Robert - thank you for your reply. Setting the coal ring off-center is the only way it will fit at all which makes it tilted and one side will be closer to the meat than the other. I tried to post a picture but it didn't work and haven't had time to figure out where I went wrong. I'm also worried that the ring will block the air flow from the DigiQ.
The only reason I went with the ring is the increased capacity for long smokes especially during winter months. I'm planning on doing a brisket on Sunday so will see if I have any issues.