Today was my first try and I need some expert analysis. Sorry if this is too long. I ran two dry runs this week in my new 18.5 each with a full starter's worth of charcoal. It held about 250 with the vents wide open. Today I put about 30 lit coals on top of 30 unlit. I hit 250 and added four racks of ribs on two grates. the temp went to 210 and no higher. After a little over an hour the temp started to fall. I added 15 coals and it went to 225 and then back to 210. I use the 2-2-1 method and felt I needed the oven for the second two hours because of the lower temps. After I removed the meat the temp went to 250 and held. I added 12 or so more coals before putting the ribs back in the smoker for the last hour and I was at 210. The good news is they turned out just fine. I'm surprised at my low temps and assume I need to use more charcoal. It was VERY windy here today and I got out of it as best I could but I think it was a factor. I did have water in the bowl. Any suggestions?