First time smoker and having issues keeping fire burning and temp up

[Billyboy27]

Hey team

I just recently got my first 2 in 1 offset smoker. Was all excited and had the charcoal ready and apple wood. I soaked the wood first as I put charcoal on and used fire starter liquid gel and got it going. Temp rose quickly to over 250 Celsius. I prepared the pork butt with the rub and put it on. Vents and chimney were all open to allow it to get hot quick. After a little while I found the temp dropping quickly and I went through a whole bag of apple wood. I ended up putting the wrapped butt in the oven to finish... Anyone got some tips for me , Thanks, B

 

[Smokewhenidrink]

Are you using a charcoal chimney? I always struggled with lighting charcoal until i purchased my chimney. I see it as an essential and its only a 15 dollar investment.

 

[indaswamp]

Typically, you will be adding fuel about every 30 minutes with an offset...

 

[SmokinAl]

Your problem is with soaking the wood. Putting wet wood on a fire will bring the temp down.
Al

 

[smokinsmoker23]

I also go through wood like u do and really haven't found a way to make it last longer. Soaking is definitely not an idea, really doesn't serve a purpose in my opinion. I have a post on here about temps also and I was suggested to wrap smoker with welders blanket to help contain heat. As of yet I haven't tried it. I go through bit of charcoal also but eventually I will figure it all out.
Weather plays a role also in my experience. Hot weather helps a lot, cold weather, it's a struggle. I'm not a pro or anything just a backyard bbq'er.
I guess the more u do it the better u will become little by little.
Good luck