Starting to build 20x54 offset, need help to do it right

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lynx85

Newbie
Original poster
Oct 27, 2024
1
0
Latvia
Hello, and greetings from Latvia!
First post, long time unregistered reader. English is my third language, so, be patient with me...
As title says, I am in a process to build classic offset smoker. So far I have made cooking chamber (20,25x54) with lid and sourced steel for fire chamber(18x21). Now I have to weld it all together and I stopped at making frame. This is where I need help.
At first I didn't realize, how heavy this smoker will be. I found a pair of really old steel wheels and my initial thought was to use both wheels at FC/CC junction and third wheel or just contact point at smokestack. Now I think metal wheels may be too small (not enough rigid) and three point footprint can be dangerous from a tipping viewpoint.


I would hate to tip smoker over when transporting across my lawn or have potential for dangerous accident during family gathering with kids, dogs, etc. At first, I liked that third wheel because there is built in steering and height adjustment, but now I am ready to move in trailer building direction. I have 4 wheel assemblies from VW Golf, all from rear axle, so if I want to incorporate steering, I have to build it myself. I don't plan to travel much with my smoker, but right now I don't have designated spot for it, so I presume I will move it a few times. Metal wheels are one and a half inches wide, it could be ok on concrete, but I have mostly grass lawn.
If I make cart from car wheels, how far rubber tires must be from fire chamber?
Also, best solution to make steering option for transportation?
Wheels won't have brakes, but I don't have uneven ground, I think I can use few wood wedges to block one or two wheels and be safe.
What else to think for?
 
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