Another WSM wheel question

[CWilson]

I have read many articles about wheel mods for a WSM. I would prefer to use 3" wheels going directly into the legs e.g. WSM not stitting in a frame. It seems a few think this might be tippy. I would appreciate any thoughts on this.

 

[Joe Anshien]

That is what is on my 18. Works fine.

 

[Chris Allingham]

I've never tried that myself. My concern is simply that the legs are not designed for sideways support. They're designed to support weight from above. Guys have been known to bend legs beyond repair just sliding the WSM across the bed of a pickup truck. I've seen guys install wheels at the end of each leg and then provide some cross support between legs to account for this concern.

 

[timothy]

It can get tippy if you grab the top handle and pull it towards two wheels. ( like a hand Dollie )
If you pull it towards one wheel no.
Even without wheels you can check it by grabbing the top handle and pulling toward two legs vs one leg.

 

[SparkyThomas]

I have read many articles about wheel mods for a WSM. I would prefer to use 3" wheels going directly into the legs e.g. WSM not stitting in a frame. It seems a few think this might be tippy. I would appreciate any thoughts on this.

I attached wheels directly to the legs on my 18. I have not had an issue so far. I just picked up a used 22 and am thinking I will do a triangle on the 22. Regardless of how you attach the wheels, you have to be careful moving it around.

 

[T Gabriel]

I have attached casters to the legs of my 22 WSM and have no problems. As stated by Sparky you must be careful moving it around.

 

[Kevin L (NKY)]

I used a mount like Chris built for my WSM 18 as it is stable but if I want to transport the smoker it comes off the wheels and into my truck or SUV and now stable to haul . Love it.

 

[Jeff R MA]

Harbor freight cart - so much better than wheels

 

[Tony-Chicago]

The simple holed angle bracket works well. Security would really need a bit more. Removable to help weight and storage, and portability. The harbor freight, yeah that is the way to go. Love that you flipped the top.

 

[Joe T Gomez]

CWilson get the 3” they work great you’re wsm will not tip over I put mine on 2yrs ago

 

[MartinB]

Dont reccomend it.
The legs alone aren't very stable individually.
The problem with casters is they swing underneath the wsm.....
And if they're not located outboard a bit of the normal feet , they swing underneath too far and wsm is less stable.

If it's not perfectly level...... Perfectly, which you won't get just on the legs by themselves trying to put a wheel on a curved piece of metal, then the elevation of that side of the wsm changes as ithe caster swings around. It can be significant.... Making the grill surface not level.
.



I agree three or even four inch casters will be better for rolling unless you're rolling on a solid concrete smooth surface. But.... Those effects from the caster rotated, are magnified with larger casters over smaller.

Heres how i did mine. I have three inch wheels and I wish I had four dhen roling on wood decking. I made a frame out of some scrap steel strip, and use the existing holes in the aluminum legs to attach the frame to it with bolts.
I spent some time making sure everything was level. It's involved adjusting the bend on the pieces that attached to the WSM legs..... That metal was bent with heat. But my wheels can spin around as it rolls , etc and the WSM stays level. I've seen some photos of other people's truly horrid attempts to out wheels on legs directly which obviously are extremely flawed

 

[Tony-Chicago]

Nice explanation on the angle and wheels such.

 

[Mac LA]

Hello, I would just like to add, I've run this setup on both my 22inch units since 2017 and have never had an issue, even fully loaded with charcoal/meat.
I believe I obtained the specs for the mod here on the forum but I could always provide measurements and parts if you like. I felt it was a more suitable option vs drilling into the legs which MUST be done dead center.