UDS mod question

pitbull

Fire Starter

Original poster

Jun 7, 2008

55

11

Odessa Florida

• Nov 26, 2009

• #1

I need some advice.
I built a basic UDS after my Char-griller smokin pro rusted back into mother earth.
Here it is:


I have a turkey in it today. It has 2 racks inside about 6 inches apart from each other. The top rack is about 8 inches below the top of the drum.
The rack mounts are simply eye bolts with 1/4-20 nuts inside and out.
Now... My coals and wood should be good for about 4 -5 hours. At that time I will need to remove the bird and the top rack, then remove the second rack which has the catch pan on it, re-stoke and then replace the racks and the bird.
There has to be a better way to do this without cutting an opening in the bottom for access to the fire basket.
Any ideas?

 

gramason

Smoking Fanatic

OTBS Member

Aug 29, 2007

871

11

HdG Maryland

• Nov 26, 2009

• #2

I tend to get around a 8 to 10 hour burn in my UDS. What type of set up do you have for your coals.

 

pitbull

Fire Starter

Original poster

Thread starter

Jun 7, 2008

55

11

Odessa Florida

• Nov 26, 2009

• #3

Its a wire mesh basket about 10 inches in diameter and 8 inches tall.
Has legs on that keep it about 3 inches off the bottom of the drum.

 

rw willy

Smoking Fanatic

OTBS Member

Feb 7, 2008

795

66

Maryland, Harford County, Kingsville

• Nov 26, 2009

• #4

Why the drip pan? If no use for it (gravy) I would not have it in there. ALso later fabricate a larger firebox. Other then that, no real help from me. Sorry
Happy T-day

 

meateater

Legendary Pitmaster

SMF Premier Member

Oct 17, 2009

8,983

63

Hendertucky, Nv.

• Nov 26, 2009

• #5

Without a door you'll be pulling it all out like ya said. I put a door on mine when I out parted my ECB. Works rather well for me.

 

ddave

Master of the Pit

OTBS Member

SMF Premier Member

Mar 3, 2008

1,843

31

Far Northern California

• Nov 26, 2009

• #6

Your basket could be a lttle larger but I don't think that's the big problem.

The problem is likely your catch pan on the second rack. They really cause MUCH shorter burn times on a UDS.

My basket is 13.5" in diameter by 8" tall and it sits 3" off the bottom of the drum. I can go 16+ hours on a single load of fuel with no drip pan or deflector plate. I tested a deflector plate to use under certain circumstances and I would be lucky to get 12 hours with a plate in place.

Dave