Reverse Flow Trailer Smoker Build

mambroseku · Aug 18, 2015

I've been lurking on the forums for quite a while gathering info for the build I'm getting ready to start and figured it is about time I post and document the build process, ask questions, and hopefully get some sound advice along the way!

I'm starting with 24"x61"x3/8" Wall Steel Pipe. The pipe cost me a few beers at the bar so I'm already off to a good start. I found a 24" Dome End Cap to mate on the far end of the Cooking Chamber. I've plugged the information into the calculators online and wanted to go with a 24"x24"x24" Firebox; however, I have a question about how high up on the Cooking Chamber to mount it.

The calculators are saying I need about 120 sq inches from the FB to the CC. If my firebox is 24" wide and I mount it at 18" across the pipe will it be a big deal to have 6" extending over or should I narrow my firebox to 18"?

Most of the posts/pictures I've seen show the FB to be the same width as the CC and I'm curious if I will have any problems if my FB is wider than the cooking chamber.

Any feedback would be great. Here's a quick picture of the Pipe, hopefully I'll be picking it up in the next 2 weeks.

IMG_0893.JPG

mambroseku
Aug 18, 2015

transam400 · Aug 18, 2015

Sounds very similar to the build we are starting. We're using a square firebox but you can see the dimensions we came up with on my thread.

mambroseku · Aug 18, 2015

Transam - does your firebox match the width of the cooking chamber when it's mounted up? I'm trying to decide if I should narrow my firebox and increase the length to match the width of the cooking chamber and keep the same cubic inches.

transam400 · Aug 18, 2015

Not when it is mounted because the FB will be below the cl of the CC.

hardcookin · Aug 18, 2015

I look at that picture and I see a lot of smoker builds. Thumbs Up
Looking forward to seeing your build!

mambroseku · Aug 19, 2015

hardcookin said:
I look at that picture and I see a lot of smoker builds.

Looking forward to seeing your build!

Thanks and I thought the same thing! It will be hard to resist picking up multiple pieces when I'm there in a couple weeks!

mambroseku · Sep 2, 2015

So I've started to get my dimensions drawn out and what does everyone think about this layout? The upper cooking grate will be removable so when I'm doing larger items (ie. Pork Butts, Brisket, etc.) I can remove the upper rack for more space.

Right now, I've got the FB to CC opening at 8"x22". According to the 2 calculator pages I've used that equates to about 122 sq. inches. Does this look right?

Smoker.jpg

mambroseku
Sep 2, 2015

sods · Sep 2, 2015

I am only starting myself, but those calculations are very similar to mine, I guess we will sink or swim together :)

My CC is 26" by 64" 150Gal, I am using 24" cube for FB, and I think my CC/FB opening is 8" by 24". So we are very close.

I have a flat end, so I am going to raise the cutout of the CC about an inch so there is a lip to prevent grease in the FB, just in case. something you may want to consider since I assume you will have a flat FB end.

daveomak · Sep 2, 2015

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/...others-ready-to-use-rev5-6-19-15#post_1264161

mambroseku · Sep 2, 2015

sods said:
I am only starting myself, but those calculations are very similar to mine, I guess we will sink or swim together :)

My CC is 26" by 64" 150Gal, I am using 24" cube for FB, and I think my CC/FB opening is 8" by 24". So we are very close.

I have a flat end, so I am going to raise the cutout of the CC about an inch so there is a lip to prevent grease in the FB, just in case. something you may want to consider since I assume you will have a flat FB end.

Yeah, everything will have a slight pitch towards the drain so nothing pools, spills, etc. at any point of the smoker.

DaveOmak said:
http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/...others-ready-to-use-rev5-6-19-15#post_1264161

According to my calculations it would require about 116 sq inches and I'm coming in at 122 so I should be good. Thanks for the link for reference Dave.

mambroseku · Oct 24, 2015

Here's the latest update to the build. When I got to the yard to pick up the pipe for the smoker I decided to step it up a bit and picked up a 30" diameter x 67" long piece of pipe. We finally had some time this morning to get started. We didn't get very far but started cutting the doors and tacked the hinges in place. I'm hoping to get the doors fully cut this week and end cap welded on next weekend.

Here are a few pics from today.

image.jpg

mambroseku
Oct 24, 2015

image.jpg

mambroseku
Oct 24, 2015

image.jpg

mambroseku
Oct 24, 2015

daveomak · Oct 24, 2015

Think about welding up the FB to the CC before you cut the doors....

mambroseku · Oct 24, 2015

DaveOmak said:
Think about welding up the FB to the CC before you cut the doors....

What is the benefit of welding the firebox up first?

daveomak · Oct 24, 2015

Reduce the chance of the CC warping before you cut the door...

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