RF Project - Converting 30" Propane Cooker

[GvilleDave]

So I have been wanting to build a RF smoker for a while now and have actually been watching out for a deal on a propane tank at the right price for a couple months now. On friday I found an add on Craigslist for a "meat roaster", the add did not mention smoker, BBQ, pig, etc... As a result I don't think he had gotten any interest in the cooker before my call. I went to take a look and found someone else's attempt to build a propane cooker. It is a 30" diameter propane tank x 44" long from tip to tip. Unfortunately the builder just sliced the tank right down the middle and added cheap hinges to make the door. The fab work is rough and the fact that the door is half of the tank w/ no counter weight makes it pretty heavy. But for $350 it came mounted on a trailer (that also needs work) I thought it would be a good starting point and provide not only the tank and trailer but a fair amount of angle iron and expanded grating to use in the re-build.

My plan is to re-weld the center seam of the tank and cut in a smaller door on the front. I plan to remove the propane burner and add an off set firebox and reverse flow plates. I could use some advice on the size of the firebox and the size of the opening between the firebox and the cooking chamber. I will try and post some pics of the "before" cooker so you get an idea of where I am starting.

[GvilleDave]

[GvilleDave]

Forgot to mention in the original post: I will be remounting the tank and turning it 90 degrees with the firebox at the rear of the trailer.

Also, the trailer is a work in progress, the axle / spindles / wheels are from an old (at least 50's era) Plymouth front end. I will either modify to add springs or will replace the axle and spindles with a kit from Northern Industrial or Tractor Supply. Open to suggestions here...

[Gizmo]

Wow! That's a great start...
Wish I was more help but there's guys here that I'm sure have done exactly that before.
Make a sketch of what you want to end up like and send it to Frank - he can calc it up so it works - Keep the pics coming and thanks!

[maccas66]

money well spent I`d say!, and thats a nice size tank as well!

[Smokeone]

Great jump start you got there. As was said get the specifics to Frank, he can get you going.
Looking forward to watching your build.

[rlmax02]

wow thats a great find. gotta love CL. good luck with the build and keep the pics flowing

[GvilleDave]

So I stumbled into some good luck... Through a work connection I was able to get all the 1/4" steel plate cut to size including the 1 1/2 " wide frame for around the door and the door itself along with the intake vents and the vent slider / damper. Everything cut out including materials cost was only $64 which was raw cost of the plate! Next step start practicing with the new welder and maybe tack together the firebox. The outside dimensions will be 24" x 24" x 24" which is bigger than I need for a 120 gallon cooking chamber but bigger is OK if my research is correct...

[GvilleDave]

The intake vents calculate out to a fully open 44 sq in.

[Frank_Cox]

sounds like you got it goin! That's a great deal on the plate!