24" x 84" Propane tank brain storm with build starting. Pics added

[p3ripperfw]

Thanks guys... now I'm contemplating whether I'm going to build it as a reverse flow or offset...

Sometimes you get to talking bbq with people and they get ya to thinking....

[Big T]

That's definitely a decision that you will have to make for yourself. I've been cooking on my RF for about 3.5 years now and I don't think I'll ever go back to a standard offset. I really like the even temps throughout the CC but not everyone does, some guys like having different temp zones for different meats.

[temurf]

I personally like having a consistent temp from one end to the other, but it all comes down to what you want.

[p3ripperfw]

I'm really more of an even temp kinda cooker rather than a heat zone guy. I will probably stick to reverse flow but I'm going to pick the brain of a local builder / guru before I make my mind up for good

[p3ripperfw]

How high should I place the baffle plate above the throat? Also how high over baffle plate should lower grate be?

[Big T]

Some guys make the BP the same height as the top of the FB but I like for the BP to be at least 1'' above the throat. I don't know if it's necessary but I don't want to restrict the airflow under the BP. The range for the BP to bottom grate is 2''-6''. I shoot for 3''-4'' spacing on the bottom grate. If it's too close you cut down on room for airflow and gain a lot of radiant heat, too far and you lose all of the radiant heat.

[p3ripperfw]

Cool thanks Big T

[Rodcrafter]

I like to do what BigT said and add a foot long shadow plate at the same elevation as the throat.

[p3ripperfw]

Im going to stick with reverse flow. I had researched it a bunch before deciding to go reverse flow. Talking to a few guys got me doubting that but Im going to stick with my original plan.

Got a bit more done on the trailer. Now that there is more daylight I should be able to get a little more done each time I get to work on it.

I started getting the rails that the smoker is going to sit on capped and ready. This was the idea my dad had for mounting the smoker to the trailer. You can get a better idea with the rails mocked up in place. They are 2x6x11ga and will sit just like they are in the pictures. there will be 90 degree gusset plates on each side reinforcing them vertically. This will just ad to the beefiness and industrial build of the trailer. The way it will work is the cook chamber will sit in the rails like a boat would on the rails of a boat trailer. My fire box has a lip all the way around it since it has a 24"x24" top to allow the warming chamber to sit on it. This lip will sit on the rails at the back of the trailer and bump up against the cross rail of the trailer. I will measure the inside width of the rails so that the round cook chamber mates up perfectly with the throat from the fire box.

The big block hinge at the front corner of the trailer will have an arm welded to it that will stow toward the center of the trailer with a pipe receiver welded to the end. This arm will be secured by some sort of pin system for traveling down the road but will swing around and can be utilized for a charcoal cowboy cooker or propane burner. These will have the smaller diameter pipe welded to the bottom of them that will fit the receiver in the swing out arm. The idea is you will be able to swing the cooker around and beside the shelf next to the smokers cook chamber. This will give somewhere to set burgers or whatever you are grilling and give easy access to the cowboy cooker while not limiting access to the smokers cook chamber for dealing with a long cook.

[Rodcrafter]

[Big T]

[p3ripperfw]

Little more done on the trailer over the last few days. Had my lil helper along for the work. Didn't get as much done but can't help but love her desire to help dad.








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[Squiggle]

nice welds dude!

[temurf]

That is looking good dude.

[Big T]

It looks like you had a good helper!! Have you ran your numbers to see how much clearance the FB will have ? It's hard to tell from the pictures but it looks like it sets pretty low.

[p3ripperfw]

Thanks guys. She's a pretty good helper ! Big T the firebox sits 10" below the trailer frame rail. I think with the axle right in front of the firebox it will be ok. What do you think?

[bluecatfish]

Fine looking blue bonnets in the yard! Oh yes, the smoker looks great, too!

[p3ripperfw]

Thanks bluecat! It is the season.... they will be thick before too long.

[ajfoxy]

The rig is coming along nicely. Strong work there, well done.

[p3ripperfw]

Thanks Aj! It's a long process and being a perfectionist slows it down even more.

[Big T]

That'll probably be fine by the time you add the suspension and tires. The pictures made it look a lot lower than that to me. My trailer has 13'' tires and I have about 14'' of clearance below the frame rails. I have 10'' of clearance between the FB and the ground and I've never had any issues. I always remember what Gizmo told me about FB clearance, he said don't worry about it, if there's not enough clearance the railroad tracks will relocate it for you.

[p3ripperfw]

Lol ya I figure by the time I put suspension and tires I'll be ok. If I have to I'll space the leaf spring hangers off the frame rails a few inches.

[p3ripperfw]

Cut door, cut and installed stack as well. Little bit each day

[mp4]

It's a steady progression - nice work!

[Big T]