"Equalizer" Install Question - MotorGuide

I purchased and installed a set of the Equalizer lift assist pistons from TH Marine. The set I have are the newer style with the solid piece stud for the lower bracket. Using the supplied template I drilled my holes and installed with no issues. However, I have a question that I hope other folks who have installed can help with. When the TM is lowered into the fishing position, the pistons are not fully compressed. They lack probably 1/2 - 3/4 inch from being fully compressed. Is this normal? From looking at the install images online looks like the pistons should be fully compressed? I am thinking that maybe this is just a change to the design but I want to be sure that I am getting the full performance. Can anyone who has installed a set recently comment?

Mine had about 3/8"
http://www.bbcboards.net/attachment....d=215128&stc=1

Thanks Drewtick. Do you still get full performance (lift assist / deploy assist) with the gap?

I wouldn't think you would ever want the cylinder to bottom out in its stroke. It could bind up and cause the TM not to latch into position.

You should have installed in the full closed position.

If you followed the installation instructions, it will work as it is supposed to. You don't have to guess what position the piston is supposed to be in whether the motor is deployed and stowed.

I used the template provided and works great, cut the weight in half,

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Originally Posted by DREWTICK

I used the template provided and works great, cut the weight in half,

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I added a Humminbird bow 360 and with that extra weight the Equalizer is even more of a benefit. The pistons are still strong enough to keep the mount from latching if I deploy the motor too easily.

yep they are strong, it took me awhile to get used to , when i put mine down it would not latch, found out I could just throw it down and it lands soft and still latches.
my new boat will have the X5 and I plan to install on it if they fit

Thanks guys! I tried mine out this weekend and like you guys say, it works as advertised. I just wish the manufacturer would change or add a note to their advertising to show what the current design yields, a lot of the earlier pictures show the pistons close to full compression.

I looked at the Equalizer I have installed on my Tour 82. There's about a 1/2" of shaft still showing in the down position.
When I first installed them I had to put my foot on the mount to get it to latch in the deployed position. They loosened up after a dozen or so trips. Best thing I ever did to my MG. Takes no effort to deploy or stow.

I really liked mine until one of the rams broke, called them up and they don't offer replacement parts. Was told I'd have to order the whole kit again.

I know this is an old thread, but can someone measure the length of the struts fully extended please?

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Originally Posted by Superdave

I know this is an old thread, but can someone measure the length of the struts fully extended please?

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8 1/2" deployed on a X5 they may be just a little longer if removed they had to be slightly compressed to install

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Originally Posted by DREWTICK

8 1/2" deployed on a X5 they may be just a little longer if removed they had to be slightly compressed to install

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No you do not slightly compress to install. You raise the motor some so the distance between the studs matches the gas spring length and snap it on the studs.
They are slightly compressed when the motor is fully stowed and not fully compressed when the motor is fully deployed.

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Originally Posted by Wayne P.

No you do not slightly compress to install. You raise the motor some so the distance between the studs matches the gas spring length and snap it on the studs.
They are slightly compressed when the motor is fully stowed and not fully compressed when the motor is fully deployed.

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that's correct I just worded that wrong , I just remember them being a little longer when removed