I am a long time lurker, first time poster, so take it easy on me.
Lately I have been cooking for more and more people (Labor day was a 60+ person family cookout), and have committed to some charity events and work parties (estimating 400+ in April). My small offset barrel smoker wont do the job, so I have decided to build myself a rig I can be proud of...
As we know, everything is bigger in Texas, so this is what I have planned for the whole rig:
14' or 16' x 83" tandem trailer
250gallon Reverse Flow with 5' tall smoking(warming) tower / insulated firebox combo.
BBQ Guru
Built in prep area with storage underneath
2x 40lb propane tanks
2 Stove-top burners (propane powered)
Propane powered grill across back
2x 40lb
Dual basin sink
RV Water-heater (propane)
RV / Marine water pump
2x 22-40 gallon water tanks (one for clean water, one for grey)
Wood rack for fuel
ice chest storage...
It seems like a lot to take in, but it is basically going to be something like East Texas Smokers builds... I am looking to do the first purchases in the next two weeks. The first thing I was going to get is the trailer from a local mfg. It would have a 7k gvwr, electric brakes on the rear axle, and expanded metal flooring (instead of wood). I wanted to start the build with a good trailer, which I wont need to do repair work on.
After that, would be the 250 gallon tank. I have a couple propane companies which have them for scrap randomly, but I wont have anything to move them on until I get the trailer. Once I do have the tank, I have the issue of being in a burn ban area in Texas currently. Would I be able to get it sand blasted on the inside to do most of the cleanup instead of a burnout, then do a more controlled burnout once I get it built so I can control the fire and make it look like a regular grill / BBQ type fire instead of a crazy-get me fined fire?
I plan on doing this build in stages. First getting the smoker mounted / working, then adding on as I can. The first thing after the smoker would be something to add more tongue weight to the trailer. During this time, I do not plan on moving the trailer much, since it will already be where we have most of our family functions.
I have a supplier for new steel that I can do local pickup if I can't find what I need at the local scrapyards. I also have a couple friends which can help me with the build.
I'll be updating this thread in a few days with what I am able to think of materials wise for the smoker itself. I hope to put in the trailer order next Monday (Oct 24th), once I get a good plan set down. Any help on keeping me from making a huge mistake on my plan would be helpful:)
Lately I have been cooking for more and more people (Labor day was a 60+ person family cookout), and have committed to some charity events and work parties (estimating 400+ in April). My small offset barrel smoker wont do the job, so I have decided to build myself a rig I can be proud of...
As we know, everything is bigger in Texas, so this is what I have planned for the whole rig:
14' or 16' x 83" tandem trailer
250gallon Reverse Flow with 5' tall smoking(warming) tower / insulated firebox combo.
BBQ Guru
Built in prep area with storage underneath
2x 40lb propane tanks
2 Stove-top burners (propane powered)
Propane powered grill across back
2x 40lb
Dual basin sink
RV Water-heater (propane)
RV / Marine water pump
2x 22-40 gallon water tanks (one for clean water, one for grey)
Wood rack for fuel
ice chest storage...
It seems like a lot to take in, but it is basically going to be something like East Texas Smokers builds... I am looking to do the first purchases in the next two weeks. The first thing I was going to get is the trailer from a local mfg. It would have a 7k gvwr, electric brakes on the rear axle, and expanded metal flooring (instead of wood). I wanted to start the build with a good trailer, which I wont need to do repair work on.
After that, would be the 250 gallon tank. I have a couple propane companies which have them for scrap randomly, but I wont have anything to move them on until I get the trailer. Once I do have the tank, I have the issue of being in a burn ban area in Texas currently. Would I be able to get it sand blasted on the inside to do most of the cleanup instead of a burnout, then do a more controlled burnout once I get it built so I can control the fire and make it look like a regular grill / BBQ type fire instead of a crazy-get me fined fire?
I plan on doing this build in stages. First getting the smoker mounted / working, then adding on as I can. The first thing after the smoker would be something to add more tongue weight to the trailer. During this time, I do not plan on moving the trailer much, since it will already be where we have most of our family functions.
I have a supplier for new steel that I can do local pickup if I can't find what I need at the local scrapyards. I also have a couple friends which can help me with the build.
I'll be updating this thread in a few days with what I am able to think of materials wise for the smoker itself. I hope to put in the trailer order next Monday (Oct 24th), once I get a good plan set down. Any help on keeping me from making a huge mistake on my plan would be helpful:)
