250 Trailer Smoker

[jwsimpleville]

So I finally got the firebox mounted to the tank.

[jwsimpleville]

Here's a picture of the FB to CC opening.

[Clover Ridge Smokers]

The build is coming along nicely. You will be done before you know it.

[jwsimpleville]

I have a few questions for those of you that have done this once or twice before.
How do you get the trailer to sit level? (Side to side)
And
How much ground clearance is sufficient under the firebox to avoid damage in parking lots?
The reason I ask is, on the right side of the Firebox I have 8" of clearance and on the left I have just over 7" of clearance. Can/should this be fixed, or am I just over concerned?

[Clover Ridge Smokers]

How big of an axle do you have on your trailer? I have a 3500 pound on mine with 15" tires and the side with the pit sits 1/2" lower than the side without. As far as clearance, more is better. Mine FB sits 11" off the ground. If you want more clearance you will need to raise the entire tank and FB off the trailer frame.

[The Czar]

Your on the bubble for your clearance....but should good....and it's coming along nicely...

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[jwsimpleville]

I have a 2000lb axle with 2200lb slipper springs. I'm contemplating changing the springs to a 3500 on the tank side just to get it to sit level side to side. With all the welds i would have to cut, raising the cooker off the trailer frame isn't an option at this point. I can move the springs on top of the axle and gain about another 2"

[The Czar]

Depending on what else your going to put on the trailer it might be worth that hassle to get those 2 inches....

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[SmokinFF]

I would get 3500 # springs and flip em. That will give ya a bit more.

[Rodcrafter]

You are doing great, I was just showing my wife your pics and giving you compliments on your work. What a job for such limited tools you have. Keep it up!

[Smokeone]

I am on the same bubble for FB clearance. I think I'm gonna take mine for a spin and see if the FB is still there when I get back.

[Gizmo]

S1 just take a railroad crossing at 60 mph - you'll either kill it or cure it!

[jwsimpleville]

So I moved the axle under the springs and that raised the firebox enough that I now have 11" clearance on the left (cooker) side. Also got some of the firebox inner parts welded in place.

Didn't get a picture of the change in suspension, I will upload one tomorrow.

[The Czar]

You better!!!

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[Frank_Cox]

awesome! looks great!
if you weigh the whole trailer and it comes close to 3000 or 3500 pounds you will need to change the axle also. the spindles on the axle also need to be rated for 3500 pounds

[capt j-rod]

consider some expanded metal over those air inlets on the inside... keeps the coals from binding dampers. Looks like a ash door down below, don't fear the ashpan! I put one in and it was one of the best accessories i did. Looks swwet man! keep it up!

[jwsimpleville]

As promised here is an updated picture of the new height after moving the axle under springs.
Just for reference, I put the 12"x3" firebox vent cutout on end beside the firebox.

Also got some more work done on the firebox, finished the base for the wood basket and got the door flange on and the whole firebox door re-enforced.

Realized at the end of the day I ran out steel tubing and round rod to make the hinges, but I set the door in place and it lines up perfectly.



All the intricacies within the firebox seems to be taking FOREVER!!!

[Smokeone]

Glad you got the trailer height adjusted.

[The Czar]

Nice....it works out for sure!!! Like how it's coming along!!

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[SmokinFF]

I love it when a plan comes together.

[TuscaloosaQ]

[Frank_Cox]

Nice job!!!

[smokethis]

nice work I see smoke rolling in your near future

[jwsimpleville]

It can't begin soon enough, it's frustrating knowing I'm this close and still having to use the master built 40".

[jwsimpleville]

Well i got to work on the smoker a bit this morning. Made up two hinges that were 6" each for the firebox.
Here is a picture of both hinges in place.


And here is a closer shot of the top section of the upper hinge.


I set everything up so that I can remove the door to the firebox if needed.