Update Posted by: kerryedwards on Jan-20-13 12:45 PM (EST)
Thule provided inaccurate information. The original springs were clearly not rated at 40 lbs. I bought two 60 lb replacement springs and installed one. The power of a 60lb spring is considerably less than the power of the originals. It takes less than half the effort to 'cock' the Hullavator with a 60lb spring. I've sent an e-mail to Thule with a complaint regarding their information. I was told 40 lbs on the phone and 40lbs in a separate e-mail. It took quite a bit of effort to replace the original spring and I am not happy since I acted on misinformation. I would not recommend that the average DIY or inexperienced person attempt to replace the gas springs. It is a tricky procedure which would result in bodily harm if the compressed spring gets away from you. My estimate at this point is that the original springs had to be in the 100 lb range or something like that.