We recently replaced the struts on our clamshell trailer as they
were getting rather soft and we were starting to rely on the
broomstick solution. My syndicate partner sourced replacement
struts which came with a standard option of a spring loaded
fitting which popped when the strut was fully extended, locking it
solid by preventing the telescopic action. The lock is easily reset
to close the lid. It seems to be a common option on gas struts
and, being self contained, needs no mods or extra pins. Well
worth the small extra cost over the standard strut.

Jim


At 13:44 29 July 2015, Mark628CA wrote:
Most newer Cobra trailers have a little-known feature that can
hold the
top=
open if the gas struts have gotten weak or if there is a load of
snow or
i=
ce weighing down the top. The square steel tube that houses
the gas strut
o=
ften has a small (1/8 to 3/16) diameter hole near the junction
of the
inner=
and outer tubes. A pin placed through this hole will prevent
the two
tubes=
from telescoping and adds a measure of security if the top has
a tendency
=
to sag.