Question on newly acquired smoker

[floridadave]

Hello everyone, I'm a new member and this is my first post. I just got this smoker off a friend of mine. I had a few questions regarding its usage, the fire box is on the backside and seems close to the rear wheel. I m posting some pics so hopefully they will show up in the thread. The questions I have are
Is the firebox too close to the wheel? The friend I got it from said to take off the right rear wheel if I use the box
Has anyone hear of Daves custom BBQ in the Tampa area?
The temp dial on the vertical side has his info printed on the temperature dial.
I was planning on using it tomorrow for a butt, ribs and chicken, just wanted to get some ideas as to its functionality.
I'm not new to smoking meats, I've had a few standalone verticle smokers in the past. Just none this big
Thanks in advance, I look forward to your comments

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• floridadave
• Feb 4, 2017

 

[lemans]

Well,
Can't tell much from the picture because the wheel you are showing is under the cooking chamber. You gotta show us the fire box attached to the vertical warming box. From what I see you have an awesome
RF smoker!!!! And are good to go as far as the picture shows.

 

[lemans]

I was intrigued by your picture so I went to Dave's site.
He is truly a custom builder.. from his product list it is tough to see where your firebox is.. is it on the side not shown to the left? Or is it attached to the CC on the back right ? In any case I doubt if a custom builder would make a trailer smoker that require you to remove the wheel to use it.. IMHO

 

[okie362]

I would have to agree with Lemans but if you are really concerned, get a welding blanket and throw it over the tire.  No way I'd be taking the wheels on and off to cook.  I'd get a torch and move something first.

 

[floridadave]

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• floridadave
• Feb 5, 2017

It's on the back off the cc, right rear. I just fired it up last night to test out and it seems fine. Fingers crossed, ready for some good eats today!!

 

[lemans]

Wow. What a weird setup.. ok go to Home Depot and get a sheet of 1/2 cement wallboard ( fire proof) and put it between the tire and firebox.
Also contact the pit builder and ask there opinion

 

[crankybuzzard]

Do like Lemans said and definitely call the builder.

 

[tripleq]

Whats the opening into the cook chamber look like? and where is the smoke stack? Now Im curious. Its got a hot handle and a little warpage so heat is in its genes.

 

[lemans]

Let's see the entire rig..
Please...