Red3quarter

I'm looking to make a homemade bbq pit. I've seen alot made from 55 gal drums, old fuel tanks, and old air tanks. I'd like to make one for home use and for parties or tailgating. I'm thinking something about 55 gal or bigger, a smoke box attached to it, and make it kinda mobile if needed. It would be used as a grill most of the time but can also be used as a smoker too. I have a good idea on how to make it but I'd like to know what is the best thing to make it from, a drum or a steel tank? I'm open to any ideas, I'd also like to se a few good pics for reference if possible.

OldDodgeOwner

I don't have any pics, but I made one for a guy out of 30" steel pipe. Cut it to length and then cut ends for it with a plasma cutter. It was made to be permanent though, probably be too heavy for a mobile unit. Tipped the skidsteer on it's nose when we tried to load it on the trailer...lol

I'd probably go with a steel tank for durability. 55 gallon drums won't last near as long.

Redleg

See if a scrap yard has any propane tanks. The yard up here has 500 gal and I thought I saw 300 gal. Look for some square or round stock for a tongue while you're there. You can get little trailer axles at tractor supply. You got torches, etc?

bansh-eman

Don't use drums. Although they will work, they fall apart fast. The heating up and cooling along with dew setting in on it will make it rust out in no time. Use something thats thicker.

chaikwa

Can you weld Matt? If you can't, or don't want to, let me know. I have a mobile rig, feed me and I'll come down.

chaikwa.

Red3quarter

Thanks for the advice Red, I'll check out the local scrap yards to see what they have. The idea of making a BBQ trailer crossed my mind and is something I might do. Yeah I have an Oxy/Acetylene torch, a mig, and a stick welder.

Thanks for the advice!

Yeah I can weld, I'm set up for small fabricating in dads shop. Although I will let you know, if I get busy or need help, I'll take you up on your offer then.

mikmaze

I am in the planning stage of this as well, my sis has a 330 gallon fuel tank that needs to be gotten rid of, what better use than a killer bbq unit. I am gonna look a bit online and see if I find plans/ ideas, if anything looks real good I will link it.

Red3quarter

I'm looking for either a fuel tank that size or a good sized air tank now.

Redleg

Also at the scrap yard, watch for electrical transformer cases. Power companies scrap a lot of them out in various sizes. I found a 400 gal case when I built my outdoor boiler, but there were a lot of smaller ones too.

Red3quarter

Thanks Red, I'll keep a look out.

scottsjeeprolet

This a grill we use at cook outs. It's not mine but i'm gonna make one.
It slow cooks all the meat and is great for Pork, beef or chicken.

Fronty Owner

we have one at work set up on a trailer.
36" Schedule 80 cut 60" long with three 15" doors. Counter balanced with a metal table to keep the trailer balanced right.
This gives you room to work, prep, water storage, coolers, etc.

Depending on how many and how long you need the grill going, you might want to consider a starter pit where you can light your coals and get them going before adding to the cooking pit.

bansh-eman

If you want to make a big smoker... look at getting your self some of that perferated metal pipe used for septic tanks. you can cap one end of it and attach a water hose and use it to make steam too. You just run the line at the top of the pit all the way across, and the pipe will build pressure and make it mist and steam the meats or veggies