Pull Behind Pit Thread

[Wesser]

After years of debate... I am ready to take the plunge and get a real pit. If I am going to it, then I want to do it right and get a pull-behind pit (now that I have a third car garage, I have a place to keep it). I would like to keep it in the range of $1,500-$2,500. I have looked at some possibilities including Klose (too expensive) and Lyfe Tyme (I really like Lyfe Tyme), but wanted to tap HornFans' collective intellgensia regarding what is truly a life decision. Not to mention, this could serve as a defining thread on this important issue of Texana. Links and pics are always helpful

 

[flyin shoes]

Check Craigs List. There are normally quite a few trailer pits that you can at least take a look at and price.

 

[Texas_Matt]

Wesser,

I conquered your same mile stone earlier this year. As you know there are a lot of things to consider. Like you the Bates and Klose pit where way out of my price range. I want a very compact/garage friendly pull behind rig that could be used for small to medium sized gatherings. After working in the bbq business (in my younger days) and years of research, I end up taking what I liked from many different pit builders and had a local welder (who has now become a good friend) build me what I wanted for a good price. You may have seen my post, if not there are pictures of my pit. But for you price range he could do a nice job. What are you looking for in terms of size?
The Link

I am always checking craigslist for pits in central Texas, not very often but sometime you find a good deal. If you found one, you could always have welder make the adjustment you want and bring the old pit back to life. Good option now that steel prices are high.

In my search I have run across a few pit buildesr prices that caught my eye. They are Factory Direct BBQ pits here in Leander TX and Old Country Smokers down in Laredo. I believe Old Country is the company who just started selling there backyard models at Cabalas and Academy.
The Link
The Link

Still even these options are hitting your 2500 limit with no extra stuff. I guess long story short I choose to have a welder build to my specs and I could not be happier. Just my 2 cents.

Matt

 

[Steel Shank]

Visit some BBQ cook-offs and check out the various rigs. You can then draw up what you want on yours, and then take it to a welder, like Texas Matt suggests. Also, keeping it in your garage will definitely add an air of smokey goodness to everything in there.

Also, think about inside height. A lot of smokers can't handle a beer can chicken, or a turkey for that matter. Good to think of these things up front.

 

[Wesser]

Thanks for the posts...

Matt: I looked at your pit and for that price, you got a lot of pit. I wonder how much your friend would want to add a vertical chamber (I am used to the NB Bandera). I also noticed that Factory Direct seems like a good value. Thanks for the suggestions, very helpful.

Shank: I agree about height and think that if I could add a vertical chamber that would solve everything -- not to mention smoke more meat.

 

[NCAAFBALLROX]

Wesser, maybe it's us Bandera guys... I just can't get away from the idea of a 3rd box; an offset vertical for warming or maybe fish.

Here's a few pics from a nifty rig I saw @ the Drippin founder's Day Smokeoff:

Grill on the center rear, propane cooking station rear corner, built in flip up sink & flip up cutting board.

I also like the smoker opening to the center aisle because you can prevent casual passers by from opening the smoke box & thereby screwing your heat.

The center aisle holds all your coolers & miscellaneous. There is also an umbrella holder tube in the center. I don't really know what the cost is for a rig like this, however my only changes might be in the length (don't really need one that long) & I want an offset. Oh, & I like a taller stack & want palces to tack on my Texas & Longhorn flags.