I have the Gobi ladder on the rear liftgate and it no longer springs open by itself (not that it had that much spring to begin with). I've heard that there are aftermarket jacks (shocks, springs, whatever you call 'em) with more strength. Anyone have details?

I have the Gobi ladder on the rear liftgate and it no longer springs open by itself (not that it had that much spring to begin with). I've heard that there are aftermarket jacks (shocks, springs, whatever you call 'em) with more strength. Anyone have details?

Me same problem. Have to spar gate a little bit.
And also beware: I had to replace the "struts" once because they had become too weak to lift the gate even w/o a ladder.
Afterwards I detected the problem/cause:
During a camp out some-one, the one most concerned about garbage disposal, had tied a plastic bag (the flimsy type, not Glad, so get ) on one of the struts real tight. And when taking the bag off of the strut a little piece of plastic had stayed on it and on closure of the gate had caused the gas (or is it oil) to escape and therefore loose its "spring" power...

Ok,

You can thank me later, but I have been day dreaming of the same application, but electronically actuated - like the new Lexus RX330 with power rear hatch.

Check this site out:

http://www.autoloc.com/products.lasso

and hit the link for Heavy Duty Linear Actuators.

I would love to see someone take on this project and post the results. By the way, this is the same brand equipment used on Monster Garage on TLC for those who are fans...

Also check out

http://suv.truckmoxie.com/

anytime you are looking for special parts, etc.