Cart Alternative For SI#2

[Grampy]

I just finished putting together and setting up a new cart for my SI#2. I purchased a 24"X36" utility cart from Harbor Freight that was on sale for $59! Here is the link to the cart http://www.harborfreight.com/24-inch-x-36-inch-steel-service-cart-5770.html This particular cart has a top shelf which has 3 1/2" deep sides which would interfere with opening/closing the door. I originally cut 4 "riser" blocks out of a 2X4 to raise the smoker up an 1 1/2". However, while assembling the cart I realized I could just flip the top shelf upside down and put the flat side on top and problem solved! Measured and drilled 4 holes with a 7/16" bit and used four M10 X 150 thread bolts to attach the smoker to the cart and total cost about $65. A much cheaper alternative to the Smokin-it carts. I am very pleased with the way it turned out.

 

[old sarge]

Nice looking cart.

 

[DivotMaker]

Jimmy,

I think that's the best "off the shelf" cart option I've seen yet!  Nice job!

 

[DivotMaker]

I have a cart for my #2, but I feel a Harbor Freight run in my future for the ol' #1!

 

[1stlink]

Nice Grampy, I really like the price 

 

[TexasSMK]

Brilliant

 

[Grampy]

Thanks guys for the comments. The cart really turned out well and the price cant be beat! 

 

[csteele2144]

Use coupon codes to bring the price down even further, 89155829 takes off 20%.

 

[snapdad]

Looks great!  Just ordered one for my #2 with the 20% off coupon.

 

[Grampy]

Looks great!  Just ordered one for my #2 with the 20% off coupon.

Shaun, I think you will really like the cart. Especially for $47.99! That's a better deal than I got. I wish I would have known about the 20% of code. If you are going to mount it to the cart remember that the bolts that fit the SI#2 are M10 X 150.

 

[mizzoufan]

I have this same cart and haven't mounted it yet (wasn't sure whether I'd want it on the swivel caster end or the fixed end).  May I recommend a sheet of plywood/plastic/stainless (heavier than the cart)?  The top of my cart has bowed significantly so I'll wait to mount it until I get a top on there.  I'm currently thinking plywood with some mineral oil rubbed in then use a large cutting board on the space between the smoker and the end of the cart.

 

[Grampy]

I have this same cart and haven't mounted it yet (wasn't sure whether I'd want it on the swivel caster end or the fixed end).  May I recommend a sheet of plywood/plastic/stainless (heavier than the cart)?  The top of my cart has bowed significantly so I'll wait to mount it until I get a top on there.  I'm currently thinking plywood with some mineral oil rubbed in then use a large cutting board on the space between the smoker and the end of the cart.

Steven, my cart does not show any signs of bowing. I mounted mine on the end with the swivel casters. This cart is rated for 450 lbs so the weight of the SI#2 should not be a problem.

P.S. Woo Pig Sooie! ;D

 

[DivotMaker]

P.S. Woo Pig Sooie! ;D

+1, brother! ;D 

p.s. - working on a new smoker theme that I think you will definitely like!  No details from the "Skunk Works" yet, but soon!

 

[Grampy]

p.s. - working on a new smoker theme that I think you will definitely like!  No details from the "Skunk Works" yet, but soon!

Tony, Very interesting, I can't wait to hear about the new theme. I couldn't resist the WPS for Steven, our SEC brother to the north.

 

[mizzoufan]

true, there should be no structural issues, it's just the surface of the cart (top shelf upside down) that is bowing down towards the middle.  Not exactly a concern that your smoker is going to come crashing down, just an annoyance when I'm sitting there having a drink and/or cigar watching the smoker (because I have nothing else to do with an SI )

 

[NDKoze]

I have the same cart and just have my #3 sitting inside the shelf while I contemplate what kind of top to put on.

I wonder if the extra weight of the #3 would be able to handle the top installed upside down?

I am also thinking of enclosing the whole thing and putting a door on with shelves inside for all of my racks since I have five regular racks and 5 seafood racks.

 

[Grampy]

[quote author=NDKoze]
I am also thinking of enclosing the whole thing and putting a door on with shelves inside for all of my racks since I have five regular racks and 5 seafood racks."

Gregg, I like the idea of enclosing everything and putting a door on it. I would imagine if you did that it would also add extra support to the top. Keep me posted if you decide to do that. I'd be interested in seeing how it turns out.

 

[DivotMaker]

I wonder if the extra weight of the #3 would be able to handle the top installed upside down?

I think you'll be fine, either way.  The top's structural strength is from the 90° "sideboards," so it doesn't matter which orientation they're in.

 

[tnlyne]

Thanks guys. I bought a cart last night after seeing this post and the 20% off coupon. It was cheap so I can't complain even if I'm not 100% sure I needed/wanted it. Who knows, maybe I'll use it and wonder how I ever got along without it.

 

[pargolfr2003]

Dammit! Where was this thread a month ago when I bought my cart? I ordered the cart with my SI2. It works fine and I like it, but I sure like the price of Grampy's better. Great idea!