Best Gas Shocks for Tanning Bed: Top 5 Models for Smooth Lifts
Finding the right gas struts for a tanning bed ensures safe, reliable, and easy lid operation. This guide highlights the best 20-inch, 60–100 lb gas springs that are commonly used on tanning beds, RV beds, tonneau covers, and similar heavy-lid applications. Each product below includes real-world compatibility notes, installation considerations, and key specs to help you pick the right lift for your lid weight and mounting style.
Summary table of selected products:
| Product | Brand | Lift (lb) | Approx. Capacity Range (lb) | Notable Fitment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PAMAGOO C16-08260 Gas Struts | PAMAGOO | 60 | 48-66 | Sunquest tanning bed, RV bed or boat lids |
| ARANA LGP6-200-60 | ARANA | 60 | 48-66 | RV basement doors, tanning bed lids |
| ARANA Gas Struts 20″ 80Lbs | ARANA | 80 | 64-88 | Heavy lids like tanning beds, hot tub covers |
| PAMAGOO C16-08053 20 | PAMAGOO | 80 | 64-88 | Tanning beds, RV doors, tonneau covers |
| Dukuge C16-08054 | Dukuge | 100 | 80-110 | RV beds, tonnoeu covers, large lids |
PAMAGOO C16-08260 Gas Struts — 60 Lb Each
The PAMAGOO C16-08260 gas struts deliver 60 pounds of lift per strut, suitable for lids weighing around 48–66 pounds. Each strut extends to approximately 19.69 inches and compresses to about 12.2 inches, offering a balanced, smooth lift ideal for tanning bed lids and similar heavy covers. These units align with common interchange numbers for sunquest tanning beds and several RV or boat hatch applications, making them a reliable drop-in replacement when upgrading older hardware.
Key specs and fit notes include a center-to-center extended length near 19.69 inches and compatibility with multiple part numbers, including C16-08260 and GSNI-5300-60. When selecting replacements, verify the lid weight and mounting points to ensure the 60 lb per-strut rating provides a safe, controlled lift without overshooting or binding. Installation typically requires 10 mm ball studs or compatible brackets.
ARANA LGP6-200-60 Gas Struts — 60 Lb
ARANA’s LGP6-200-60 set features 60-pound gas springs designed for heavy lids like tanning beds and RV compartments. They are widely used for RV queen bed covers, tonneau doors, and boat engine hoods. With an extended length near 19.7 inches and a compressed length around 11.8 inches, these struts offer robust lift for lids in the 48–66 pound range, making them a versatile option for multiple lid styles. Compatibility notes list several interchange numbers, ensuring easy substitution for existing hardware.
Users should confirm center-to-center dimensions and mounting bracket compatibility before purchase. The ARANA design supports reliable operation in varying temperatures and installation scenarios, including lids that require precise stopping points or controlled opening. Bracket and mounting hardware are typically included or easily sourced to complete installation.
ARANA Gas Struts 20″ 80 Lbs With Brackets
This ARANA package pairs 20-inch gas struts with 80-pound lift capacity, designed for lids in the 64–88 pound range. The kit includes mounting brackets and installation hardware, supporting a straightforward upgrade for tanning beds, RV basements, and travel trailer lids. The 20″ length and 12.13″ compressed length give a strong lift with a stable, controlled rising motion, even in cooler environments where gas pressure can vary.
Take note of the stated lid weight range and ensure your mounting surfaces accommodate the included brackets. The set is frequently used on tanning bed lids and other heavy lids where a higher lift is beneficial, reducing the effort required to open and hold the lid in an open position securely.
FilFom C1608054 20″ 100 Lb Gas Struts
FilFom’s C1608054 line provides 100-pound lift per strut, designed for lids weighing 80–110 pounds. The extended length is 19.69 inches with a compressed length of 11.82 inches, making them suitable for heavy tanning bed lids, RV bed doors, or large tonneau covers. The set typically includes 10 mm ball stud sockets and associated hardware for a complete installation, with attention to compatibility numbers such as C1608054 and C16-08054.
When selecting 100 lb struts, confirm that the lid’s weight and center-to-center mounting points align with the product’s specifications. These struts offer strong, confident lifting action and are well-suited for reliable daily use where lids are frequently opened and closed.
PAMAGOO C16-08053 20″ 80 Lb Gas Struts
The PAMAGOO C16-08053 model offers 80 pounds of lift per strut, suitable for tanning beds and other heavy lids. With an extended length of 19.69 inches and a compressed length of 12.2 inches, these struts support lid weights in the 64–88 pound range. It’s a practical replacement option when upgrading older hardware on tanning beds, RV beds, or truck caps. The kit is commonly paired with a 10 mm ball mount for a secure fit and smoother operation.
As with other higher-lift options, verify the lid weight and mounting hardware compatibility. This model provides a reliable balance of lift power and travel, helping reduce manual effort and ensuring a steady, safe opening while maintaining control during closing as well.
ARANA Gas Struts 20″ 80Lbs With Brackets
ARANA’s 20″ 80 lb gas struts with brackets are designed for heavy lids like tanning beds, RV basements, and travel trailer beds. The set includes 2 struts, brackets, nuts, and installation instructions, delivering a complete kit for straightforward mounting. The product specifies a lid weight range of 64–88 pounds and a center-to-center length near 20 inches, with a 12.13-inch compressed length, ensuring a robust lift with good control throughout opening and closing cycles.
Installation considerations include confirming the lid length, weight, and the mounting bracket compatibility. The brackets are designed to accommodate common installation patterns, helping ensure a secure fit and reliable performance in diverse environments and installation angles.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations for Tanning Bed Gas Shocks
- Weight rating: Match the total lid weight (or weight range) to the per-strut lift. If your lid weighs 64–88 pounds, an 80 lb per-strut model is often a good fit; for heavier lids, consider 100 lb models with proper mounting hardware.
- Travel range and mounting geometry: Check the extended and compressed lengths to ensure the strut fits within the available space and clears surrounding components when opening.
- Center-to-center measurements: Confirm the distance between mounting points to choose struts that align with your bed’s hinges or frame brackets.
- Brackets and hardware: Some sets include brackets and nuts; others require separate purchases. Ensure compatibility with 10 mm ball studs or your existing hardware.
- Temperature considerations: Gas struts perform differently in extreme temperatures. For outdoor tanning beds, choose parts rated for cold-weather operation to avoid loss of lift in winter.
- Replacement compatibility: If upgrading, verify interchange numbers (e.g., C16-08260, GSNI-5300-60) to ensure a straightforward swap without modifying mounting points.
- Durability and warranty: Look for corrosion-resistant finishes and documented warranties, especially for outdoor or humid environments.
- Installation ease: Some kits include installation instructions and all necessary hardware; others may require additional tools or brackets for a perfect fit.
- Application versatility: If you plan to reuse the struts for multiple lids (tanning bed, RV door, boat hatch), favor models with broad compatibility and clear weight specs.