First build starting next week.

abynorml · Post by **abynorml** » August 16th, 2013, 1:38 pm

Hi all,

My father and I are going to begin building our trailer smoker next week but I had a few questions that I was hoping I could get help with. For the CC we are using a 250 gallon fuel tank with flat ends (unlike a propane tank). I wanted to do a RF design and entered all of the dimensions into the calculator to get the FB size, throat size, etc. For the RF plate in the chamber I was planning on using 1/4 inch. Now to the questions:

1. Given the throat size between the FB and the CC is crtitical, does the gap between the end of my RF plate and the tank need to be smaller, the same, or larger in size than the throat? I was thinking it should be at minimum the same size if not larger but I wasn't sure.

2. We are planning on insulating the firebox. With the insulation is it still advisable to use 1/4 inch for the firebox structure and thinner guage for the outside or can we go a little thinner on the inside firebox walls?

I plan on documenting the build and will post the pictures...I just need to learn how to get them to attach.

Thanks in advance for any insight provided!

Smokeone · Post by **Smokeone** » August 16th, 2013, 7:30 pm

The throat should be equal to the FB to cc opening. You could go a little lighter, but that is the spot that takes the abuse from the fire.
Of course these are my opinions, and they usually aren't worth much.

Post by **Rodcrafter** » August 17th, 2013, 10:47 am

Your going to make a nice cooker it sounds like. I would say that the size of the throat is very important to use the calc and you can go just a bit larger, and then on the other end of the plate to CC shouldn't get smaller than the other opening or more than 1.5x. As for the insulation on the firebox, it is my opinion the inside should still be 1/4" so that the fire doesn't warp it too much. The fact it is insulated doesn't change the fact the fire is hitting it directly. And for the pics your having trouble with there is a topic on the "Board Index" that will help you with "Forum Issues". If you want to get some plans contact Frank Cox and these questions will be taken care of for sure, smokerplans.net

jm2cw

Clover Ridge Smokers · Post by **Clover Ridge Smokers** » August 17th, 2013, 7:10 pm

The Czar · Post by **The Czar** » August 17th, 2013, 10:10 pm

Dang Terry… You're on fire this week buddy!!!

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

abynorml · Post by **abynorml** » August 18th, 2013, 10:44 am

Thanks for the information! I am going to get in touch with Frank for some plans. That way it will take the guess work out of a lot of the things that I am sure will come up along the way!

Clover Ridge Smokers · Post by **Clover Ridge Smokers** » August 18th, 2013, 3:37 pm

Great idea on getting plans. Guess work can cost you way more than the plans.

abynorml · Post by **abynorml** » August 20th, 2013, 3:19 pm

Can anyone tell me the rule of thumb on the spacing between the end of the tank and the chimney? Also, I have noticed that different people have their firebox inlets in a range of different places (closer to the CC vs on the FB door). Are there any places on the firebox that are a better location for the inlets than another?

Smokeone · Post by **Smokeone** » August 20th, 2013, 5:46 pm

I like my chimney as close to the end as I can.
As for inlets, if you can, I would use all 4 sides. The back may need a little design work tho. That gives you lots of options if the wind changes or whatever. The one I would definitely do is the door, it just works with the natural air flow.

Clover Ridge Smokers · Post by **Clover Ridge Smokers** » August 20th, 2013, 6:33 pm

Gizmo · Post by **Gizmo** » August 20th, 2013, 7:38 pm

Go out the end of the tank if you can….

abynorml · Post by **abynorml** » August 23rd, 2013, 4:18 pm

Thanks for all the input everyone! We are planning on working on the smoker this weekend. After some delays we finally have the welder ready to go. First some practice then we are going to crank it up! I will take a lot of pics and post them next week.

Clover Ridge Smokers · Post by **Clover Ridge Smokers** » August 23rd, 2013, 7:17 pm

Let the good times roll!!

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