new member from Texas

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headfirst

Newbie
Original poster
Mar 31, 2014
3
10
In the Dallas area and just bought a Brinkman Trailmaster vertical smoker from home depot. Favorite meat to eat is ribs, although right now I have a lot of beef (just bought a calf with some buddies). I have a lot of roast, a few briskets and short ribs if anyone has some good recipes to share.

I decided to go for a cheaper set up to work on my method before spending too much on a longer lasting pit. After reading around on the forum some I see the need to possibly make some modifications to my new toy to create a better seal. I bought the last one in stock so it was already assembled and seems to be assembled pretty well. I hope nobody recommends I take it apart and start over.

I plan on doing a few dry runs to see if I can control the heat for an extended period of time. Any recommendations on that process as well as some cheap additions I can add would be appreciated. I dont know how to weld but have a buddy who has the equipment and knows enough to be dangerous, his work its pretty but it can get the job done if needed. 
 
Welcome friend!

I have the same smoker, purchased it last spring. I wouldnt worry so much about sealing every joint, the main issue will be the main chamber door, that is going to require some love to get a nice seal. There are several ways you can go about it. The stock temp gage is going to be probably at least 50 degrees off, so dont even pay it any mind, get yourself a nice digital monitor like a Maverick and you should be all set. Oh, and the expanded metal charcoal basket is a real help in managing the coals. I have put out some really good Q on this rig and being I keep it covered and out of the weather, it should last me a very long time, Anything I can help with, just let me know.

Smoke on!
 
Hey

Welcome to the Smoking  forum.   You’ll find great , friendly people here, all more than willing to answer any question you may have.  Just ask and you’ll get about 10 different answers—all right.  LOL.   Don’t forget to post qviews.

Gary

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Welcome from Canada.

canadian-flag-15.gif


This is a great place to learn about smoking. There are lots of great people who will share their knowledge. I look forward to your posts.

Disco
 
With regard to the thermometer should I be looking for something that stays inside of the smoker? or just something I can measure from the outside?
 
Welcome fellow Texan, great site, looks like you already have some suggestions, I started with a cheap smoker and turned out some great BBQ. Best thing to do is get to know your smoker, Smoke a couple of rounds with cheap meat to see how it smokes and much you have to watch it. A good temp gauge is probably the first thing I would do.  Try some chickens Cheap and pretty forgiving.

Gary S
 
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