Are spring-loaded hinges effective for a Murphy bed in a camper van? How do they compare to gas strut hinges in terms of space efficiency and ease of use?

Spring-loaded hinges for a Murphy bed in a camper van work well with an aluminum or lightweight wood frame. I wouldn't recommend them for steel or anything heavier. The effectiveness depends not only on the weight but also the size of the bed—if there's too much leverage, the springs won't be enough. In the van build you're referencing, the springs don't have enough force to hold the bed up entirely; they just make it easier to manage when opening and closing. Even with the springs on all five hinges maxed out, the bed can still slam down if not guided. I hope this helps. Thanks!

Notes: The hinges discussed in the answer above are Single Action Stainless Steel 3 1/2-Inch x 3 1/2-Inch Spring Hinge.

Model number: DSH35U32D.

Original question by @yidai9690 from https://www.youtube.com/live/RC3403mnpbE?si=kU0L9QdFWDjM-_rh