Thanks for the reply. I used KF brickettes & 3 chunks of hickory. I figured that I may have started with too many hot coals (1/2 chimney), but I would have thought after 2-3 hours the temp would have wanted to drop more. I know by reading this forum that the correct way to control the temp is by air intake, but if you've got them all closed after 4 hrs and the temp still wants to climb past 250, then shutting off some of the exhaust was my only option. I actually think the bright, hot sun was contributing to some of the problem. I'm going to do a brisket in the next few days and I'm going to be sure and put the UDS in the shade. I think the shorter stack will help also, guess we'll see. I appreciate the help and your comments on my smoker. :-D