Stromberg Carlson’s A-frame trailer tongue cargo tray takes storage to a new level.
By Bruce W. Smith
September 2022
Story with step-by-step photos here: 2reprint-TrailerTrayInstallation_FRV0922
Cargo storage space on most A-frame travel trailers is at a premium, especially when it comes to accommodating bulkier items such as coolers, toolboxes, or generators. Stromberg Carlson Products, a Michigan-based RV aftermarket manufacturer of RV products since 1959, has utilized the air space above the trailer tongue to accommodate an innovative, sturdy, and easy-to-install storage tray that can support up to 300 pounds.
Stromberg’s Trailer Tray (Model CC-255) sits about 30 inches from the top of the A-frame, designed to clear standard 30-pound propane tanks. It has curved, tubular support legs that are adjustable in order to fit a wide range of trailer tongue widths, frontal configurations, and tow vehicle applications. The tray measures 30 inches wide and 20 inches deep and can accommodate generators, coolers, compressors, welders, wood boxes, and other items, according to company literature. It includes eight tie-down locations along the edges to secure cargo, and it incorporates drain holes to prevent moisture buildup.
The accompanying photos show this tray being installed on a 2021 Grand Design Reflection 313RLTS at Bish’s RV in Meridian, Idaho, to carry a 98-pound Cummins Onan P4500i digital inverter generator. Locating the generator here makes it easy to access and also frees up valuable compartment storage space.
Cargo Tray And Access To Propane Tanks
Stromberg Carlson’s instructions offer three suggestions for RVers who have propane tanks installed on the A-frame tongue regarding the removal and/or refilling of the tanks without detaching the storage tray:
*Replace the existing propane tank’s hard plastic cover with a soft vinyl cover (this seems to be the best solution).
*Replace the existing hard plastic cover with a flip-top version to access the tank valves (still requires removal of the crossbar to take off the cover and refill the propane tanks).
*Leave the tank cover off for direct access to the propane tanks.
Bolt-On Cargo Tray Installation
In addition to the tray utilizing what would otherwise be open space, one added plus is that Stromberg’s Trailer Tray can be installed by just about any RVer who has a basic 3/8-inch or ½-inch ratchet set, a couple of standard box-end wrenches, a drill, and a tape measure. (Company literature suggests the installation be a two-person project, because of the weight and construction of the tray.)
The unit uses a T-style front support and a pair of sturdy mandrel-bent heavy-wall tubes for the rear supports. The rear tubes sit in steel pockets clamped to the A-frame rails, while the front support clamps across the trailer tongue, just behind the jack.
All mounting parts, including the tray, can be adjusted to move the tray fore or aft or side to side as required to fit the trailer and clear the tow vehicle when it’s making a sharp turn. I found it to be a clean, well-designed cargo tray system. Bish’s Craig Martinez, a certified RVDA/RVIA technician, installed this one in less than an hour and said the average RVer should be able to do the install in the same amount of time.
Further Information
Stromberg Carlson Products Inc.
www.strombergcarlson.com
(231) 947-8600
Bish’s RV
www.bishsmeridian.com
(208) 417-8550