ARANA 20 in 250LB Gas Prop Struts Shocks - Heavy Duty Lift Support

In this review the ARANA 20 in 250LB gas prop struts are evaluated for heavy duty lift applications; they are aimed at anyone who needs a reliable assist to raise and hold lids or doors weighing roughly 235-265 lbs. The single biggest reason to consider them is straightforward: these struts offer a strong, one-finger lift for heavy hatches and Murphy bed lids where robust support is required. Installation is simple and the included L mounting brackets make them usable on many projects with minimal tools.

Key Features

• 250 lb support: Designed to support covers in the 235-265 lb range so heavy RV beds and hatches stay open without extra props.
• 20 in extended length: The 20 in extended and 12.13 in compressed length provide a 7.87 in stroke that fits common lift geometries.
• One-piece bracket ends: Each strut has a one-piece mounting bracket on both ends for a secure attachment that reduces play.
• Easy installation: The package includes simple L brackets, nuts and instructions so setup can be completed with a screwdriver in about 20 minutes.
• Multiple applications: Usable on RV and camper beds, boat hatches, trap doors, tonneau and truck bed covers when the weight falls in the specified range.
• Brand support: ARANA offers customer support for damage or installation issues to ensure the gas strut functions as expected.

Who It's For

This product is best for DIYers, RV owners, boat owners, and anyone retrofitting a Murphy bed or heavy hatch that measures up to the specified weight range and mounting geometry. The struts work well where a strong lift assist and stable open position are required and where a single finger lift is desirable.

People who should look elsewhere are those with lids lighter than about 235 lbs or significantly heavier than 265 lbs, or projects requiring a very specific custom bracket geometry; the supplied L brackets are versatile but may not match every unique hinge layout.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Strong lift capacity that makes heavy lids easy to open and hold.
• Clear, usable dimensions (20 in extended, 12.13 in compressed) that help plan installations.
• Included brackets and hardware simplify installation for most common projects.
• Good overall build quality noted by multiple users for long term use.

Cons

• Some customers report mixed hardware completeness, so check included parts before beginning installation.
• Performance varies by application; a few users noted the struts did not control much lighter lids as smoothly as expected.

Specifications

Brand	ARANA
Extended length	20 in
Compressed length	12.13 in
Stroke length	7.87 in
Support rating	250 lb (suitable for 235-265 lb lids)
Includes	2 pcs gas struts, L mounting brackets, nuts, instructions

Our Verdict

The ARANA 20 in 250LB gas prop struts are a practical choice for heavy duty lids and Murphy beds when the cover weight falls within the specified 235-265 lb window. They combine useful dimensions, simple brackets and solid build quality to deliver reliable lift assistance, and they represent good value for projects that need a strong, dependable gas support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will these struts fit my RV bed?
They will fit if the bed lid weight is roughly 235-265 lb and your mounting geometry can accept 20 in extended and 12.13 in compressed lengths with L brackets.

Are the mounting brackets included?
Yes, the package includes simple L mounting brackets, nuts and installation instructions for most common setups.

Can one person install them?
Yes, the design and included hardware make it possible for one person to install the struts with basic tools in about 20 minutes for a typical installation.