Cobra trailer stuck closed

On Saturday, June 9, 2018 at 7:42:23 AM UTC-4, Auxvache wrote:
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.

Thanks very much everybody for the helpful replies. FWIW, the top definitely feels actively pulled down, not just mass + gravity. We'll try lifting and blocking it in steps as suggested. And yes photo documentation--probably going to be good for some laughs...

On Sunday, June 10, 2018 at 2:30:34 PM UTC-7, Auxvache wrote:
On Saturday, June 9, 2018 at 7:42:23 AM UTC-4, Auxvache wrote:
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.

Thanks very much everybody for the helpful replies. FWIW, the top definitely feels actively pulled down, not just mass + gravity. We'll try lifting and blocking it in steps as suggested. And yes photo documentation--probably going to be good for some laughs...

Even with no pressure in the cylinders, you'll still have damping force that will be resisting the rate of motion. If you lift slowly enough the damping force approaches zero; then all you'll have is gravity to deal with.

On Sunday, June 10, 2018 at 5:46:03 PM UTC-4, Steve Koerner wrote:
On Sunday, June 10, 2018 at 2:30:34 PM UTC-7, Auxvache wrote:
On Saturday, June 9, 2018 at 7:42:23 AM UTC-4, Auxvache wrote:
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.

Thanks very much everybody for the helpful replies. FWIW, the top definitely feels actively pulled down, not just mass + gravity. We'll try lifting and blocking it in steps as suggested. And yes photo documentation--probably going to be good for some laughs...

Even with no pressure in the cylinders, you'll still have damping force that will be resisting the rate of motion. If you lift slowly enough the damping force approaches zero; then all you'll have is gravity to deal with.

I like Steve's idea. Maybe use an engine hoist or such on the rear handles with a bit more than top weight( say 200 lb), walk away and see if it starts to creep open.
Another voice hear from.
UH

I admit to being a little surprised that the manufacturer of these fine trailers (which I mean sincerely) hasn't made some simple provisions in the design (along with a standard design for a lifting rig using off-the-shelf components) such that mere mortals could open the lid and replace the gas spring. The risk of messing this procedure up is pretty substantial.

Maybe they have such a design and procedure?

Andy Blackburn
9B

So you want to take work away from mechanical types?!?!
LOL........

Yea, this is sorta a "no win" if the struts fail, especially if the glider is still in the box.

But hey, what would MacGuyver do?

And yes, most front hinged trailers have a VERY heavy top without the gas struts helping.

On Monday, June 11, 2018 at 5:52:20 PM UTC-6, Andy Blackburn wrote:
I admit to being a little surprised that the manufacturer...

Consider yourself fortunate to not know how sausages are made...

See ya, Dave