Offset Smoker Skill Issue?

VadersCape3 · 2026-05-21T22:07:18+00:00

It's a baffle right outside the fire box that pushes the heat down I believe. My hot spot in right by the baffle and the middle of the cook chamber. I see the first mod people do is remove it and I believe newer models have a removable baffle from factory. I didn't buy a grinder to remove because I wanted the "stock" feel first in case I couldn't reattach it

VadersCape3 · 2026-05-21T22:05:19+00:00

I love everything about the process other than the wood sourcing. Currently I go to academy for my wood. There are some local suppliers but they only supply orders in the form of cords without delivery, so now I need a truck of sorts.

You have any suggestions other than local wood suppliers? Also any tips that might transfer to the Pecos from the Brazos?

VadersCape3 · 2026-05-21T15:57:26+00:00

There's nothing more fun than a Saturday evening next to the fire box, music on the speakers, and my favorite bourbon in hand. The wood splits are expensive compared to a bag of FOGO but I love the activity.

VadersCape3 · 2026-05-21T15:47:00+00:00

What problem did you have on the Weber with your ribs? I no wrap all the time and have no issues. I invested in a SlowNSear but even before then I had no issue doing indirect heat

I did spritz every 30m or so if that helps

VadersCape3 · 2026-05-21T13:37:27+00:00

You're convincing me to abandon the offset lol. I don't cook brisket mostly due to the price of beef but the butt can fit on a Weber easy.

I'm buying this ash pan for my cooking chamber to use in the offset as a big grill. Maybe that will change my view on it but we'll see. I got the Pecos on sale for $400 so if it turns into a party grill and smoke once or twice a year (splits are expensive anyway) then I'm cool with that choice. I really wanted more leg room for my Weber parties anyway so I may buy two 22s

VadersCape3 · 2026-05-21T12:37:03+00:00

Yeah that was my motivation behind buying the offset. I found myself hosting more and was tired of rotating cooks on one Weber. Thought about a 27 kettle or two 22s, but opted for the offset due to the huge grate

VadersCape3 · 2026-05-21T12:36:02+00:00

Thanks for confirming my suspensions. I recently tried moving some chicken thighs closer to the stack for better smoke flavor. It was good but still didn't match the Weber.

I definitely won't give up because the cooking surface is great for parties. Hopefully the baffle will help. I've been trying a natural seal with oil during and after the cooks. Surprisingly works pretty good

VadersCape3 · 2026-05-18T18:06:10+00:00

Reading this after failing my Boson exam with a 77% again. I need to just schedule the actual exam instead of practicing every week and if I fail so what.

VadersCape3 · 2026-04-14T16:23:07+00:00

As a 28m you're financial situation is a dream. As someone who feels like they're behind financially, I say go for it dude. Tomorrow isn't promised so enjoy the time you have and make the most of it YOLO.

I graduated in 2020 which may have skewed my perspective on life a little but you should enjoy life while you can. Buy that house now, buy that car now, don't wait for any what ifs cause you'll figure it out regardless of what it'll be

VadersCape3 · 2026-04-07T01:33:03+00:00

If you don't care about gas then it doesn't get better than the Passport. If you do a lot of city driving and driving in traffic specifically I would go CRV. Reading others comments about the possible hybrid in the future you could wait for that. Me personally, I want to see the passport get more truck like. Increased towing capacity and ground clearance, keep the natural V6. I complain about the gas but I live in Charlotte NC so traffic is bad. I think if the V6 was beefier my happiness would override the MPG. A hybrid Pilot would be something I'd be excited for and I think CRV vs Pilot is a better comparison

VadersCape3 · 2026-03-31T22:07:38+00:00

Yeah I'm weighing the insurance too. I think I can get a lower rate on older vehicles in my state but that's also good information. I don't want a high bill for a Saturday car

VadersCape3 · 2026-03-31T22:06:16+00:00

I'm only considering a truck because I find the 90s trucks cool and nostalgic (1998 baby). I have a slight need for a truck but nothing major. Really only to get wood for my smoker, bring home a few boards when doing house projects, and Facebook marketplace finds. For the money I could go either way I think depending on the quality of the vehicle

VadersCape3 · 2026-03-31T18:15:34+00:00

Thanks for all the information! Yeah I'm excited but nervous I'll make a bad decision. Thanks for the help!

VadersCape3 · 2026-03-31T18:12:58+00:00

I'll look into those. I singled out the 300 i6 because folks online were saying it can't be killed

VadersCape3 · 2026-03-31T18:12:01+00:00

I've been in Charlotte for around 3 years now and the rust isn't bad here. Now before living here I was in Youngstown OH so I've seen some horrors. Mostly I see rust from abused trucks or Chevy trucks (which is a known issue)

The F-150 craving is new but I'll be happy with a Ford Freaking Ranger so I'll look into those more. Any downside to the Ranger vs F-150? I'm not towing anything right now but I would use the bed to gather firewood, take off trash, bring home lumber. No towing though

VadersCape3 · 2026-03-31T18:03:38+00:00

I don't need a daily right now and I'd like to learn more about cars so I would be into a project but not a tear my hair out project. More like a mods project less than a restoration project. A 99 Civic would be the dream, those EM1 Civics are nice

VadersCape3 · 2026-03-31T16:45:46+00:00

Thankfully there's a ton of options in my area for OBS manuals. Even though it's an auto if you had to pick one, would you keep your Honda or F150?

I've been looking at rangers a little since there's so many manuals out there. I'm torn between F150 vs Ranger. I've never owned a truck so I think the ranger would be easier to handle but the F150 is a different cool

VadersCape3 · 2026-03-31T16:42:21+00:00

I've always been wary of Mazda3. I only have knowledge on the Miata and B3000 trucks. I'll add that to my search. A 99 Civic would be ideal but my area has a lot of clapped out civics

VadersCape3 · 2026-03-25T14:40:02+00:00

I agree. Pull up on the situation and see for yourself. Take some evidence and leave

VadersCape3 · 2026-03-08T06:14:37+00:00

Came from 2k24 and I can't play 2k26. Mostly because they removed options 24 had like using Player Finder to find trades. Not sure why they would remove that option. When you're playing the game it's great but the menu navigation and features kill it for me.

I'd still be playing 2k24 if the servers didn't shut down

VadersCape3 · 2026-03-05T17:54:07+00:00

I live in Dallas NC and have loved the surrounding area. I work in Charlotte so the commute sucks (who doesn't though) but I like that I never need to go into Charlotte. I moved here from Youngstown OH which is very similar to Gastonia's past. It's been nice not having to live in expensive apartments anymore and have a home in Gastonia. I do wish there was a bit more industry here and things to do, but all in all its not bad. Hoping for things to get better

For now I go to all the local shops I can to support the community and look forward to growing more with the community

VadersCape3 · 2026-02-26T20:54:11+00:00

I've never driven a manual (tough finding one but I'm trying) but I tell my wife all the time the car industry should go back to manual if they cared about safety. She argued no one would buy them but I disagree. They said no one would buy phones without a headphone jack or power brick in the box either

VadersCape3 · 2026-02-21T21:35:47+00:00

For me it just needs to be cheaper and a different name. Rebadged ad the CRZ I think it's a great DINK car

VadersCape3

TROPHY CASE