Gas springs for trucks, commercial vehicles and tail lifts – controlled force assistance when opening and closing
Gas springs are compact components that noticeably facilitate the opening and closing of heavy flaps, hoods and platforms on commercial vehicles. They convert the nitrogen pressure stored inside into a continuous lifting force, dampen movements and reliably hold components in their end position. In this category you will find gas springs for general applications on the truck – such as for tool boxes, storage compartments, hoods and doors – as well as variants specifically designed for use on the tail lift, for example at the rear portal or on underrun-design platforms. At SULEJ Ladebordwand, decades of experience in maintenance and repair flow directly into the selection of these components – for uniform force assistance, reliable end-position support and low-wear operation over many load cycles.
Function and area of application on commercial vehicles
A gas spring consists of a closed cylinder in which nitrogen is under pressure. A piston rod with a sealing system separates the pressure chamber and transmits the force to the outside. When the rod extends, the gas performs controlled lifting work; when it is pushed in, the pressure is taken up again. On the truck, gas springs are used in many places: cab attachments, hoods, tool boxes, storage compartments and rear flaps. In the tail lift environment, they perform a safety-relevant function at the rear portal and on underrun-design platforms, whose flaps, tips or protective covers can hardly be moved safely without force assistance.
Designs, characteristic values and versions
Gas springs are described by various characteristic values – extension force in Newton, stroke length, overall length and design of the end fittings. Common are standard gas pressure springs, lockable versions with release pin and special designs with end-of-stroke damping. Ball sockets, fork heads, eyes or threaded ends are used for the connection, supplemented by matching rod-end connections and fastening elements.
The cylinders are generally made of powder-coated or galvanised steel; stainless steel versions are preferred in applications with high corrosion exposure. The piston rods are usually hard-chrome plated to protect the seals from wear and ensure smooth operation over the entire service life. Protective sleeves or bellows prevent the ingress of dirt and road salt, especially with installation positions below the vehicle body.
