Rec Tec Stability Question/ New to Group

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chance

Newbie
Original poster
Feb 15, 2015
7
10
Mo
Hello all,

I'm new to the pellet smokers group and look forward to contributing where I can, and learning new skills from the rest of you. 

After a lot of researching pellet cookers, I finally pulled the trigger on a Rec Tec grill to add to the flock. I've had it about two weeks, cooked on it 5 times, and  so far,     I really like it.

The thing is built like a tank, holds temps well, and judging from the overall build quality should last many years.

For the last 10yrs or so I've mainly cooked on a home-made stick burner or an offset. Both have produced great Q.

Has anyone had stability issues with the Rec Tec?

I was putting mine together in the garage.

(The floor is sloped away from the walls toward the center for drainage) When I stood the grill upright and swung the hopper lid open, it dawned on me that I was fixing to put another 40lbs on the back of the grill. I moved the grill to the center of the floor (closer to level) and filled the hopper and stability seemed fine.

This did get the wheels turning though.

Did I mention that I have a tendency to over-think things? And I can't  won't leave anything as-is, if I think I can do better?

Well the Rec Tec is no different!

I'm going to fab up an adjustable 5th leg under the pellet hopper or put retractable "wheelie bars" under it as soon as it warms up a little. haven't decided which way to go yet.   I can just imagine going outside and seeing that thing on the ground!

Those polished stainless bull horn handles are nice-looking and all, but I have a sneaky suspicion they serve as a counter-weight as well as handles

I hope i'm not coming across as knocking the Rec Tec in any way here.

 I just see a potential stability problem that could easily be amplified by wind, uneven concrete etc. and would very much appreciate your opinions.
 
I've had mine for over a year now ........ with the hopper full I needed to be careful moving it across the yard, but no issues when it was sitting still, even in high winds.  So, for me at least, only worries when moving it.  Now, last fall we replaced our back porch and added on to it, so the grills are now on top of a composite deck.  I have no issues or fears moving it around on the deck even with the hopper max-full.  The only thing I might consider changing one day is to add swivel casters so all four swivel, at that point I might increase wheel size for just a bit more height, also.
 
I too own a Rec Tec and have no problems or worries with a full hopper box.  My unit sits in one place and I don't move it around much.  I do believe with the hopper full, extra care should be given if you are going to move it any distance.

Richard
 
Hi Chance and welcome to the group! I would agree that a Rec Tec is the slightest bit top-heavy...especially if the hopper is full. Mine has never acted like it was about to topple over, but when I move it, I'm always careful. And I only move mine on a nice flat sidewalk or driveway. On uneven terrain, with a full hopper, I could see how it might get a little unstable. Seems like I recall another RT owner doing a wheel mod where they added a wider axle and larger wheels to give the grill a slightly bigger footprint.

Red
 
Thanks for the input guys! I guess the general consensus is that I'm not totally crazy. That's encouraging!

I'll start on mods when this weather breaks, if for nothing else, peace of mind.

Thanks again for the input.
 
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