Looking to build a RF trailer

rbrinton2373

Fire Starter

Original poster

Nov 17, 2007

73

10

Ogden

• Aug 29, 2013

• #1

I know this depends on many things but what would you say the costs would be for materials to build? I plan on using a 150gal water tank from a concrete truck and figure I could get a used trailer to mod for 300-500 dollars. Other than that how much extra will this cost? And from all the builds on here what are some suggestions to do or not to do?

Thanks

 

rbrinton2373

Fire Starter

Original poster

Thread starter

Nov 17, 2007

73

10

Ogden

• Aug 29, 2013

• #2

Also I know there are percentages and ratios for size of the fb to the CC, openings for airflow etc...anyone know of a post or a link to somewhere that lays these all out?

 

daveomak

SMF Hall of Fame Pitmaster

OTBS Member

★ Lifetime Premier ★

Nov 12, 2010

27,123

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Omak,Washington,U.S.A.

• Aug 29, 2013

• #3

Also I know there are percentages and ratios for size of the fb to the CC, openings for airflow etc...anyone know of a post or a link to somewhere that lays these all out?

Yep........  In my signature line......   

Aren't truck water tanks made from aluminum ????    If so, not too good for a smoker....   

Look for a used flatbed trailer...  Lot less work and they come with brakes and lights etc.....

 

rbrinton2373

Fire Starter

Original poster

Thread starter

Nov 17, 2007

73

10

Ogden

• Aug 29, 2013

• #4

The newer tanks are aluminum or even plastic. Thanks to my job I know a guy who has access to old ones that are steel. If that doesn't pan out what would be a good alternative. I am an little hesitant to use propane but I'm sure if it is vacuumed and wasted enough the danger is reduced or eliminated. Also I found some good information on other builds and I am curious if you Dave especially get sick of posting the same info over and over? Lol

 

daveomak

SMF Hall of Fame Pitmaster

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★ Lifetime Premier ★

Nov 12, 2010

27,123

4,979

Omak,Washington,U.S.A.

• Aug 29, 2013

• #5

 I am curious if you Dave especially get sick of posting the same info over and over? Lol

No....  most questions are different enough they are interesting...    Keeps me from becoming too addled... 

.....

About the tank....  The steel tanks are probably pretty thin, reducing weight... You could probably pay the propane dealer to clean the tank out... Tell them what your plans are and ask how they would go about cutting into it....   I have cut into aluminum fuel tanks with the plasma....   I just fill them with water to within an inch or so of where I'm cutting sooooo  if they blow up, it will be a small explosion instead of HUGE....  I also use my shop-vac, in the blow mode, to eliminate the last bit of fumes just before torching them....  there are usually fills, vents, sending units you can open to release fumes etc......

 

bob1961

Smoking Fanatic

May 15, 2010

387

15

lackawaxen, PA.

• Aug 29, 2013

• #6

look and see if you have a propane recertifying / repair place in your area....I have one 10 miles from me I used to work at that sell junk PP tanks no longer good for propane use....they scrap old out dated junk tanks for scrap price, i'm getting a 250 from them for bout $50.00....they have to pressure steam clean them before they junk them to the recycler for scrap....

 

rbrinton2373

Fire Starter

Original poster

Thread starter

Nov 17, 2007

73

10

Ogden

• Aug 29, 2013

• #7

I do have one that is about 20 minutes away so I will check with them. Thanks that might work really well

 

rasimmo

Meat Mopper

Jan 1, 2013

244

11

Southeast Louisiana

• Aug 29, 2013

• #8

To answer your original question about cost, kinda. It depends on way too many to things to actually make a good guess for yours. I know mine will be close to $2000 when done. It is more than just the smoker and the other things are included in that. I got the tank for free, trailer for free, and got some of the steel from the scrap pile behind the barn. Things like welding rods/wire, blades for the grinder, filling bottles for torch, and steel to make everything fit together add up quick and don't get thought about much when planning things like this. The paint I plan on using will cost me $200, yes I could do it cheaper than that, but I don't want black. Nothing wrong with it, just personal preference. Anyway, I would figure at least $1000 if you find a cheap trailer and tank to build on if you do all the work yourself.