Smoker Design PICS INCLUDED, need input/ideas

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fireman jb

Newbie
Original poster
Jan 27, 2012
15
10
Alaska
I've got a couple ideas for my smoker build and what to see what the pros on here think.  When I get back from Korea my brother and father are going to help me build this thing...  My brother does auto body and paint for a living, so he is going to the main welder.  My father has built a couple different golf cart trailers so he is going to be another welder and a lot of help.  I'm sure they would build one while I'm gone, but I want them to wait so we can get all the math/sizes right.  So while I'm overseas they are going to be gathering parts and pieces.  My brother has already found a tank for free!  I have 3 different designs right now.  All reverse flow.

My tank, for now...  My brother found it while out riding and says it's between 250-300 gallons.

047cbc65_MyTank.jpg


Design 1, not sure if I want the smoke entering the cooking chamber right at the door...

e3f57cbb_1Mysmokerdrawingrearentry.jpg


587e6c71_endtrailersmoker.jpg


Design 2, want to cut the tank the same as above, but make flat/straight doors from the top of the door opening to the bottom and open them left and right so I can have a warming box on the top of the smoker...

9cd0f89e_2mysmokerdrawingsideentryswingopen.jpg


Design 3, Door opens up, like the pic of the smoker posted above, just mounted on the trailer so access would be from the side of the trailer

8a2841c4_3mysmokerdrawingsideentry.jpg


So what does everyone think?  Pros, Cons any and all help would be great.  I'm going home on leave before I head to Korea so I want to have a design choosen so I can show them what I'm looking for and they can start gathering scraps.

Thanks in advance,

Jarrod
 
Last edited:
I like number 1


Thank you for your input.  That is the design I was initally leaning towards, and the design my dad likes.  I like that I would be able to belly up ot the cooker and be able to keep the smoker center on the trailer for easy towing, BUT I think I would loose a little prep. space with the rear opening smoker...  I'm also not sure if I like the smoke entering the cooking chamber right at the door opening.  I need more input, pros and cons.
 
I like the idea of #2 with the warming box on top of it. If you plan on doing catering or big events that will be more than worth having.

Cant wait to see what you decide. Also I think the RF design will benefit you too.
 
Those are pretty common down here in the south as pig cookers but the metal is so thin that I just can't see it as an efficient RF smoker.
 
I like 2 and 3. 

2 I like the like stated above with the warmer,  but they doors might be tricky to build

I like the simple door on 3.

other thing I have no idea or experience of how warm your warming box will get from radiant heat off the cooking chamber.   
th_dunno-1%5B1%5D.gif
 

Sorry not any help here, but good luck on your build
thumb1.gif
 
Those are pretty common down here in the south as pig cookers but the metal is so thin that I just can't see it as an efficient RF smoker.

I thought about that too Joel. Do you think that a good gauge RF plate would help? or welding blankets attached on the outside to help with the insulating?
 
Those are pretty common down here in the south as pig cookers but the metal is so thin that I just can't see it as an efficient RF smoker.
I thought about that too Joel. Do you think that a good gauge RF plate would help? or welding blankets attached on the outside to help with the insulating?
This is just my personal opinion but a thick RF plate doesn't get you much if all of the heat is dissipated by the thin metal outer shell. It will most likely consume a lot of fuel Brian and even then produce uneven heating.
 
This is just my personal opinion but a thick RF plate doesn't get you much if all of the heat is dissipated by the thin metal outer shell. It will most likely consume a lot of fuel Brian and even then produce uneven heating.


Thank you!!! This is the info. I'm looking for.  This is the first tank I was thinking of using because it is the first tank my brother found.  We have family friends in my home town that own a gas company.  So finding a heavier propane tak won't be an issue at all.  I haven't seen is tank in person yet, and hadn't thought of asking my brother how thick it was.  Thank you for pointing this out!

Jarrod
 
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