Custom "Mini Ranch" 26" Weber Kettle


 

Jason Beach

TVWBB Member
I want to share the construction of a custom “Mini Ranch” frame for my Weber 26” kettle. My good friend Robert (Robert-r on the forums), made this possible, thanks Robert!

About two years ago, I scored a pretty nice 26” and really enjoy cooking/smoking on this thing. From the first time I saw the “Mini Ranch” mod, for the Weber 26” Kettle, I knew I had to have one. After a bit of research, I knew what parts were needed to make the new frame.

I called Weber a couple of times, to get pricing for the Weber “Ranch” frame kit, but didn’t purchase. Fast forward a couple of years, I finally decided it was time and called Weber CS to make the purchase…DENIED!!! Weber wouldn’t sell me the parts, because I don’t actually own a Ranch Kettle. Whatever…I was determined to make it happen, one way, or the other….

I sent Robert a message, to propose my idea, and he once again offered to help me out. Aside from some nuts and bolts, 1-20’ piece of 1.25” square tubing, makes up the bulk of this frame.

On to the pics!

Legs and bowl tabs are cut and ready to be welded together.

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Robert, drilling holes for the axle.

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All legs are cut and holes drilled for the axle to pass through.

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Ready to weld the bottom cross bars.

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Robert, welding the bottom cross bars together.

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All legs and cross bar ready.

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Robert, welding on the bowl tabs.

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Continued below…
 
All bowl tabs have been welded to the legs.

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Attaching the legs to a wood template. This piece of wood made welding everything together much easier than without it.

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Robert, welding bottom cross bars to the legs.

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The Mini Ranch frame is pretty much finished.

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Test fit frame to kettle bowl.

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Assembled and ready to paint, with my trusty side-kick Maggie supervising.

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The completed Mini Ranch.

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Once again, a big thanks to Robert! The Mini Ranch frame is a huge up-grade (to me anyway) over the stock Weber leg assembly. It is way easier to roll around and is extremely stable.
 
Jason,

That is a very classy set up. You and Robert deserve a lot of credit for excellent craftsmanship. From what I understand, the newer 26" kettles are prone to the OEM leg holders failing due to the weight of the kettle. I have seen more than one relatively new looking one for sale that sat obviously "squat" and out of kilter. Your solution turns it into a tank! Not only that, it also looks awesome:cool:! Great job. Maybe you guys should start doing them for others on contract?!!!!

One idea for a mod: What about a nice spar urethane coated wood fold-up side table (or tables)? Probably more people would prefer stainless (not me) but either way you would keep the compact nature of your design while adding a lot of convenience for holding food and probe thermometers.

I am thinking of something that would look a little like my Platinum One Touch when the tables are up:

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I do envy you guys with welding skills and shop space! I have neither but, just found out that this is a talent my nephew is developing! He’s got a buddy with shop space! Now, I need to prioritize my projects a bit. I don’t really need anything done now but, I always seem to thinkof something that might “be handy”.
 
Thanks for all of the positive comments, much appreciated!

No immediate plans for any further mods to this frame. This grill is parked right next to my Performer, so I have somewhere to set things down.
 
I always look at something like this and think “ya know, I could do something like that.” Because you guys make it look so flipping clean and easy!!! Then you see how much thought and work went into the fabrication, and I quickly realize it’s WAY ABOVE anything I could do! Great job Jason, I tip my hat to you and anyone else that can weld like that.
I know you’ll enjoy the mini rancher for a lon long time.
Tim
 

 

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