Komet Trailer Gas Springs

[P. Corbett]

The main gas springs on my Komet trailer seem to be getting weaker,
making opening the trailer difficult. Can anyone suggest a US source for
these? I have emailed the Komet factory but so far, no response.

Paul

[Bill Daniels]

See: http://www.internationalgassprings.com/

"P. Corbett " > wrote in message
rthlink.net...
> The main gas springs on my Komet trailer seem to be getting weaker, making
> opening the trailer difficult. Can anyone suggest a US source for these? I
> have emailed the Komet factory but so far, no response.
>
> Paul

[[email protected]]

On Mar 11, 9:21 am, "P. Corbett " > wrote:
> The main gas springs on my Komet trailer seem to be getting weaker,
> making opening the trailer difficult. Can anyone suggest a US source for
> these? I have emailed the Komet factory but so far, no response.
>
> Paul

I can relate. Replace them NOW. Mine went suddenly a few years ago
while I was off flying and I can tell you it takes 2-3 people and a
couple of 2x4's to hold the trailer open while you load the
sailplane. I purchased the new ones (1300 newtons for my 1988 Komet)
from U.S. ENTEC (see add in Soaring Magazine). They were official
replacements but not cheap, so I would recommend checking Mr. Daniels
source -- International Gas Springs. I purchased the gas spring for
my front hatch from IGS.

Mike J.

[Bullwinkle]

On 3/11/07 11:58 AM, in article
om,
" > wrote:

> On Mar 11, 9:21 am, "P. Corbett " > wrote:
>> The main gas springs on my Komet trailer seem to be getting weaker,
>> making opening the trailer difficult. Can anyone suggest a US source for
>> these? I have emailed the Komet factory but so far, no response.
>>
>> Paul
>
> I can relate. Replace them NOW. Mine went suddenly a few years ago
> while I was off flying and I can tell you it takes 2-3 people and a
> couple of 2x4's to hold the trailer open while you load the
> sailplane. I purchased the new ones (1300 newtons for my 1988 Komet)
> from U.S. ENTEC (see add in Soaring Magazine). They were official
> replacements but not cheap, so I would recommend checking Mr. Daniels
> source -- International Gas Springs. I purchased the gas spring for
> my front hatch from IGS.
>
> Mike J.
>

While we're on the topic, my front hatch gas spring is getting very weak. In
getting a new one, is the force in newtons usually noted on the old one
somewhere, or is there a standard value for front hatches? Just trying to be
informed (and avoid mistakes) before I order one from either IGS or
McMaster-Carr.

Thanks in advance,
Bullwinkle

[[email protected]]

On Mar 11, 3:56 pm, Bullwinkle > wrote:
> On 3/11/07 11:58 AM, in article
> om,
>
>
>
>
>
> " > wrote:
> > On Mar 11, 9:21 am, "P. Corbett " > wrote:
> >> The main gas springs on my Komet trailer seem to be getting weaker,
> >> making opening the trailer difficult. Can anyone suggest a US source for
> >> these? I have emailed the Komet factory but so far, no response.
>
> >> Paul
>
> > I can relate. Replace them NOW. Mine went suddenly a few years ago
> > while I was off flying and I can tell you it takes 2-3 people and a
> > couple of 2x4's to hold the trailer open while you load the
> > sailplane. I purchased the new ones (1300 newtons for my 1988 Komet)
> > from U.S. ENTEC (see add in Soaring Magazine). They were official
> > replacements but not cheap, so I would recommend checking Mr. Daniels
> > source -- International Gas Springs. I purchased the gas spring for
> > my front hatch from IGS.
>
> > Mike J.
>
> While we're on the topic, my front hatch gas spring is getting very weak. In
> getting a new one, is the force in newtons usually noted on the old one
> somewhere, or is there a standard value for front hatches? Just trying to be
> informed (and avoid mistakes) before I order one from either IGS or
> McMaster-Carr.
>
> Thanks in advance,
> Bullwinkle- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

The force, in newtons or pounds, is normally noted on the existing gas
spring. It is either printed or stamped (if it is a metallic label).
There cannot be a standard value since the weight of the hatches
varies depending on size and construction material. Bottom line: Take
all the measurements you can -- extendend length, compressed length,
width of cylinder, width of rod, etc. Note the type of end connectors/
bolts and whether they are standard or metric. Then talk to a
technical person from IGS, McMaster-Carr, or whomever. Fun facts to
know -- ONE NEWTON = 0.22481 pounds