Hi Eagle Friends:
I wanted to make ordering Suspa Gas Props (Eagle part number: 054-1832-501) for the bay and engine doors on an Eagle, model 15, a little easier, quicker, to the point.
I also want to send a big thank you to Mason Chipperfield, Eagle Obsessed, 68 model 05 on the forum, for his quick, go to, knowledge of the forum and where certain information was to get me started on this quest.
Ordering from Suspa pronounced (Soo-spuh), phone #: 616-241-4200
(Tell the operator which state you reside in, she will transfer you to a regional person)
For anything technical, you want to talk to FRANK. He’s been with the company since the 80’s and has the knowledge of our buses and now has the cross reference numbers of the bay and engine props. Because Frank is an application engineer with Suspa, he has more intel than the regional person.
Suspa will be a little bit more expensive IF you are wanting these props for you bay/engine doors than say, Amazon or other companies that sell the same parts but I felt more comfortable dealing directly with Suspa since they are actually making the props fresh versus sitting on a shelf. Plus, I found out they made some upgrades and will make lifting and closing easier.
Bay Doors on my bus are the original folding doors with two parts. I will leave out the technical stuff only to say that I don’t have clips either that hold them in place. Deadlifting these monsters and propping them up is a workout and that’s all it took to get me on a roll and get new ones.
Bay Door Prop Answers:
Suspa C16-00001, $32.00/ea as of 04/2020. These are rated at 160# force. They’re made individually at the moment due to the Covid pandemic so shipping out will take a little longer due to one guy building them. Call and order ahead of time based on your time line.
If you want to get detailed and specific, the Eagle Manual will show you the prop number as 054-1832-501. Suspa’s part number for this specific prop is C16-04864 (600N 135#) but it’s price is $97.00/ea. Hence the reason to go with the C16-00001 option. The only differences are the force 135# versus 160# and price.
Ordering is cheaper online and this info will be at the bottom of this write up.
Engine Door Prop Answers:
The Eagle manual has the same model number as the bay doors (in my manual) but researching and talking with IBP Industries in Apopka, the product number is 204-1824-500. The Suspa props were referenced by Frank and the prop dimensions are the same dimensions but the force or pounds would be different. In MY CASE, my door is incredibly heavy, suicidal type, guillotine if you want to be specific. So, going with a heavier duty prop is the key. However, take note. Same dimensions, different force or pounds and PRICE.
C16-00011 600N 135# $77.00/ea
*C16-00001 712N 160# $32.00/ea
C16-00009 830N 186# $32.00/ea
*C16-00357 1000 225# $32.00/ea
*denotes what I went with for my bus
All of the above parts have the same tube, rod and end fitting construction as the original part, they do have a few cc’s more oil but that shouldn’t present any issues, if you think you need to go to 250# they have a C16-23602 part it comes without end fittings.
I decided to go with the 225# option. I’m tired of deadlifting this door!
Ordering via Suspa:
Go to:
https://shop.suspa.com/
Use the search bar in the upper right corner to put the part number.
Choose your product and put in the cart.
Log in and purchase.
Pros:
- 5 year warranty
- Built in house, not sitting on a shelf
- Great customer care, they answer the phone!
- Frank knows his stuff
Cons:
- Price is a little bit more than 3rd party online stores
- Time it takes to get to you if you’re in a hurry
- There’s no free shipping. Ouch!
Other options:
Amazon - You will find the bay door props C16-00001 online as a 2 pack for $59.00. California company. They don’t pick up right away, so you have to leave a message and hope you get a call back. No technical knowledge outside of what is on the net’s page. It is $2.50/prop cheaper which is good for a large order saving you about $30 for a full set but the warranty is good for only 1 year. Also, the company doesn’t know how long the props sit on the shelf but said their turnover rate is frequent, whatever that means. Shipping is free. Saves you about $30 depending on where you live. So, you see the pros/cons.
Lift Supports Depot
866-969-5438
760-744-2956
Same as Amazon because they sell on Amazon. Their website is thorough, them picking up the phone is not. Again, the pros/cons are the same as above in Amazon.
IBP Industries: Apopka, Fl
05-1832-501, Bay Door Props, $62.00/ea
204-1824-500, Engine Door Props, $54.25/ea
Hope this info helps.
Drive on,
Eric
’89, model 15, 6v92