First smoke. Leg quarters.

[camox413]

Hey everybody, I'm in the process of doing my first smoke right now. I'm using a Brinkmann vertical double door smoker aND I'm smoking leg quarters. I'm not sure if the gauge on the door is accurate or not but it says I'm smoking at about 250 right now. I haven't had much luck getting above 250 and I have all the vents open. I do have some water in my water pan but I'm wondering if it will get hotter without it or do I even need it?

 

[dirtsailor2003]

I don't use water in any of my smokers. Take it out and see what happens.