Aftermarket Hatch Struts

I just called Toyota on my 2012 supports and they want $142 each!!!
NAPA has the Strong Arm next day for $63 a pair!!!!
HELLO NAPA!!!!!

 

I just did this 'installation' and it took about five minutes. If anyone is considering attempting this, do it! It was really easy and affordable. You only need a small flat screw driver to pop off some clips. Very easy.

 

I've stuck with our stock struts (that's a mouthful), but they definitely went "off" a bit, within maybe 18 months of purchase. They raise the hatch 'till it's about 6" short of the full raise, then either need a nudge, or slowly creep up the rest of the way, depending on weather maybe. Every so often I bonk my head on the hatch, thinking it's totally up when it ain't.

 

Was just quoted $166.30 each for my 2010 struts at the dealer, so I'll be getting the 6244's.
Thanks to all for posting the info in this thread.

 

Looking for some advice. I bought Strongarm 6244s to replace the original struts on my 2010 Prius. They really aren't as good. They barely help lift the hatch, and the thing comes down swiftly with force. I've had it come down on my head before. Plus, when the weather got colder in Phoenix AZ, the hatch won't even stay in the up position. It fell on my back Saturday and left a nasty bruise. I'm afraid of what it might do to my 12-year-old son. I can't find a U.S. support number for Strongarm; would like to so I could give them a piece of my mind.

Question is what to do next? I really don't want to purchase from the dealer, as they cost too much. What do you recommend? Keep it simple; I'm a smart single mom but you can stump me if you get too technical.

Thanks.

 

I went with these shorter Strongarm struts to prevent the hatch from hitting low ceilings, etc. The lifting force is stronger than stock :

Hatchback hitting garage door solution! | Page 3 | PriusChat

I'm sure you can find a set that is closer to stock lift height that also is stronger in lift force.

This site is where I bought my struts. Here is what came up for a Toyota Prius search:

2010 Toyota Prius Base Hatchback 4door Lift Support

 

I would argue that you have at least one defective strut if not both. Even in 30F weather my 6244's won't "fall" down unless I pull the hatch closed.

 

Yes, our hatch fell down if not supported when one strut failed.

 

Per the advice I saw on this forum, I purchased the StrongArm 6244 struts. At temperatures lower than 50 degrees, the hatch falls on me. And lately -- I'm in Arizona in high heat -- the hatch falls. I'm really frustrated and concerned that my son is going to get crunched. Any other solutions out there?

 

no warranty or company support?

 

Should have gone with struts with stronger lift force. Like bisco said, there should be some warranty on them. Did you save your receipt, sounds like one of the struts failed.

 

Our (2010) OEM strut performance went from perfect to so-so, but at least stabilized there. They need a bit of a push to get from 3/4 to full raise, just sorta sticking a bit. But at least they continue to be functional. For anyone who's replaced theirs, if you've retained the oem might be worthwhile trying them again.

 

Nope, our 2011 had one strut totally fail, where you can push the strut down to the compressed position with no effort at all. Makes a good steel baton:

 

Being the plan ahead kind of guy that I am, if anyone confirms Gen 4 hatch lifts that work from Strong please post here. Amazon says that the existing options will not work on 2016 models.

 

All you need is some measurements of opened length vs closed length and what kind of fittings are on each end. Then if you can find out what the lift force is on the oem struts, you can go shopping.

 

I believe Stabilus was the OES for our liftgate shocks. You can get the Sachs branded ones from RockAuto for about $20/ea- this may be worth a try.

 

Problem...
Advance Auto said that the StrongArm 4247 fit my 2013 Prius, and the length seemed right. I replaced both...and they don't hold the hatch up, at all. Thoughts, suggestions?
Thanks!

 

maybe they're just old/
bring 'em back to advance & exchange them for a different pair/
don't they have a lifetime warranty neway?

 

Second set of 4247s doesn't work either. WTH? Should I just order the others, either 6244 or 4686? Is it possible that by turning one of the end pieces to fit I've messed them up somehow?