If your camper top suddenly starts falling down instead of staying open, the most likely reason is gas pressure loss inside your camper top shocks. These shocks, also known as camper top struts, use compressed nitrogen to lift and hold the roof in place. When the internal pressure drops or the seals wear out, the strut loses its lifting power — causing your camper top to slowly sink or collapse.
In short, your camper top shocks won’t stay up because they’ve lost internal gas pressure, lubrication, or structural balance. The good news is, these problems can be fixed easily once you know what to look for. This guide will show you how to diagnose, repair, and prevent shock failure — and how to choose reliable replacements that last.
Step 1: Check the Obvious Signs of Shock Failure
Before replacing anything, confirm that the shocks are actually the problem. Here’s how to spot a failing camper top shock:
The top slowly drops after being lifted.
You hear hissing or see oil around the rod.
The motion feels jerky or uneven.
You need to use both hands to hold the roof.
One side feels weaker than the other.
If any of these signs appear, your shocks have likely lost internal gas pressure or seal integrity.
Step 2: Understand the Real Causes
Most shock failures come down to one of five factors:
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Gas Leakage: The internal nitrogen slowly escapes through worn seals.
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Incorrect Mounting Orientation: Rod-up installation prevents internal oil lubrication.
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Corrosion or Dirt: Dust or rust on the piston scratches the seals.
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Overloading: Adding roof racks or solar panels increases weight beyond design.
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Age and Heat: UV, vibration, and temperature cycles accelerate material fatigue.
Each of these weakens the internal pressure or seal performance, shortening the lifespan of your camper top struts.
Step 3: Fix or Replace?
In most cases, camper top shocks cannot be refilled or repaired because they’re sealed high-pressure components. Refilling is unsafe and unreliable — the internal pressure, oil balance, and safety valves are factory-calibrated. The best option is to replace the shocks with a new pair, ensuring equal force and stroke length.
Choose replacements that match the original dimensions, but always verify the correct pressure rating for your camper top’s weight.
👉 Need help choosing the right shocks?
Contact our engineers today to assist with selecting the perfect gas springs for your camper top, ensuring optimal performance and durability.
Step 4: Usage Guide — How to Keep Them Working Longer
To prevent early failure, follow these proven maintenance habits:
Mount rod-down to keep the internal oil covering the seal.
Clean after each trip — use a soft, dry cloth on the piston.
Avoid fast or forceful closing, which stresses the internal valve.
Lubricate only the joints, never the piston surface.
Check performance quarterly to detect any pressure loss early.
Step 5: Choose Reliable Replacement — Why Gastac
At Gastac, we’ve specialized as a gas springs manufacturer since 2007, certified under IATF 16949 and ISO 9001:2015 standards. Every gastac gas spring and gastac gas strut is engineered for stable performance, smooth operation, and consistent pressure. We support bulk procurement, OEM customization, and guarantee stable quality with a significant cost advantage, ensuring you get high-quality products without breaking the bank — all backed by a two-year after-sales warranty.
If you’re tired of weak or short-lived camper top struts, it’s time to switch to Gastac’s certified quality for a more affordable and reliable solution.
How to Make Sure It Stays Up for Good
If your camper top keeps falling, you now know the answer — pressure loss, seal wear, or misalignment.
Check your shocks, replace them in pairs, and choose a reliable gas springs supplier like Gastac.
Your camper top should lift smoothly, stay secure, and keep you focused on enjoying the road ahead.
👉 Contact Gastac today for OEM-grade camper top shocks that stay up — season after season.
We also have a retail shop where you can purchase our high-quality gas springs directly online.
