Models of Early Oklahoma Joe's Cookers

[jerrycan]

I lucked into an original Oklahoma Joe's offset cooker this past weekend and have been doing a little research since then. Does anyone know if the company branded its products with model names in the early days, or were they marketed basically by style and size? I'd love to look at an old catalogue or promo material to match my model, but I can't find anything of the like. A couple pictures are attached for visual reference. I'd appreciate any tips from experienced eyes out there.

 

[02ebz06]

Greetings and welcome aboard.
Maybe contacting the company and send them a picture would help.
I would think they would have records of all their smokers.

 

[OldJoeChuckwagon]

I lucked into an original Oklahoma Joe's offset cooker this past weekend and have been doing a little research since then. Does anyone know if the company branded its products with model names in the early days, or were they marketed basically by style and size? I'd love to look at an old catalogue or promo material to match my model, but I can't find anything of the like. A couple pictures are attached for visual reference. I'd appreciate any tips from experienced eyes out there. View attachment 697978View attachment 697979

That is a Tailgator model, either a 12"or 14". Based off of the badge #, it was manufactured in late 1990 or early 1991. There were several different models available, based off of length of firebox, cook chamber and overall design. Most models were available in 14, 16 and 20 inch diameters. Custom builds/orders could vary beyond standard sizes. I believe the Tailgator was the only model offered in a 12", but I could be mistaken.

 

[davidchuck]

I also am unfamiliar with the model that I just bought today. I can only find 1 photo of it online and the site is in Germany.

It’s made of 16” pipe.
Serial # 62426 (I think)

 

[mike243]

Welcome to the sight, I think it's pretty neat that they had enough pride to give serial numbers to a item that really has nothing to tear up without a BA hammer lol. I have seen several come through here still making great food,

 

[OldJoeChuckwagon]

I also am unfamiliar with the model that I just bought today. I can only find 1 photo of it online and the site is in Germany.

It’s made of 16” pipe.
Serial # 62426 (I think)

Your unit was called OKJ Grill w/ Firebox. It was offered in 16” and 20” diameter. The cook chamber is longer than The Traditional model, offering 589 sq/in of cooking surface, as opposed to 434 sq/in. With that serial #. It was probably manufactured in 1997-98 timeframe.

 

[davidchuck]

Your unit was called OKJ Grill w/ Firebox. It was offered in 16” and 20” diameter. The cook chamber is longer than The Traditional model, offering 589 sq/in of cooking surface, as opposed to 434 sq/in. With that serial #. It was probably manufactured in 1997-98 timeframe.

Thank you for the info!!!

I joined the FB group as well and someone pointed me to the old OK Joe brochure file.
Good to know!!!
Thanks again

 

[jerrycan]

That is a Tailgator model, either a 12"or 14". Based off of the badge #, it was manufactured in late 1990 or early 1991. There were several different models available, based off of length of firebox, cook chamber and overall design. Most models were available in 14, 16 and 20 inch diameters. Custom builds/orders could vary beyond standard sizes. I believe the Tailgator was the only model offered in a 12", but I could be mistaken.

Thank you for this reply! And apologies for drifting away for a couple months.

Your ID as a "Tailgator" is spot on. I ended up sending a inquiry to Horizon Smokers' general customer service inbox and got a quick response from Steve. He confirmed that the smoker is a "12" Tailgater" with a "lift kit" that was "definitely built in the early 90s." Evidently, the base model smoker was built with stubby legs (obviously for cooking from your truck bed at the big game), but it could be modified to add extensions on the legs that convert it to a stand-alone smoker.

Thanks again for the info!

 

[jerrycan]

Thank you for the info!!!

I joined the FB group as well and someone pointed me to the old OK Joe brochure file.
Good to know!!!
Thanks again

Could you drop a link to that OK Joe brochure file? I don't have FB, but I'd love to see it. Thanks!