Newbie getting ready to start my first build.

[snd-mtn-smoker]

Hello to all,

I have lurked around here for some time, dreaming of the day I start my first build. Well, a 150 gal propane tank fell into my lap yesterday, and now it seems I have no other choice but to quit dreaming and start building.  My intent is to make this into a reverse flow smoker, mounted to a trailer. I have the general picture of it in my head, and from my time lurking this forum I have a general idea of how to go about this project. I do however have a few questions before I start. First, the trailer, I am finding old boat trailers fairly cheap. They seem to be lower to the ground making them the right height for me to be able to stand and cook. My question is how can I determine the weight my trailer needs to be able to handle, and if my trailer is the right one? MY next question is how do I determine the right size (dia.) stack, and is there any rhyme or reason to determine the right size fire box?

Any advice is greatly appreciated, and I will be posting pics and updates on my progress with this project. I also want to go ahead and thank those who have already posted their projects and what they have learned as this is and has already helped me a great deal. Take care and happy smoking.

Mark Swords

 

[sunman76]

hello and welcome Mark for your question about stack dia and such you can use the link below

http://webpages.charter.net/tomchism/Dodis%20Calculator/

http://webpages.charter.net/tomchism/BBQ CALC Forms/BBQ Smoker Calculators.htm

for my stack I had a height limit or I could not get mine in or out of the garage so I keep playing with the dia till

I found the height I wanted.

About your trailer there should be a plate on the trailer that says the weight limit.

 

[snd-mtn-smoker]

Thanks a lot Sunman76.

 

[SmokinAl]

   Glad to have you with us!

Don't forget to take photo's of your build from start to finish!

 

[sunman76]

HERE is a idea of the numbers you can play with

NOTE:

Rule of thumb, firebox volume should be 1/3 the size of the cooking section

Cooker chamber size

Enter your tank size below. The green cell will show the volume you will need your firebox to be.

Diameter

Length

Tank volume in gallons

Height

Width

Length

0.00

or

150.00

11550.00

or

0.00

cubic in.

cubic in.

cubic in.

Fire box size (square or rectangular)

Enter the dimensions that you would like for your firebox.

If the green cells match your firebox is 1/3 the size of your cooking chamber.

Disregard if you want a firebox laeger or smaller than 1/3.

Height

Width

Length

The rest of the calculator will work for whatever size you choose.

20.00

30.00

20.00

12000.00

cubic in.

Exhaust chimney volume needed

Size of pipe for chimney

Length of chimney needed in inches

600.00

Dia

6.00

21.23

28.26

cubic in.

Enter the size pipe you want to use to see how long it will need to be.

Firebox air inlet opening

Air inlet opening area needed

Enter the opening size you want to use to see how many you will need.

36.00

Sq. in.

Square or rectangular

Area

Number of openings needed to match area listed above.

by

=

0.00

#DIV/0!

Sq.in.

Note: number above should be 1 or more.

Circular

Number of openings needed to match area listed above.

3.00

=

7.07

5.10

Sq. in.

Note: number above should be 1 or more.

Fire box to cook chamber opening

Firebox to cook chamber opening area needed

Enter the opening size you want to use to see how many you will need.

96.00

Sq. in.

Square or rectangular

Area

Number of openings needed to match area listed above.

12.00

by

7.50

=

90.00

1.07

Sq. in.

Note: number above should be 1 or more.

Circular

Number of openings needed to match area listed above.

=

0.00

#DIV/0!

Sq. in.

Note: number above should be 1 or more.

 

[sqwib]

Sunmans got you covered, make sure to post some pics during the build, a lot of times the good folks of SMF may catch something before its too late.

BTW

 

[snd-mtn-smoker]

Thanks Sqwib will do

 

[snd-mtn-smoker]

Well, I have my tank emptied and filled with water, should be ready to make the first cut next week. Will post pics then. I have all the parts I think. I got an axle, two old trailer to demo for parts, I have the plate to make my fire box, all is ready to go. I hate waiting.

 

[roller]

   Welcome ...

 

[lovinspoonful]

Regarding boat trailers, since if you're looking at older ones they may not have a plate on them, most single axle power boat trailers of 180" and longer have a minimum capacity of 1200 lbs. If the trailer is of welded 2x3 box or I-beam construction you are pretty much assured that it will be strong enough for your application, provided it has full-size trailer wheels and tires on it.