Questins on a new build

[Thane2015]

Im looking to build a new smoker and i have a few questions.

The smoker size will be 30" x 88" tank
I am looking to put a shadow plate under the baffle plate to keep the end next to the fire box from getting so hot. How long do you have this plate extend into the CC?
if i put a warming cabinet ontop of the fire box how big should the exhaust vent be?
if the fire box is insulated is the dementions for the calc the inside?

[Big T]

I make the shadow plate about 25% of the length of the BP but I haven't built one as large as yours. I think 18''-24'' would be sufficient. The WC acts as a stack so you only need a short stack so that water can't enter the opening. I would use the same diameter that your main stack is made from just for looks. The calculator dimensions are for the inside of the FB whether it is insulated or not.

[Dirtytires]

That’s a big smoker!

Look forward to watching your build. Assume it’s going on a trailer?

[Thane2015]

yes im going to put it on a 2 axle trailer.
Thank you Big T for the info.
Have you guys ever had any problems with weight putting the smoker heavy to one side on the trailer?

[Big T]

I've seen a few builds where they offset the smoker and had to put heavier springs on that side to keep the trailer level. A 30 x 88 will be pretty heavy when it's finished so you'll have to do something to balance it out depending on what size springs and axles your trailer has.

[Dirtytires]

I would put something on the other side to even out the weight.....like a school bus maybe?

[Chromeski]

A school bus, or just mount smoker in the middle of the trailer

[ajfoxy]

Problem with the middle of the trailer is the distance to the edge of the trailer... a lot of stretching involved. Unsafe. Else you have to make a platform to walk around and that involves stairs... again unsafe. More so after a few beverages taken to ward off dehydration whilst tending the smoker.

[Chromeski]

Problem with the middle of the trailer is the distance to the edge of the trailer... a lot of stretching involved. Unsafe. Else you have to make a platform to walk around and that involves stairs... again unsafe. More so after a few beverages taken to ward off dehydration whilst tending the smoker.

That settles it.... gonna need a school bus for counterweight

[ajfoxy]

Of course you could always use the school bus as the carrier. Build the smoker into the bus... how cool would that be.
OK back to reality...

[Chromeski]

Truth is the smoker school bus idea came to my mind as well...lol

[Dirtytires]

I might have started something here....with the bus, you could then take all your drunken friends home after they ate and drank too much.

But seriously, I’ve seen a charcoal grill or flattop burner on the other side or maybe some sort of storage racks for coolers,tables and chairs or wood. You wouldn’t need much but a couple hundred pounds would offset the heavy smoker pretty nicely. Really depends on what you will be using it for and how much loading/ unloading you want to do.

A simple wash station would be nice. Till you put a 12 v battery, pump, sink, and 20gal of water you will easily have 300pounds.

[Thane2015]

I like the bus idea to bad i dont have that kind of cash laying around lol.

im thinking of adding a vertical smoking chamber to the side of the fire box. hopefully that and some wood stacked up will even the weight out enough.
i do cook for friends and family during weddings and get togethers. its why im building my 2nd smoker bigger. i find that by the time i get the meat in i have no room for sides in the smoker.
im working on the plans now. A wedding in 2 months is my last event of the year and im hoping to dive in hard on the build after that.

[Chromeski]

Maybe someone else will pick up the bus idea. I'm sure you will put together something great. Don't forget lots of pictures along the way