I have a Smoke Vault and I am having trouble maintaining a good temp. After doing some research I realized that I could be in the market for a Bayou Classic regulator. I am no expert so I went to a local outdoor cooking store. It is not a chain store and it appears to be locally owned. When I got there I saw they carried the product I was considering. They have always been nice and they were today too. However, when I explained my problem the guy said "I have never seen a gas smoker other than pictures on the internet". He then followed up by being completely unhelpful with my struggle. I feel he was trying to besmirch my name and propane smokers in general.
Some people believe that what they know is the end-all-be-all of knowledge when it comes to situations they deem themselves to be good at.
What is worse is when people believe something is impossible and they think they are are absolutely correct even though they have never tried the new thing you are discussing with them and have they have never even been part of an attempt to try this new thing.
It takes heat and good smoke to cook a smoked meal. However the heat and/or smoke are supplied can be done in as many combinations as a man can come up with.
If you really want to meet a bunch of the stuck in their way, never wrong, naysayers, then I would wager you can find them in almost any local gun store in Texas. Just start discussing hunting and firearms and be prepared to be amazed at what information comes out of peoples mouths as the absolute "word" on any subject of your discussion.
If you believe even 25% of the nonsense that is likely to be spewed out you will be hunting 90 pound TX whitetail deer with a 375 H&H Magnum rifle and a 7 x 20 power scope to make sure you ethically kill this deer at 50 yds away but still have the option to take it down if you see it over in the next county. Also, you better buy 1000 rounds because in a week or two there won't be any left because of <insert any fear inspiring quote here>. Finally, they will install your scope and boresight your rifle for you for the low fee of $120 and it will be ready in a quick 6 week turn around time
Ok, enough ranting from me, it just irks me sometimes to hear how people with legitimate situations/questions have to deal with this type of situation hahaha.
Don't let anyone get you down. Do your homework, get the most accurate info you can, and don't be afraid to SAFELY investigate things on your own that you can't find answers for. Then when you make the most amazing meal be sure to go drop some off for the guy to try and if he asks how you made such amazing food you can educate him on your propane setup
Best of luck on solving your problem :)