Whitecap 17" Gas Spring - 20lb - Black Nitrate

The Whitecap 17" Gas Spring - 20lb - Black Nitrate is a precision pneumatic damping component designed for equipment hatches, access panels, and lift-assist applications in tactical, maritime, and industrial environments. Gas springs are essential for controlled opening and closing of heavy covers while reducing operator strain and preventing sudden panel drop—critical safety considerations in law enforcement vehicles, military rigs, and fieldcraft setups where equipment reliability directly impacts mission success and personnel safety.

This gas spring features a 6mm rod diameter and 15mm tube diameter, delivering a rated force of 20 pounds to support controlled lift and smooth operation across its full stroke. The extended length of 17 inches compresses to 10¼ inches, providing approximately 6¾ inches of usable travel—ideal for equipment boxes, storage compartments, and tactical cases that require both accessibility and secure closure. The black nitrate finish provides corrosion resistance in harsh field conditions, and the sealed cartridge design ensures consistent performance without maintenance, making it suitable for both dry and humid operational environments.

Tactical professionals, vehicle upfitters, and equipment custodians benefit most from this gas spring when retrofitting or maintaining duty vehicles, mobile command units, or hardened storage solutions. Installation requires simple bracket mounting at both rod and tube ends; the 20-pound force rating suits single-spring installations for lightweight-to-moderate covers or paired configurations for heavier applications. Compatibility assessment should include final hatch weight, desired opening speed, and environmental exposure—factors that determine whether single or dual-spring systems optimize durability and field performance.