Application guide
Gas Struts for Trailers, Hatches and Cargo Doors
Selected around your load, geometry, mounting space and operating environment.
What the mechanism needs to do
- Lift
- Counterbalance a cargo door, hatch, tonneau cover or storage-compartment lid.
- Clear
- Reach the required open angle while keeping the spring out of the loading path.
- Close
- Balance opening assistance with a practical and controlled closing action.
Engineer the complete movement
Cargo, utility, horse, concession and holiday trailers use many different hinge and door arrangements. Even when two panels have the same weight, their centre of gravity and mounting geometry can produce different spring forces and reactions at the brackets. Selection should be based on the measured mechanism rather than trailer type alone.
The closed installation often presents the tightest packaging constraint. Measure the available centre-to-centre distance with the panel closed, then confirm the required open angle and mounting distance in the open position. Check that the proposed brackets attach to structure capable of carrying the resulting loads.
For replacements, record the original spring's markings and dimensions before removing both units from a paired installation. Photographs of the open and closed mechanism help Gemini understand orientation, clearance and the way the door or lid is expected to move.

What to send us
- Door or lid
- Weight, dimensions, centre of gravity, hinge location and construction.
- Travel
- Closed mounting distance, required open angle and available extended length.
- Structure
- Bracket positions, reinforcement, end fittings and number of springs.
- Duty
- Opening frequency, road exposure, weather and desired closing behaviour.
Replacing an existing part? Include clear photographs of the spring label and both mounting points. You can also use the gas spring configurator to organize the basic dimensions.
Product families to consider
Typical applications
- Cargo doors
- Utility-trailer lids
- Horse-trailer doors
- Concession hatches
- RV compartments
- Tonneau covers
Review your application with Gemini
Use the contact form for a technical question, or open the inquiry form when you are ready to request a quote.
- Call us for assistance
- +1 778 475-5611
- Send us an e-mail.
- gemini@geminigassprings.com
- Working Hours
- Mon – Fri: 8am – 5pm
- Pacific Time.