RV Storage Upgrade: Stromberg Trailer Tray

RV Life

Finding a secure RV storage space for coolers, wood boxes, and generators can be a real challenge on A-frame travel trailers. One area of a trailer that is often used for cargo is above the propane tanks on the A-frame. Stromberg Carlson Products, the well-known Michigan-based RV aftermarket manufacturer, has done just that. The company offers an innovative storage tray that can support up to 300 pounds.

The tray of the Stromberg’s CC-255 Trailer Tray (MSRP: $284.95) sits about 30 inches from the top of the A-frame. As such, it easily clears the standard 30-pound propane tanks found on most travel trailers. The tray sits atop curved tubular support legs that are adjustable to fit a variety of A-frame widths and configurations.

The CC-255 Trailer Tray is an easy DIYer bolt-together kit. It comes with all hardware and an easy-to-follow parts diagram. **Photo: Bruce Smith.**

An Easy RV Storage Tray Installation

What’s even nicer is the Installation of this Stromberg accessory is relatively easy for RV owners using basic hand tools. We witnessed as much during a visit to Bish’s RV in Meridian, Idaho. The only tools needed are a 3/8- or ½-inch ratchet set, some box-end wrenches, a drill, and a tape measure.

That’s what Bish’s tech used to do the install. That way, the customer could securely carry a 98-pound Cummins Onan P4500i Digital Inverter generator. It was installed on a 2021 Grand Design Reflection 313 RLTS. The tray would also be ideal for carrying a pair of smaller portable generators.)

Maintaining Access To Propane Tanks

The bracket is installed to the trailer's A-frame. — The Trailer Tray installation requires removal of the propane tanks.Then the “T”-shaped lower support brace is bolted to the A-frame tight against the jack bracket using the supplied 5/16×8-inch bolts. **Photo: Bruce Smith**

The lower pockets for the rear support pipes are then loosely bolted to the frame using the supplied 5/16x4-inch hardware. These may need to be slid forward/backward depending on your trailer setup. Our Reflection 313 RLTS needed the brackets mounted even with the battery tray. — *The lower pockets for the rear support pipes are then* loosely bolted to the frame using the supplied 5/16-by-4-inch hardware.These may need to be slid forward/backward depending on your trailer setup. Our Reflection 313 RLTS needed the brackets mounted even with the battery tray. **Photo: Bruce Smith**

Installing the Stromberg RV storage tray. Photo: Bruce Smith. — The two rear support tubes are then placed into the lower pockets and turned so the curve places the upper ends toward the hitch. This provides the maximum tray clearance with the trailer. **Photo: Bruce Smith**

Stromberg Carlson’s installation instructions are well written and offer three mounting suggestions. That way, the removal and/or refilling of the tanks can be done without removing the storage tray.

Replace the existing propane tank plastic hardcover with a soft vinyl cover
Replace the existing hardcover with a flip-top version to access the tank valves. (This also requires removal of the cross bar to remove cover and refill propane tanks).
Leave the tank cover off for direct access to the propane tanks

Bish’s RV techs recommend the best solution is replacing the propane tank’s hard plastic cover with a soft version. That is what this customer did after the tray was installed.

The trailer tray attaches to rear supports and a front L-braecket. — *The trailer tray attaches to rear supports and a front L-bracket.* ***Photo: Bruce Smith***

Easy Adjustment RV Storage Design

*The bottom support brackets need to be equal distance from the trailer hitch. Here, the installer uses the ball lock as his reference point.* ***Photo Bruce Smith.***

The CC-255 RV storage cargo tray uses a “T”-style front support. It also uses a pair of sturdy mandrel-bent heavy-wall tubes for the rear supports. The rear tubes sit in steel pockets clamped to the trailer’s A-frame rails. Meanwhile the front support clamps across the trailer A-frame just behind the jack.

A tape measure showing two inches of clearance between the tray and the trailer. — The Trailer Tray must be square to the trailer. It’s best to have at least two inches of space between the tray and closest point of the trailer. Photo: Bruce Smith

All mounting parts, including the tray, can be easily adjusted to move the tray fore/aft or side-to-side. Whatever it takes to fit the trailer, and clear the tow vehicle when it’s making a sharp turn. It’s a clean, well-designed cargo-tray system.

Bish’s Craig Martinez, a certified-RVDA/RVIA technician, installed this one in less than an hour. He says the average RVer should be able to do the install in approximately the same amount of time.