265 gallon build

[TLMMWF]

this idea started a few years back before I’d ever done any smoking, I got this fuel tank for free while doing a property clean up and just couldn’t say no to it.

Fast forward a few years and now I own and operate a Welding and fabrication business and it just so happens that one of my customers wanted a big smoker, trailer sized to be “exact”.

After watching a Tom of YouTube’s as well as reading through materials and builds on here I got a supply list together to give him a quote and when he gave me the go ahead yesterday I got started.



This will sit upright as it is in these pics and will have a top door and 2 fronts with 3 racks inside. All the racks will be removable and we may add a side “warmer” box as well.

And the trailer that will be modified for this build

 

[TLMMWF]

Top door and FB/CC opening cut and doin this intial burn out:

 

[Gunther]

Top door and FB/CC opening cut and doin this intial burn out:

View attachment 372306

Off to a good start. I can't wait to watch your progress.

 

[TLMMWF]

Is that setup in your profile pic a propane deal?

 

[JckDanls 07]

And we're off... I'm along for the ride....

 

[TLMMWF]

Top door was finished yesterday

Here’s all the hinges for the top door (+1 extra) later out

And a shot after cutting out the front doors and adding in the lower stiffener

Got a metal delivery today... 4x8 sheet of 1/4”, 4x8 sheet of 1/8”, 4x8 sheet flattened #13 expanded metal and various angle iron and flat bar.. hopefully the basics of the fire box is done tomorrow which means this thing will be mounted on its trailer as well

 

[TLMMWF]

Anyone got a good suggestion on how to make the handles in a way that won’t get super hot? I know about usin the spring ends from metal hammers but I don’t wanna add $30+ to the build cost just for handles

 

[TLMMWF]

Got a lot done yesterday

-CC is mounted to the trailer
-RF plate is in with drip catch and tube leading out the bottom
-Lower doors are cut out
-All rack slides are tacked in
-One rack is mostly complete

 

[Jeff Wright]

Coming right along...nice work.

 

[TLMMWF]

Sorry for the break in progress all, been on vacation with the family...

Finished up the racks yesterday and hope to have the front doors done today and be started on the FB.

 

[TLMMWF]

Did wrap this project up and the owner is very happy with it so far. He’s put over 1000 pounds of meet on it so far and reports that his customers are thrilled not with his flavor!

For the firebox:

24x24x28”
1/4” steel (almost a full 4x8 sheet used)
5 twist style dampers on the door
3” deep ash tray
1/4” plate divider above ash tray (slots and “logo” cut into this for ash drop)

 

[SNeal5966]

I can understand using one of these style tanks since it saves you a ton of fab time....but why use an old rusty used one that has all kinds of oil in it, as well as the sludge that comes with fuel oil? I am of the opinion that making something food grade should stick to new materials.....I mean these tanks are only 1/8" or 3/16" thick at the most since they are just atmospheric fuel oil tanks.