next build, 85 gallon trailer rig

[mofomatic]

This is out of order, but I found a few pics I missed. Tank is 20"od, so to get the right sized opening and leave room for the bp and cook grate, I went rectangular on the throat opening. had a piece of scrap that fit over the opening, used that for a shadow plate.

So far so good. Can't say enough about the deflector plate idea. did some sacrificial chicken last night. Just stared first real cook, went with a 16lb brisket. Anyhow, side to side temps have been hovering around 6-8 degrees diference.

First real cook, was more interested in temps than the meat. Usually I go low and slow but I power cooked this one. Texture and flavor were the same. The bark did not develope as much as I would have liked. But 9 out of ten compared to what I normally do. Not bad for being in a hurry.

[Rodcrafter]

Great


Making memories.

[Big T]

[Dirtytires]

Those temps are closer than mine....good job.

[mofomatic]

If I start messing with my dampers when I add wood, it might swing around 15-20 degrees side to side. It seems to like the exhaust damper closed just a little. The temps are pretty stable and don't swing wildly. They come back in line with minor adjustments. I got my second maverick in the mail yesterday. Probably put the 2nd shelf in and do some ribs this weekend. With 2 Mavericks, I'll be able to check top bottom left right all at once, get a better look at what the temps are doing. so far I'm pretty happy how it runs. Like I said, adding that deflector plate above the bp gap made all the difference.

[Rodcrafter]

Do you know the biscuit test? You can buy a cheap can of biscuits and scatter them all around in your smoker to see how evenly they cook. Doesn't tell temps but does show differences.


Making memories.

[mofomatic]

Have not, Sounds simple enough. Probably why I never thought of it . I usually over think things I'm building. Easy enough to toss in a can of biscuits next burn. Have this weekend to do any testing and learning. Have a pig to cook next weekend. Might add that shelf in front of the doors.

[Rodcrafter]

That's great , I never have cooked a whole hog. I've always felt like some of it has to over cook while the rest is still cooking. It looks great though. I would rather part it out so I could pull items as they were done and eat on the rascal all day while cooking.


Making memories.

[mofomatic]

Last time I put some sacrificial ribs under the spine, cooked it belly up. Lots of liquid in the cavity. Didn't have any problems with dry meat. Everything was nice and juicy. I've only cooked a few smaller pigs but that seems to help. This next one will be 75lbs. Gonna inj and cook it the same as the last one. People that merely like to eat the finished product like a whole pig spread out on a table I think. This cook is for a wedding, so gotta make it presentable. Of course there is probably gonna be some hipster vegans in this crowd. It'll be good for them to see the whole pig too

[Rodcrafter]

You may test their resolve if you do a really good job. lol


Making memories.

[bluecatfish]

The liquid in the cavity is that juice from the pig or added? I plan on smoking a pig when I finish my smoker which is on hold right now. We just found out my wife of 61 years has bone and lung cancer so everything is on the back burner until we get treatment started.

[Pete Mazz]

Very sorry to hear that. All the best!

[mofomatic]

A little of both. I gave the pig a pretty decent amount of cider vinager / apple juice based injection. I wipe off the excess leakage after injecting and an over night rest, pat It dry the best I can, apply the rub and smoke it. I try not to poke any holes in the skin, keep as much juices in as possible. I've only done a few pigs, worked up to this method with the inj, sacrificial slabs of cheap meat under the pig..guajillo chili/Tabasco finishing suace. .but it Worked really well for me, so that's how I'm doing it from now on.

Sorry to hear the bad news, good luck

[Rodcrafter]

I hate that for ya BC I hope she holds up. I'll pray for you guys.


Making memories.

[Smurf]

Wishing the best to you and your family BC.

[forty_creek]

BC- in our prayers


Drankin, Smokin and Dreamin

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[bluecatfish]

Thanks guys for the prayers. I don't mean to hijack the thread. My wife's name is Nina and I am Sam.

[dportz87]

Prayers for your wife, you and your family blue catfish

[Big T]

Praying for your wife and family BC.

[Squiggle]

I'm an atheist, so I'm wishing you, your wife & family health & happiness in these tough times!

[mofomatic]

Well, here's the semi finished build. It's ready for the pig cook. Got a shelf and the leveling jacks on. Some day it might get a simple charcoal grill box on the back side of the cc, kinda sticking off the side of the fb...and one day I'll add a wood basket and some more structural bracing. It's gonna have to stay this way for a little while.

[Rodcrafter]

Cool


Making memories.

[Big T]

Nice

[Smurf]

Seems to me that I'm always adding,tweaking,modifying something on my smoker. It's a perpetual habit that happens a lot around here. Nice looking rig!!

[Squiggle]

Looks awesome dude, well done!