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My experience has been that the temperature of the top rack depends largely on the height at which the smoke and heat exits the smoker. If you bring the stack entrance down lower the top of smoker will get hotter.
I am enjoying watching your build. Love the plate, looks good. I am working on my first build. Started with my trailer, then my fire box. About to get started with the propane tank. Looking forward to all coming together soon. Looking and learning.
Did a test cook last weekend the pit did really well . the top vent on firebox worked incredibly well had the vent shut then opened and pit drop 25* in less than 30 seconds hoping to prime the trail in a few weeks . I hope many can learn from my build