2 replies to this topic

[EWW]

So, I will be moving in the next 1.5 weeks and plan on keeping my detached garage (rental) for a workshop and brewery. I have always been a glass carboy guy and now finding myself needing an alternative, because the odds of breaking a carboy are just too high with all the moving. I will be moving 1 mile away, and need something that I can move relatively easily in/out of a car (I will build a wheeled cart for it so I do not have to carry it for extended distances). The vittles vault is appealing due to the integrated handles for lifting it in/out of the car, but I know that some have had some issues with the lid. The drums are proven as a solid fermenter, but I would have to construct some sort or ubber brew hauler-like device to give it handles to facilitate the lifting. Any thoughts on this for users of one or the other would be greatly appreciated. TIA

[DuncanDad]

I went to my seed and feed store and bought 4-15 gallon containers that were used to transport gel capsules in. The have a grommet on the lid and a lock band. They have 2 handles that don't seem to have problems it lifting 80+ pounds of wort/beerI think I paid 15.00 a piece for them. 2 are used for fermenting and 2 are used to hold bulk grain.

[chuck_d]

I think the issues with the lid you speak of are issues getting it to seal. I know Dean used to breakdown his Vittles Vault back when he feremented in them to clean the thing thoroughly. I really didn't like that idea so this past week I took mine and used food grade silcone caulk and sealed the ring from the inside. This will make it so I never have to get in there and clean it, and my hope is now that I will get a good seal. I use keg lube on the lid which screws into the ring I sealed so I hope that I can get a consistent seal now. I have in the past before this gotten the airlock to bubble, but I feel more confident now that I will be able to. Even if you don't get a tight seal what you're basically doing is modern open fermentation instead of closed.Edit: BTW, 11 gallons of wort can be about 100 lbs.

Edited by chuck_d, 04 April 2009 - 12:29 PM.