We decided to post different wheel options for your smoker or backyard grilling pit and provide our experience and knowledge to help you make your decision on wheels when placing a custom order. Each wheel type will have its advantages and disadvantages. Some types require more custom modifications to the pit in order to install. I will try to walk you through them. The hand truck wheels will be the least priced wheel and golf cart the most priced wheel option. Ask us about pricing while placing your order. We are adding options and photos as we go.
Steel Wheels
Steel wheels are the most durable. You will be far less likely to have any mechanical issue over the years with the steel wheels. Steel wheels can also handle the most weight as we designed them to be a tough wheel. Steel wheels have few to no problems in shipping.
Steel wheels will require paint maintenance over the years to stay fresh looking. Steel wheels can roll through grass but not as easily as the rubber type with bearings. Steel may not be the best choice for rolling in and out of a garage.
Hand Truck Wheels
Hand truck wheels are probably the least expensive option for wheels. The tire is made of rubber and the wheel has bearings so they roll very well on concrete slabs.
Hand truck wheels are ok for the smaller sized grills and smokers but cannot go on anything larger than a 2040 size pit as they won't handle the excessive weight. Also do not ship transport the unit on these wheels but block underneith the frame so the wheels don't bounce on the trailer. They will separate if not treated the way they require. You may need to replace them here and there over the years based on your use. I have some on a 2030 grilling pit unit for 6 years with no problem.
Casters
Casters are a great choice for concrete. Very little hardware is required for maneauver-ability. Casters might be a great choice for those who plan to move their pit around on a concrete slab. They are also easier on the wallet. You can choose different size casters for weight requirements. Always choose to have two swivel with break and back two fixed. The larger 6" or 8" do roll pretty well through dry grass. You can choose wheels in the back and casters in the front to maneuver.
Casters do not roll well through mud but sink. They also are not good for aggregate. We have found some with treads that help with this problem but not with break. Also casters may need replacing over the years.
Wheel Barrow Wheels Flat Free
Wheel Barrow Flat free tires are a pretty good choice for smokers and grills below 700 lbs because they roll so easily. This set uses the same axle and hardware for installation as our steel wheels so we can easily put these on a unit in the yard if you like these better for your yard circumstances. THey are the same size as our steel wheels too roughly. They are a 3" narrow profile so they do not stick out. These wheel barrow tires are perfect for rolling in and out of garage with the bump on the concrete.
Wheel barrow flat free wheels should be transported off the wheels. So if you choose these bring wood blocks to transport in a trailer off tires to not bounce. They may need replacing here or there. You have to lift the handle end to steer but its not too hard with the smaller smoker models.
Riding Mower Front Tires Flat Free
Riding mower front tires are so easy to roll on and off a trailer. You can choose flat free or tubed. They have two good sizes 14 inch and 15.5 inch. The 14 inch are perfect for our 2030 size smokers and give it a tough stance. THe 15.5 inch tall are perfect for the 2040 and 2048 size smokers and are a little wider. they are easy to roll around the yard
Riding mower front tires are for our hog pit model and under in weight. Flat free should
be transported off the wheels. So if you choose these bring wood blocks
to transport in a trailer off tires to not bounce. They may need
replacing here or there. You have to lift the handle end to steer but
its not too hard with the smaller smoker models. Riding mower tires are wider so they do require us to make a custom axle but that part is not expensive.
Riding Mower Rear Tires Pneumatic
Riding mower rear tires are big wheels! they are 20 inch tall and are 10 inch wide to give you a big wheel feel. They can handle the weight of some of the large smokers. Riding mower rear wheels are a great alternative to the golf cart wheels if you like that concept because they are close to the same size and are easier on the wallet. They do not require expensive wheel hubs or axles so this may be a great choice for you. Riding mower tires make it easy to roll into a trailer and in and out of a garage.
They
may need
replacing here or there. You have to lift the handle end to steer but
its not too hard with the smaller smoker models. Riding mower tires are
wider so they do require us to make a custom axle but that part is not
expensive. For these tires we need to install a bearing system and lift the pit a few inches to get the tires away from the firebox. We can install steering and a handle in the front of the pit.
Golf Cart Wheels
Golf Cart wheels speak for themselves. They are really cool and come in different tread patterns and wheel patterns. They make a big pit easy to roll. My suggestion if you are buying these is to have us install a bulldog hitch trailer tongue and jack to lift the front wheels off the ground and hook to your utv or jeep to move around the yard as the axles are meant for this. Golf cart tires make it easier to load into a trailer.
Golf cart wheels are the most expensive wheel option. We have to purchase the axles and hubs to mount the golf cart wheels and these parts are not cheap. Golf cart wheel setups do cost as much as a trailer. You can get a flat tire and need to replace. You can drive them around the yard at low speeds but don't try driving with the front tires down.
