TNutz

TNutz – Reference Supplier for Extruded Aluminum

As I plan different parts of the cargo trailer conversion, I am strongly considering using
extruded aluminum (T-slot) for structural frames, bases, and modular components.
If I go that route, TNutz is one of the primary suppliers I will use for profiles, hardware, and accessories.
This page is a reference point for their products, pricing style, and how they might fit into my build.


Why TNutz Is on My Short List

  • Affordable profiles: Their 1″ x 1″ (1010) and other common sizes are priced competitively, especially in longer lengths like 96″.
  • Cut-to-length options: They offer both full sticks and cut services, which is useful for minimizing waste.
  • Compatible hardware: Brackets, corner connectors, anchor fasteners, and T-nuts are all available in one place.
  • DIY-friendly: Their catalog is straightforward and well-suited for custom projects like trailer conversions, workbenches, and modular furniture.

How I Plan to Use TNutz in the Build

If I move forward with extruded aluminum, TNutz will likely be used for:

  • Kitchen base frames: 1010 or similar profiles for the lower cabinet structure under the butcher block countertop.
  • Modular support frames: For mechanical bays, electrical enclosures, or removable panels.
  • Mounting structures: Frames for equipment like power stations, tanks, or HVAC components where adjustability is helpful.

The ability to bolt, adjust, and reconfigure components over time fits well with the long-term, serviceable design I’m aiming for.


Example Profile Reference

One of the main profiles I’ve looked at from TNutz is:

  • Profile: 1″ x 1″ T-slot extrusion (1010 equivalent)
  • Length: 96″ sticks
  • Use Case: Vertical legs, horizontal rails, and cross-members for the kitchen base and other frames.

I will use this page to keep track of which profiles and lengths I’ve evaluated, along with any cost estimates I generate for specific sub-projects.


Notes for Future Reference

  • Confirm final profile sizes (1010 vs 1020, etc.) based on load and span requirements.
  • Standardize on a small set of connectors and fasteners to simplify assembly and spare parts.
  • Document cut plans for each project (kitchen base, mechanical bay, etc.) to optimize use of 96″ sticks.
  • Compare TNutz pricing and availability with other suppliers only if project scope grows significantly.

This page will be updated as I refine which parts of the build will use extruded aluminum and which specific TNutz components I decide to standardize on.

Stromberg Carlson CC‑255 Tray

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.