Custom BBQ Smoker Trailer FAQ

Pricing and Payment

How much does a custom BBQ smoker trailer cost?

Our base model custom smoker trailer packages start at roughly $6,000. Fully loaded concession trailer packages can reach $100,000 or more. The final price depends on the size of the trailer, the cooking equipment, and the options you add. You can see current pricing on our Smoker Trailers page, or request a free quote for a custom build.

What affects the price of a custom smoker trailer?

The biggest factors are trailer size, the type and number of smokers or cookers, and the add-ons you choose, such as commercial cooking equipment, storage, sinks, custom wraps, and paint. A trailer built for backyard tailgating costs far less than a fully equipped concession trailer built for daily commercial use. Browse our Trailer Add-Ons to see the options.

What are your payment terms?

We ask for a 50% deposit to start your build, with the remaining balance due when your trailer is completed. These terms do not apply if you finance your purchase through one of our lending partners.

Do you offer financing for BBQ trailers?

Yes. We offer personal and business financing through third-party lenders. Personal financing is available up to $15,000, with a soft credit pull and special financing as low as 0% APR for 12 months for qualified buyers. Business financing is available up to $100,000, welcomes new start-ups, and accepts all credit levels. Approval and terms are determined by the lender. See our Finance page to apply. 

Can I finance a concession trailer for a new BBQ business?

Yes. Our business financing program welcomes new start-ups and accepts all credit levels, with financing up to $100,000. Apply on our Business Financing page.

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Ordering and Build Time

How does ordering a custom smoker trailer work?

Ordering takes six steps:

1. Choose your starting package from our Smoker Trailers page.

2. Customize your build with upgrades, accessories, cooking equipment, storage, colors, and other options.

3. Review your layout. We finalize the design with you before fabrication begins.

4. Pay your 50% deposit, or use financing.

5. We build your trailer. Every unit is custom fabricated at our shop.

6. Pick up or delivery. Pick up your completed smoker or let us arrange delivery.

How long does it take to build a custom smoker trailer?

Our current lead time is approximately 90 to 120 days from the time you place your order. Once your build starts, the actual fabrication typically takes 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the model and the custom options selected. Because every trailer is built from scratch, each order is scheduled into our production queue. 

Can I customize my trailer?

Yes. Every trailer is built to order. Even if you don't see an option on our Smoker Trailers or Trailer Add-Ons pages, we can usually add it. Our motto is "If you can dream it up, we can build it." Contact us with your idea for a free quote.

Can I see my trailer design before you build it?

Yes. After you choose your package and options, we work with you to finalize the layout before any fabrication begins.

Do you build trailers with pellet smokers or commercial cooking equipment?

Yes. We install commercial cooking equipment and pellet smokers on our custom trailers and concession trailers. Tell us what you plan to cook and how many people you plan to feed, and we'll help you choose the right setup.

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Delivery and Location

Where is East Texas Smoker Company located?

We are located at 10228 CR 290, Tyler, TX 75707, in the piney woods of East Texas. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm, or by appointment. Call 903-245-0039 or contact us to schedule a visit.

Do you deliver smokers nationwide?

Yes. We sell and deliver smokers across the United States, and we have often cargo shipped smokers to other countries. Transportation costs vary by location, and we are happy to get you a delivery quote.

Can I pick up my trailer in person?

Yes. You can pick up your completed smoker at our shop in Tyler, Texas, or we can help arrange delivery.

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Choosing the Right Smoker or Trailer

What is the difference between a smoker trailer and a concession trailer?

A smoker trailer is built mainly for cooking BBQ at competitions, tailgates, catering jobs, and events. A concession trailer is a mobile commercial kitchen built for selling food to customers, and it typically includes serving, prep, storage, and sometimes sinks and refrigeration. Our Smoker Trailers and Concession Trailers pages show both types.

What is a reverse-flow smoker?

A reverse-flow smoker routes heat and smoke under a baffle plate to the far end of the cooking chamber, then back across the food before exiting the stack. This produces more even temperatures from one end of the chamber to the other more easily than a traditional offset smoker. We build reverse-flow smokers, offset smokers, and other styles. See our Cowboy Cooker reverse smoker trailer for an example.

What is the difference between an offset smoker and a reverse-flow smoker?

In a traditional offset smoker, smoke and heat travel straight from the firebox across the cooking chamber, so the side nearest the fire runs hotter. A reverse-flow smoker redirects the airflow to even out the temperature across the chamber. Offset smokers are simpler; reverse-flow smokers are generally more forgiving for long cooks. We can build either.

What size smoker trailer do I need?

It depends on how much you cook and how often. A smaller trailer suits tailgating and backyard events, while catering and competition use call for more cooking capacity, and a food business needs a full concession setup. Tell us your typical cook and we'll recommend a model.

Do you build smokers for restaurants?

Yes. We build restaurant smokers, concession trailers, catering trailers, and freestanding units for commercial use. See our Freestanding Units page.

Can I use a smoker trailer for tailgating?

Yes. Many of our trailers are built for tailgating, and our Tailgater models are designed for cooking at game-day events. Our trailers are also popular for competitions, corporate events, and catering.

Do you build backyard smokers?

Yes. We build backyard smokers and outdoor kitchen setups in addition to trailers.

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About East Texas Smoker Company

How long has East Texas Smoker Company been building smokers?

We have been building custom smokers for over 20 years, and we are celebrating 20 years in business.

Who builds the smokers?

Each custom BBQ trailer is handcrafted by an experienced welder and designer in Texas. Owner Clint Shockey designs and fabricates the smokers. He learned design and welding at Texas State Technical College more than 25 years ago and later earned a BBA in Finance from the University of Texas at Tyler.

Can I read reviews from past customers?

Yes. Read what customers say on our Testimonials page.

How do I get a quote?

Request a free quote online or call Clint at 903-245-0039. Email: etsmoker@gmail.com.