120 gallon reverse flow build opinions

[qinkc]

I used Feldon's calculator and came up with this:

Link to BBQ Pit Calculator

120 gallon reverse flow is what Im after. Firebox is oversized, ~125% of what is required, but I think thatll be OK? I'd rather have a little extra room to move logs around and such. Dimensions are 24W x 24L x 20"H. It sounds like 25% oversize is the max a lot of people will do on the firebox, but maybe I can cut down the length by a few inches and get it down a bit.

I was kicking around the idea of an insulated firebox, 1/4" inner box, 1" square tube around the inner box, ceramic insulation in between, then something thinner like 1/8" for the outer box.

I havent decided yet if I am going to build it on a trailer or on a cart i can roll in and out of the garage, which was my original intent. Though i think i might have regrets in the future of having it be less mobile if i wanted to do a conpetition or something. I thought a cart I can roll in and out of my garage would be more space friendly, as I didn't really want to burn up a whole garage bay with a smoker trailer right now. Maybe someone can talk some sense into me one way or another.

How do those calculations look? Any other suggestions? Im ready to order the metal once i have finalized the dimensions.

Something like this is what I was after with the cart idea (nice smoker, if this is yours)

[k.a.m.]

You will be fine with the firebox size.
Depending on where you are located and average temps in the winter would dictate on whether or not an insulated firebox would be worth the added expense to me. If you average the 30°'s I would not bother.
A lot of teams here in Texas use the cart cookers and roll them on and off their trailers or cargo haulers. If you're looking to save space I would go that route.
I hope this helps.
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Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

Hybrid Cooker

[qinkc]

It can get pretty cold in the winter time here (midwest), but my main reason for wanting insulated firebox is to make it harder to get burned by touching it. Increased fuel efficiency is an added bonus though.

I think you're right about the cart idea, I can always buy or borrow a 5x8 trailer or something if I wanted to take it to a competition and have the best of both worlds.

[Maniac]

qinkc A cart should do you just fine unless it is going to be used more often off site. An insulated fire box is great if you have party's with small kids or many drunk friends I use my non insulated fire box in very cold NE PA and it works fine...plus I like to pre warm my splits on the top of the fire box to help with a clean fire.
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RF Smoker
20" disc
uds

[kevsimons]

Thanks. I built that unit a couple years ago. Check out my Fb page Cookers by Kev

[erniesshop]

After building my Road Hawg Cooker , And cooking on it for the last 7 , 8 years.
I sure wish I'd of used Tuning Plates instead of building a Reverse flow.
JM2C.

[BcubedQ]

Check out my build... I think it’s right in your wheelhouse 👍🏻 Good luck, they’re all an adventure lol
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Beauty Is In The Eye Of The Beerholder