Mailbox Mod Issues

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StevenAg03

Newbie
Original poster
Sep 9, 2018
6
2
I have a 30" Smoke Hollow propane smoker. I recently did the mailbox mod and am using the A-MAZE-N AMNPS. The mailbox is connected to the smoker via 4" dryer tube just above the water tray. I also added a 4" vent cap to the top.

The AMNPS puts out a lot of smoke, but it will not draft through the smoker with the fire on. I have read a few threads where others have had the same issue, but do not see a resolution.

Anyone have any suggestions?
 
Here you go.


so a bit of a development. About 4 hours in, i decided to open the door to the mailbox and see how the pellets were doing. after being open for 30 seconds, it started flowing like crazy. I now realize that i was likely not allowing any incoming air to force it into the chamber. Now that that mistake has been made, i think i am going to drill some holes in the front of the mailbox to let air in and see how it does.

The inaugural smoke (before i posted this) with this setup had three problems:
1) the meet was really dry
- i think i actually had too much air flow with a 4" exhaust vent. I am going to get a manual in-line damper and use that to meter air flow​
2) The brisket didnt taste very good
- i think this was due to the rub and lack of any real smoke flavor. I have had pretty good results with equal parts salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika. This time i added cumin and i think that was a non-starter.​
3) There was no smoke flavor; at all
- I expect the this was due to no flow for the early part of the cook. Could be due to the Treager Texas Beef blend pellets too, but i am willing to give them another shot.​

I am going to try again once i get the parts 'fixed'

 
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Mailbox mod 2.jpg
 
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Here you go.


so a bit of a development. About 4 hours in, i decided to open the door to the mailbox and see how the pellets were doing. after being open for 30 seconds, it started flowing like crazy. I now realize that i was likely not allowing any incoming air to force it into the chamber. Now that that mistake has been made, i think i am going to drill some holes in the front of the mailbox to let air in and see how it does.

The inaugural smoke (before i posted this) with this setup had three problems:
1) the meet was really dry
- i think i actually had too much air flow with a 4" exhaust vent. I am going to get a manual in-line damper and use that to meter air flow​
2) The brisket didnt taste very good
- i think this was due to the rub and lack of any real smoke flavor. I have had pretty good results with equal parts salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika. This time i added cumin and i think that was a non-starter.​
3) There was no smoke flavor; at all
- I expect the this was due to no flow for the early part of the cook. Could be due to the Treager Texas Beef blend pellets too, but i am willing to give them another shot.​

I am going to try again once i get the parts 'fixed'



Any update on your changes? I have this exact same smoker and just purchased an AMNTS. Wondering if I should add the mailbox or not.
 
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