First Build - 500 Gallon Tank

[UncleMatt]

Hi Everyone,

I’m a lifetime fan of BBQ but only recently got into smoking myself. I’ve really enjoyed reading this forum the last few days and the wealth of information you all share is unparalleled. I’m excited to contribute in any way I can.

About 4 months ago I thought I’d buy a cheap smoker to get started, learn and eventually upgrade To something better. The more research I did, I realized that I didn’t like the idea of buying something only to outgrow it right away. So I listened to Joe Rogan and bought a Traeger at a great deal on FB Marketplace. Very happy with it but it opened the door to much bigger things. My company has a car show every year where I grill pork shoulders for a about 150 people. This year we had 250 show up and we ran out of meat. So I decided to ditch that grill and make a smoker to feed the masses... or at least my car show once a year.

So last night I picked up this 500 gallon propane tank that was converted into a roller. It was filled with water and pulled around a guys yard to flatten the ground. Scored it for $190 buck which I though was a steal. I’m planning to build an offset and put on a trailer. I’m sure I’ll have some questions as I build and will keep updating as I go. But for now, here’s a few pictures of the beast.

[egghead]

That will certainly hold a couple butts. Nice project.

There are some real knowledgeable folks in here that will gladly provide input. Ask and you shall receive.

Welcome

[GTR]

Welcome to the forum. Looks like a good start to your project. Now we need to know about this car show.

[OldUsedParts]

Howdy and Welcome to the Forum - - - as, Egghead said: there are lots of experienced Pit Builders on this Forum so ask away

[UncleMatt]

Thanks guys, I’m sure I’ll have many questions but to start off, What do you guys do for a grease drain? Do you just cut a hole in the bottom of the tank? Or do I need to build a system to channel grease down to the drain? Like something with a slight angle towards the drain?

[tantrum95]

If you install a drip pan, angle it to the a drain pipe. I try to center the drain in the cook chamber on my newer smokers to get it away from the burn box. One of my earlier offsets tend to catch the drain on fire when I cook whole pigs.

I the photo you can see where the tank is cut for the burn box. It exhausts under the drip pan to distribute the heat across the cook chamber. I installed 2 racks in this one so it will cook 30 slabs of ribs or 2 whole hogs (140 lbs).

FYI this is a 500 gallon propane tank.