trailer build question...

[porkingINpublic]

ok so i am taking the plunge and getting a 250 gallon propane tank. i've already got the trailer (small lawnmower trailer with wood flooring) and i'm looking to build a complete set up trailer with sinks and working area on teh backside.

any pointers and tips i should know before cutting on this thing? Should I try to insulate the fire box or just get thick steel?

reverse flow or not? what the heck is reverse flow and how does it work!?

thanks for the advice!

[tx_hellraiser]

what about making a water trough inside it below the racks

[razrbakcrzy]

Try this for and explination!

[porkingINpublic]

that is a great explanation of the two styles... I have heard if you do the reverse flow you don't need a water pan.. not sure though.

if you do reverse flow does the diffuser take up the entire width of the smoker?

[razrbakcrzy]

Originally Posted by porkingINpublic

that is a great explanation of the two styles... I have heard if you do the reverse flow you don't need a water pan.. not sure though.

if you do reverse flow does the diffuser take up the entire width of the smoker?

it is solid for atleast the first half of cooker and might have increasing in size holes or slits/slots in the second half of the cooker or it could be solid with about a 8-10" gap at the far end of the cooker depends on the manufacturer. The idea is to make the heat and smoke travel the length of the cooker so it will mellow out before it gets released into the upper cooking chamber and then will have to travel all the way back across the food and cooking surface before exiting.

I also would not use a water trough in a reverse flow although some like M. M. swear by them...

[NRA4Life]

Tip - don't blow yourself up cutting it.
Yes, insulate the firebox.
Yes, make it reverse flow.
No water pan needed with reverse flow.

[porkingINpublic]

nra, i'm gonna try my best not to die! lol i'm going to fill it up with water first to make sure.

[NRA4Life]

Porking - here is a recent thread on that subject http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/sh...utting+propane

But I'd definitely go reverse flow and insulate the firebox.

[porkingINpublic]

looks good! I'm thinking I might do the fill w/water and dish soap a few times, then chalk out what I want and take it to someone to do the initial cuts (doors, fire box opening, and smoke stack...) I can do the welding but I'm kinda afraid the cuts would be jagged.

[Panthers65]

Originally Posted by NRA4Life

Tip - don't blow yourself up cutting it.
Yes, insulate the firebox.
Yes, make it reverse flow.
No water pan needed with reverse flow.

pretty much sums it up, although number one is probably far more important than the other 3.


Then again, I've never used a water pan in my normal, non-reverseflow offset, dunno why you would need one in a reverse flow?

[porkingINpublic]

Ok here's the new question.... 250 gal tank or a 120ish gallon tank?

I can see pros and cons to both. I can get either tomorrow so what would u recommend.

[gusibole]

Here are a few pic of a reverse flow I built over the winter. Firebox 3/8 thick, 16" pipe, 31 inches in length. Smoke chamber 1/4 " thick, 24" pipe, 41 inches in length. Baffle is 1/4' plate and adjustable baffle is 1/8"thick. It holds temps beautifully. I love it. If ya got any questions PM me.

[Crazy Tex]

Originally Posted by porkingINpublic

Ok here's the new question.... 250 gal tank or a 120ish gallon tank?

I can see pros and cons to both. I can get either tomorrow so what would u recommend.

I got the 250.. how big is the 120? also, how many people are you planning on cooking for. That should determine how big of a smoker you need.

[porkingINpublic]

Mainly just comps but possibly starting legit catering next summer.... I'm sure I don't "need" the 250 gallon but I'd hate to wish I had gotten the 250 gallon tank later on

[gusibole]

Go with the 250 young Skywalker!