Brinkmann Trailmaster Limted Edition - mods

[drphx81]

Hey guys. I started this thread and I have found that 6 inch plates work the best. So I have my baffle then 3 plates with ZERO gap from the baffle and firebox side. The 4th plate I have a 1/8 inch gap then 5th plate has 1/4 gap and from the 5th plate to the stack I have nothing. No matter how hot I get my pit no matter where I place a probe I run within 5 degrees at any spot in the pit. Keep in mind this has a lot to do with all the other mods I have done to my trailmaster limited pit. The gaskets, toggle clamps, and rtv caulk around the firebox all help maintain the pit temp. If you just put the tuning plates in without the other mods you will be chasing your temps and having to retune all the time. I have no retuned once since my initial pit seasoning and tuning fire. Just my two cents. I have pics of all my mods posted here or an other threads I started. If anyone has any questions on my mods let me know.

 

[drphx81]

Do the replacement expanded metal grates stay pretty rigid without a frame on them or do they sag a little? Would they hold a good sized brisket or small turkey?

Hey sorry for the late reply. I did 2 12
Pound packers briskets and zero sag. They hold up just fine without a frame. I had them cut into 3 pieces which also helps with weight distribution.

 

[drphx81]

Still trying with the plates, but looks like I will make one with the holes to see if it does work better.

If you have the same pit I have no need for holes in your plates. What kind of pit are you using?

 

[smokin nw]

Same as you. How thick are your plates ?

 

[ps0303]

I had some free time today so I decided to see about a tuning and deflector plate.  I did some research and it seems that 16g metal is about what most people use.  So I went to the local big box hardware store and got a 16g 24x24 sheet of metal and a grinder with cut off, needed the grinder for other things as well.  I cut the sheet down to 20x14.5 so it would fit where the bottom grates sit.  From there I made a template of a deflector plate so it would sit at about a 45 degree angle. Took some time to cut it to shape and fit the curve inside the smoker. Not a perfect fit but close enough for who it's for.  Then a few tack welds to hold it.  Not bad. 

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• ps0303
• Aug 7, 2013

  

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• ps0303
• Aug 7, 2013

  

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• ps0303
• Aug 7, 2013

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• ps0303
• Aug 7, 2013

  

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• ps0303
• Aug 7, 2013

I have about 16" from where the plat ends to the end of the smoker.  Hope to try it out later tomorrow or over the weekend.

 

[drphx81]

Hey everyone I'm selling my brinkmann the exact one I did all my mods on it's gently used. I upgraded to a 48 inch Lang .... Please message me if interested

 

[ps0303]

I received a couple of 3" River Country thermometers and I am wondering how far above the cooking grate should these be mounted? They will be mounted on the lid.

 

[glocksrock]

I received a couple of 3" River Country thermometers and I am wondering how far above the cooking grate should these be mounted? They will be mounted on the lid.

watch this video, it should help you get an idea of thermometer placement.

 

[cpfitness]

Yes Home Depot. Good off the bat I posted a pic as you can see it's perfectly level. You will have to use the spacers and some of the hardware that comes with each tire. I paid around 19 bucks a tire but great mod and it's a pleasure to wheel the thing around now.

FYI Harbor Freight has the wheels for anywhere from $3 to $5.  going to grab a set of them along with an angle grinder so I can trim my tuning plates up!

 

[dmeyer24]

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• dmeyer24
• Feb 23, 2014

New charcoal basket for my TMLE. 12x11x8 inches fits perfect.

 

[bbq freak]

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[bbq freak]

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• drphx81
• Jul 6, 2013

I replaced the stock thermometer with Tru-Tel 4 inch stem smoker thermometer great and simple mod

does this just screw in like the factory one ? thanks

 

[csaut12]

What dimensions did you go with for the wool gasket? And where did you get the toggle lock clamps?

 

[bbq freak]

you can get the gasket kit and toggles from www.bbqgaskets.com for $30.00

 

[twobuckchuck]

So with the tuning plates your turning your smoker in to a reverse flow smoker right? How do you get the smoke to move across the entire cooking chamber when you vent the smoke from the fire box underneath right next to the smoke stack? I been looking at this smoker. I just can't afford something more expensive though I want to, and I don't want to deal with having to hunch over and pulling racks out of the top of a barrel smoker. Did you vent the smoke stack back across the top of the unit twords the fire box? I'm probably over thinking at this point.

 

[bbq freak]

no you are not making it a reverse flow because you would haft to move the stack to the same side as the fire box for that work . the fire box side is so hot that the plates will heat up and direct the flow of heat under the plates , on my last two plates the last one i have spaced about a 1/4" and the 2nd to last about a 1/8" . the smoke will still flavor the meat and the temps from side to side now are with in 5 degrees apart . i would do this mod to any offset smoker i would ever buy . here's my photo bucket link on the mods i did http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Twi...kmann Trailmaster Limited Edition Smoker Mods

 

[smokeymcgee]

Hey guys does anyone know the sku for the sheet of metal to build my baffle with at the home depot so I can pick it up. Thank you!!

 

[rob sicc]

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• drphx81
• Jul 6, 2013

I installed 5.5 inch 200 pins pressure toggle clamps on each side that compresses the gasket seal. No smoke is leaking out of this puppy now!! Highly recommend.

Hi,

I am about to install a similar clamp to the FB door on my Dyna glow offset smoker.

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• rob sicc
• Aug 7, 2014

I have one question.  Did you put any RTV under the plate of the clamp before tightening it down?  Did you insulate the clmap plate in any way?

Could you please let me know?  My others mods' (gaskets) all worked great except for this little bit of smoke that leaks from the top corner of the door.  I'm hoping the clamp with put the added pressure to keep the door closed tight.

Thanks.

Rob

 

[bbq freak]

when i did mine i just bolted them down with stainless steal allen head bolts and nuts , never had any smoke leak out from there .

 

[rob sicc]

 
I received a couple of 3" River Country thermometers and I am wondering how far above the cooking grate should these be mounted? They will be mounted on the lid.

I've read that you want to thermometer at the same height as where the meat will be. 

Anyone agree?