1st smoker build

[Buggs]

Dacolson, good call on the rings I may just hang tools off of it.

[Buggs]

Well I’ve been a little busy with other things! But I was able to recalibrate the thermometer and add a little bling it now runs within 2 degrees of my digital ones. I have been firing it up a few times to bake the the outside and work on controlling the temp, once I get it to temp she hold steady around 230 with very clear smoke. I can’t wait to finish the trailer so I can bring it home and do some smoking.

[Big T]

I always love firing up a new cooker, putting it through the paces, seeing how it responds to different adjustments and how well it holds temp. Nice temperature gauge.

[Buggs]

A few steps forward and a few back tonight! On the positive side, we welded the ends of the trailer so I can mount lights, mounted CC handles. On the down side I’ve been trying to use lift struts to hold the doors open, it has not gone well. I don’t like the look of counter balances, what have others done in lieu of counter weights?

[Big T]

I've saw a few different doors that had external struts and a couple of them were single door 250's so you should be able to find a strut that will work with your doors. Also saw one with an external spring and lever mechanism and another that used the hood springs from a Chevy S-10 and mounted them internally.

[Buggs]

Thanks Big T

[Dirtytires]

Just watch mounting location on the struts. I don't know what the heat rating is for both the plastic/nylon ends as well as the gas shock part of it. I'm sure they make heat rated versions of them....

[Big T]

Here's one style https://smokerbuilder.com/forums/viewto ... 148&t=6994 I'll try to remember where I saw the others. Here's another thread that has a video and I believe there's a link to where he got them. http://smokerbuilder.com/forums/viewtop ... =11&t=5690

[Buggs]

Thanks Big T

[Buggs]

I was able to get a little work done today, fenders mounted and cut the shelf.

[towtruck]

Looks good!

[Big T]

[dacolson]

Great looking shelf. Fits with the handles. Coming together well.

[Buggs]

I know it’s been a while , butt other then paint and lights I’m done for now!

[Big T]

It turned out great!!

[dacolson]

Really nice work Buggs. I like those door props. Is ther lift assist built in or are they just holding the doors open? Great style.

[towtruck]

Looking good!

[Dirtytires]

Can't wait to see how it cooks!

[Buggs]

The door hold opens are the 4th attempt to do something that worked and fit the look I was going for. I tried gas/spring supports and could not figure out the correct size/ angles. I can’t wait to get it home to power wash the inside and season it so I can start the fun part.thank you all for the kind words.

[Buggs]

And other then paint and wiring lights I’m as done as I’m going to be this year! I need to learn how to use it. 1st party July 31st

[dacolson]

Congrats Buggs. Sharp looking rig. Learning to use it is as much fun as building it. Keep us updated

[Big T]

[Buggs]

Well the rain finally stopped and I had some time in the schedule to season the smoker. So I did some smoked corn on the cob, chicken thighs and London broil! I was very happy with the results. Need to work on fire management skills. All in all a great day!

[Big T]

The food looks great!

[towtruck]

Nice!