There are several mods you can do if you're so inclined. Gaskets and latches would be first up. Better to install the gaskets before the first cook (grease). If not, have at it and ask away. I've been doing this for 30+ years!
If it's tourist season, how come I can't shoot 'em?
Welcome! I would definitely agree that sealing it before your first cook or even seasoning session would definitely be the best time to do that. I had the vertical version and I ended up tearing it back down to reseal everything. Even to the point of where all the attachment nuts and bolts had sealent on them. It did wonders for the quality of the product. I also found on mine that by putting a round pizza pan diagonally from the top of the opening (where the rectangular opening is from the firebox cimes into the cook chamber) to the bottom of the cook chamber helped even out the temps quite a bit. Of course, I upsized the water pan to the on that came with my WSM 18.5 (not sure if the 22's have the same size) and that also improved the quality of the cook.
Again, welcome! It will get you hooked fast
-Cyber
Where faith + family + tradition always equals success. Serving up BBQ the old school way.
Currently using...
Five Barrel Cookers; One New Braunfels horizontal; One Trailer smoker (being built)