Camp chef nightmare

[SecondHandSmoker]

You're right. I've already agreed to try this though, so I'm gonna give it one last swing.

Once you try their latest fix and if that doesn't work, you will need to dig in your heels and demand a replacement or refund. Hopefully, they will agree with you. Also, you should not be the one spending one red cent to remedy this issue especially when you consider how much you originally paid for the unit.

 

[bregent]

Certainly sounds like it may be an airflow problems as opening the hopper lid changes the amount of air to the burn pot. I'm surprised the temp went up rather than down though - could be a weak fan, obstruction or leak.

I had a CampChef DLX for about 6 months that they agreed to take back and refund because we were unable to solve a high temp swing problem. Temps would fluctuate more than 100F above and below set point and the grill would eventually flame out on every cook. I replaced the auger motor, RTD, Controller and changed pellets. We did not try replacing the fan or hopper, so I am pretty sure it must have been an airflow problem.

I had considered installing a PID but did not want to spend $$ on something that should have worked right to begin with. If you do want to go that route, Pellet Pro is one option that has been mentioned, but I see a few folks installing RecTecs controller on other grills - both the standard and the Wifi versions.

 

[BC Buck]

Certainly sounds like it may be an airflow problems as opening the hopper lid changes the amount of air to the burn pot. I'm surprised the temp went up rather than down though - could be a weak fan, obstruction or leak.

I had a CampChef DLX for about 6 months that they agreed to take back and refund because we were unable to solve a high temp swing problem. Temps would fluctuate more than 100F above and below set point and the grill would eventually flame out on every cook. I replaced the auger motor, RTD, Controller and changed pellets. We did not try replacing the fan or hopper, so I am pretty sure it must have been an airflow problem.

I had considered installing a PID but did not want to spend $$ on something that should have worked right to begin with. If you do want to go that route, Pellet Pro is one option that has been mentioned, but I see a few folks installing RecTecs controller on other grills - both the standard and the Wifi versions.

I even replaced complete hopper assembly which took 3 weeks to get. Installed and unit was worse than before. Had all the same problems from burn outs to 100 deg temp changes. The controllers are the problem. Not pellets, and CC knows it. The new hopper had bad auger fan causing flame outs.

 

[bregent]

The controllers are the problem.

A better controller would likely solve the problem. But there are thousands of happy users of the CC grills that have no problems, so it would be nice to discover what exactly causes them to behave erratically for some.

 

[Winterrider]

You have gone beyond what "shouldnt" even be needed for a high quality smoker. I would not replace with PID (even if it would cure problem) after all you have done to try and remedy Camp Chefs issue. I would request a new unit or take Al's advice.

 

[BC Buck]

A better controller would likely solve the problem. But there are thousands of happy users of the CC grills that have no problems, so it would be nice to discover what exactly causes them to behave erratically for some.

I agree and trying to be helpful. I spent $900 and struggled with my SG for 9 months. I installed 4 controllers, 2 auger motors,3 RTD and ash dump gate warps from heat to point not able to dump anymore. IMO his CC only fix would be PID controller with aftermarket auger, motor setup.
While trying to figure out my problem I did a lot of research on these forums. I found out me and Bregent where not the only ones with same problems.

 

[Jeff S]

I have the CC Woodwind, and having the same problems. I thought faulty temp probe, cccs sent me a new one. That with changing out the pellets, cleaning the grill, it worked. 1 month later, it’s doing the same thing. Set it to high to grill, and it got to 345 after 30+ minutes. I plan on calling tomorrow about this. The auger is working, the fan is blowing, I’m thinking control panel next.
I agree with the temp swing, mine would be set to HS225 and it would go as low as 180 and high as 245. If I’m not sitting there and watching for 6 hours, 245 vs 225 can lead to dry over cooked meat. This thing was bad ass out of the box for about 6 months, now it is not reliable for long slow cooks or grilling.

 

[BC Buck]

I have the CC Woodwind, and having the same problems. I thought faulty temp probe, cccs sent me a new one. That with changing out the pellets, cleaning the grill, it worked. 1 month later, it’s doing the same thing. Set it to high to grill, and it got to 345 after 30+ minutes. I plan on calling tomorrow about this. The auger is working, the fan is blowing, I’m thinking control panel next.
I agree with the temp swing, mine would be set to HS225 and it would go as low as 180 and high as 245. If I’m not sitting there and watching for 6 hours, 245 vs 225 can lead to dry over cooked meat. This thing was bad ass out of the box for about 6 months, now it is not reliable for long slow cooks or grilling.

Yes, when it works you think its fixed. With the algorithms of CC controller you will see temp swings from 180 to 245 deg. Start throwing in variables like humidity, low ambient temps, strong wind and cc controller really struggles. CC big wigs come up with neat ideas that sell but without decent controller they are going to p##s many people off.

 

[retfr8flyr]

Have you thought about upgrading the controller? Savannah Stoker makes one of the best controllers available? https://www.savannahstoker.com/coll...s/savannah-stoker-pellet-grill-control-system I have also read good things about the Pellet Pro controller. https://smokedaddyinc.com/product/pellet-pro-exclusive-pid-controller-pellet-grill-upgrade/

 

[Jeff S]

That may be a good controller, but after spending $900 a year ago, I shouldn’t have to spend another $200 on a third party controller.

 

[robwcormack]

Delete

 

[SecondHandSmoker]

Well, my new hopper assembly is supposed to be here Saturday. I'll update u guys when I get it put on. I'm really hopeful. I dont see how in the world these things can have the tremendous amount of positive reviews they have if they all do like this.

Yes, please keep us posted.

And about those positive reviews...some folks are "professional" reviewers.

 

[BC Buck]

Well, my new hopper assembly is supposed to be here Saturday. I'll update u guys when I get it put on. I'm really hopeful. I dont see how in the world these things can have the tremendous amount of positive reviews they have if they all do like this.

If your ash dump does not move freely this will be good time to flatten out while changing hoppers. Let us know how it goes.