30 inch 120lb Gas Struts Spring Shocks, Gas Lift Struts 30 inch with Mounting Brackets for RV Bed Boat Cover Trap Door Floor Hatch and Other Custom Heavy Duty Project, 2 Pcs

While not listed specifically for use on a Subaru 2012 Outback, they had the right specifications. I pulled, the original bracket from the old strut, (required a Dremel or other grinder to remove it.) But, it was perfect for fit and function. Now, no more needing to hold the back gate up with one hand trying to load groceries etc.

These struts come with 'bands' holding them in the compressed position. The first thing I did was cut one of the bands and let the strut expand. WOW! I tried pushing the strut back into the compressed position and this was much more difficult than I expected. I couldn't do it with my hands alone. I ended up lifting up my boat hitch and then placing this strut between my boat hitch and the ground and then lowered down my boat in order to compress the strut. The challenge is getting these lined up in the correct position, so to do this I left one strut compressed and 1 strut expanded - then measured that distance - that will help you decide where to mount these in order to get them to work.I have a tilt bed trailer that is takes a lot of effort to get in the tilted position. I am adding these to assist in that. Should be the perfect application for these.

These gas strut spring shocks lift supports, do not fool around!I grossly overestimated my lifting needs and these struts did the job, so well, with only one strut, instead of both...They work so well at lifting my boat's engine cover, (about sixty pounds), that I only needed one strut to lift the cover with just a finger, instead of using my full strength, I used to exert in order to lift the hatch.Also, having a full set of hardware, (mounts, struts and screws) made the installation easy and complete, without having to stop my work to go to the hardware store for extra parts. The instructions have a convenient table, which will tell you the appropriate mounting location, base on the length of your strut.(But, be sure to double check your mounting location, before you cut the straps that keep the strut collapsed in the shipping position.) These struts are very powerful and you will not be able to collpa them by hand!And, you can buy with confidence, knowing you are getting a quality product that will perform better than expected.