Imagine loading up your vehicle for a weekend getaway. As you approach the tailgate, a simple press on the latch releases it, and rather than slamming down or requiring a manual lift, it glides smoothly and effortlessly into place. This seamless experience can be possible thanks to a small but powerful device: the gas strut.
Gas struts have become a ubiquitous component in modern vehicles, especially for, providing both convenience and safety with vehicle tailgates. However, if you are new to the scene and haven’t heard of gas struts before, it can be difficult to understand how impactful they can actually be. In this article, we’ll explore how gas struts work and why they are so effective in tailgates.
What Are Gas Struts?
Albert Jagger have produced another article going over How Gas Struts Work and their Applications, but we will briefly go over this here.
Gas struts, also known as gas springs, are mechanical devices designed to provide force in a controlled manner using compressed gas. They contain a metal cylinder, which is filled with gas and a piston rod that moves within the cylinder.
When the piston rod is pushed into the cylinder, the gas compresses, creating pressure that pushes the rod back out. This controlled force is what makes gas struts so effective in applications where smooth, controlled movement is required.
How do Gas Struts Work for Tailgates?
The functionality of gas struts for tailgates is rooted in the same explanation as to what was described above. When you open or close a tailgate equipped with gas struts, you’re interacting with a finely tuned mechanism that balances the weight of the tailgate with the force generated by the compressed gas inside the strut.
As the tailgate opens, the piston inside the gas strut compresses the gas, which builds and stores energy. This energy is then released in a controlled manner as the tailgate is closed, ensuring that the movement is smooth and steady. The design of the gas strut allows it to provide just enough resistance to prevent the tailgate from dropping too quickly, while also making it easy to lift without extreme effort.
Why do Gas Struts Work so well for Tailgates?
Smooth Operation
As briefly mentioned above, gas struts offer a very smooth motion when opening or closing a tailgate. By providing a consistent force throughout the tailgate’s range of motion, gas struts prevent the uncontrolled, uneven movements that can occur without a gas strut.
Safety and Convenience
Gas struts enhance the safety of tailgate operation by preventing sudden movements that could cause injury. A tailgate supported by a secure gas strut won’t unexpectedly slam down, reducing the risk of accidents. This is particularly important in larger vehicles, where the tailgate’s weight can be quite heavy.
In addition to safety, gas struts offer unmatched convenience. They make it possible to open and close heavy tailgates with minimal effort, which is especially beneficial for individuals who may struggle to lift heavy objects. This convenience extends to everyday use, where the ease of operating the tailgate contributes to a better overall user experience for your vehicle.
Durability and Longevity
Another reason gas struts are so effective is their durability. Designed to withstand repeated use over many years, ordering the right gas strut from the right supplier will ensure it is built with the highest-quality materials that resist wear and tear.
Compared to other mechanisms, gas struts also require very little maintenance. While they may eventually need to be replaced after many years of use, their long lifespan and consistent performance make them a cost-effective solution for supporting your tailgates.
Benefits of Gas Struts Beyond Tailgates
Other Uses
Gas struts are not just limited to tailgates and automotives; they are also used in other areas and industries. Aerospace, marine, furniture, medical and many other industries often rely on gas struts to provide the same controlled motion and ease of use. In these applications, the principles are typically the same; however, if you are keen to find out how gas work in these various industries, Albert Jagger’s article on How Gas Struts Work and their Applications will help you with this.
Customisation and Versatility
One of the strengths of gas struts is their versatility. With the right supplier, they can be customised to meet the specific needs of different applications, with varying sizes, pressures, and configurations available. This adaptability makes them suitable for a wide range of uses, from supporting heavy industrial equipment to providing smooth operation in lightweight consumer products.
Maintenance Tips for Tailgate Gas Struts
To maintain the performance of gas struts installed on your tailgates, regular inspections are recommended. Checking for signs of wear, such as oil leaks or decreased performance, can help identify problems early. If a gas strut shows signs of failure, it’s usually best to replace it rather than attempt repairs, as their sealed design to compress air makes it difficult to service.
Selecting the Right Tailgate Gas Strut from Albert Jagger:
If you are eager to acquire a gas strut for your tailgate, you may come into the issue of knowing what gas strut best suits your tailgate. There are many facets of a gas struts that can seem daunting to know at first; however, Albert Jagger have produced a simple guide on How to Measure Gas Struts & Understanding their Specifications, which you should check out before purchasing a tailgate gas strut.
Albert Jagger offer an array of different gas struts that are applicable to tailgates, explore more with our Adjustable Gas Struts by Bansbach article. With a century of experience, Bansbach has a formidable track record for excellence, and a reputation for producing high-quality gas struts built with only the most durable adaptable hardware. Our adjustable gas struts will also allow you to customise the pressure of your gas strut, ensuring it is optimal for your particular tailgate.
Finally, if you still have questions regarding gas struts for your tailgates, Albert Jagger would be happy to help in any way that we can! You can reach out to Albert Jagger through our contact form, through our email: [email protected] or via our telephone: +44(0) 1922 471000.