Firebox decision

[Lunch For Louie]

G’day,

Long time lurker, first time poster.
I am building a trailer smoker out of a 300 gallon ex-diesel storage tank measuring: 60inch/ 38inch . I have something that I’d love to use for my firebox, it’s a very thick walled old grass roller. Issue is, it’s 66 gallons. Breaking the 1/3 rule pretty drastically.

My thoughts/options so far are:
1: because the CC is so deep, drop in a plate reducing its size to match the firebox

2: ditch the cylinder grass roller and build a cube firebox to match the CC

3: send it with what I’ve got

Would I regret reducing the CC? Is that extra depth helpful? Or just a hassle to get to temp.

Any input would be appreciated
Cheers

 

[normanaj]

I know nothing about smoker builds but anyways hello from RI.

 

[Lunch For Louie]

I know nothing about smoker builds but anyways hello from RI.

Hey Norman, hope you got better weather in RI today. Raining cats and dogs here

 

[normanaj]

Hey Norman, hope you got better weather in RI today. Raining cats and dogs here

We have the Thanksgiving holiday here in the States tomorrow and it will be raining here in Rhode Island so I'll be smokin in the rain unfortunately.

 

[radioguy]

Hello from Ohio. Good that you are following the 1/3 rule for firebox size. That is just a guideline. When I built mine I sized my FB a little larger than 33%. You can just build smaller fires. I use the extra space for ash waste below the fire grate. I would use the roller if it is thick (1/4" or more) Thicker FB takes a while to heat up but will retain heat and tend to even out temp spikes. Just adjust and shorten its length.
I like a square FB makes ash clean out easy with a shovel and brush.
Take your time and you'll make the right decision.

RG