- May 1, 2011
- 50
- 10
So it begins, my Mini Multipurpose Unit. I am a full time RV’er and travel for work in MS, AL and to the in-laws in GA. So space is very limited and I have not been able to find something that fits my needs so time to build. I have been lurking for a while and have some drawings and a few Google Sketch up images, and a BUNCH of questions. I hope ya’ll can help.
So here’s the deal. I want a RF smoker and a charcoal grill. The RF plate/pan will be removable, and replaced with a charcoal basket for grilling. (I’m going to add an inlet to the opposite side of the fire box for additional air when grilling) Also the smoking fuel source will mainly be charcoal, but would like to be able to use propane (turkey fryer burner) and maybe electric. I have 2 stainless grates from another build, about 12x16, that are going to be the main surface area. I will have a 6x16, ½ rack up high for additional space. The cooker chamber is going to be 13”x16.5”x20” tall (4,290ci). 2”under the plate/pan, 5” to the grate, then 13” to the top. Room enough for beer butt chickens, or a turkey, or a rib rack and of course butts and bacon. See the pics for the lid design. I have details of the doors, latches and hinges, will post later.
The fire box needs to be about 1,430ci, 10”x12”x12”—1,440ci, 3” under the charcoal basket/which is enough room for my propane burner, 3” tall basket, and about 6” of free space. I will be able to move the basket up 3" when using the Propane burner. The air inlet is going to be 2.25 or 2.5” pipe, threaded npt, so I can add stuff!!. The hole between the boxes should be 12”x1” and the Chimney calcs out at 4” dia. About 6” tall. I may use smaller pipe and taller.
So that’s the basic idea. I have a source to bend some steel and a friend at work with stick and bricks that has a welder I can use.
So here’s the list of questions:
I plan to bend the boxes from one piece of steel and weld together, What gauge is too thin?
Should I insulate? Is it worth the effort?
Will a smoker of this size work? Such a small volume of cooker and small box..
Is the calculator accurate at this size?
Will the removable pan/basket in the smoking chamber work??
What about the tri fuel option??
I’m going to have a couple of temp gauges, 1/2NPT?? How high/or where should they be??
How high should the Exhaust be in the side wall, or can it go out the top??
Can I put the fire box directly underneath the smoker box, if the smoke goes into the side of the smoke box?
Will the door work like this?? Is it too big and will let too much heat out?
I think the charcoal Grill idea will work, with (2) 2.25” or 2.5” inlets, plus I can add a blower. Will IT??
I have more questions But this is a start
I have drawings, but here are a few.
Come on, let’s hear it. There is some talent and experience here and I want to hear every idea and criticism, thoughts and potential problems.
So here’s the deal. I want a RF smoker and a charcoal grill. The RF plate/pan will be removable, and replaced with a charcoal basket for grilling. (I’m going to add an inlet to the opposite side of the fire box for additional air when grilling) Also the smoking fuel source will mainly be charcoal, but would like to be able to use propane (turkey fryer burner) and maybe electric. I have 2 stainless grates from another build, about 12x16, that are going to be the main surface area. I will have a 6x16, ½ rack up high for additional space. The cooker chamber is going to be 13”x16.5”x20” tall (4,290ci). 2”under the plate/pan, 5” to the grate, then 13” to the top. Room enough for beer butt chickens, or a turkey, or a rib rack and of course butts and bacon. See the pics for the lid design. I have details of the doors, latches and hinges, will post later.
The fire box needs to be about 1,430ci, 10”x12”x12”—1,440ci, 3” under the charcoal basket/which is enough room for my propane burner, 3” tall basket, and about 6” of free space. I will be able to move the basket up 3" when using the Propane burner. The air inlet is going to be 2.25 or 2.5” pipe, threaded npt, so I can add stuff!!. The hole between the boxes should be 12”x1” and the Chimney calcs out at 4” dia. About 6” tall. I may use smaller pipe and taller.
So that’s the basic idea. I have a source to bend some steel and a friend at work with stick and bricks that has a welder I can use.
So here’s the list of questions:
I plan to bend the boxes from one piece of steel and weld together, What gauge is too thin?
Should I insulate? Is it worth the effort?
Will a smoker of this size work? Such a small volume of cooker and small box..
Is the calculator accurate at this size?
Will the removable pan/basket in the smoking chamber work??
What about the tri fuel option??
I’m going to have a couple of temp gauges, 1/2NPT?? How high/or where should they be??
How high should the Exhaust be in the side wall, or can it go out the top??
Can I put the fire box directly underneath the smoker box, if the smoke goes into the side of the smoke box?
Will the door work like this?? Is it too big and will let too much heat out?
I think the charcoal Grill idea will work, with (2) 2.25” or 2.5” inlets, plus I can add a blower. Will IT??
I have more questions But this is a start
I have drawings, but here are a few.
Come on, let’s hear it. There is some talent and experience here and I want to hear every idea and criticism, thoughts and potential problems.