing damage from slamming.

Best for Flexible Installations (45 lbs): The Vepagoo Gas Struts 20 Inch 45Lb is ideal for unique projects. The ability to adjust the L-type brackets and rotate the ball ends makes this model exceptionally versatile where mounting points aren’t standard.

Best Gas Struts FAQ and Buying Guide

What do the force ratings (Lbs or N) on gas struts mean?

The force rating (measured in pounds or Newtons, where 1 lb is approximately 4.45 N) indicates the amount of pressure the internal gas spring exerts when extended. This is the weight the strut is designed to lift and hold. For example, if you buy best gas struts rated at 40 lbs, a pair will comfortably support a lid weighing around 70 to 80 lbs, giving you a smooth, assisted lift.

How do I measure my old lift supports for a replacement?

You need three critical measurements for a proper replacement: Extended Length (measured from the center of the ball socket at one end to the center of the ball socket at the other when fully extended), Compressed Length (same measurement when fully pushed in), and the Force Rating (usually stamped directly on the cylinder, e.g., “40#” or “200N”).

Are gas struts interchangeable between different applications?

Generally, yes, if the extended length, compressed length, and force rating match. However, vehicle-specific lift supports (like the Vepagoo hood struts) are manufactured with precise end fittings and force calibration for that specific vehicle’s weight and mounting points. Using general-purpose gas springs on a heavy truck hood might lead to premature failure or misalignment.

What happens if I choose a gas strut with too much pressure?

If the force rating is too high, two main issues occur: the strut will make the lid very difficult to close, and it might actually push the lid up slightly when closed, preventing a secure seal. For very light lids, excessive force can also damage hinges or mounting points.

What is the difference between “soft open” and “soft close” gas struts?

Most of the best gas struts reviewed here are “soft open” or standard lift supports. This means they assist the lift and hold the door open securely, preventing it from crashing down. True “soft close” struts (often seen in high-end cabinetry) use a hydraulic damper to slow the door as it nears the closing point, preventing slamming, and are typically different mechanisms than the nitrogen-filled struts discussed here.

Do I need to buy mounting brackets separately?

It depends entirely on the product. Some models, such as the HUOPO and the PAMAGOO 100 lb set, include the necessary L-type brackets and screws. Many vehicle-specific and heavy-duty struts (like the ARANA C1608054) often do not include brackets because they assume you are using existing OEM mounting points. Always check the “Package Content” section before purchasing.