Can't Find a Good Drum Source

bbqguy88

Newbie

Original poster

Oct 16, 2013

3

10

• Oct 16, 2013

• #1

Hey all,

I recently have started the planning process of building my own UDS, however as I have learned its not been an easy process of obtaining a good used 55 gallon steel drum. I got ideas from this forum and others on where to call and so far I have called multiple places like a bakery, tractor supply, a coke bottling plant (have not returned call yet), home brew store, and several large breweries around me. Most either don't sell them as they are a deposit drum or simply don't have them to sell. I have also checked craigslist but no luck. Does anyone know anywhere where I could buy a used drum fairly cheap maybe $20-40. I am preferably looking for an unlined drum that held something other than oil or the like. However I will most likely take anything at this point. Any help is greatly appreciated!

I live in the Lehigh Valley Region of Pennsylvania (Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton area)

 

Last edited: Oct 16, 2013

kathrynn

Legendary Pitmaster

OTBS Member

Jun 13, 2012

9,442

121

Madison, AL

• Oct 16, 2013

• #2

check your local Craigs List.  That is where lots of the guys here have found leads.

Kat

 

bbqguy88

Newbie

Original poster

Thread starter

Oct 16, 2013

3

10

• Oct 16, 2013

• #3

Thanks for the quick reply! I have been checking craigslist but no one seems to have anything around me the closest person that has a metal barrel for sale is over an hour away. If worse comes to worse I may just have to take a road trip to get them

 

kathrynn

Legendary Pitmaster

OTBS Member

Jun 13, 2012

9,442

121

Madison, AL

• Oct 16, 2013

• #4

Would you mind popping over to Roll Call and introducing yourself?  http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/f/133/roll-call

Kat

 

flyboys

Smoking Fanatic

Oct 14, 2007

603

42

Southeastern PA

• Oct 16, 2013

• #5

I live in Bucks County and just got one last week from a guy in Bristol for $25. That would be a little bit of a hike for you though. It also had a tan lining, so I'm getting it sandblasted. There's a place in Quakertown that does it. There is also a guy in Collegeville selling them for $15. I found both of them on Philly's Craigslist. I'll keep my ears open for you. Did you check the truck place on 309 just below Coopersburg, maybe they have some old storage ones? You could try Davis Feed Mill in Perkasie too.

 

bbqguy88

Newbie

Original poster

Thread starter

Oct 16, 2013

3

10

• Oct 16, 2013

• #6

Thanks for reply! I did see the guy in bristol and he looks like he has a good selection but yeah it would be a little ways away for me. I will be sure to check out the guy in collegeville as it would be a little closer. I didn't check the truck place yet but that is definitely a place i'll give a call to! I appreciate the info! 

 

flyboys

Smoking Fanatic

Oct 14, 2007

603

42

Southeastern PA

• Oct 16, 2013

• #7

Anytime, I hope it works out for you. Just so you know, the guy in Bristol doesn't have lids, or didn't last week. The guy in Collegeville has ones that stored some type of fruit concentrate I believe. His were closed tops and seeing that they stored food, that pretty much means they have a liner. Let me know how you make out. Not too much to pick from in our area, that I know of at least.

 

jcosme

Newbie

Jun 2, 2013

10

10

Pittsburgh, PA

• Oct 16, 2013

• #8

Try a dairy farm. Some bottle juice and get it in the 55 gal. drum.

 

foamheart

Gone but not forgotten. RIP

OTBS Member

Apr 4, 2013

11,236

3,319

South Louisiana, on the Mississippi River

• Oct 16, 2013

• #9

If I lived around Allentown, I would go make a friend at the Mack Plant, Clean transmission oil is no biggie to burn out.

Just a thought.

 

Bearcarver

Gone but not forgotten RIP

OTBS Member

Group Lead

Sep 12, 2009

45,279

18,182

Macungie, PA

• Oct 16, 2013

• #10

Welcome BBQguy!!

I was born & raised in Bucks County (Quakertown), but now we live in Macungie,---------------- Mack Truck.

Bear

 

flyboys

Smoking Fanatic

Oct 14, 2007

603

42

Southeastern PA

• Oct 16, 2013

• #11

Bearcarver said:

 
Welcome BBQguy!!

I was born & raised in Bucks County (Quakertown), but now we live in Macungie,---------------- Mack Truck.

Bear

Click to expand...

I follow your posts and have tried and kept many of your recipes, and I can honestly say you are one heck of a cook.  I was born and raised in Philly and now live just south of Quakertown.  Seeing that you are pretty close, I may just have to follow the smoke trail next time you are cooking!

 

webowabo

Master of the Pit

Dec 25, 2010

1,382

41

Arlington, TX

• Oct 16, 2013

• #12

bbqguy88 said:

Thanks for reply! I did see the guy in bristol and he looks like he has a good selection but yeah it would be a little ways away for me. I will be sure to check out the guy in collegeville as it would be a little closer. I didn't check the truck place yet but that is definitely a place i'll give a call to! I appreciate the info! 

Click to expand...

Down here in Texas almost every gravel company also sells drums.. thats where I found mine. Not sure if its a tx thing.. but its worth a try to check gravel and sand places.