WSM wet inside

[Richard Hinton]

As usual, I shut down all of the vents, made sure the lid was on properly and covered my WSM before we left for Thanksgiving.
We got almost an inch of blessed rain while we were gone, and much of it seemed to get inside the WSM. The ash in the bowl was so wet that I had to scrape it out.
How does that happen, and how do I prevent that in the future? Thanks.

 

[Joel Goodwin]

I have noticed the same problem. From reading the forums, I have learned that the cover is not totally waterproof. Which lets water in mainly through where the lid seats into the top of the middle cooking section. (Catches the runoff) I'm not sure how to fix this. I was going to try either scotch guard or a piece of plastic covering the lid and top of the middle cooking section held on by a bunjee cord before I put the cover on. (After totally cool, of course) I also have a canopy covering a part of my deck, so I have started pulling it under there when not in use. Good luck!!

Joel

 

[timothy]

A simple fix is to use a large contractor type garbage bag first than add the cover. Some flip the mid-section over so any water runs out from the WSM
FAQ
HTH

Tim

 

[Dave Russell]

As Timothy mentioned, you can simply turn over the middle section.

My bullet's been left out in the same spot on the patio for quite a while now, usually uncovered with only the top vent shut. I've yet to notice any water in it or any rust on the grates.

 

[Gary Hodgin]

I haven't had that problem but my cover is only 5 months old. You might want to check with a sporting goods store for a waterproofing spray.

I waterproofed an old boat cover several years ago that had lost it's waterproofing, and have waterproofed a jacket with the stuff. It worked fine. You first clean the surface then simply spray. I think I put two or three coats on.

I can't remember the exact product, but I know it was purchased at a sporting goods store, like Dick's. I oouldn't find it on Dick's website though. I did find some by googling waterproofing spray, but don't know which one I used.

 

[timothy]

I've read a few posts where members had good results using a Seam Sealer like the kind used for tarps and tents.

Tim

 

[Paul K]

It's a design issue; they all do this. See link above that Timothy provided.

 

[Dan Zak]

this is what i use on my covers.
http://www.kiwicampdry.com/hea...water-repellent.aspx

 

[Scotty W.]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Richard Hinton:
As usual, I shut down all of the vents, made sure the lid was on properly and covered my WSM before we left for Thanksgiving.
We got almost an inch of blessed rain while we were gone, and much of it seemed to get inside the WSM. The ash in the bowl was so wet that I had to scrape it out.
How does that happen, and how do I prevent that in the future? Thanks. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Rich,

Personally I would take the Weber cover to a custom upholstery shop like a boat cover maker and have them make one out of the new acrylic fabrics (Sunbrella, Coastguard, etc.). It will last alot longer than the Weber vinyl cover, repel water and can be washed and retreated if the need arises. It will cost more but you get what you pay for.

Scotty W.

 

[Matt Sanders]

I used a seam sealant (made for tents) on the cover, and it works great.

 

[James Harvey]

Per Tim's first response, the industrial garbage bag with the ties works and fits great.
Even easier, bring it inside if you have an available inside. My cover came with my pit and it's been sitting on a shelf since I built it. That said, I suffer the same moisture problem regularly.

 

[Tim Quon]

Hey Richard, Do whatever you gotta do to keep the moisture out of your smoker. That moisture can cause a nasty mold to start growing inside.

I'm lucky that I have a large shed that I can store mine in when when I'm not using.