Is it possible to do the MES mailbox mod without removing chip tray assembly?

[hkeiner]

I was wondering if anyone has done the MES mailbox mod without removing the chip tray assembly (e.g., removing only the chip loader) and if so, how well it works this way. I would guess that connecting the vent pipe to the MES would be a problem and also that the chip tray assembly would restrict the flow of smoke in to the MES.

I ask because I do use the chip tray from time to time (for short smokes) and I would like to continue to have this option. All the mailbox mods for the mes shown on this forum seem to involve completely removing the chip tray assembly.

 

[daveomak]

It should work fine leaving the assembly in the smoker.... also, if you remove the assembly, the tray that normally sits on the heating element, should still sit on there fine and chips could be added by opening the door...   I think that is correct.... Dave

 

[njfoses]

I was wondering if anyone has done the MES mailbox mod without removing the chip tray assembly (e.g., removing only the chip loader) and if so, how well it works this way. I would guess that connecting the vent pipe to the MES would be a problem and also that the chip tray assembly would restrict the flow of smoke in to the MES.

I ask because I do use the chip tray from time to time (for short smokes) and I would like to continue to have this option. All the mailbox mods for the mes shown on this forum seem to involve completely removing the chip tray assembly.

Did this work out for you?  Im contemplating the mailbox mod for my mes but i would like to keep the chip assembly in tact as well since i use a tile over the assembly to even out the temps.  If i remove the assembly i will have nothing for the tile to rest on above the element.