Don't underestimate smoker weight

[ewknapp08]

I am in the process of restoring a Klose 20x30 offset smoker in my garage. I am ditching the 6" plastic wheels with a 1/2" axle for 10" pnematic tires with a 5/8" axle. Also refreshing the exterior and building a new upper shelf.

I used an automobile jack to jack up the smoker by the angle iron lower wood storage shelf. I get the old axle and wheels off and I am in process of fitting the new axle in and i guess i jacked it up one too many inches. I turn around for a minute and turn back and the smoker is tipping over. This thing must weigh close to 500 pounds. Luckily I wasn't in the way. Also lucky was the fact that it was near the garage wall and the wall is made of concrete block.

It tipped over and stopped at about a 45 degree angle resting against the wall. I was able to lean it back upright with a lot of effort. No damage to the wall or smoker (it's built like a brick Sh**house). I put a coat of rustoleum on it until I have more time for more painting.

The point in all this is, for anyone that has a 1/4" steel offset smoker, do you find the balance to be pretty equal? Mine is definitely weighted to the fire box side. So much so, that with not too much effort I can push down on the top of the fire box and raise the caster wheels end off the ground. Has anyone else found this?

 

[gtr]

If there were a nuclear threat I think I'd try to climb inside of my Klose - that thing is a beast!

 

[pjtexas1]

never tried that but i am with gtr...we are climbing into the shirley if things go nuclear.

 

[Doug Crann]

They are indeed heavy. Mine is a 60 gallon compressor tank....used one complete 4'x10' sheet of .250" steel...plus just about half of another one. Full sheet weighs 415 pounds if I remember right. Luckily I built a lift to work on my bike...wasn't for that thing I would have never been able to build it.

 

[BBQ Freak]

yes it does seem like they way a ton , mine does not seem to be tipsy on the fire box side but mine is a little longer and must even out the weight . I bet yours has the same size fie box as the one I got , is it 20 X20 ?

 

[Doug Crann]

I ended up making wheels for mine. If/when I build my offset I will just be putting it on skids of sort. The tank I am planning on using is bigger...and I think it is made out of .250" steel...

 

[ewknapp08]

yes it does seem like they way a ton , mine does not seem to be tipsy on the fire box side but mine is a little longer and must even out the weight . I bet yours has the same size fie box as the one I got , is it 20 X20 ?

Yes, fire box is 20x20

 

[cowgirl]

I've had to use a car jack to lift my old woodburner. (one end at a time) The thing is too heavy for me to move by myself. :tsk:

 

[ewknapp08]

I ended up making wheels for mine. If/when I build my offset I will just be putting it on skids of sort. The tank I am planning on using is bigger...and I think it is made out of .250" steel...

Going with 10" pneumatic tires was the way to go. Each ones max load is 300 lbs

 

[pga7602]

My Lang tips the scale at 600 pounds. She moves fine until you hit an incline. Get out of her way!

 

[AZRaptor]

Yep, these big ole offsets are heavy as hell. When my shipper delivered my Shirley I noticed it was slightly leaning to one side. I freaked when I saw it until I realized it was angled like that because it had broken through the wood that lined the floor of their trailer and come to rest on the metal cross beams of the frame. Smoker was fine as was the trailer once he got a new piece of wood to put down, but we both ended up with a better understanding of what these things weigh.

 

[ewknapp08]

Klose Resto going well, wheels and axle changed, built new cooking grates and shelf. Used rust treatment and angle grinder for paint prep and Rustoleum high heat for the paint. Planning a big weekend cook to celebrate.

 

[TX1911]

I made the mistake of putting my offset in the grass before we sold the house. When we moved, it had sunk a good four inches. Needed a ton of help to get it out.

 

[FireChief]

Yep. When we moved my Horizon to the backyard after delivery I was surprised how easily it tipped, fire box side down. Not sure why as the cook chamber is twice as big as the fire box but I guess it acts like a really heavy counterweight. Bill of Lading listed shipping weight as 1,100 lbs with the pallet being as least 100 lbs or more it was so big. Haven't moved that pit one inch in 4.5 years since we set it in place and don't plan to neither !

Klose looks awesome. Great job on the restoration !

 

[BBQ Freak]

Klose Resto going well, wheels and axle changed, built new cooking grates and shelf. Used rust treatment and angle grinder for paint prep and Rustoleum high heat for the paint. Planning a big weekend cook to celebrate.

looking good .

 

[Randy3269]

Nice job