PDA

View Full Version : jet ski trailer for 250 gal smoker build??


bradyw79
01-15-2015, 12:27 AM
Hi all i am building a 250 gal prop smoker was thinking of using a jet ski trailer wondering if anyone has tried this or if it is just crazy? Any pics would be appreciated!!

ETOH
01-15-2015, 12:47 AM
We talking old school single axle stand up jet ski .... OR newer 2 or 3 seater double axle?

bradyw79
01-15-2015, 12:52 AM
Single axl but for sit down two prson ski

ETOH
01-15-2015, 01:06 AM
I am sure there are people with more experience doing this than me that will chime in... But if it is a modern 2 seater your looking about an 800 lb. ski... An older ski is in the 400 lb. range. My main concern would be the intended weight rating of the axle and hubs.

Your LPG tank is going to be about 500 lbs.... Add firebox and accessories (+ - 200 lb?) you are probably fairly close to the weight rating of the trailer. Is there a weight rating stamped on the tongue?

I have repurposed a couple of Jet Ski trailers. One was turned into a cargo trailer and the other was a grill. They are a good starting platform... One word of caution, mine finally failed at the joint from the tongue to the frame from rust. (it's previous life was hauling my stand-ups to the ocean). I will try to dig up some pictures for you.

Got a picture of it?

bradyw79
01-15-2015, 01:17 AM
Yes take a look we did renforce the tougue with another 2x3 fot support106474

106475

106476

ETOH
01-15-2015, 01:53 AM
Well since you are building the cooker I am going to assume you have some ability to weld and fab... I would triangulate that rear frame up towards the tongue and add an x member (or two). The sides will also give you a place to store stuff.

Another thing to consider is your approach angle when driving... That fire box is fairly massive, will you be able to navigate dips/driveways?
Is your tow vehicle fairly level with the height of the trailer (or adjustable hitch)?
Was the tongue stamped with a weight?

imo that looks pretty heavy for that trailer. But you have the bulk of the weight on it. Do the leafs seem to tolerate the load?

Looks like a fun project!

TuscaloosaQ
01-15-2015, 04:32 AM
My concern would be about the wheels and tires... I would want a ya minimum 13 inch for a 250 gal... 12 inch at a very bare minimum.. And no less than a 2000## axel...

Wolverine
01-15-2015, 05:49 AM
looks pretty heavy, 2000 lb per axle in most states per weigh master.

mikemci
01-15-2015, 05:57 AM
14" tires and heavier axle would also get you a little more clearance on your firebox. Just my .02
By the way, what are the dimensions of the firebox?

ButtBurner
01-15-2015, 06:09 AM
My concern would be about the wheels and tires... I would want a ya minimum 13 inch for a 250 gal... 12 inch at a very bare minimum.. And no less than a 2000## axel...

this was my first thought

you can beef up the trailer all you want but dont forget about the running gear

bradyw79
01-15-2015, 09:28 AM
Yeah so far so good box is currently 8 in off the ground thinking af getting bigger tires to add an inch or two? Thanks

bradyw79
01-15-2015, 09:30 AM
Oh yeah weight stamped is 900 think we gonna be a bit heavier but did double tounge and put angle braces in corners

bradyw79
01-15-2015, 09:36 AM
Thanks for the info where do u get axel and wheels for it? Need to be custom made? Thanks

bradyw79
01-15-2015, 09:56 AM
Fire box is 29 cube

Backyard Smoke
01-15-2015, 10:32 AM
Thay's gonna be a sweet lookn cooker !

Backman0001
01-15-2015, 12:45 PM
Of all the Jetski trailers I have seen that size. All have had 400 or 800 lb axels. Really should look at a better axel. Pretty sure the smaller tires also have a low weight rating too.

Backyard Smoke
01-15-2015, 12:50 PM
Check out Northern Tools, or Tractoe Supply . I would go with 16inch tires and like Backman0001 said better axel .

DownHomeQue
01-15-2015, 03:41 PM
my 250 Gallon Stickburner is on a 3500 pound axle.. and wears inside of the tires pretty bad.. when loaded with wood too.. So if i were you might sound like overkill.. but i would go with a 6000 pound axle.. i haul mine 7 hours twice a year.. have to load it with wood.. too.. I'm switching my axle out this summer