@@jodyfriese909 Actually you're not to have a gap. That is the whole purpose of the heat deflector. A 1/4 in gap would allow heat to come over the plate and not work as it should.
@@dajarman22 yes the holes are necessary if you want the plate to sit flush against the cooking chamber wall. If there is a gap, heat can come into the chamber over the plate defeating the whole purpose of the plate. You could use foil to fill in the gap, but the correct way would be to drill the two holes. The plates work great, however, the manufacturer should drill the holes prior to shipping.
The issue with the bolts where you had to modify the plate i think can be resolved by turning the smoker bolts around where the long part oif the bolt and nut would be facing the fire box. Just my 2 cents.
You will still have the bolt head which will leave a 1/4 inch gap. The gap of any size would allow heat to come over the plate into the chamber and not work as it should. That is the whole purpose of the heat deflector. Either way, you will need to drill a hole to seat the plate flush to the firebox. you're not to have a gap.
@@mikesbackyardbarbecue I see. So do you just stuff a little foil in the gap of the opposite end? This looks like a nice modification for this smoker. I have one and am on the fence about this diffuser. Thank you.
SOLUTION: you don’t have to drill holes to get the baffle flush. If you’re using a charcoal basket take those two grates on put them on the bottom spaced. Then put your baffle on top of it. It will raise the baffle enough to clear all the bolts. This also theoretically gives you more air flow so that you can achieve hotter temps.
Just got mine and I’m thinking of returning it. It doesn’t fit all the way down like this one and they still don’t have the hole issue fixed. I got the stainless steel one and although it looks nice I’m afraid it’s not gonna work.
I just put one in my Kingsford Rancher model yesterday. I had a similar issue with the bolts. I went an notched mine to have clearance. I lit a fire to see how it works. It brought my temperature to a 15- 20 degree difference. I bought a water pan too, but haven’t used it yet. It was kind of a pain in the ass but, I think the end result was worth the effort and money.
I have no regrets. I got them for the Highlander. I also leave the two halves unbolted and often increase/decrease the gap between them to control the heat transfer across the smoke chamber.
Where did you get yours? I can only find it on one website by searching for Oklahoma Joe and lava lock tuning plates on Google. And if you don't mind me asking what did you pay for yours?
Hi Bryan, sorry for the delay. I bought mine from BBQ Smoker Mods. I paid under $100. for it, bbqsmokermods.com/oem-smoker-mods-by-brand/oklahoma-joe-s/longhorn/oklahoma-joe-longhorn-horizontal-baffle-plate-heat-deflector-tuning-plate-by-lavalockr.html
The "legs" that bolt onto the plate has a short side and a long side. If you put them on wrong, it will raise the plate up and the plate will hit the bolt as it did in your install. Remount the "legs" correctly and it will fit. Just saying.
The side plates are not legs, but restrict the heat from coming around the plate. The plates sit in the bottom barrel. The plate closes to the firebox is all one piece and angles up toward the top bolts. Trust me when I say, you have to either drill holes to fit the plate snug against the back wall or you need to remove the two bolts.
The problem is its not made your smoker. Cheaply made. Should have done this when you put the grill together. Then call the company and complain about there product and tell them that im putting some bad reviews on facebook. Then two things will happen at there end. They will include instructions and fix the problem that0 it installs properly or they wont do a thing and have alot of people return there product for a full refund and go broke because of all the bad reviews. Simple
If you pay close attention to assembly instructions ...looking at pictures...the bolts should have been installed other direction
You still have the bolt head which will leave a gap. Either way, you will need to drill a hole to seat the plate flush to the firebox.
Actually.. you're supposed to leave a 1/4" gap and not drill holes in it.
@@jodyfriese909 Actually you're not to have a gap. That is the whole purpose of the heat deflector. A 1/4 in gap would allow heat to come over the plate and not work as it should.
@@mikesbackyardbarbecue so from your experience is drilling those holes necessary to get the most out of the plates?
@@dajarman22 yes the holes are necessary if you want the plate to sit flush against the cooking chamber wall. If there is a gap, heat can come into the chamber over the plate defeating the whole purpose of the plate. You could use foil to fill in the gap, but the correct way would be to drill the two holes. The plates work great, however, the manufacturer should drill the holes prior to shipping.
Can you give us the measurements on where you drilled your holes
Are the tuning plates heavier steel then your smoker
The issue with the bolts where you had to modify the plate i think can be resolved by turning the smoker bolts around where the long part oif the bolt and nut would be facing the fire box. Just my 2 cents.
You will still have the bolt head which will leave a 1/4 inch gap. The gap of any size would allow heat to come over the plate into the chamber and not work as it should. That is the whole purpose of the heat deflector. Either way, you will need to drill a hole to seat the plate flush to the firebox.
you're not to have a gap.
@@mikesbackyardbarbecue I see. So do you just stuff a little foil in the gap of the opposite end? This looks like a nice modification for this smoker. I have one and am on the fence about this diffuser. Thank you.
SOLUTION: you don’t have to drill holes to get the baffle flush. If you’re using a charcoal basket take those two grates on put them on the bottom spaced. Then put your baffle on top of it. It will raise the baffle enough to clear all the bolts. This also theoretically gives you more air flow so that you can achieve hotter temps.
How far are the racks above the deflector plate ?
Do you have to season it before cooking.
Hey mate what are the hole sizes and the spacings?
Serious question? Is anyone sorry they installed these plates? I've been looking at them for years now. I'm still on the fence.
Just got mine and I’m thinking of returning it. It doesn’t fit all the way down like this one and they still don’t have the hole issue fixed. I got the stainless steel one and although it looks nice I’m afraid it’s not gonna work.
@@SaenzEntertainment Thanks Brother, I'm thinking of doing a little garage fab myself. I'll keep you in the loop.
I just put one in my Kingsford Rancher model yesterday. I had a similar issue with the bolts. I went an notched mine to have clearance. I lit a fire to see how it works. It brought my temperature to a 15- 20 degree difference. I bought a water pan too, but haven’t used it yet. It was kind of a pain in the ass but, I think the end result was worth the effort and money.
I have no regrets. I got them for the Highlander. I also leave the two halves unbolted and often increase/decrease the gap between them to control the heat transfer across the smoke chamber.
You're supposed to have a gap of 1/4". Its the way they designed it
What size hole do you need to make?
The short edge against the BACK towards the firebox and the long edge along the bottom.
Where did you get yours? I can only find it on one website by searching for Oklahoma Joe and lava lock tuning plates on Google. And if you don't mind me asking what did you pay for yours?
Hi Bryan, sorry for the delay. I bought mine from BBQ Smoker Mods. I paid under $100. for it, bbqsmokermods.com/oem-smoker-mods-by-brand/oklahoma-joe-s/longhorn/oklahoma-joe-longhorn-horizontal-baffle-plate-heat-deflector-tuning-plate-by-lavalockr.html
That’s a highland???
No, it is the Longhorn.
@@mikesbackyardbarbecue gotcha I thought the longhorn was reverse flow
Im subbed.
The "legs" that bolt onto the plate has a short side and a long side. If you put them on wrong, it will raise the plate up and the plate will hit the bolt as it did in your install. Remount the "legs" correctly and it will fit. Just saying.
The side plates are not legs, but restrict the heat from coming around the plate. The plates sit in the bottom barrel. The plate closes to the firebox is all one piece and angles up toward the top bolts. Trust me when I say, you have to either drill holes to fit the plate snug against the back wall or you need to remove the two bolts.
The problem is its not made your smoker. Cheaply made. Should have done this when you put the grill together. Then call the company and complain about there product and tell them that im putting some bad reviews on facebook. Then two things will happen at there end. They will include instructions and fix the problem that0 it installs properly or they wont do a thing and have alot of people return there product for a full refund and go broke because of all the bad reviews. Simple