Got a new tank, now what do I do with it?

  • Some of the links on this forum allow SMF, at no cost to you, to earn a small commission when you click through and make a purchase. Let me know if you have any questions about this.
SMF is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

matts

Smoking Fanatic
Original poster
Apr 13, 2010
468
43
Central Illinois
Picked up a 100 gallon LP tank this morning and I am not quite sure what I want to do with it.  It's roughly 6ft x 2ft.  My first thoughts were to make a patio smoker out of it.  I was going to cut 2ft off the tank and drop that section down and use it as the firebox.  Then after looking at the tank, I was thinking of keeping it full and building a new firebox.  But that gives me a larger smoker.  Either way, its going to be a reverse flow.  I will also be mounting this on a small trailer that is just big enough for the smoker and thats it.  The reason I was going to cut it down and go with a smaller smoker is to use for normal small every day smokes.  But the tank doesn't seem that big and I can still do my normal small smokes on it with it being full size.  But if I wanted to do a small party, it will be big enough for that.  I won't be able to do a good hog, but thats what my big smoker is for.  If I cut it into a smaller 4ft smoker, it will be cheaper to build.  I just don't know what to do.  What do y'all think. 

http://photobucket.com
 
I guess I'd look at where I would get the most use out of it. If you think your largest rig is perfoming to your satisfaction and will handle any gatherings you may cook for with room to spare, and you're mainly looking for something to get more personal enjoyment with, then I'd go for the smaller build.

If you're like me, then, you probably want something different to smoke with from time to time. I thoroughly enjoy finding out what makes a rig tick, and trying to get the best performance from it while I toss a few smokes together. I haven't had the opportunity to build one yet...I just do alot of mods and conversions.

Anyway, since the main reason for having multiple smokers is to be able to enjoy using them, that reason alone would be my main priority in deciding what I wanted to build. You've got the tank for the smoke chamber, so, in my mind, it's just a matter of decicion.

BTW, be sure you have a rock solid plan for safely cutting into your tank...no woofs or booms, OK?

Sounds like a great project, either way you decide to go with it!

Happy smokin', brother!

Eric
 
I see your points.  I will always have a big rig.  I plan on building a new big one in the spring and selling the big one I have now.  Heck, its probably for sale now.  I am leaning more towards the smaller one.
 
I am building a big rig now and have already got the tanks to make a smaller one for the deck. I know it's tempting to always go big but I know i'm looking forward to my small one getting built as much as my big one. As long as it will do what you need it's a winner.
 
The Big Rigs are always a head turner at parties anyways!... You have that!

My UDS is gettng so much action right now  I havent been able to finish all the small things I want to do to it!

It is nice to use for dinner sized cooks! My big one uses to much fuel for just 2 racks of ribs or a few burgers and dogs!

SOB
 
Last edited:
You never build a bad build, you just like some better then others.  Make sure you use the calculator to make sure the temp setting will be OK at the end of the build.

I have built one out of a 120 gal on a 40”x49” trailer from Harbor Freight. It work out great and I added a fire box to it to max the smoking capacity.  I did redo the trailer  tongue (the only down fail for not building from scratch) for better handling.  Would be happy to send pics to you if you like.  I did post it in the wood smoker forum too.

Good luck and please keeps us all posted as you build it.
 
do something different...like an upright! that would be so cool! paint it like a rocket and call it functioning yard art. 

use the bottom 2ft for a firebox and then you would have a 4x2 area for racks..lotta racks!!  Too bad there is no good way to get the smoke to come out the bottom like it is gettin ready for lift off tho
PDT_Armataz_01_23.gif


I looked at the pic again and I stand by my first suggestion, make a rocket smoker!!!
 
If there is a way to build it like lug says, and have a good damper above the fire box to cut off the air to the fire while the door is open. It could possibly run like a drum.

It would be pretty cool looking to have legs like the old cartoon drawings of the bugs bunny rocket ship.
 
haha, alright. I think I will have to pass on the rocket deal.  The wife would have a fit with that thing sitting outside. 

I think I am going to go with the smaller version.  I will be cutting 2ft off and dropping it down as the firebox.  It will be mounted on a very small trailer with a removable front third wheel.  Basically something I can easily move around by hand and with a swap of a piece on the tongue, I can hitch it up and haul it down the road.  With going short and saving money on steel, that give me an opening to play with some other ideas.  I may have to do some imagineering on this one.  Gotta have fun with it, right..
 
Lug,

The smoke out the bottom of the rocket could be done pretty easy with a pipe running from top to bottom on the inside and a powered chimney fan sucking the smoke from the top and shooting it out the bottom.  Throw and rheostat on there and you will be able to control your draw.   That sounds like a fun build, but for me would have to be a build to sell right away.
 
I like the rocket idea! i may play with that one someday
icon_idea.gif
.

I like the idea you have with the removable 3rd wheel and being able to tow it. this will be a great build! i gotta get back into gear and try to keep up with ya matt! your movin right along. have ya listed your other build yet or are you gonna sit on it for a while?
 
DK, It won't be started for a while.  I am still doing mods to my other one.  I am going to take my time with this one.  I learned a lot on the other and will be doing thing different on this one.  This is another practice build in prep for my next 250 build in the spring to replace my current rig.

I will probably design this next little one in cad and stew over it for a while before I start slingin sparks.  Plus I want to collect steel for a while so I don't have to go buy everything at once.  That hurts.
 
There may be a UDS in my future, but not that barrel.  I need something to burn trash in.  Plus that one has a lot of holes punched in the bottom
 
ok so if your not gonna build a rocket smoker, where can I find one of these things??? All I've found is 100 lb units and 500 gallon units...hmmm 500..hmmmm...nah too big
 
Lug, I came across this one on accident kinda.  I love the size and will be keeping my eye out for another.  I am in the market for a 250 now.  A 100lb tank would be a good one to play with (rocket).  It would be great with a coal basket and a couple butt sized racks.
 
SmokingMeatForums.com is reader supported and as an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.

Latest posts

Hot Threads

Clicky