[csterner]

Really? A relay box will help? I wouldn't think that the electrical current would decrease that dang much, but I guess it does. Guess I will see after I get them installed..As long as it takes less than a full minute to open I will be happy!

[Oregondunes]

me too. Im pulling mine apart this week, cleaning and lubing it all. Gonna build a relay box of sorts and wire it in. hoping for the best.

my other problem is that Im rebuilding the rear seat, getting rid of the horseshoe shape and going with a straight back seat. thus extending the center section forward approx 15". Ill be then extending the sun deck 15" as well, which will increase the weight of it.

Ive thought about just installing some compressed air lifts on both sides and be done with it....maybe both i dont know as of yet

[csterner]

Compressed air rams? Awesome! So are you mounting the compressor in that 15" area?

[Oregondunes]

No...Im talking about those compressed air lift assists like these :

Rear Door Hatch Tailgate Liftgate Gas Gate Lift Supports Support Shock Arms Arm | eBay

[csterner]

HA Ha Ha! I am such a dumb a*$! Been a long day.

[Hudson River Steve]

Oregon,
I believe you are spot on wrt locating battery power as close to the motor as possible. You cannot believe the amount of corrosion that takes place within a piece of wire and how much voltage loss occurs due to said corrosion and wire size. I work with electric forklifts that can easily pull 1200 Amps when lifing a load. When exposed to moisture, the corrosion can cause so much voltage drop i.e. heat that the insulation can actually melt off the wire. It is better to oversize the wire and relays so that when the corrode over time you won't experience the slowing of the motor.

[Oregondunes]

Great idea

[ShabahZ280]

Have you looked into the Hatchmasters lifters? Mariah used them on some of the late model '00-'01 models.

Hatchmasters Custom Linear Power Actuators

[csterner]

I have not looked at the Hatchmasters one before. Mine do not look like those at all. Mine have an electric motor that looks just like a starter that sticks out the side of the ram with a worm gear on the shaft. I took them apart 2 years ago and cleaned out the brushes and contacts really well. I am thinking now that I will just buy the relay and give that a shot.
I did check out the ones that Great Lakes has but they are too short. I need one that will extend to at least 31".

[Oregondunes]

Originally Posted by ShabahZ250

Have you looked into the Hatchmasters lifters? Mariah used them on some of the late model '00-'01 models.

Hatchmasters Custom Linear Power Actuators

those are cool.