On Wednesday, November 27, 2013 12:46:41 PM UTC-5, wrote:
Has anyone used 12v electro-mechanical/12v electro-hydraulic/manual hydraulic linear actuators on a clam shell/alligator type trailer top. I have bent 4 (SUSPA) gas springs in the past 4 months. Ordered what was on the trailer when purchased. Ordered a pair of Bansbach Easylift gas springs, but waiting for the SUSPA gas springs currently on the trailer to fail before I put the new ones on.

If you have done any type of linear actuators and it is working, can you forward photos? If tried and it is a futile effort on my part let me know, I would prefer to spend my funds on other glider stuff.



r/Jim

N9XL/H201B

Jim,
when a long slender member like a cylinder or gas spring bends or buckles, it is a clear indication of side-loading. There are several ways of introducing side loading, such as the member's own weight (not likely in your case), the member interfering with something during its operation (you would have seen that already) or due to torque introduced into the pivot points. Please check if both rod ends are free to swivel, i.e. have either a straight bushing or better yet a spherical eye end. The bolt or pin going through said bearing must not bind the rod or body end of the gas spring.
The nesting square tubing Dan M. mentioned are more for protection and guidance of the shell and they may limit the sway of the shell as it moves up and down. Are you seeing this damage on an Eberle trailer which many Std.Libelles came in?
Uli