UDS mod question

[pitbull]

I need some advice.
I built a basic UDS after my Char-griller smokin pro rusted back into mother earth.
Here it is:


I have a turkey in it today. It has 2 racks inside about 6 inches apart from each other. The top rack is about 8 inches below the top of the drum.
The rack mounts are simply eye bolts with 1/4-20 nuts inside and out.
Now... My coals and wood should be good for about 4 -5 hours. At that time I will need to remove the bird and the top rack, then remove the second rack which has the catch pan on it, re-stoke and then replace the racks and the bird.
There has to be a better way to do this without cutting an opening in the bottom for access to the fire basket.
Any ideas?

 

[gramason]

I tend to get around a 8 to 10 hour burn in my UDS. What type of set up do you have for your coals.

 

[pitbull]

Its a wire mesh basket about 10 inches in diameter and 8 inches tall.
Has legs on that keep it about 3 inches off the bottom of the drum.

 

[rw willy]

Why the drip pan? If no use for it (gravy) I would not have it in there. ALso later fabricate a larger firebox. Other then that, no real help from me. Sorry
Happy T-day

 

[meateater]

Without a door you'll be pulling it all out like ya said. I put a door on mine when I out parted my ECB. Works rather well for me.

 

[ddave]

Your basket could be a lttle larger but I don't think that's the big problem.

The problem is likely your catch pan on the second rack. They really cause MUCH shorter burn times on a UDS.

My basket is 13.5" in diameter by 8" tall and it sits 3" off the bottom of the drum. I can go 16+ hours on a single load of fuel with no drip pan or deflector plate. I tested a deflector plate to use under certain circumstances and I would be lucky to get 12 hours with a plate in place.

Dave