Propane Tank Size Question

jkolb · Post by **jkolb** » February 3rd, 2015, 2:08 pm

Hey guys, lurker here that has a question. I came across a "500" gallon tank for cheap (free). The guy that gave it too me said it was an old 500 gallon, but the dimensions are 102 x 41. It is shorter and wider than every 500 gallon dimension I've seen. Is this a plus or minus for building? Is this really a 500 gallon tank? Would I need a larger firebox than a normal 500 gallon since the diameter is similar to a standard 1000 gallon tank. Thanks for any help. Love the stuff you guys make.

bluecatfish · Post by **bluecatfish** » February 3rd, 2015, 4:42 pm

That will be one big cooker! I don't know too much but I would suggest running the tank dimensions through the calculator and post the results here. There will be plenty of help from the guys on here. Sorry if I am wrong.

Post by **Rodcrafter** » February 3rd, 2015, 5:10 pm

Yes you are right bluecatfish using the calc on the home page is the right place to begin.
And welcome to the crew.

Clover Ridge Smokers · Post by **Clover Ridge Smokers** » February 3rd, 2015, 9:01 pm

Those dimensions calculate out to me 582.97 gallons. That's a big one. You may want to consider cutting it down in size depending on how you plan on using it.

Post by **Big T** » February 3rd, 2015, 9:55 pm

Puff · Post by **Puff** » February 3rd, 2015, 10:53 pm

So, you're building two smokers? Wow that's big....either way volume is the driving force in the calculation. I like Clover Ridge Smokers thoughts on cutting it down if you don't need to cook with that size. The logistics are easier for moving it. Not being a metal shop or having much more than a hacksaw and a hammer....those things pop into my head real quick after learning the hard way regarding handling the incredibly heavy materials

Post by **Rodcrafter** » February 5th, 2015, 9:33 am

It all comes down to how heavy it is now a days Puff. Too funny, you just need a forklift.

Puff · Post by **Puff** » February 5th, 2015, 9:52 pm

If you really want to chuckle... A friend who had a warehouse space ( the same guy who had the big 4th of July party I cooked the ribs for) had an older forklift he wanted to give me, but it needed an odd starter that he could not seem to find. I had zero need at the time and I have only dirt here. He gave it another friend of ours who used some old ford starter and it works perfectly....still, 4 years later!!!

Post by **Tom_Heath** » February 5th, 2015, 10:05 pm

A friend called and said,,,, ya think you can go with me and look at a forklift for sale.... I think OH YA 500 bucks YA Right.

Got there, jump started it and ba-zinga. Time to get the trailer and haul it to his house, and he only paid 400 for it.

Now I agree that a build of this size could be tricky with hand tools.

jkolb · Post by **jkolb** » February 6th, 2015, 9:32 am

Thanks for advice, probably going to cut in half and make two Santa Maria grills.

The Czar · Post by **The Czar** » February 6th, 2015, 4:24 pm

You have a friend?

jkolb · Post by **jkolb** » February 7th, 2015, 8:35 pm

Ok, came across a guy that is looking to get rid of some casing. He has one 24x96 piece and one 30x72. Which size would you go with? I'm wanting something that will mainly be used for tailgating, and a couple competitions a year. I'd also like to smoke some small hogs <75 lbs and small goats. I plan on having squared doors, so that should give me some extra room.

Mankussm · Post by **Mankussm** » February 8th, 2015, 12:56 pm

30x72 would be perfect IMO. I have a 24x60.

bluecatfish · Post by **bluecatfish** » February 8th, 2015, 3:29 pm

You are a lucky guy for finding stuff! If I had the choice I would go for the 24x96 since you are going with square doors. Use the calculator to play with how long to make the CC and use what is cut off to make the FB. That would save on material for the FB. Provided the pipe is at least 1/4" thickness or greater. Am I making sense?

Post by **Rodcrafter** » February 8th, 2015, 10:13 pm

I would say 30x72 because of the 75lb hogs you would have the CC stuffed if it were in the smaller pipe.

Post by **Big T** » February 8th, 2015, 10:34 pm

SmokerBuilder.com