Cobra trailer stuck closed

Anyone have any experience with the gas strut failing in the compressed position? My 2002 fiberglass top didn't quite open fully on its own in March, so I ordered replacement struts. Unfortunately, the next time out the top only opened a few feet, then progressively less as I tried to lower and then raise it. Now it is stuck closed and will not open even a crack despite two people hauling on it. Did I mention the glider is still inside? I can't get to the strut from the front door with the fuse and wing in the way.

So, I'm trolling for ideas on how to force the top open without damaging something. Thanks in advance.

With zero pressure in the struts, you've got to lift the whole weight of the top and it's heavier than hell! I used a block and tackle from the shop roof. The rear handles were strong enough to take the load on a Komet..............Should be OK on a Cobra. Have 2X4's ready to prop it open and be carefull ..............its little more than a gilatine! Three man job, one on the hoist and two placing props.
Let us know how it worked out,
JJ

Guillotine (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guillotine)

Agree with JJ. (but not with his spell-checker) Use a hoist to lift by the handles, but only far enough to put a couple of blocks under the lid. Then run a strap all the way around the trailer top so when you are raising it and working under it, you aren't relying solely on the handles and their attachment points.

Also, since it is now attached to the roof of your shop, and is at a serious angle, make sure to block the wheels, set the brake and use some method of securing the strap so it cannot try to slide off the end of the trailer top.

Uh.. I forgot the glider is still inside, so JJ is correct- raise the lid all the way, prop it up and hope the handles hold while raising it. No way around it as far as I can see.

On Saturday, June 9, 2018 at 10:34:57 AM UTC-4, wrote:
Uh.. ... hope the handles hold while raising it.

Plastic handles on my Avionics Trailer became brittle and broke after minimal sun exposure.

On a Cobra trailer for Duo Discus, I used a hoist in a hangar to the handles then ran a sling under the lid (heavy ratchet straps, could be adjusted to take the weight off the handles) while replacing a dead strut. Yes, heavy and above a height you'd want to lift to.
Requires pulling the wing out to easily access the hardware and remove/replace the strut.
Initially one strut had failed on this trailer, two were purchased but only one replaced. Suggest that if one strut fails, replace both as soon as you can.
This job is easy with the right tools.
The rod ends from the original struts may be needed for the new ones.
Jim

With zero pressure in the struts, you've got to lift the whole weight of the top and it's heavier than hell!

It may be worse than that: If the piston seals failed but the rod seals held, all the gas pressure is now on the annulus or ring-side of the gas spring thus keeping the rod from extending swiftly. Applying up-pressure on the lid and then waiting may do the trick.
Good luck!
Uli
'AS'

Uh-oh, someone doesn't understand how gas springs work:

It may be worse than that: If the piston seals failed but the rod seals held, all the gas pressure is now on the annulus or ring-side of the gas spring thus keeping the rod from extending swiftly. Applying up-pressure on the lid and then waiting may do the trick.
Good luck!
Uli
'AS'

On Saturday, June 9, 2018 at 9:21:30 PM UTC-4, Steve Koerner wrote:
Uh-oh, someone doesn't understand how gas springs work:

I do - I used to design similar devices....
Uli
'AS'

At 03:22 10 June 2018, AS wrote:
On Saturday, June 9, 2018 at 9:21:30 PM UTC-4, Steve Koerner wrote:
Uh-oh, someone doesn't understand how gas springs work:

I do - I used to design similar devices....
Uli
'AS'

It might help to unbolt the hinges and lift the lid evenly with two
winches?