Pretty good but had some issues at the beginning. Had to get the main door re-welded back on because it would not close whatsoever. After all the mods (sealing, gaskets, temp probe gaskets, and welded on latches) it holds super steady temp but I’m selling it to get a gravity charcoal system from Old Country.
Also was disappointed in the steel quality and paint quality. Paint burnt off even at low temps (200-250). Good smoker but there are a lot of better options out there.
So I picked these up in the cabinet/gate latch section at Lowes. This isn't the exact item but it'll give you an idea. www.lowes.com/pd/Gatehouse-2-Pack-Zinc-Plated-Silver-Touch-Catch/1000390351. The type is a "catch latch" or "touch catch"
To be honest, you will burn through a lot of charcoal trying to keep this thing warm if that's your only heat source. In my opinion it's meant to burn wood as fuel. A clean fire, small but clean and you will have a good cook. I have never tried burning just charcoal. I use charcoal as a starter for my wood and then it's wood the rest of the cook. It's a big cook chamber. Charcoal is consistent but it just won't put out the type of heat you need to cook.
You're 100% right... lol not sure how I managed to mess this part up... still performs great tho. I will fix it when i redo all the seals in a few months! Happy New Year!!!
Hindsight is always 20/20. I've had my Bandera for about a year and a half. Picked it up for $200 at Academy. My silicon seal burned off the firebox lid. I finally ordered a charcoal basket for it. Should arrive tomorrow. If yours is anything like mine, it is a fuel hog. Feel like that there is too much dead space in the top of the firebox? I think if the firebox was attached about 6-8 inches lower onto the smoke chamber it would preform better? Lots of heat gets lost coming off the firebox lid instead of going into the smoke chamber. Keep on Q'ing man!!
I violently agree. I'd even like to see a thicker lid, and one that is flat. I use one charcoal chimeny to get things going and then 100% logs after that. I buy a face cord at a time mainly for my big trailer pit but also use them for my backyard cookers. I cut them to a lil bigger than fist size and it works but like you said, this thing just devours fuel. I can't beat the capacity though and love it for that. Thanks boss!
Yea, I don't remember exactly which brands they were but I am pretty sure I got them from bbqgaskets.com. I put links to two potentials below. bbqgaskets.com/lavalockr-rtv600-10-ounce-cartridge-red-600f-bbq-sealer-and-gasket-adheisve.html bbqgaskets.com/cook-chamber/fireblack/fireblack58-bbq-smoker-gasket-self-stick-5-8-x-1-8-x-10-fb58.html
You know i thought about the fire brick, but decided against it. I'm trading the heat loss for the space to put logs into the fire box with out having to cut them. i pondered that for weeks lol but its a pain to have to cut the cords of wood i get to use in my back yard cookers.
Tremendous video! Big shout out for this walkthrough... I’m looking to pull the trigger on this smoker and I think you just helped me purchase it 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
Your smoker looks all nice and new. I've left mine out in the rain and the firebox is all rusty. I like those latches. I've been using a giant rock to keep the lid closed.
looks good! just got and built mine last week. installed gaskets and latches also. BTW: you do know that the chimney is install by sticking it threw from underneath so that you don't see the flange?
Rule of thumb, before you burn anything, I mean anything, season your smoker/grill with oil...either with spray canola or vegetable oil in a spray bottle or cotton cloth. Whether it's a demo vid or you're actually cooking...even 5he firebox gets a coating....great vid👍🏾
NUPE! I dont remember where i got these. it was online. i think i found them on a forum on bbq-brethren.com. here is a link to something similar though Shoot a pic on IG when you finish the mods. pellet-stove-parts-4less.com/products/lavalock-bbq-smoker-pull-latch-ll431?msclkid=ca39fd29d23510074fe39d4969643293&Shopping%20-%20Grill%20-%204%20-%20High&High%20-%20Grill
I'm pretty sure this was it, I didnt get it from Lowes but this was the first link that popped up. I'll follow up if I find the place I ordered it from. www.lowes.com/pd/3M-Fire-Barrier-10-1-oz-Red-Sanded-Paintable-Latex-Caulk/3372952
On mine I used Smoker Sealer High Temp BBQ gasket & adhesive smoker lid door tape GL-1/2 & LL3R www.amazon.com/dp/B01BF8V6DK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_0dfrDbFJRR5DZ
Hey Tremendous how is the smoker still working? I bought mine about five months ago and have not been able to do anything with it yet. Just got the lavallock rtv 650 in the mail yesterday. Do I need the gasket as well?
Hey brother, I obviously have not cooked in a crazy cold area, but I can say that OJ's are better constructed with heavier materials than the intro Charbroil products. I think you'd end burning quite a bit more wood but you could probably cook on it with snow on the ground. But I think you would need to mod it with gauge, etc to keep as much smoke/heat inside as possible. My recommendation is spend a bit more cash and get a Kamado like Grilla Grills Kong. Kamados do very well in all weather environments.
Thanks. Lowes had the latches but i you can get them from any basic hardware store. quick tip, dont i got side tracked and let the firebox get to hot when i seasoned it and some of the red plastic coating started to melt. its still functional but messed up the aesthetics a bit. just something to keep an eye on.
TREmendous Que nah, not used up at all. But living in an apartment, need to get something with a smaller footprint. If I had a house, I’d definitely be keeping both.
Awsome job on the modifications. I have the Vintage version ov the Bandera model assuming its the original model. I have procrastinated on also putting oven gaskets and adding a bbq Guru. Not sure about changing its originally. Can't find much info on this model #40931 so if you have any info would appreciate any info you have.
I dont have much info on it. I think i have seen one or two videos of folks adding the BBQ guru. I havent made my mind up on whether or not i want to do that yet though.
Like the smoker. I have a Longhorn 3 in 1. I would suggest that you change out the thermometer. Both of my were off by 30 degrees. One that you can calibrate. I went with the River Country 3in dial. Happy. Smokin.
30 degrees is insane lol I'd be pretty pissed. I actually dont rely too much on the thermometer though because i use a wireless probe so i can chill inside while the smoker is doing its thing!
The rope on the chamber door is a mistake. Should have used the stuff you uses on the fire box and then you would have no issue using the factory latch. Also you'll find that the fire box gasket will burn away after a couple cooks. Reppace it with the black lavalock gasket when it does. Also you installed the stack wrong.. It should be installed from the inside. Should use the RTV between parts DURING assemble.. Not after. Good luck.
Yea Im thinking you are right on all points. How many OK Joe's you owned or put together? Whenever i burn through the gasket on the cook chamber, I'm going with what I used on the firebox. Preciate it!
@@TREmendousQue I've had a couple and other brands as well as custom made. I obviously have a smoking addiction!I still have a bandera and I think it's by far the best bang for the buck if you get it for under $300 and then put a few more bucks in for the mods. For others who are considering a bandera or other budget cookers... Get stainless steel bolts, washers and nuts for the assembly from Lowes, HD, or hardware store. The supplied hardware is junk and will rust out in no time. Also... One of the best performance mods aside from sealing is the addition of fire brick in the hot box and the floor of the cooking chamber. Get 3 or 4 boxes of the 1.5" firebrick from Ace Hardware or wherever. It makes a HUGE improvement in temp stability. And you can't overlook a coal basket. You gotta have one. There's plenty vids on making one with or without welding. Whatever you do... Get yourself addicted to smoking!
Just ordered one of these and had the same ideas for mods, can’t wait to get it in at the end of the month.
how'd it turn out?
Pretty good but had some issues at the beginning. Had to get the main door re-welded back on because it would not close whatsoever. After all the mods (sealing, gaskets, temp probe gaskets, and welded on latches) it holds super steady temp but I’m selling it to get a gravity charcoal system from Old Country.
Also was disappointed in the steel quality and paint quality. Paint burnt off even at low temps (200-250). Good smoker but there are a lot of better options out there.
Sir, you nailed it on the mods....well done!!
preciate it! just wish i could use it more!
Thanks, nice video
thanks brother!
Where did you get those latches?
Lowes
Good video Thank You
No prob! Thanks
Where do you get those latches from?
Let me know if this Amazon link doesn't work. a.co/d/8FFZw7b
Good job 👍
Preciate it!
What kind of clips are those @ 1:24? I'm having a similar issues with my firebox.
So I picked these up in the cabinet/gate latch section at Lowes. This isn't the exact item but it'll give you an idea. www.lowes.com/pd/Gatehouse-2-Pack-Zinc-Plated-Silver-Touch-Catch/1000390351. The type is a "catch latch" or "touch catch"
@@TREmendousQue thanks bro!
How much charcoal can you put in before adding more fuel? How long can you run before changing the fuel out?
To be honest, you will burn through a lot of charcoal trying to keep this thing warm if that's your only heat source. In my opinion it's meant to burn wood as fuel. A clean fire, small but clean and you will have a good cook. I have never tried burning just charcoal. I use charcoal as a starter for my wood and then it's wood the rest of the cook. It's a big cook chamber. Charcoal is consistent but it just won't put out the type of heat you need to cook.
Thanks for the video.
If you installed the exhaust from the inside of the smoke chamber it would seal better.
You're 100% right... lol not sure how I managed to mess this part up... still performs great tho. I will fix it when i redo all the seals in a few months! Happy New Year!!!
Hindsight is always 20/20. I've had my Bandera for about a year and a half. Picked it up for $200 at Academy. My silicon seal burned off the firebox lid. I finally ordered a charcoal basket for it. Should arrive tomorrow. If yours is anything like mine, it is a fuel hog. Feel like that there is too much dead space in the top of the firebox? I think if the firebox was attached about 6-8 inches lower onto the smoke chamber it would preform better? Lots of heat gets lost coming off the firebox lid instead of going into the smoke chamber. Keep on Q'ing man!!
I violently agree. I'd even like to see a thicker lid, and one that is flat. I use one charcoal chimeny to get things going and then 100% logs after that. I buy a face cord at a time mainly for my big trailer pit but also use them for my backyard cookers. I cut them to a lil bigger than fist size and it works but like you said, this thing just devours fuel. I can't beat the capacity though and love it for that. Thanks boss!
Good video! Would it be possible to post links to the caulk and gauge you used?
Yea, I don't remember exactly which brands they were but I am pretty sure I got them from bbqgaskets.com. I put links to two potentials below.
bbqgaskets.com/lavalockr-rtv600-10-ounce-cartridge-red-600f-bbq-sealer-and-gasket-adheisve.html
bbqgaskets.com/cook-chamber/fireblack/fireblack58-bbq-smoker-gasket-self-stick-5-8-x-1-8-x-10-fb58.html
“Playas fuck up”- dae dae
that smoke stack? haha yep! that movie got a line for everything!!! lmfao
Next add firebrick to firebox and bottom of cook chamber. Then build a proper coal basket.
You know i thought about the fire brick, but decided against it. I'm trading the heat loss for the space to put logs into the fire box with out having to cut them. i pondered that for weeks lol but its a pain to have to cut the cords of wood i get to use in my back yard cookers.
Tremendous video! Big shout out for this walkthrough... I’m looking to pull the trigger on this smoker and I think you just helped me purchase it 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
That's wassup! Let me know how you like it and what you end up doing to it boss! it hums...
Your smoker looks all nice and new. I've left mine out in the rain and the firebox is all rusty. I like those latches. I've been using a giant rock to keep the lid closed.
Yea I'm super protective of them lol extends the life. But OK Joe's are built decent anyway!
looks good! just got and built mine last week. installed gaskets and latches also.
BTW: you do know that the chimney is install by sticking it threw from underneath so that you don't see the flange?
Yea, idiot mistake on my part. Realized it as soon as I started sealing the smoker up 😆
Impressive mods my dude definitely gonna try some of these
Let me know how they turn out. And make sure you install the stack right lmao!!!
Rule of thumb, before you burn anything, I mean anything, season your smoker/grill with oil...either with spray canola or vegetable oil in a spray bottle or cotton cloth.
Whether it's a demo vid or you're actually cooking...even 5he firebox gets a coating....great vid👍🏾
done and done! thanks!
Where did you grab the latches from? I just got my bandera smoker today. Looking forward to doing these same Mods. #Yo
NUPE! I dont remember where i got these. it was online. i think i found them on a forum on bbq-brethren.com. here is a link to something similar though Shoot a pic on IG when you finish the mods.
pellet-stove-parts-4less.com/products/lavalock-bbq-smoker-pull-latch-ll431?msclkid=ca39fd29d23510074fe39d4969643293&Shopping%20-%20Grill%20-%204%20-%20High&High%20-%20Grill
Great to see you uploading again, enjoy your modified smoker upgrades. Happy New to you and your family
Same to you and yours. Got busy with school/work Oct-dec but school is over! I got a lot because I was def still recording!
What kind of caulk did you use?
I'm pretty sure this was it, I didnt get it from Lowes but this was the first link that popped up. I'll follow up if I find the place I ordered it from. www.lowes.com/pd/3M-Fire-Barrier-10-1-oz-Red-Sanded-Paintable-Latex-Caulk/3372952
On mine I used Smoker Sealer High Temp BBQ gasket & adhesive smoker lid door tape GL-1/2 & LL3R www.amazon.com/dp/B01BF8V6DK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_0dfrDbFJRR5DZ
Hey Tremendous how is the smoker still working? I bought mine about five months ago and have not been able to do anything with it yet. Just got the lavallock rtv 650 in the mail yesterday. Do I need the gasket as well?
Hey not using it right now because I'm deployed. I liked that I added the gasket. I'd recommend it
Nice mods. Question, How thick is the metal? I live in a winter cold area.
Hey brother, I obviously have not cooked in a crazy cold area, but I can say that OJ's are better constructed with heavier materials than the intro Charbroil products. I think you'd end burning quite a bit more wood but you could probably cook on it with snow on the ground. But I think you would need to mod it with gauge, etc to keep as much smoke/heat inside as possible. My recommendation is spend a bit more cash and get a Kamado like Grilla Grills Kong. Kamados do very well in all weather environments.
Thanx for the feedback. Much appreciated@@TREmendousQue
Wrap the whole thing in insulated fire resistant blanket
What great job man ! Where did you get those latches ?
Thanks. Lowes had the latches but i you can get them from any basic hardware store. quick tip, dont i got side tracked and let the firebox get to hot when i seasoned it and some of the red plastic coating started to melt. its still functional but messed up the aesthetics a bit. just something to keep an eye on.
Gauge = gasket
Lever = latch
Good vid bro. Definitely considering this smoker to replace my highland reverse flow.
Replace. Why not keep both or is the highland reverse kind of used up?
TREmendous Que nah, not used up at all. But living in an apartment, need to get something with a smaller footprint. If I had a house, I’d definitely be keeping both.
Nice video. I been looking at getting one if these to cook ribs in.
Pull the trigger! Lol why wait!
I gotta get my clientele built up a little more before I get a dedicated rib cooker. 😀
Awsome job on the modifications. I have the Vintage version ov the Bandera model assuming its the original model. I have procrastinated on also putting oven gaskets and adding a bbq Guru. Not sure about changing its originally. Can't find much info on this model #40931 so if you have any info would appreciate any info you have.
I dont have much info on it. I think i have seen one or two videos of folks adding the BBQ guru. I havent made my mind up on whether or not i want to do that yet though.
Like the smoker. I have a Longhorn 3 in 1. I would suggest that you change out the thermometer. Both of my were off by 30 degrees. One that you can calibrate. I went with the River Country 3in dial. Happy. Smokin.
30 degrees is insane lol I'd be pretty pissed. I actually dont rely too much on the thermometer though because i use a wireless probe so i can chill inside while the smoker is doing its thing!
Smoking Joe looks good! Watched on the big screen. Cool rig. Can’t wait to eat something from it.
Is that permatex in the the fire box that's not going to last also that chemical is going to get into your meat. 🤦
Naw, not permatex
Tremendous when your running the bead on those inside seams be careful there's some sharp points on those tacks.
Thanks! you're def right...
The rope on the chamber door is a mistake. Should have used the stuff you uses on the fire box and then you would have no issue using the factory latch. Also you'll find that the fire box gasket will burn away after a couple cooks. Reppace it with the black lavalock gasket when it does. Also you installed the stack wrong.. It should be installed from the inside. Should use the RTV between parts DURING assemble.. Not after. Good luck.
Yea Im thinking you are right on all points. How many OK Joe's you owned or put together? Whenever i burn through the gasket on the cook chamber, I'm going with what I used on the firebox. Preciate it!
@@TREmendousQue
I've had a couple and other brands as well as custom made. I obviously have a smoking addiction!I still have a bandera and I think it's by far the best bang for the buck if you get it for under $300 and then put a few more bucks in for the mods.
For others who are considering a bandera or other budget cookers... Get stainless steel bolts, washers and nuts for the assembly from Lowes, HD, or hardware store. The supplied hardware is junk and will rust out in no time.
Also... One of the best performance mods aside from sealing is the addition of fire brick in the hot box and the floor of the cooking chamber. Get 3 or 4 boxes of the 1.5" firebrick from Ace Hardware or wherever. It makes a HUGE improvement in temp stability.
And you can't overlook a coal basket. You gotta have one. There's plenty vids on making one with or without welding.
Whatever you do... Get yourself addicted to smoking!
Would you say having to do all those mods is it best to go with the reverse flow highland that has a firebox, or go with this bandera ?
Happy J5 NUPE
Happy J5 Phi!
What kind of caulk do you use?
I used 3M Fire Barrier. Got it from Lowes.