Update: Air Compressor Tank Grill/Smoker Ideas.

BobBrisket · 10-20-2010, 10:46 AM

Took the weedeater to the small engine shop for a tune up on Saturday and in looking around, noticed they had a bunch of old AC tanks lying around. One of the guys lives there at the shop and in talking agreed to trade me one of the tanks for a smoked brisket. (for some reason only after hours!!!

)
Very simililar to this:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...=21-81444964-2

My goal is to give myself a winter project and create a receiver mounted grill/smoker that I can put on the back of the truck or the 5th wheel to take camping and for mobility. I currently lug around either the SJP, the SJ, or the MUDS with us when we go out. They take up room and figured I could make a portable unit something like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/BIG-GO-GRILLER-T...03515245665703

But, being that the tank is just big enough, I'm going to install a plate that will let me separate the fire on one end so that I can smoke in it too. Kinda an all in one smoker/charcoal grill.

Gonna try to keep it as light weight as possible. What ya'll think? Doable. SHould I cut the tank in half all the way(horizontally) like the one in the link above, or just cut out a smaller door like you see on most large stick burners? I'm thinking less leakage with the smaller door.

Bob

Midnight Smoke · 10-20-2010, 10:54 AM

Sounds like a project to me, and a good one. I would think about weight though. Those Air Compressor tanks can be pretty heavy and more so after you add the Grates and baffles.

Smokey Al Gold · 10-20-2010, 11:00 AM

I've seen several of these made before and even used one. They are kind of heavy depending on the thickness of the metal but I like pits like that because they hold heat very well. I say go for it you can never have too many pits. And hooking into the hitch is convienent space wise. Good luck!

BobBrisket · 10-20-2010, 11:01 AM

The baffle will be nothing but a small piece of sheet type metal about as big as half the circumference of the tank. I have two ideas for the grate. I can get expando from my FIL and make a grate with some small, lightweight angl I already have or get a cheapy rod style replacement grate from Lowes and cut it to size. I'll need to see how heavy the tank is once the motor etc is removed, but I'm thinking the actual arm/brace and hitch might be the heaviest parts. Other additions will be a small smoke stack, maybe a shelf, if weight allows and the cutomary bottle opener.

BobBrisket · 10-20-2010, 11:03 AM

Worst scenario would be that I could just make it portable since the one he's giving me has the wheels and the handle on it and then make the arm and brace removable. That way I can just set it up when we get to our destination, then tear it down and haul it in the truck bed.

Thanks guys!

milehigh · 10-20-2010, 11:50 AM

The smaller door would be better for smoking and the cut in half idea would probably make for easier grilling. I would go with the smaller door if the main mode of transportation is going to be in the receiver hitch. It would be more solid and handle any bouncing or rattling around better imho.

Paul

BobBrisket · 10-20-2010, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milehigh

The smaller door would be better for smoking and the cut in half idea would probably make for easier grilling. I would go with the smaller door if the main mode of transportation is going to be in the receiver hitch. It would be more solid and handle any bouncing or rattling around better imho.

Paul

Great idea. I didn't factor in the bouncing and rattling vs door design.

Thanks Paul!!

Bob

Norcoredneck · 10-20-2010, 05:51 PM

Bob, try and locate an old propane tank. The kind without the OPD valve. Remove the valve and let air out and wash several times. Cut it for a firebox and mount it below the tank. Or I have always wanted to make a kind of OzPig.
http://www.ozpig.com.au/

jestridge · 10-20-2010, 07:16 PM

Do you have a pic of one ?

Norcoredneck · 10-20-2010, 08:04 PM

Hey Bob lookie here..
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/for/1994566807.html

BobBrisket · 10-20-2010, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norcoredneck

Bob, try and locate an old propane tank. The kind without the OPD valve. Remove the valve and let air out and wash several times. Cut it for a firebox and mount it below the tank. Or I have always wanted to make a kind of OzPig.
http://www.ozpig.com.au/

I should have the tank by Saturday. I tossed the idea of adding a firebox like maybe the firebox off a chargriller but thought about the weight and added bulk issue. I also noticed that they had one of those pancake compressor tanks sitting around.
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...23&marketID=73
I might try to deal for that one too. I think it would make for a perfect charcoal firebox. I'm looking going to going with charcoal and chunks kinda set up only cause I normally don't have the time to burn sticks when we go camping. The propane tank idea may just work too.
Cool ideas fellas! Keep em coming.

Bob

mmmmeat · 10-20-2010, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norcoredneck

Hey Bob lookie here..
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/for/1994566807.html

haha wow i just saw that on the azbarbeque site!, the only problem i have with that one is there is no gusset at the 90 degree angle.

bob your will be bigger, and more awesome!!! it would be cool if you'd come up with a mini NORCO cooker! that would be hot... like a scale model

BobBrisket · 10-20-2010, 08:42 PM

Dang!!! Thanks for that link. It gives me a good starting point. That sucker is a heavy one. I'm going too need to go lighter since the hitch on the 5th wheel bumper won't be able to hold that much weight. But dang, that is nice looking!

That is bad arse!! Thanks Norco!

Bob

mmmmeat · 10-20-2010, 09:44 PM

what's the max tongue weight on the reciever?

BobBrisket · 10-20-2010, 10:42 PM

Here's what I have to work with and work around. The trailer has one of these pull out cargo racks and max weight is 200 or 300 lbs. Can't remember. This max weight I assume is when it's extended and accounts for the weight of the spare tire as well. I will need to figure something out with the spare. The rack already extends out far enough so I don't want the grill to add even more length to the trailer. So when it's in transit it will be mounted so it sits over the rack. When I need to use it, I'll simply turn it around and mount it so it extends beyond the rack. I also have that steel bar that's sticking upright behind the spare tire. It's a bike support bar that I never use. I could easily use that bar as the bottom support for the grill. I'll incorporate it somehow.
Here's a link to a bumper bracket that I may try to use as well. I could mover the spare over, then use one of these brackets to support the grill right next to the tire. I also need to take balance issue inot consideration as well.
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping...-adapter/17221

10-20-2010, 10:46 AM	#1
BobBrisket Moderator Join Date: 12-11-07 Location: El Paso, TX Name/Nickname : Bob	Update: Air Compressor Tank Grill/Smoker Ideas. Took the weedeater to the small engine shop for a tune up on Saturday and in looking around, noticed they had a bunch of old AC tanks lying around. One of the guys lives there at the shop and in talking agreed to trade me one of the tanks for a smoked brisket. (for some reason only after hours!!! ) Very simililar to this: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...=21-81444964-2 My goal is to give myself a winter project and create a receiver mounted grill/smoker that I can put on the back of the truck or the 5th wheel to take camping and for mobility. I currently lug around either the SJP, the SJ, or the MUDS with us when we go out. They take up room and figured I could make a portable unit something like this: http://cgi.ebay.com/BIG-GO-GRILLER-T...03515245665703 But, being that the tank is just big enough, I'm going to install a plate that will let me separate the fire on one end so that I can smoke in it too. Kinda an all in one smoker/charcoal grill. Gonna try to keep it as light weight as possible. What ya'll think? Doable. SHould I cut the tank in half all the way(horizontally) like the one in the link above, or just cut out a smaller door like you see on most large stick burners? I'm thinking less leakage with the smaller door. Bob __________________ PBC-Courtesy of Poobah, 22.5 Weber Kettles-A, K, DR Stamped, 18.5 Weber Bar-B-Kettle Black and Red, Weber 18.5 Smokey Joe Platinum, Weber Genesis Silver, Lil' Chief Smoker, Discada Set Up,OKJ Highland Offset. BobBrisket Jr.-MUDS, WSJ Silver My BEST Compliment....."You're a good cooker, Dad!"--My Son :) Miss You, Marty and Bull! RIP Last edited by BobBrisket; 10-24-2010 at 06:43 PM..

10-20-2010, 10:54 AM	#2
Midnight Smoke somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 01-24-08 Location: Southern Arizona Desert	Sounds like a project to me, and a good one. I would think about weight though. Those Air Compressor tanks can be pretty heavy and more so after you add the Grates and baffles. __________________ ************************ * Terry ~ aka Pork Smoker * XL-BGE Hatched 06/20/2008 09:42 pm ** * Couple Weber Kettles, CharGriller, UDS * * Ultra Fast Red Thermapen * Projects Kamado Restoration Bandera Restoration

10-20-2010, 11:00 AM	#3
Smokey Al Gold is Blowin Smoke! Join Date: 08-13-08 Location: San Antonio TX	I've seen several of these made before and even used one. They are kind of heavy depending on the thickness of the metal but I like pits like that because they hold heat very well. I say go for it you can never have too many pits. And hooking into the hitch is convienent space wise. Good luck! __________________ 22.5 OTG, 18.5 SJP (modded), 14.5 SJS, Weber Q 100, TX Longhorn Camper grill TL 21 [URL="http://www.elcapoteranch.com"]www.elcapoteranch.com[/URL] [URL="http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/group.php?groupid=39"]ZERO[/URL] Club Member (2) Creator of: "The Great Chicken Sammich Debacle of 2010"

10-20-2010, 11:01 AM	#4
BobBrisket Moderator Join Date: 12-11-07 Location: El Paso, TX Name/Nickname : Bob	The baffle will be nothing but a small piece of sheet type metal about as big as half the circumference of the tank. I have two ideas for the grate. I can get expando from my FIL and make a grate with some small, lightweight angl I already have or get a cheapy rod style replacement grate from Lowes and cut it to size. I'll need to see how heavy the tank is once the motor etc is removed, but I'm thinking the actual arm/brace and hitch might be the heaviest parts. Other additions will be a small smoke stack, maybe a shelf, if weight allows and the cutomary bottle opener. __________________ PBC-Courtesy of Poobah, 22.5 Weber Kettles-A, K, DR Stamped, 18.5 Weber Bar-B-Kettle Black and Red, Weber 18.5 Smokey Joe Platinum, Weber Genesis Silver, Lil' Chief Smoker, Discada Set Up,OKJ Highland Offset. BobBrisket Jr.-MUDS, WSJ Silver My BEST Compliment....."You're a good cooker, Dad!"--My Son :) Miss You, Marty and Bull! RIP

10-20-2010, 11:03 AM	#5
BobBrisket Moderator Join Date: 12-11-07 Location: El Paso, TX Name/Nickname : Bob	Worst scenario would be that I could just make it portable since the one he's giving me has the wheels and the handle on it and then make the arm and brace removable. That way I can just set it up when we get to our destination, then tear it down and haul it in the truck bed. Thanks guys! __________________ PBC-Courtesy of Poobah, 22.5 Weber Kettles-A, K, DR Stamped, 18.5 Weber Bar-B-Kettle Black and Red, Weber 18.5 Smokey Joe Platinum, Weber Genesis Silver, Lil' Chief Smoker, Discada Set Up,OKJ Highland Offset. BobBrisket Jr.-MUDS, WSJ Silver My BEST Compliment....."You're a good cooker, Dad!"--My Son :) Miss You, Marty and Bull! RIP

10-20-2010, 11:50 AM	#6
milehigh is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 10-23-07 Location: Butte MT	The smaller door would be better for smoking and the cut in half idea would probably make for easier grilling. I would go with the smaller door if the main mode of transportation is going to be in the receiver hitch. It would be more solid and handle any bouncing or rattling around better imho. Paul __________________ There is a huge difference between the guy who knows it all and the one who wants to know it all.

10-20-2010, 05:51 PM	#8
Norcoredneck somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 07-11-06 Location: Norco, Ca.	Bob, try and locate an old propane tank. The kind without the OPD valve. Remove the valve and let air out and wash several times. Cut it for a firebox and mount it below the tank. Or I have always wanted to make a kind of OzPig. http://www.ozpig.com.au/ __________________ *Low and Slow.....* *The Prontologist is in...* *Ok let's see your Butt!*

10-20-2010, 07:16 PM	#9
jestridge somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 12-28-07 Location: annville ky	Do you have a pic of one ?

10-20-2010, 08:04 PM	#10
Norcoredneck somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 07-11-06 Location: Norco, Ca.	Hey Bob lookie here.. http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/for/1994566807.html __________________ *Low and Slow.....* *The Prontologist is in...* *Ok let's see your Butt!*

10-20-2010, 08:42 PM	#13
BobBrisket Moderator Join Date: 12-11-07 Location: El Paso, TX Name/Nickname : Bob	Dang!!! Thanks for that link. It gives me a good starting point. That sucker is a heavy one. I'm going too need to go lighter since the hitch on the 5th wheel bumper won't be able to hold that much weight. But dang, that is nice looking! That is bad arse!! Thanks Norco! Bob __________________ PBC-Courtesy of Poobah, 22.5 Weber Kettles-A, K, DR Stamped, 18.5 Weber Bar-B-Kettle Black and Red, Weber 18.5 Smokey Joe Platinum, Weber Genesis Silver, Lil' Chief Smoker, Discada Set Up,OKJ Highland Offset. BobBrisket Jr.-MUDS, WSJ Silver My BEST Compliment....."You're a good cooker, Dad!"--My Son :) Miss You, Marty and Bull! RIP

10-20-2010, 09:44 PM	#14
mmmmeat is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 10-21-09 Location: Sierra Vista, Arizona	what's the max tongue weight on the reciever? __________________ Til next time, chew carefully, and dont let your meat loaf! [URL="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.158099507758.118446.578407758&l=bf4c9059c5&type=1"]GRUNTER[/URL] [URL="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs698.snc4/63846_434071187758_578407758_5224242_7882995_n.jpg"]UG [/URL] [URL="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.490010637758.259874.578407758&l=06aa73c27f"]GROGG[/URL] [URL="fromthemouthofkstewart.blogspot.com"]MY BLOG[/URL] [URL="http://www.facebook.com/mmmgto"]Facebookin it![/URL] Avatar created by i really wish i remember, but they got skillZ

10-20-2010, 10:42 PM	#15
BobBrisket Moderator Join Date: 12-11-07 Location: El Paso, TX Name/Nickname : Bob	Here's what I have to work with and work around. The trailer has one of these pull out cargo racks and max weight is 200 or 300 lbs. Can't remember. This max weight I assume is when it's extended and accounts for the weight of the spare tire as well. I will need to figure something out with the spare. The rack already extends out far enough so I don't want the grill to add even more length to the trailer. So when it's in transit it will be mounted so it sits over the rack. When I need to use it, I'll simply turn it around and mount it so it extends beyond the rack. I also have that steel bar that's sticking upright behind the spare tire. It's a bike support bar that I never use. I could easily use that bar as the bottom support for the grill. I'll incorporate it somehow. Here's a link to a bumper bracket that I may try to use as well. I could mover the spare over, then use one of these brackets to support the grill right next to the tire. I also need to take balance issue inot consideration as well. http://www.campingworld.com/shopping...-adapter/17221 __________________ PBC-Courtesy of Poobah, 22.5 Weber Kettles-A, K, DR Stamped, 18.5 Weber Bar-B-Kettle Black and Red, Weber 18.5 Smokey Joe Platinum, Weber Genesis Silver, Lil' Chief Smoker, Discada Set Up,OKJ Highland Offset. BobBrisket Jr.-MUDS, WSJ Silver My BEST Compliment....."You're a good cooker, Dad!"--My Son :) Miss You, Marty and Bull! RIP Last edited by BobBrisket; 12-09-2010 at 11:47 PM..

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