Competitor questions - transporting and getting to temp

[KC_Bobby]

I have a Competitor with convection and wondered if it was OK to transport it on its side (with convection electrical box up).

I have a Dodge Dakota, so the bed is a little narrower then a full size pick up and room is tight with the Competitor in the bed. Can I transport on it's side rather than laying it on it's back? Is the frame construction as strong on the side compared to the back?

If I transport on it's side, I can gain about 5-6" in bed width allowing me to fit in my 150 qt cooler and supply tub.

[Double D]

I fill the back is the wqay to go ....my 2cents

[KC_Bobby]

Not what I want to hear, but I'm sure the back is the safer method so the door side has no weight bearing on it. The last thing I want to do it bend the frame - even so slightly - that the seals on the door are not tight.

I guess for $50, I can just get one of those hitch hauler things and put the cooler on that behind my truck.

[RonW.]

I hauled my Competitor from BWS's factory to New Orleans, a 6 hour drive on its side with no problems. I put two layers of carpet foam on a piece of 1/2" plywood and layed the cooker on its side. To put in the truck, just lean the cooker and plywood over to the tailgate then pick up the bottom and slide it in. It's not to bad with three people.

Good luck.........

RonW.

[KC_Bobby]

I think I'll call Mike to get his thoughts. He'll know the frame's limits.

I also have a question on the best (and quickest) way to get it up to temp. I'm used to the Party, and I can get that up to temp in 20 minutes. It took me close to 2 hours yesterday to the the Competitor to temp. I fould out that 5 gallons of cold water from the garden hose takes a lot longer then 5 quarts of hot water out of the kitchen sink.

Please feel free to advise.

[KC_Bobby]

I see the temp thread - I'll read it and post questions there if I have any.

[RonW.]

Mike at the factory suggested to load my pit in that fashion, so I'm sure it is OK! Check with him for yourself, if you want.

My competitor came up to temp. 250* in less than an hour using 5 gallons of hot water from the laundry room!

Good luck again...........

RonW.

[RonW.]

That I use only a half chimney of red hots in the back right hand corner nearest the vent. Next time out, I will use my Guru Competitor and see what happens nest.

RonW.

[KC_Bobby]

Yep, Mike said I was golden to transport on it's side. Just lay something soft and strong under it so I don't scratch it up. I used a moving blanket for my Party in the past, but I may start using some scrap carpet. That's a little stronger so I can grab it and pull it forwards and back to adjust the smoker while it's on its side.

[ique]

What has always worked for me is to bring it up to temp with a dry water pan, gets up to 300* pretty quick. Then fill the pan with water and the temp settles nicely to 235*.

Chris

[Captain-que]

Chris,
Do you get your fire going and up to temp with or without the Guru running? I have been letting the Guru go from the first flame, but have noticed that sometimes a lot of coals do get started.

[KC_Bobby]

Cap't in my Party I waited for that exact reason.

[ique]

Chris,
Do you get your fire going and up to temp with or without the Guru running? I have been letting the Guru go from the first flame, but have noticed that sometimes a lot of coals do get started.

With Guru, usually carefully pour a 1/2 lit chimney in the front right corner near the guru fan.

Chris