RT 340 Trailblazer mods finally done

[pbft]

I've posted a couple of intermediate progress reports, but it's finally pretty much where I want it. Smoking chicken parts tonight to celebrate.
Mods:

• Camp Chef sear box
• Bottom shelf
• Folding front work surface
• Gaskets for top and bottom edge of door
• Insulating cover (made from carbon fiber welding blanket)
• Second grate
• Wheel upgrade

I'd be happy to share details for anyone looking at any of these mods.

 

[kruizer]

How did you attach the sear box?

 

[pbft]

I did a write-up in an older thread here:
https://www.smokingmeatforums.com/threads/rec-tec-camp-chef-sear-box-add-on.284211/
Short story:

• I made a cardboard template of the end of the RT340 and used that to locate the hole that I had to make in the sear box for the grease drain.
• I lined up that template onto the Sear Box and transferred the Sear Box mounting holes onto it.
• I used the same template to drill mounting holes in the end of the RT340
• I bolted them together.
• I cooked some stuff.

If you make a simple shelf like I did, you have to cut a hole in the shelf so that the propane cylinder sits low enough so that you can reach the shutoff valve.
I really like the sear box. It's not as heavy-duty as the RT340 but it does a great job of gettinng up to temp quickly and searing really well. We also use it sometimes just to quickly grill a burger or a couple veggies.