UDS Building help for high altitude operation.

[gacp]

Hi Everyone:

I live and I am from Bolivia, I am a newbie. I am glad to join this forum.

I will build a vertical 55 Gallon UDS smoker but I want to know if someone has some experience smoking on high altitude, my city it´s 8530 foot high above sea level and I wonder if I really need to change the air vents and/or charcoal basket sizes in order to compensate the less oxygen in higher altitudes.

Thks,

 

[fwismoker]

Not high altitude here but have a UDS. I sometimes use a ATC (auto temp controller)

An ATC blows how much air that it needs to too maintain your set temp. Look into them because it could solve any higher altitude problems.

I use a pitmasteriq and works great for me...not expensive either. Gurus and Stokers work also.

 

[fwismoker]

I would also use more lump charcoal if it's available to you...the odd shapes and sizes allow for more oxygen and lump produces low ash.

 

[kc5tpy]

Hello GACP and welcome to the fun.  Please swing by Roll Call and introduce yourself so that we can give you a proper Hello.  My friend FWI has given you some good tips.  I do not live at high altitude either.  I live in England so I know getting things shipped from the States can be difficult and expensive.  Thinking about your concerns I would use larger air vents.  You can close them down if they are not needed.  You might even think about building a small fan ( like in your computer ) into your drum build.  It could be powered from a mobile phone charger.  If you do not need it GREAT, but if it is needed it will be there ready to go.  Just a thought.  Good luck.  Keep Smokin!

Danny

 

[gacp]

Thank you all for the quick response to my post. I will try  a more larger vent air and will post the results. The ATC seems great, but for a while it is not on my budget.

Thks again.