Custom "Mini Ranch" 26" Weber Kettle

[Jason]

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.



Robert, drilling holes for the axle.



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



Ready to weld the bottom cross bars.



Robert, welding the bottom cross bars together.



All legs and cross bar ready.



Robert, welding on the bowl tabs.



Continued below...

[Jason]

All bowl tabs have been welded to the legs.



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



Robert, welding bottom cross bars to the legs.



The Mini Ranch frame is pretty much finished.



Test fit frame to kettle bowl.



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



The completed Mini Ranch.



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.

[robert-r]

Oh... that looks so fine! I want one.

[5280Jeff]

That's really nice! How tall is it? I welded a stand for my 26er a couple of years ago. Im 6'7" so mine is a taller version but I'm much happier with the added stability. Have you considered adding a lid hinge? The lid on the 26ers can be heavy and awkward at times. With the upgraded stand and hinge I'm really happy with mine.


Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club

[swamprb]

Awesome job! Welcome to the Mini Ranch Club!



Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club mobile app

[Mr.CPHo]

Oh wow!  That is AWESOME!


Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club

[JEBIV]

Nice teamwork, love it

[dogman]

There is more diverse talent on this forum than any place I have seen on the web. Outstanding!

[Jason]

Thanks for the positive comments!

How tall is it? Have you considered adding a lid hinge?

From the ground, to the lip on the bowl, it's 34.325", which is about 1" taller than my Gen 2 Performer. I had originally planned on 34.5" 

[foshizzle]

Turned out awesome.  Nice post.


Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club mobile app

[Firemunkee]

That is amazing!

Sent from my Pixel using Weber Kettle Club mobile app

[ReanimatedRobot]

That is very cool.  Any chance you could post the cut lengths and weber parts you used?  I could see this being pretty popular for anyone who welds or has a friend/family member that welds. 

[qwesthunter]

That is some serious craftsmanship there.
I made a 26"er performer.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[5280Jeff]

From the ground, to the lip on the bowl, it's 34.325", which is about 1" taller than my Gen 2 Performer. I had originally planned on 34.5" 
[/quote] 

If all of my welding projects were within 3/16" of my plans I'd be happy for sure. I don't have any formal training, just a good friend that taught me the basics and a few hours studying at YouTube university . Mine ended up being 40" from the ground to the bowl. I can cook on it but most people find it too tall.


Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club

[swamprb]

Awesome job!
You're gonna love the stability. Just wondering if you've noticed the weight of the lid and the small footprint of the Unknown hinge?
I had to add braces on each side to keep it from tweaking out of round




Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club mobile app