First smoker build..250 gal Reverse Flow(Pics updated 08/14)

brog315 · Newbie Joined: 20 Jan 2011 Posts: 55 Location: Houston, TX

I started to BBQ around a year ago, and thouroughly enjoyed everything that BBQ-ing entails. Most of my experience has been limited to the backyard, however I did compete in one contest so far. I enjoyed the competition, but it definitely confirmed my thinking that my equipment of a COS and weber were no longer adequate.

So, I decided to ask my very handy uncle what he thought about a little project. He makes his living as a firefighter, but has the knowledge, and tools to handle just about any job I can think of. He has little experience welding, but I knew that he would be able to come up with something to get the job done. When he agreed to help, I don't think he ever thought the scope of the project would turn into what it has today. Heck, I had no idea it would either! The project has been a joy to work on together, and I owe him so much for the time, and help he's been able to give.

With the help of perusing this site (especially K.A.M.'s smoking aces build), the ideas grew and the overall project and budget was stretched. Thank you all who have helped me thus far along the way. I was going to wait until completion to post the pics, but I am getting too anxious, and figured having a build thread to accept thought/ideas would be a good thing!

This is the trailer we started with, and what it became today:

I also have quite a bit of progress done on the smoker:

Then decided there was enough room to throw in an optional third rack:

Have the warming box/additional smoking area constructed:

The RF plate mounted:

Still have plenty left to do on the project, but I am very pleased with the start we have on it.

I appreciate all comments/suggestions you have for my build. I have done my best to keep everything build related documented, so that I may help other people setting out on their build. Contact me with any questions you have, and I'll do my best to help where I can. Like I said initially, I am a newbie, and have the help available on this site to thank for my progress thus far.

Thank you for taking the time to look at my build,
Tim

GreenSmoker · Posted: Aug 16 2011 Post subject:

You should be pleased, great build and style. I love a propane tank to a square F/B. Classic to me. Keep up the good work and nice job on the pics.
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TrailerBuilder · Posted: Aug 16 2011 Post subject:

brog315, very nice work up to date. Cooker is taking nice shape and looks like a great match up with the firebox. Keep the pics coming, its always more fun to watch the build progress rather than see it at the finished stage and done.
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purplewg · Posted: Aug 16 2011 Post subject:

Nice job Tim, especially for a coupe guys who never welded before. I like the idea of removable plates in your reverse flow.

I look forward to more progress pics.
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k.a.m. · Posted: Aug 16 2011 Post subject:

brog315, congrats on some very nice work so far on your cooker project she looks fantastic. Very Happy

Y'all are doing some very nice work and I look forward to seeing some more pics and updates. Very Happy

I imagine Troy (TrailerBuilder) is all giddy that you chose tubing for your trailer frame. Razz

Sorry brog315, I just had to gig Troy.
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Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

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brog315 · Newbie Joined: 20 Jan 2011 Posts: 55 Location: Houston, TX

Thank you everyone for the kind words. We were able to get the doors put on this weekend. I like the way the look and they fit ok. I'm hoping they look even better after adding trim and bracing support.

All that is left after that is to figure out a latch system for both, and get the smoke stack put on, and it should be ready for a fire.

TrailerBuilder · Posted: Aug 22 2011 Post subject:

brog315, your cooker is coming along nicely man. Very nice work. Wont be long and you will have it mounted up on that awesome square tube framed trailer. Very nice build.

k.a.m. wrote:

ToolBoxTavern · BBQ Fan Joined: 02 Aug 2011 Posts: 106 Location: TEXAS

Looks like it is coming along great.

brog315 · Newbie Joined: 20 Jan 2011 Posts: 55 Location: Houston, TX

We were finally able to get our schedules to coincide and get a little more progress done. The smoke stack and the door stops are on.

Framing on the firebox doors and a latch system for the firebox and warming box and I think the smoker build part of the project is complete.

Jon D. Q. · Posted: Sep 13 2011 Post subject:

Your build sure looks great! It looks as if you have tried to make it a very versatile smoker. I hope that it all works as you have intended. Good luck with it.

k.a.m. · Posted: Sep 13 2011 Post subject:

brog315, your moving right along and your cooker is looking fantastic. Very Happy

I look forward to seeing some more pics and updates. Very Happy

_________________
Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

Hybrid Cooker

brog315 · Newbie Joined: 20 Jan 2011 Posts: 55 Location: Houston, TX

We were able to work on the pit Saturday. By the end of the day, I was disappointed in how little progress we had appeared to make, but getting the door lock design to function correctly was critical for me. We were able to get the door trim, and door locks on for both the warming box and firebox. They both close the doors snug and I really like what we ended up going with.

I'm still trying to decide what I want on the outside of the doors as handles. Probably will end up going with just 1/2" round bar bent at a 90 with a spring handle. Simple, clean looking, and will coincide with the rest of the round bar used on the build.

Next weekend, we should be able to finish the smoker and get it mounted on the trailer. Hopefully we have extra help getting it on the trailer. This thing is getting HEAVYYY!

SWP5767 · Posted: Sep 27 2011 Post subject:

Looks good!!
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Mikeydidit · Newbie Joined: 27 Sep 2011 Posts: 68

Your build is looking very nice. I hope mine comes out looking that good.

Oh and I love the warmer box. Very Happy

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brog315 · Newbie Joined: 20 Jan 2011 Posts: 55 Location: Houston, TX

Thank you for the kind words!

It looks like my uncle and cousin were able to work on the project a little today while i'm stuck at work in a cubicle. I was surprised with pictures of the pit sitting on the trailer. It's started to take shape and my excitement is continuing to grow.

SWP5767 · Posted: Sep 29 2011 Post subject:

Coming along nicely!!
_________________
**Steve**
Brinkman upright
Trashcan smoker
Char-Broil Gasser (yea I know)

brog315 · Newbie Joined: 20 Jan 2011 Posts: 55 Location: Houston, TX

Thank you. I'm hoping it was only for visual effect and they did not weld it in place though. I would sure like to move it the rest of the way over towards the wheel so that it's not impossible to open the right door.

brog315 · Newbie Joined: 20 Jan 2011 Posts: 55 Location: Houston, TX

My uncle was not able to work on the project at all this coming weekend, so I took off today to get some work done with him. It was a great way to start my weekend!

Thermometers in:

Burner stands:

Door handles complete:

Any recommendations on placement of the thermometer(s) for the warming box? I have two available, but think I might only put one to keep the look less cluttered. Fyi, the right door handle turns counter-clockwise to the horizontal position to release the doors. Left one is stationary.

Thank you for taking the time to look and keep up with my build. It felt good to get the smoker pretty much finished up, and move on to another aspect of the trailer. I'm hoping to get a fire lit in the very near future!

k.a.m. · Posted: Oct 08 2011 Post subject:

brog315, your cooker looks fantastic so does the burner frame very nice work. Very Happy

For your warming chamber therms you may look into placing them on the side facing you while looking at the cooking chamber doors. This will take away the cluttered look and you could easily place the two therms without crowding. I would place one just under the lowest grate and the other one just under the top grate. I hope this helps. Smile

I look forward to seeing some more updates and pics. Very Happy

_________________
Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

Hybrid Cooker

brog315 · Newbie Joined: 20 Jan 2011 Posts: 55 Location: Houston, TX

Thank you Kam. I owe the majority of my progress to your 250 RF build, if you couldn't already tell. That is an excellent idea about therm placement on the warming box. I had not yet considered that, but I will see how that looks. Have you ever measured the smokin' aces build to see if there is a significant difference top to bottom in the warming box?