Best burning options for my setup

[jackassalex]

I have read many, many, many posts on these forums. With the multitude of various smoker types, homemade build and personal preferences, it is sometimes hard for a noob like me to find the correct method to fire up my smoker, especially with it being somewhat unique..

First off, this is my homemade truck toolbox smoker: Toolbox Smoker

My first smoke was not perfect, which is likely because I don't know 100% what I'm doing. I started up my coals at a good heat, then added soaked wood chips directly on top of the coals. When the temp would start to drop, I would add charcoal brickets on top of my hot coals, and then add more soaked chips.  I feel like my method may have caused the low temps. With my setup, should I be using a pan for wood chips, a water pan, adding dry chips, adding logs?

Like I said, I'm new and I'd appreciate tips on my best burn setup.

Thanks,

Rick

 

[boykjo]

looking at your smoker I would be more concerned about air flow first. you need good airflow to keep the coals burning hot.....I add a full lit chimney to my smoker till its heated up and running then add another full lit chimney then add a few chunks of wood. I also would look into getting one of Todds tube smokers if you having problems running wood chips.............    http://www.amazenproducts.com/

Joe

 

[jackassalex]

In my situation would you add wood directly to the coals or use a bowl on top? Would you use wet chips or dry?

I feel like I have good airflow, once I make the holes in the charcoal basket bigger for the ash to fall through, and seal the door better I'll be good. Once I get a better idea of the right way to set it up, I'll do a test run and see if I still have issues, then I can look into Todd's products.
 

 

[cliffcarter]

First stop putting wet chips on the charcoal,especially if it is unlit because wet charcoal does not work well. With your setup IMHO you should be using wood chunks, make that dry wood chunks unencumbered by excess water.

I will assume, becacuse of the ash build up problem you have, that you are using charcoal briquettes, switch to a lump charcoal, I recommend Royal Oak but there are many good ones available.

Third point is that your exhaust vents may not be big enough. 2 one inch exhaust ports may be too small for good airflow, which will keep temps down. You  may want to consider putting a 3" pipe in for the exhaust, 6-8 inches tall.

The air intake location is not apparent on you smoker build pics, is it below the charcoal pan? If not they need to be relocated.

Good Luck!

 

[sqwib]

SMOKEEE.jpg

• sqwib
• Oct 19, 2012