{"product_id":"28-in-400lb-gas-struts-sf280m400-heavy-duty-lift-support","title":"28 in 400Lb Gas Struts SF280M400 - Heavy-Duty Lift Support","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the ARANA 28 in 400Lb gas struts are evaluated for owners of very heavy trailer lids and sled trailer covers. The bottom line: these struts are designed specifically for lids weighing roughly 350-440 lb and deliver the lifting force and length needed for large, heavy-duty applications. The reviewer found them noticeably stronger than standard lift supports, and the 28 in extended length and 16 in compressed length make them a direct fit where long travel is required. Expect straightforward installation and firm, reliable hold when matched to the correct lid weight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e400 lb force per strut:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provides the high lifting power needed to support heavy lids in the 350-440 lb range so lifting and holding are easier.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e28 in extended length:\u003c\/strong\u003e The 28 in center-to-center extended length gives long travel and clearance for tall or deep trailer lids and tonneau covers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e16 in compressed length:\u003c\/strong\u003e The 16 in compressed length lets you confirm fitment with limited mounting space and ensures correct stroke for the lid.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e13 mm ball sockets:\u003c\/strong\u003e Standard ball socket ends simplify mounting to common trailer caps and replacement brackets without custom adapters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSet of two:\u003c\/strong\u003e Supplied as a matched pair so both sides of a lid operate evenly and deliver consistent support and balance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e18 month replacement support:\u003c\/strong\u003e Manufacturer support and replacement help is available for missing parts or fit issues, giving buyers added confidence after installation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis product is best for owners of heavy-duty trailer lids, sled trailers, snowmobile trailer covers, or truck caps that require long struts and high lift force. Installers replacing worn or weaker supports on lids with a side length near 50 in and an estimated lid weight between 350 and 440 lb will find these struts match the requirements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose with lighter lids, small hatchbacks, or applications under the stated weight range should look for lower-force or shorter struts instead. Also verify your OEM number or measure the lid weight before buying, because the strength of these units is excessive for smaller covers and could alter closing feel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigh force rating gives reliable lift and firm holding on very heavy lids.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLong 28 in extended length fits long-travel applications like trailer caps and tonneau covers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEasy installation with 13 mm ball sockets and a matched pair reduces setup time.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClear manufacturer support and 18 month replacement policy for parts or fit problems.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNot suitable for lighter lids; must confirm lid weight or OEM number to avoid incorrect fit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome customers report mixed long-term durability, so occasional premature failure is possible in heavy-use scenarios.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eExtended Length (center-to-center)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e28 in (711 mm)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCompressed Length (center-to-center)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e16 in (406 mm)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eForce per Strut\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1780 N \/ 400 lb\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSocket Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e13 mm ball sockets\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eQuantity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2 struts per pair\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCompatible OEM Number\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSF280M400\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntended Lid Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e350-440 lb (approximate)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese 28 in 400 lb gas struts are a sensible choice when replacing or upgrading supports for very heavy trailer lids and covers; they deliver the stroke length and lifting force required and arrive as a matched pair for balanced operation. Buyers should measure lid weight or confirm the OEM number before purchase, but when matched correctly the units represent solid value and practical support backed by replacement assistance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill these struts fit my trailer lid?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey fit lids that match the stated geometry and weight: 28 in extended, 16 in compressed, and lid weight roughly 350-440 lb; check your OEM number SF280M400 or measure the lid weight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow hard are they to install?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eInstallation is straightforward with the 13 mm ball sockets and typically takes only a few minutes per side once mounting points are confirmed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat if a part is missing or they do not fit?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe manufacturer offers help and 18 month replacement support if parts are missing or the struts prove unfit when ARANA is contacted.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ARANA","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48264359870683,"sku":"B0BZKNTFMK","price":66.42,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/514Qbm1iJaL._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1778310347","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/28-in-400lb-gas-struts-sf280m400-heavy-duty-lift-support","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}