Why I Chose the Stromberg Carlson CC‑255 Tray for My Tongue-Mounted Condenser
Every now and then in this build, I hit a moment where a single decision suddenly unlocks a cleaner, smarter, more intentional layout.
Today was one of those moments — and it came in the form of a steel cargo tray designed for generators.
Specifically, the Stromberg Carlson CC‑255 Trailer Tray.
This tray is now the foundation for mounting my HVAC condenser on the tongue, above the propane tanks.
And honestly, it feels like one of the most strategic upgrades I’ve made so far.
The Problem I Needed to Solve
Originally, the HVAC condenser was going to live in the garage.
It made sense on paper — plenty of space, easy access, and a straight shot to the air handler.
But the more I thought about it, the more it bothered me:
- It would dump heat into the garage.
- It would compete for space with the hot water system.
- It would complicate airflow and ventilation.
- It just didn’t feel like the right long-term solution.
I wanted the garage to be a clean mechanical bay — hot water, manifolds, electrical routing — not a heat chamber.
So I started looking at exterior mounting options.
The A‑Frame Tongue: An Untapped Opportunity
The tongue already houses the dual propane tanks, and it’s one of the most structurally solid parts of the trailer.
It’s also exposed to open air, which is exactly what a condenser needs.
The challenge was finding a way to mount the condenser above the propane tanks without interfering with:
- tank access
- regulators
- propane lines
- clearances
- weight distribution
That’s when I found the Stromberg Carlson CC‑255.
The Moment It Clicked
I came across a video of someone using the CC‑255 tray to mount a generator above their propane tanks.
And immediately I thought:
“That’s it. That’s exactly how I can mount the condenser.”
The tray clamps directly to the A‑frame, sits above the tanks, and provides a stable, adjustable-height platform.
It’s built for outdoor equipment, it’s rated for the weight, and it solves every clearance issue in one move.
Why the CC‑255 Is Perfect for This Build
- It clears the propane tanks. The adjustable height and angled supports make it easy to position above the tank cover.
- It supports up to 300 lbs. More than enough for a condenser plus vibration pads.
- It’s designed for A‑frame trailers. No custom fabrication required.
- It improves airflow. The condenser gets open air on all sides.
- It frees up the garage. No more heat load or equipment crowding.
- It keeps service access simple. Everything is reachable from the front of the trailer.
This tray wasn’t designed for HVAC equipment, but it might as well have been.
It solves a real problem with a clean, off‑the‑shelf solution.
How It Changes the Build
Relocating the condenser to the tongue has a ripple effect across the entire build:
- The garage becomes a dedicated hot water and electrical bay.
- Airflow and efficiency improve for the HVAC system.
- Propane routing stays clean and unobstructed.
- The mechanical layout becomes more intentional and future‑proof.
It’s one of those decisions that makes everything else better.
Final Thoughts
The Stromberg Carlson CC‑255 Trailer Tray wasn’t originally on my radar, but it ended up being exactly what I needed.
It’s strong, adjustable, purpose-built for the A‑frame, and it turns the tongue into a high‑function mechanical platform.
Sometimes the best solutions come from looking at a problem sideways — or in this case, from above the propane tanks.
I’m excited to get this tray installed and start mocking up the condenser placement.
This is one of those upgrades that feels like a turning point in the build.