Access under the berths

We can only lift our beds at an angle of approx 45/50 degrees To access the storage under the berths.  The gas struts are super strong and really hold well, but the angle does restrict access a little.  Is this the same in your PVC?

My Duo didn't come with gas struts, it had a rod on each bench similar to a car bonnet stay. I put my own gas struts on. They come in various lengths and strengths so you could replace them yourself.

Yes, ours is 45 degs or so too
However, that is sufficient for the majority of times
If you need, more (90?) then remove both cushions, disconnect both gas struts and use a stick to hold the bed base up, then you have uncluttered access to whatever you want/need to do

Thanks, sounds good.  But how do I disconnect the struts?  Is there a simple way without actually unbolting it from the fixings?

They are held onto a ball joint with a sliding cover which locks them in place.

If you are careful you can slide back the cover with a screw driver and release the strut, then replace the it as you re-attach the strut.

It's a bit fiddly, but when you've done it a time or two it gets a lot easier.

Dave

At the end of the strut on the frame you will see a clip that goes around the ball joint , prise this up and it will just pull off

Gromit
 types faster than me

Ok, thank you both, that is helpful.  I will have a look at that.  I agree that there is plenty of access space for most purposes, just wanted to put the Cadac Safari in there and it just wouldn’t quite go in.

Not entirely necessary to remove it, if you do, it'll get airborne and travel incredible distances never to be seen again!
Just prise it up a little to the larger diameter of the strut, then the strut will easily come off the knob. Try it at home, at least you'll have time to get 50 or 60 new clips, just in case for the future!!!

I don't think Chris meant the clip would pull off - I think he was referring to the strut end??

Good point though Ian, which I should have made clearer. Your description of the clip sailing off into the distance brings back memories of the first time I tried it . . . hence the suggestion to slide it carefully until the ball joint can be released.

Yes once the clip is lifted pull the strut end free and the clip springs back in to place