Wolf Pup - Under Bed Storage

I needed a way to make the storage under the queen bed usable. First I tried hinging a piece of PVC pipe at the base to swing up and use a prop to keep the bed up, but it was too hard for my wife to manage.

The solution was to use a pair of gas struts which she can manage easily getting open - and the compartment stays open, but she does have to use two hands to close it.

This didn't come easy though, there was much experimenting (about 3 hours worth) and I had to send the first pair of struts back and get a 'lighter' pair.

This is the pair I ended up with from Hatchlift.com, but because they sent replacement struts I can't be sure which kit would be the correct one to order. If you have a Pup, tell them this is the strut that works and ask which kit you need to order.

Further, because I was drilling so many holes to try to get things right, I installed a plywood strip along the top of the bed frame. The bracket you see below mounted on that plywood strip is not mounted in the recommended orientation. The instructions say to mount the flat edge up, but I found this way the bed stays in the down position better.

The two empty holes to the left are the recommended place to attach the bracket  (at 18" - with the pin to the bottom).  I originally tried the bracket there in the proper orientation. Then, after much experimentation, found that I liked it better the way you see it now.