New member - old problems (Oil Tank build)

[VTMeatsBBQ]

Well, let's see what we can accomplish here. I have a 275 Gal. tank I got for free with a little looking on Craig's List. A boat trailer that I've had for many years doing nothing. Plenty of bed frames (Angle iron). Welders and some welding classes and experience behind me. I also found a water tank I had forgotten about, but I think it is galvanized.

I want to build a portable grill - smoker??

This is a project for my Knights of Columbus council. I'm not sure how they look at using it although I have asked several members what I should plan for. I'm going to take the reins I guess and plan on doing as much as I can for as many uses as we might have.

I would rather this not be a big hamburger and hot dog cooker. I can see BBQ chicken, and every meat that we can cook for picnics and suppers. A lot of this will be charitable use and not fund raising, but we could probably get away with smoking meat and fish (?) for fund raisers.

Here's what I have for a tank and a trailer.

[HeSmellsLikeSmoke]

I'm not any help with your build but wanted to say welcome to the Brethren neighbor.

[mrbill]

just some suggestions off the top of my head to make it a "do all" cooker(obviously use it horizontal as it is in your truck bed to maximize cooking area)

1. closeable chimney stacks on top and vents on bottom at each end. will allow you to adjust air/smoke flow and temp.

2. pull out cooking grate is a must.

3. removable-full length charcoal grate in sections, not one piece.(no fire box).

4. if you do #3, you can still smoke by having the fire on one side and meat on the other. on fire side, close chimney vent and open bottom vent. do the opposite for the meat side.

5.multiple thermometers. # and placement dependent on how detailed you want to be.

6. modify the trailer so that the tank is supported at least at all 4 corners.

[VTMeatsBBQ]

Originally Posted by mrbill

just some suggestions off the top of my head to make it a "do all" cooker(obviously use it horizontal as it is in your truck bed to maximize cooking area)

1. closeable chimney stacks on top and vents on bottom at each end. will allow you to adjust air/smoke flow and temp.

2. pull out cooking grate is a must.

3. removable-full length charcoal grate in sections, not one piece.(no fire box).

4. if you do #3, you can still smoke by having the fire on one side and meat on the other. on fire side, close chimney vent and open bottom vent. do the opposite for the meat side.

5.multiple thermometers. # and placement dependent on how detailed you want to be.

6. modify the trailer so that the tank is supported at least at all 4 corners.

I had thought about doing the project on its side as you suggest, but if I do that I will have to cut fenders into the tank to clear the trailer tires or raise the tank. I would like to keep the center of gravity as low as possible, but a small box under it could be done fairly easily.

Is there a picture of one in that configuration you could link to? I think of all the ones I've seen here they were all upright.

[mrbill]

Originally Posted by VTMeatsBBQ

Is there a picture of one in that configuration you could link to? I think of all the ones I've seen here they were all upright.

sorry, no, it was just a thought I had to make the most of the dimensions.

[SmittyJonz]

Look at this one..........
http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/sh...d.php?t=162587

But I can envision a cpl styles with it..........don't necessarily need an external firebox even, just some baffles/dividers, diffusers......removable maybe so it can be a BIg Ole grill too..........I'm no good with computer doodling - just chicken scratchin with pencil and paer. What are the dimensions? thickness/gauge?

And Brisket is Always Good for Fundraisers......or Pulled Pork.............or Smoky Dead Chickens

[Twelvegaugepump]

Here's mine. Have done three pigs, a mess of chickens and Aton of other grub lately. Let me know if you have questions.

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/sh...d.php?t=165300

[VTMeatsBBQ]

I'm a little upset because I tried to post this before and for some reason it disappeared.

SmittyJonz and Twelveguagepump I'm really inspired by both of your designs, and Smittyjonz I wish I had collected an air compressor tank in the past. I think I had the chance to get one once. Your design is really clean and it looks well balanced.

My question for this post. Is there a thread here on the basics of air flow through your smoker\BBQ grill?

I did some work on my trailer today by tearing it down to find problems, and find problems I did. Every hidden nut was trashed. Most of them were old square nuts and some were rusted right down to the bolt. There wasn't more than a 32nd of an inch left. The metal itself is in very good condition. The rubber looks rough and I will have to replace it if I can get to it.

I am posting two pictures. The first I call the heart of the trailer. In the second picture I have replaced the leveler plate, or load bearing plate if you prefer. (I don't know the exact name) After I have cut off the tie down loops someone welded on, I think I can measure it up properly to plan a good base. With a balanced design, some new parts, and some TLC, I can see this trailer going for a many more years.

When I got this trailer it had a larger tube over the one you see, extending the coupler out a few more feet. This trailer has handled a lot, so I hope my design will do it justice.