New 250 gal RF pig smoker

[Spanky]

Hello all. I've been wanting to build a pig smoker for about a year now and finally got the tank to get started. I bought a set of plans from Frank to get started. I am looking for suggestions and have a few questions. I just got 2 sheets of 1/4" plate and got started on the firebox this week.




I'm starting off with a 250 gallon propane tank and want to do one single door on the front to do pigs. I plan on making a trailer also and need to keep it around 4' wide so it can easily fit in the back yard when not in use. My thoughts are to use 2 x 3 rectangle tube at 1/8" thick for the trailer along with a 3500 lb axle. Will that work?

[Big T]

I would use 2''x3'' 11 gauge tubing for the trailer frame. Angle iron will bend over time no matter how thick it is.

[ajfoxy]

Because there's always bumps in the road that add stress and twisting to trailers. Thicker is better. And tube over angle.

[Stewart]

I agree. When I built my trailer rig I beefed up an existing boat trailer. Towing that kind of weight bouncing on the road plays hell on thin guage steel.

[mp4]

Channel iron is a good choice for trailer frame too. It's less expensive than tube steel and is more rigid than angle iron.

[Rodcrafter]

Yep, and even rolled channel is lighter than regular channel.


Making memories!

[p3ripperfw]

That's going to be a nice set up! How will you push it into the backyard? That's going to be a heavy dude.

[Spanky]

Just a little update with the smoker. Going to start building the trailer next week. Went with 2x3 rectangle tube, 3/16 thick and a 3500 lbs axle. I just need more time, between coaching HS baseball, running a baseball league and work there isn't enough time......

[Rodcrafter]

Sweet


Making memories!

[Squiggle]

Looks awesome dude!

[Big T]

Nice!!

[bluecatfish]

Looking great!

[Spanky]

Took a break from the smoker and worked on building the trailer and got most of it done. I went with 2x3 3/16 rectangle tube and a 3500 lb axle. It's gonna be fun mounting the smoker on the trailer.

[Big T]

Sweet!!

[temurf]

Welcome aboard

Sweet looking pit.

Make sure to post the Q-View when you get her done.

[Spanky]

Moving right along.

[Squiggle]

[Rodcrafter]

Man its almost smoke time


Making memories!

[Big T]

[Spanky]

Well I have a few more things on my to do list like fenders, lights and exhaust damper. I can't wait to finish up and get the seasoning process started.

I do have 2 questions:
#1 - I have a 8" square exhaust, any ideas on how to do the damper. I have a piece if 1/8" plate and I was thinking of putting a 1/2' edge around the outside and attaching a corner with a 1/2" rod and then come down two feet to a spring handle. It would have to be lifted and adjusted as needed.

#2 - I would like to have a small logo (11.5" x 3") made out of stainless steel to put on the door of the smoker. I am guessing either laser or water jet cut. Any ideas on who does that for a reasonable price?

[Rodcrafter]

On that first question, If you only put the lip on 2 sides it can act as a stop and you wouldn't have to lift it.


jm2cw

[Welder10]

[Spanky]

Very close now......

I opted to go with two gas springs instead of a counter balance. I can now open the door with one hand now. Just have to do some final painting and attach the trailer lights. I should be seasoning it next weekend.

[Big T]

That's something you don't see everyday. It looks like it's just about ready to fire it up!

[Rodcrafter]

Very nice!


Making memories!