Competition Gravity Feed Smoker Build - Need suggestions!

[bassandbeer]

Ok guys, getting ready to start the build on my gravity feed. All tubing is cut, starting to weld this weekend.

So, what I'm looking for is this: What do you GF owners wish their smoker had, or wish had been done differently in the build?

I would prefer to build it in, rather than wish I had in the future. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Dex]

Deep South... no need to look any further.

PM me if you have any questions

 

[bassandbeer]

Deep South... no need to look any further.

PM me if you have any questions

Thanks, but the material is purchased/cut already. This build is happening. Anything, ANYTHING at all that you would do differently w/ your DS?

 

[Gowan]

I'd like to see a wider gravity feed chute because the larger briskets tend to clog mine up.

Of course it might just be me.

 

[Gerrit_Boys]

Some things I did on mine: the fan mounts out of the way under the cook chamber. The shelves are big enough for 2 full pans. The door swings open 180*. Weld skin in really small increments. I insulated the tubing. Decent size flat free tires. Black paint (colors are hard to keep clean).
Some things I should have done: 8" chute or a tapered chute from 6 to 8". Chimney out the side opposite the chute rather than the top. Covered compartment for the guru with some conduit for probes and power. I'd like it if the top extended out over the door to keep the gasket dry when raining.

I did some of this on a remodel a couple of years after it was built and I learned what I didn't like.

 

[Pig Headed]

I have a Stumps Stretch and love it, wouldn't change it for another smoker. I like the fact that the stack is on the side, thus preventing any dripping onto the meat. That being said, there are 2 changes I would make. I would like the diverter on the bottom to be removable for easier cleaning and I would like diamond plating on top, so I could put something on there without fear of scratching the paint.

 

[twatsonr1]

Only thing I'd like to have on my smoker is some kind of table/tray on the side if you can make it look like it fits.

 

[bassandbeer]

Some things I did on mine: the fan mounts out of the way under the cook chamber. The shelves are big enough for 2 full pans. The door swings open 180*. Weld skin in really small increments. I insulated the tubing. Decent size flat free tires. Black paint (colors are hard to keep clean).
Some things I should have done: 8" chute or a tapered chute from 6 to 8". Chimney out the side opposite the chute rather than the top. Covered compartment for the guru with some conduit for probes and power. I'd like it if the top extended out over the door to keep the gasket dry when raining.

I did some of this on a remodel a couple of years after it was built and I learned what I didn't like.

So, do you think insulating the tubing was worth it? I've thought about that.

 

[bassandbeer]

Build has started...