Gravity Build for Whole Pig

[golson]

Hey everyone,
I wonder if it is worth trying to build a gravity smoker for smoking whole hogs say 30 to 40 pounders.....Has anyone tried this and will it be feasible to do this....Just some thoughts....Thanks

[Puff]

I don't see why not? The gravity feed I just finished has 5 24x 26" racks. Some stretch modifications would allow you to accommodate the average length of the hog and you may do 3-4 at a time in need be. The temp control is remarkable. I don't see it as a major change in planning just a little wider. How long is a 40 lb hog

[golson]

So I did some searching. And it seems that a small 30 pound pig is around 35 inches. So do you think a two or three rack smoker 40 inches wide and maybe 10 inches between the racks is sufficient?

[Puff]

The height is certainly not a problem, my top to bottom clearance is 36" from the transfer tube. Width however is a foot wider than the one I have just finished. I'm wondering how internal volume is affected for the heat generation if you made the frame 12 inches wider. There could be compromises and I have no thoughts about how this will impact the CC temp.

[Tom_Heath]

Bigger will use more fuel but that could be made up for in the size of the chute. Isnt gonna take that much more charcoal.

[golson]

So I wonder if Frank might have more insight. I am just curious. I hate to have two BBQ smokers. I like to have a all in one to do everything.

[Puff]

I hate to have two BBQ smokers

You won't like it over to my house... I'm working on number 4 and number 5 is on Frank's drawing board ( I think?)

Think of it like a car collection ...you can always make room somewhere

[Tom_Heath]

Yes frank can offer his great wisdom of mass air flow. I think it can work great. And it can end up looking like a diamond.

[Tom_Heath]

And I have 3 in the driveway, 2 in the trailer, plus 3 more in the trailer not built yet. LOL