Turkey in a UDS new build question

[mstrmike]

IM gonna start a build tomorrow, I built my fire basket total height 12" . I plan to install a shelf for a water bowl 3" above that. My question is i would like to be able to smoke turkey without a dome lid. Is there enough room left for a shelf low enough for a turkey,has  anyone tried it ?

 

[dburgette]

If you are doing one turkey on the bottom rack with the top rack removed you will be fine.

 

[rbranstner]

I smoke my turkeys on the bottom rack all the time and just leave the top rack out. What is your reasoning for the water pan? The UDS is a very moist environment and doesn't need a water pan unless you are trying to catch drippings or something. Thats just my $.02

 

[meateater]

The answer is yes, you will have enough room for a 20# bird if you want. The moist environment is not the  problem, I personally don't like sour smoke created by fat dripping on the fire. Just my honest opinion. Here's my plan for a 55 gallon UDS. I love mine and have had to stop using it because of county codes. I have built a 30 gallon electric to satisfy my needs. Long story!

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/wiki/uds-ugly-drum-smoker