Gravity UDS (asking for a friend)

[Gringo]

Ok, I know this will fall into the Why/unpractical category..... But going to ask anyway since I’m the newbie

Has anyone built a gravity feed UDS before? I understand you can get a long burn time with the internal basket, but if you wanted to add additional hardwood, you have to pull everything up to do so.

I’m also assuming it would take the UDS longer to get back to temp.

Here’s my thought, please feel free to shoot holes through it!

Build a wagon type frame to support the UDS as well as the GF system.

The GF system will enter the bottom of the UDS, this could allow for a 3rd grate or permanent water bowl/dampening plate.

My only vents would be in the fire box and the top lid of the UDS

I could put a basic drawing to better represent my thought process, just need to make sure I don’t break any rules.

The reason I am thinking about this is to practice building/using a gravity feed for a future cabinet system I wish to build.

All thoughts, comments, concerns are appreciated!

[Heatermeter builder]

I have been using an UDS for almost 10 years, so he is my .02$

If you properly build an UDS, one basket can last very long time. My basket uses a charcoal grate from a weber grill and has expanded metal for the side. I have had it smoking almost nonstop for about 40 hours on a basket of charcoal. As for the smoke wood, I put in about 6 good size chunks and a few buried in the charcoal and when I'm finished after a 20 hour smoke, I still have some wood left.

If you just want to be able to get more wood or charcoal into the UDS without having to remove the grates, which I know can be a pain in the butt, I would make a side door that would give you access to the charcoal basket

[Gringo]

Thanks Heatermeter! I appreciate the input.

[Squiggle]

Island Outdoor sell the UDS door for the side, pretty sure Frank & the boys make them to supply Justin.

[Big T]

[ajfoxy]

I think the time taken to design and build/undo/redo/redesign the workings of a gravity feed on a UDS would probably be better spent just building a gravity feed smoker and have done with it. But if you are determined to go down that road, I'd definitely be looking at that interesting build.

[Rodcrafter]

Considering the insulation the normal GF rigs have I think I would stick to the plans for GF. And of course the door for UDS.

[Gringo]

It was a thought... I’m going to stick with a traditional build, practice my welding skills, then look into a GF mini build.

My daughter is excited to start the UDS. Little does she know that it will be her’s when it is complete.

[Rodcrafter]

That's a cool way to get her in the game.

[Gringo]

That's a cool way to get her in the game.

Yes Sir, She wants to make Chicken Lollypops this week. Everything revolves around the grill and Kitchen.

Going to milk it for as long as she'll let me!