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16 replies

About to take the leap...

FM Former Member
Hi gang... I've been hanging around in the Cookshack part of the forum for a while but I may be hanging out here soon Smiler

My wife and I went to the Old School/High Tech class that Rod teaches along with Johnny Trigg this weekend and we're 95% decided to buy an FEC100. The last detail is transportation for it to and from comp sites and I have a couple of questions for you veterans. I've seen Rod's setup and Scottie's setup but those are out of reach for a while. Before the class we were planning on buying either a 5x8 enclosed trailer or an open tailer with high sides and either cooking on WSMs or my Good One model 42. The reason we were looking at a 5x8 or open trailer is to be able to store it in the garage. Trailer sotrage around here (Chicago burbs) is at least $50.month!

So... On to my questions...

1. How do you feel about using an oper trailer for an FEC? It would be covered but should I be worried about road dirt, rocks, etc?

2. In oreder for an enclosed trailer to fit in the garage the overall height would have to be less than 6'10. In most cases that would make the inside height of the trailer around 5', which isn't tall enough for the FEC to sit upright. Can it be transported laying down?: What are the risks, and how hard would it be to stand it up to cook?

I'd also be open to any other creative ideas.

Thanks!

...ron
Original Post

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R ribdogMember
Ron,

1. Get a CS cover for the FEC and it will keep the road dirt off and cushion against the small rocks.

2. If you use an enclosed trailer where the opening is not large for the FEC, you can have CS put shorter legs on the FEC so it will roll in. Bill and the Dixie Chicks did that with his. You might want to email through his website at http://www.billandthedixiechicksbbq.com/

Bill will be happy to discuss this setup with you. He has been using it for at least a good 6-7 years. Tell him RibDog sent you.
FM Former Member
Just jump in with both feet Ron!!! Cool

I would just have them build it with shorter legs, so it would fit in a standard trailer. I used to flp mine down on it's back for transport, but it just never felt right. Or the frirst time you forget to dump the grease tray...

Good luck and let me know if I can assist at all. They are great pits. I love my IQ4 and I also still use my old FE that is 7 yers old...

Scottie
FM Former Member
Back a couple of years ago, my cooking buddy cooked on a about 16' open trailer with 2 FEC100s. FEC's were first on the trailer then a stainless steel work table on one side and a tool chest on the other. Covered the entire trailer with EZ ups (2) at the contest site. Could put walls up around the work area for privacy. It worked well. Sorry I didn't take a picture.
R ribdogMember
quote:
Originally posted by Scottie J.:
Just jump in with both feet Ron!!! Cool

I would just have them build it with shorter legs, so it would fit in a standard trailer. I used to flp mine down on it's back for transport, but it just never felt right. Or the frirst time you forget to dump the grease tray...

Good luck and let me know if I can assist at all. They are great pits. I love my IQ4 and I also still use my old FE that is 7 yers old...

Scottie


What do you mean the first time? How about the third or fourth time? At least in my case anyway. Eeker
FM Former Member
quote:
Originally posted by Scottie J.:
Just jump in with both feet Ron!!! Cool

I would just have them build it with shorter legs, so it would fit in a standard trailer. I used to flp mine down on it's back for transport, but it just never felt right. Or the frirst time you forget to dump the grease tray...

Good luck and let me know if I can assist at all. They are great pits. I love my IQ4 and I also still use my old FE that is 7 yers old...

Scottie


I never should have gone to that class... It's all Rod's fault (and yours and Joey's and...) Big Grin

That sounds like the best alternative for now. Does anyone know how low they can go? One trailer that I KNOW would fit into the garage would have a door opening that is 4' high. That may be too low. There are others trailer options, but most of them would only have an inch clearance so I'm nervous about those.

If I get shorter legs can they be replaced with "normal" legs later if I get a taller trailer?
FM Former Member
Ron, I was in the same boat when I bought my FEC-100, I had to park my trailer in the garage and to get a door opening tall enough for the FEC-100, and it would not fit. I found a flat-top H&H 6 x 12 that would go in my garage, and then had Cookshack build it two inches shorter so it would clear the opening. Mount some E-track on the floor or walls, and you'll be ready to go. Also look at trailers that use torsion drop axles, they can make drop the box lower to the ground and give you more clearance. I would not go any lower than 60" on the opening or you may scalp yourself going into the trailer, especially if you are tall.

Later,
Scott
Wild Blue
FM Former Member
I am the worst guy to ask that. I have 2 RV's parked in my driveway... Can't fit cars into my garage because of the RV's. That and the fact that I have so much BBQ stuff all over my garage, I can only get one of my cars in. So my other one just stays out in the driveaway with the RV's...
FM Former Member
Ron, I have the XL flat-top version, and it is 82" tall. The door is 63" tall, and the drop ramp works great. I use four floor jacks, and I setup my FEC-100 on the ramp, with an EZ-Up over it. All of my gear fits in the 6 x 12 trailer, and stays there until needed, so you do not have to unload it when you get back from a comp until a day or two later.
FM Former Member
OK... I took Scottie's advise and jumped in with both feet and officially ordered the FEC this morning. I asked to have it shortened by 4". That should be enough to get it into a low profile trailer like Scott mentioned but not so short that I will be swearing every time I use i Roll Eyes

Now I just have to wait for the big truck to pull up in front on my house...
FM Former Member
quote:
Originally posted by Scott S.:
Ron, I have the XL flat-top version, and it is 82" tall. The door is 63" tall, and the drop ramp works great. I use four floor jacks, and I setup my FEC-100 on the ramp, with an EZ-Up over it. All of my gear fits in the 6 x 12 trailer, and stays there until needed, so you do not have to unload it when you get back from a comp until a day or two later.


Here's something interesting, Scott... I've exchanged e-mails with the closest H&H dealer (Rock Island, IL) and for 2008 the XL series is no longer a flat top and is now 95" high! He has one 6x12 2007 in stock that is a flat top. I'm tied up this weekend but I may drive out there (about 70 miles) to look at it the following weekend.

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