Brinkmann SNP firebox

[huntorie]

Hey all, 

Just did my first smoke on the aforementioned smoker.  Big ol' rack of dino-sized beef ribs.  Turned out pretty good but had a problem with the fire box.  Had great heat (still need to replace the thermo) for about the first 2-3 hrs, but the ashes built up under the grate and I noticed my temps going down.   Any suggestions?  I noticed mods for making a charcoal basket but thought that wouldn't really solve the ash problem.  I thought of maybe fashioning a trap door in the bottom using the door from a parted out SNG I have but wanted to see what you all thought.  

Thanks for the help. 

Ian

 

[allen]

I have the same problem with my Brinkmann SNP Deluxe, I was also thinking of cutting a square hole and use a steel piano type hinge and 1in. wide flat stock welded on the inside of the cut to keep ashes from falling out, I just need to figure out a way to latch it closed during use.

 

[daveomak]

Ian, evening..... Some folks raise the charcoal basket up about 4-5" from the bottom of the firebox for more clearance for the ash....  Dave