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MES Mailbox Mod

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chipmanbbq

chipmanbbq

Fire Starter
Original poster
Mar 1, 2016
69
11
So I finally pulled the trigger on the MES40. Sam's Club had an awesome deal. ~$325 for the MES40 gen 2.5 with the legs included.

Anyways, I plan on starting the mailbox mod this week and had a question. Where should I drill my duct hole in the mailbox? I've been to almost every thread on this site and some drill the hole in the back of the mailbox and some drill in the top of the mailbox.

Is one better than the other? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!
 
I put 3 in the front door flap towards the bottom.  Also put a couple thru the floor but attached some legs to the mailbox in order to improve air flow to these latter holes.  Works just fine.  It will be interesting to hear how others did this mod.
 
Cmayna, where did you drill your hole for your vent/dryer duct?
 
Thanks guys. Looks like most people make the hole in the back. I have seen a few that have holes in the top, but I think the back would be easier since it is flat instead of curved.

If I remember I'll take some pictures of the process although I think most MES users around these parts have already made the mod.

thanks again!
 
You want the hole in the back....  In the top, there could be some smoke may recirculate inside the MB mod...  Recirculating smoke is lacking in oxygen and your AMNPS may not work properly....
 
Thanks Dave! Buying the hole saw tonight. Also going to put a few long bolts thru the bottom of the mail box to get it off the ground a little.

I bought some sheet magnets off of Amazon last night to cover up any other holes if needed, but I'm pretty sure my mailbox is aluminum. :( I didn't really think that one through.
 
Last edited:
Hello all,

Got a Gen 2 MES 30" for Father's Day. After seasoning it according to Masterbuilt, I smoked some hot dogs and sausages (Didn't have too much time to smoke anything else.) They turned out great. Then did some burgers the next day. Pretty good in my opinion. Like the set it and forget (except having to add chips about every 1/2 hour). Just ordered an AMNPS, can't wait till it arrives. Hence going to do the mailbox mod.

I have a few questions though:

1) Does the mailbox, tubing, etc. have to be seasoned like the MES?

2) If so, will the AMNPS be fine or should I burn some chips or chunks in it first?

3) Also, season (if needed) connected to MES or do it as a stand alone?

I know, I know....FNSG....I just want to be positive before I attempt some beef ribs. I would hate to waste perfectly good food and have to go somewhere to eat if it doesn't turn out okay.

I'll post photos when I attempt them next weekend. Speaking of which, where would I post them?

Thanks

Eric
 
It surely would not hurt to season the MB and tube with a couple hours of smoke...  The AMNPS should probably be lightly burned to remove any oils from manufacture of the SS material...   with a propane torch... or in the BBQ grill on high for a bit...
 
DaveOmak said:
It surely would not hurt to season the MB and tube with a couple hours of smoke...  The AMNPS should probably be lightly burned to remove any oils from manufacture of the SS material...   with a propane torch... or in the BBQ grill on high for a bit...
Click to expand...

Thanks a lot for the advice Dave. I'll try to remember to get photos of it when it is done.
 
Through the back top seems to work well. I didn't add any holes to the front, just a few small ones on the bottom. The pre-drilled holes for the flag seems enough for a tube. In fact, I covered the holes in the top meant for the latch. Once it's lit, a 6" AMZN tube gives me 2 1/2 to 3 hrs of nice smoke...
IMG_0860.JPG

IMG_0860.JPG

IMG_0863.JPG

IMG_0863.JPG

IMG_1294-1.JPG

IMG_1294-1.JPG

I know, it's not an MES. All I use it for is a box to cold & warm smoke sausage, bacon & cheese since I got the stick burner. Awesome for that!
IMG_1302.JPG

IMG_1302.JPG

Word of warning. Unless you have the mailbox held firmly, when that holesaw bites into it, it WILL throw it across the garage. Trust me LOL!
Dan
 
The MB mod needs air holes in the door to get a complete burn on the pellets and burn the tars out of the smoke....  also to get flow through the smoker...
 
SmokeyMose said:
Through the back top seems to work well. I didn't add any holes to the front, just a few small ones on the bottom. The pre-drilled holes for the flag seems enough for a tube. In fact, I covered the holes in the top meant for the latch. Once it's lit, a 6" AMZN tube gives me 2 1/2 to 3 hrs of nice smoke...
IMG_0860.JPG

IMG_0860.JPG

IMG_0863.JPG

IMG_0863.JPG

IMG_1294-1.JPG

IMG_1294-1.JPG

I know, it's not an MES. All I use it for is a box to cold & warm smoke sausage, bacon & cheese since I got the stick burner. Awesome for that!
IMG_1302.JPG

IMG_1302.JPG

Word of warning. Unless you have the mailbox held firmly, when that holesaw bites into it, it WILL throw it across the garage. Trust me LOL!
Dan
Click to expand...
​Yes Sir, buddy, you ain't jus' whistlin' Dixie!
 
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