Is a conveyance to a trust valid if the deed recites the “trust” as the grantee, specifies “zero consideration” and is dated prior to the acquisition by the grantor of the conveyed property?

Thanks for your question. There appear to be two issues. I think naming the trust as grantee rather than the trustee is probably okay, although not good practice. Generally speaking, trusts aren't entities like corporations. If the deed is a warranty deed then I think the doctrine of estoppel by deed would validate the transfer. If it was a quitclaim deed then it wouldn't.