The problem with gas springs is that if you have just a bit too much weight on the mattress--say a big stack of blankets--or the spring begins to lose it's strength life can get a bit complicated. We store our canning equipment and jars under our bed, and at times we have to actually climb under the bed to retrieve items. Imagine that old mattress coming down on top of you.
You could replace the gas springs, but if too much weight is a factor, replacing with the original spec springs won't gain you the lift you need. Replace them with springs having greater lift force will work--until springtime rolls around and you lighten the weight on the mattress and those stronger springs may hold the bed "up" when it should be down. Or maybe the springs work well enough, but you'd like a little extra security when poking around under the bed.
Here's an easy fix--an add-on support rod that will definitely hold the mattress up. Take for yourself a length of 3/4" PVC pipe from the hardware store. Visualize the pipe as a rod near the open end of the mattress box (opposite the hinges). Using this pipe as a "prop" you can hold the bed box open easily and safely. But what's to keep your prop from slipping out?A set of closet rod flanges, one installed on the inside lid of the bed box, the other screwed to the floor will serve to hold both ends of your new prop rod and keep it from slipping out at the wrong time. Best to find a closet rod flange set where both pieces are completely closed, like the photo. It's a cheap, quick, and easy fix.
Excellent suggestion! I've been using a miniature ironing board to hold the bed up, and always worried about it slipping. This cures that concern.
ReplyDeleteWe added a 2.5" memory foam matress topper, no more morning backache! Problem: one of us has to hold the matress up while the other digs under. Pick up a memory foam topper in a store and you'll see how super heavy it is. My solution: I cut a 2x2 to fit the very back end, drill a 3/8" hole in it and the back side of the bed frame, insert a 1/4" bolt through both holes, use 2 nuts (becomes a locknut), and it raises up and down as needed, now a safe one person operation. By Glenn
ReplyDeleteI had created a prop rod for the escape window in my Damon Daybreak, notched to prevent slipping. I secured it under the mattress base on the window side to keep it accessible yet out of the way. This also worked as a safety prop for the bed as it was right in front of me when I lifted the mattress.
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