18.5 WSM with hinge accessory cover problem

[SteveJM]

Hello everyone,
I just received my 18.5 WSM. Because I added the hinge kit the cover won't fit. I actually wasn't a fan of this cover. Being from Massachusetts and it gets cold here the cover gets very stiff and brittle in the cold. Does anyone have a cover for the 18.5 WSM that fits with a hinge?

Thanks,
Steve

 

[RParker]

I just put a hinge on my 22.5" yesterday. I didn't think the cover would fit but it does. I also cut the elastic off both covers for this one and the 18.5" as mine are always inside and wind isn't an issue.

I was contemplating putting handles on the 22.5" but know the cover wouldn't fit if I did that.

 

[SteveJM]

Just wondering what others are using if they had a hinge. Yes, handles next. What are you using for handles?

 

[Rob - TexasRob]

Steve and RParker....I got a hinge for my 18.5....I have heard some mixed reviews on the ease of getting the hinge on with the top lined up and the such. Did you have any issues with putting it on the cooker? Any tips you can pass along, that could help me when I do mine? Thanks

 

[RParker]

Steve and RParker....I got a hinge for my 18.5....I have heard some mixed reviews on the ease of getting the hinge on with the top lined up and the such. Did you have any issues with putting it on the cooker? Any tips you can pass along, that could help me when I do mine? Thanks

I lined up the hinge with the handle on the lid so they are 180 opposite. Once the hinge is installed to the barrel or body of the smoker, then line up the hinge with a leg, it doesn't matter which one when you assemble it for operation.

I am not going to put handles on now because I know the cover would not fit if I did. The handles would be nice but not that big of deal and the body would only be off when the unit is cold.

TIP: If a hole doesn't line up exactly, do not use a bigger drill, get a 3/16" chain saw file. It will remove metal very easily and not leave sharp edges.

TIP #2, for a slot mod, use a high speed grinder with a cutting disc, it cut the slot in literally seconds. Then I put on a 1/8" disc, widened it and touched up the rough edges with a die grinder.

 

[Jerry N.]

I 55gal drum/contractors garbage bag works well. Just make sure you cinch it at the bottom (a bungee cord) or the wind will get under it and blow it off. Mind ended up in the yard a couple times before I figured out it was the wind.

 

[SteveJM]

Hinge installation

Steve and RParker....I got a hinge for my 18.5....I have heard some mixed reviews on the ease of getting the hinge on with the top lined up and the such. Did you have any issues with putting it on the cooker? Any tips you can pass along, that could help me when I do mine? Thanks

Rob,
I read the instructions twice. I typically just jump into things but I read first and the did it exactly the way the instructions said to. The cover went on fine, nice and tight. If you ha a fit problem you can put the cover in lock position and tweak the cover very slightly if you have a small air gap by pulling the cover down while locked in up position... the cover seemed to fit tighter against the gasket kit I also added. It's pretty easy if you do what they tell you. Good luck and let us know how the install goes.
Steve