Getting the tank off the trailer and burning it out, adding saddle pillars to the stand and installing the tank. Finishing the video by installing the firebox. View the full playlist at • #144 Building an Offse...
Steve, I would explore the Counterweight method too. I know you said you weren't too crazy about that idea but they do really work good and are what a lot of people and Restaurants use. I step back and look at the overall picture and start visualizing what it will look like and then weigh the pros and cons. And with the mud issue, I would give wider tires a thought. If you not going to be moving it around a lot then stick with what you have. The stress will take its toll over time. Oh, one other thing put a hitch on that thing and save your back. Looking Good
Thank you James. I really appreciate your help. I put the counterweights on yesterday and it will be in the next video. I have some lawn mower tires but do not have wheels for them yet, but that is a definite follow up video for later. Also, by the end of this build will be a handle and a lawn mower hitch. Thank you for your help and comments.
That was my thoughts exactly after I stepped back and looked at it. My other smoker gets clogged sometimes but I use a propane torch to warm it up and it usually clears right up. Thank you for commenting.
Hello Steve my recommendation is to install a counter weight system Weld a slightly cured bar from the top face area of the lid to the back with some weight. And make the weights at the end of the bar use them as lid stop blocks. This way you lift the lid and the counter weight bar becomes the lid stopper and will hold in place as you work the BBQ. I also agree with the comment below about a bigger drain 2” Nice job so far.
Thanks David. I installed the same type counterweights as you described yesterday and will be in the next project video. Works perfect! Thanks for the comments.
Hi Stephen, Really enjoying following along on this build! I think you should have used a bigger valve/drain hole because I believe the one you used is too small for everything that has to drain through it. I say this because I used to have diamond blade rock saws and used oil as a lube.The rick dust and muck was drained through a 1-1/2" ball valve which I found to bee too small. I hope I'm wrong but we won't know until you actually try to clean the smoker out! Good luck and have fun! Tom
I agree and after reading your comment this morning, it was the first thing I did when I got outside. It is on my next video. I was very surprised at how much it beefed it up. Thank you for your suggestions.
I followed the built from the beginning Stephen and I can say you did a fantastic job. However I have a concern concerning your drain. Since you put a mechanical device to drain the liquids, MAKE SURE you put a very good screen to catch any debris other than liquid because it will be a nightmare to clean a clog, if any.
Wonder if a spring shock absorber would work for the door? ( the kind you find in a hatch back suv ) I think a gas one would fail do to the heat !! Great video Stephen
It is coming along really nice. Will it need a vent pipe to let smoke and heat come out? You have also made yourself an ideal, one- man civil defense shelter.
Yes I will install a vent pipe, but it will be at the end of the project.I think, because I do not have the material to build it just yet. I can't believe you guessed the true reason for this build, I will probably be on a watch list now. LOL
I have been following your build and it reminds me of mine that I made about 12 years ago.I built 2 and rented them out(more trouble than it was worth).I am not a pro by any means so a lot of this was trial and error,but they both turned out fine.I have some ideas would like to share but not much of a typist,if you want you can get back to me and I can give you my phone #.The one I built on the trailer is one my Obie one name,but have many more pics and ideas I can exchange.Yours is coming out very good and sure you will enjoy it for many years to come.
Thank you sir. I have only built one other and it works great. It is very small, because I built it from a 100 lb propane tank. Hope you enjoy the continuation of this project.
Thank you Ricardo. I know that some people have wierd formulas for the sizes. However as a Firefighter for 32 years I honestly think it is BS. All you need is a burn chamber that can burn hot enough to heat your smoker. This chamber is only 16x16x20 inches and will hold 350 deg F. for as long as I need it too. If I listened to the "Smoker Experts" then my burn chamber would have been almost half the size of the tank. Again BS. Make sure you have good airflow from the intake of the firebox to the exhaust stack and with a moderate sized fire you can hold nearly any temp you want. I hope this helps although it did not actually answer your question. I just built a chamber big enough to hold my firewood with air flowing up through the fire. Airflow is the key, not size. Take care brother.
