How many connection joints does a 5-foot section eliminate compared to building the same span from shorter lengths?

A single 5-foot section replaces what would otherwise require two or three shorter sections plus their connection hardware. For example, reaching 10 feet with two 5-foot sections means one bolted joint at the midpoint. Reaching the same 10 feet with five 2-foot sections means four joints. Each eliminated joint saves four bolts, four nuts, four washers, alignment time, and one more inspection point — so the time and hardware savings scale quickly across a full grid build.

Does the matte black finish affect how clamps and accessories grip the main chord tubing?

The powder coat adds a thin layer over the aluminum surface, which actually increases friction slightly compared to bare brushed aluminum. Truss clamps, half-couplers, and quick-release clamps all seat and grip normally on the coated surface. The finish does not affect the outer diameter enough to change clamp compatibility — standard 50 mm (2-inch) truss clamps fit the main chords the same as on the standard version.

EVT12S-5FT Black — 5-Foot 12x12 Heavy-Duty Box Truss Section with End-Plate Bolt Connection

EVT12S System Knowledge Center

Longer Straight Runs.
Fewer Bolted Connections.

The EVT12S-5FT Black is a 5-foot heavy-duty square aluminum truss section with end-plate bolt connections and a matte black powder coat finish. Its longer 60-inch length reduces the number of joints required across extended spans while maintaining compatibility with standard 12-inch plated bolt truss systems.

Product Facts

Model EVT12S-5FT Black

SKU EVT12S-5FT-Black

Product Type Straight Plated Truss

Overall Size 12 x 12 x 60 in

Weight 35 lb

Finish Matte Black Powder Coat

5 ft Section Length

12 x 12 in Square Profile

35 lb Section Weight

4-Bolt End Plates

Black Powder Coat

Product Overview

A Heavy-Duty 5-Foot Section Designed for Efficient Span Building.

The EVT12S-5FT Black extends plated truss runs with fewer connection points, less hardware, and less assembly time than equivalent spans built from multiple shorter sections.

Longer Section Length

The 60-inch length reduces the number of intermediate joints across extended straight runs.

Heavy-Duty Construction

Built with 50 mm main chords and 25 mm diagonal bracing using 6061-T6 aluminum alloy.

End-Plate Bolt Connection

Four-bolt end plates provide a rigid mechanical connection for compatible heavy-duty truss systems.

Low-Visibility Finish

Matte black powder coat helps the structure visually recede in theatrical, studio, touring, and dark-finish environments.

Common Applications

Built for Heavy-Duty Production Structures.

The matte black finish and plated connection system make this section suitable for professional structures where strength, rigidity, and low visual impact are important.

Touring Production

Build repeatable stage, lighting, and scenic structures that travel between venues.

Broadcast & Recording Studios

Use black truss where reflections and visible structure must be minimized.

Nightclubs & Entertainment Venues

Support lighting, video, scenic, and architectural elements in dark interiors.

Trade Show Structures

Build heavy-duty booth frames, overhead displays, and long straight spans.

Industrial & Specialty Builds

Use within engineered support structures, canopies, scenic frameworks, and other professional applications.

Who It’s For

Built for Teams Managing Heavy-Duty Truss Inventory.

Best suited for professionals who need rigid plated connections, repeatable assembly, and a matte black finish across production and industrial environments.

Rental Companies

For heavy-duty inventory packages that require longer sections and fewer joints.

Industrial Riggers

For engineered structures assembled with plated bolt connections.

Stage Technicians

For touring, theatrical, concert, and venue production systems.

Scenic Shops

For fabrication support, scenic frameworks, and custom production builds.

Convention Contractors

For booth frames, overhead structures, branded environments, and exhibit systems.

Studio & Venue Production Teams

For permanent-style or repeatable dark-finish truss installations.

Included Hardware

Supplied for One Bolted Connection.

Each section includes the standard hardware required to connect one end plate to a compatible plated truss component.

4 Grade 8 Bolts

High-strength fasteners for the four end-plate connection points.

4 Nuts

Matching nuts for securing the supplied bolts.

4 Washers

Included to distribute clamping force at the connection.

Confirm hardware quantity for the complete structure.

Additional bolts, nuts, washers, clamps, base plates, corners, and accessories may be required depending on the full configuration.

Technical Reference

Complete Product Specifications

Dimensions, tubing, finish, weight, connection type, and compatibility.

Identification

Product Details

Model EVT12S-5FT Black

SKU EVT12S-5FT-Black

Brand Evolve Truss

Product Type Heavy-Duty Straight Plated Truss

Overall Size

Dimensions

Width 12 in

Height 12 in

Length 60 in / 5 ft

Weight 35 lb

Tubing & Material

Construction

Material 6061-T6 Aluminum

Main Chord Tubing 50 mm OD / 3 mm Wall

Diagonal Brace Tubing 25 mm OD / 3 mm Wall

Finish Matte Black Powder Coat

Connection & Compatibility

System Fit

Connection Type End-Plate Nut & Bolt

Included Hardware 4 Bolts, Nuts & Washers

Certification TUV Certified

Warranty 1-Year Limited Warranty

System Compatibility

Standard 12-Inch Plated Geometry. Built to Integrate.

The EVT12S-5FT Black is designed for compatible 12-inch heavy-duty plated truss systems using four-bolt end connections.

EVT12S Compatibility

Directly compatible with the EVT12S plated bolt truss series.

Common Industry Systems

Compatible with Tomcat, James Thomas Engineering, Milos, Show Solutions, and other standard 12-inch plated systems when hole patterns and geometry match.

Standard 50 mm Clamps

Compatible clamps designed for 50 mm main chords may be used where permitted.

Verify Before Mixing Brands

Confirm end-plate dimensions, bolt-hole spacing, truss depth, chord position, and engineering data before combining components from different manufacturers.

Connection Overview

Align the End Plates. Torque the Bolts Evenly.

Connections should be assembled by trained personnel using compatible hardware and the correct tightening procedure for the complete structure.

01 — Inspect the Truss

Check chords, braces, welds, end plates, bolt holes, and powder coat condition.

02 — Align the End Plates

Bring the mating plates together and align all four bolt holes without forcing them.

03 — Install Hardware

Insert the four bolts with the required washers and nuts.

04 — Tighten in Sequence

Tighten the connection evenly in a cross pattern to seat the plates uniformly.

05 — Verify Plate Contact

Confirm the plates are fully seated and no visible gap or distortion remains.

06 — Final Inspection

Recheck every fastener and inspect the complete connection before loading.

Safety & Engineering

Load Capacity Depends on The Complete Structure.

Allowable loading depends on span length, orientation, support conditions, connection details, point-load locations, distributed loads, bracing, structure geometry, and the full engineered configuration.

Inspect the truss, welds, braces, end plates, bolt holes, and hardware before every use.

Do not use truss with cracks, bent chords, damaged welds, distorted plates, elongated holes, or severe corrosion.

Use only compatible high-strength bolts, nuts, and washers in every connection.

Confirm all four bolts are installed and properly tightened before applying load.

Do not place concentrated loads directly at unsupported or unverified connection locations.

Have the complete structure reviewed by a qualified engineer when required.

Assembly and use must be performed by trained personnel following applicable standards and site requirements.

Product Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Why use a 5-foot section instead of several shorter sections?

A longer section reduces the number of bolted joints, hardware sets, alignment steps, and inspection points required across the same span.

Does the black powder coat affect clamp compatibility?

No. The coating does not change the outside diameter enough to prevent compatible 50 mm truss clamps from seating normally.

What hardware is included?

The section includes four Grade 8 bolts, four nuts, and four washers.

Is this compatible with other plated truss brands?

It is designed to integrate with common 12-inch plated systems, including EVT12S, Tomcat, James Thomas Engineering, Milos, Show Solutions, and others, provided the end-plate geometry and bolt pattern match.

Can this section be used outdoors?

Outdoor use depends on the complete engineered structure, weather exposure, supports, anchorage, corrosion protection, and environmental loading.

Building a heavy-duty plated truss system?

Structural Solutions, Unmatched Innovation

EVT12S-5FT Black

EVT12S-5FT Black — 5-Foot Black Truss Section – 12″ x 12″ Heavy-Duty Square Aluminum End-Plate Truss (Matte Black)

Longer Straight Runs. Fewer Bolted Connections.