ARANA 20 in 200 lbs Gas Struts for Heavy Lid - Easy Lift Support

In this review we test the ARANA 20 in 200 lbs gas struts to see whether they make lifting heavy lids and covers truly effortless. The bottom line: these one-piece gas struts are aimed at DIYers and RV or boat owners who need reliable assist for lids weighing roughly 160-220 lbs, and they deliver a noticeable reduction in effort with a simple, fast install. Installation is straightforward and the kit includes brackets and screws, making it a practical retrofit for bed boxes, trap doors and hatches.

Key Features

• One-piece brackets: Both ends use one-piece brackets to simplify mounting and reduce alignment guesswork during installation.
• 200 lbs lift force: The struts provide up to 200 lbs of support, letting a single finger or light push lift heavy lids and covers that weigh between 160 and 220 lbs.
• Fitted dimensions: With a 19.69 in extended length and 11.82 in compressed length, the 7.87 in stroke fits many common lid geometries when measured center to center.
• Complete hardware kit: The package includes two struts, 16 screws and a single instruction sheet so installation is usually finished with just a screwdriver in minutes.
• Wide application range: Designed for RV beds, trap doors, boat hatches, basement doors and outdoor windows, the struts suit many home and marine lift support tasks.

Who It's For

These gas struts are best for homeowners, RV owners and boaters who need a cost-effective way to lift heavy lids without rewiring or complex hinge work. If you regularly struggle with a bed box, engine cover or hatch that falls within the 160-220 lb range, these struts will noticeably ease use and improve safety.

Professionals requiring precision-engineered commercial hardware or applications outside the specified weight range should look elsewhere. Also, if the project uses nonstandard mounting points or very thin sheet metal that can bend, consider reinforcing brackets or heavier-duty mounting hardware before installation.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Strong lift capacity that lets one person open heavy lids with minimal effort.
• Simple, fast installation with included brackets and 16 screws for a typical two-strut setup.
• Clear, usable dimension set (extended, compressed and stroke) helps ensure the right fit when measured center to center.
• Good value for money compared with custom or professional lift systems.

Cons

• Some customers report bracket bendability or issues with assembly hardware, so heavier or reinforced mounting points may be needed for long-term durability.

Specifications

Brand	ARANA
Extended length (center to center)	19.69 in
Compressed length (center to center)	11.82 in
Stroke length	7.87 in
Recommended supported weight	160-220 lbs (200 lbs nominal)
Package contents	2 struts, brackets, 16 screws, instruction

Our Verdict

The ARANA 20 in 200 lbs gas struts are a practical, inexpensive way to add lift assist to heavy lids on RVs, boats and household access panels. They combine clear dimensions, a complete hardware kit and a helpful lift rating, so they are good value for DIYers who measure and prepare solid mounting points. Consider reinforcing thin or flexible brackets to avoid bending under repeated use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will these struts fit my lid?
Measure center-to-center extended and compressed lengths and confirm your lid weight is between 160 and 220 lbs; the listed dimensions are 19.69 in extended and 11.82 in compressed.

How hard is installation?
Installation is generally quick and uses the included brackets and screws; most installations are completed with a screwdriver in about 10 minutes per strut pair.

Are replacement brackets available?
The kit includes one-piece brackets; if you need stronger mounting, source reinforced brackets or add backing plates to prevent bendability reported by some users.