Greetings all, thought I would document my recently begun RF trailer project here for all to see and maybe get some feedback. I named this the "Never-Ending RF Build" because that is what I envision it will be due to available time and money. I have searched these forums and so many other places over the web and numerous BBQ competitions and have taken notes. I plan to incorporate what are, in my opinion, some of the best ideas, or at least the ones I like best. There were, and continue to be so many sources, I doubt I will be able to give credit where it is due. If you see your idea here, know that I have stolen it because you posted it on the web, and BTW.....Thanks!
The journey begins:
I recently got a ridiculous deal on this trailer:
A neighbor wanted it and a running 5500 generator out of his yard and had them both sitting in his front yard with a sign, asking $275 for both. I couldn't believe my luck when he not only agreed to the $260 I had in my pocket, but he came back over with a $10 bill saying it was my change.....he said he thought I said $250, and since in his own mind he agreed to $250, thought it only right to give me my change....I should have bought a lottery ticket that day. BTW, if those drums look like future UDS builds, you'd be correct. The cabinet behind the trailer is my propane smoker and friend and I built from a modified flammable liquids cabinet.
The front of the trailer is an old truck lift gate. 4ft x 5ft x 1/2" aluminum diamond plate.
It's heavy and very expensive I imagine.
So first I stripped off the axle as I am replacing it, the springs, tires and rims and upgrading to a 3500lb axle with 15" tires. I have priced that from a trailer company locally and should be just shy of $500.....another reason this may be a slow going project.
This past week the old guy that runs the propane company finally wrestled me up a 120 gal tank he couldn't refurbish and sell because some info plate was missing and its required by law. It looked rough but I thought I could work on it.
You can see the trailer axle stripped off the trailer frame in the background. First thing I did was fill this thing all the way up with water to push any remaining gas out. My propane guy had already removed the valves (except for the gas gauge, which he couldn't get out).
Looks bad but......
Today it cleaned up pretty decently for a quick once-over with my 4 1/2" angle grinder using a 3" Dewalt Knotted Cup Brush. I cut the valve ports off with a cut-off wheel and ground down the remaining so it was all flush. I think I will have it sandblasted along with the trailer once I get everything built the way I want it before it's painted. I have a buddy that does paint and body work and he has a professional set-up at home so I'm sure I can work a deal with him on that.
I'm going to draw up a set of plans which currently reside in my head and are scribbled over 3-4 sheets of paper and post them as soon as I can.
One question I do have is this:
Anybody have any advise for sealing those holes left by the valves? I thought about filling them in by welding in some round metal rods, filling any gaps using the welding wire and then cutting/grinding the whole fix flush.
Tomorrow I think I plan to attack that gigantic piece of diamond plate and get it cleaned up.
Updates to follow.....
The journey begins:
I recently got a ridiculous deal on this trailer:
A neighbor wanted it and a running 5500 generator out of his yard and had them both sitting in his front yard with a sign, asking $275 for both. I couldn't believe my luck when he not only agreed to the $260 I had in my pocket, but he came back over with a $10 bill saying it was my change.....he said he thought I said $250, and since in his own mind he agreed to $250, thought it only right to give me my change....I should have bought a lottery ticket that day. BTW, if those drums look like future UDS builds, you'd be correct. The cabinet behind the trailer is my propane smoker and friend and I built from a modified flammable liquids cabinet.
The front of the trailer is an old truck lift gate. 4ft x 5ft x 1/2" aluminum diamond plate.
It's heavy and very expensive I imagine.
So first I stripped off the axle as I am replacing it, the springs, tires and rims and upgrading to a 3500lb axle with 15" tires. I have priced that from a trailer company locally and should be just shy of $500.....another reason this may be a slow going project.
This past week the old guy that runs the propane company finally wrestled me up a 120 gal tank he couldn't refurbish and sell because some info plate was missing and its required by law. It looked rough but I thought I could work on it.
You can see the trailer axle stripped off the trailer frame in the background. First thing I did was fill this thing all the way up with water to push any remaining gas out. My propane guy had already removed the valves (except for the gas gauge, which he couldn't get out).
Looks bad but......
Today it cleaned up pretty decently for a quick once-over with my 4 1/2" angle grinder using a 3" Dewalt Knotted Cup Brush. I cut the valve ports off with a cut-off wheel and ground down the remaining so it was all flush. I think I will have it sandblasted along with the trailer once I get everything built the way I want it before it's painted. I have a buddy that does paint and body work and he has a professional set-up at home so I'm sure I can work a deal with him on that.
I'm going to draw up a set of plans which currently reside in my head and are scribbled over 3-4 sheets of paper and post them as soon as I can.
One question I do have is this:
Anybody have any advise for sealing those holes left by the valves? I thought about filling them in by welding in some round metal rods, filling any gaps using the welding wire and then cutting/grinding the whole fix flush.
Tomorrow I think I plan to attack that gigantic piece of diamond plate and get it cleaned up.
Updates to follow.....