Oklahoma Joe's Bandera Update: One Month Report on Modifications & Performance

[@mycomputerguylarry]

I inherited one of these a couple of months ago and did my 1st smoke on it this last weekend. I like your added drip pan - my Pork belly burnt ends dripped all over the bottom of the smoker. However, I ended up using 2 bags of charcoal... And wood chunks not logs... great video -- Thank you.

[@DrBrowntree]

Glad the video was helpful!

[@boramig1666]

I'm sorry I should have scrolled down farther. I found the answer I was looking for. Keep the posts coming. ❤️ them.🐷🐖🐖

[@robertkoon3310]

Just bought one and this was a great review and help on modifications!!! Thanks!! following your page as well!!

[@DrBrowntree]

Glad I could help! I hope you enjoy your smoker. Keep us posted on the good eats!

[@EVovchuk]

thanks for the great videos. I'm between the Bandera and the Highland.. Unfortunately my local stores don't carry these and I have to order it online. Is the Bandera big enough to fit a whole brisket or would I have to cut it half for it to fit? I am talking about a 15 to 17lb brisket.. Thanks for your reply.

[@urborntodie]

Bought one at walmart for 89.00 going to do your mods to it.. thanks for the awesome videos!

[@DrBrowntree]

Glad I could help. How's the smoker doing?

[@psychojackel69]

89.00 dollars? new? wtf?

[@stricklerville]

Fantastic idea with the hinge, my smoker broke as well. Thought about getting a cheap welder but I like this idea better. Thanks.

[@DrBrowntree]

Hey thanks! Glad I could offer a cheaper and easier alternative to welding.

[@jgo057gmail]

Thanks for the review!

[@DrBrowntree]

Hey Justin, thanks for watching. Check out my other vids too.

[@tonydoza6]

For some reason your vent door looks like it fits better than mine. Just got mine for xmas. I think I'm gonna copy your hinge mod even though the welds are good. Looks like a better fit.

[@CommonGuy]

Where did you get the 10" wheels?

[@boramig1666]

I find your posts to be very informative and very helpful. I'm a newbie to smoking. I'm waiting for the end of season sales before making a purchase. For a beginner, which smoker do you recommend? I'm torn between the Bandera and the Longhorn. Your opinion would be greatly appreciated.

[@jayhawks2929]

Will this fit a whole slab of ribs or do you have to cut them in half?

[@brianchapman4034]

I'm a newbie to the bandera. Why do you need a charcoal basket ?

[@angelnodal]

The hole where you have your thermometer cable going through at the bottom. Did you custom add that hole? I don't recall mine having that convenience.

[@DrBrowntree]

Good eye... yeah i added that hole.

[@angelnodal]

Looks very clean! If you don't mind me asking what type of drill bit did you use? I added a thermometer on my firebox but the hole didn't come out as clean. Luckily the thermometer hides it well.

[@DrBrowntree]

1/4" steel bit. I used 1/4-20s to bolt the hinge on.

[@mecksg1]

were the thermometer is, should it be higher up like in the middle or was this the best spot to be more accurate? also would welding in the spots you did the rtv in the other video work?

[@DrBrowntree]

I usually put my thermometer closer to the firebox side. That way I know the temp in the hottest spot of my smoker. Welding those spots would definitely work, keeping in mind that you won't have to ever take it apart. I'm not sure it's worth the effort, but if you have the tools I'd say go for it. Definitely sure up the weld on the firebox hinge.

[@belavet]

Could you tell us where you got the wheels? Did it take much modification or did you just use the existing holes/hardware?

[@DrBrowntree]

Hey Bela, I got the wheels from Harbor Freight. I only purchased wheels.

[@tjmcghee100]

Thank you for your great video ! I bought mine pre assembled , is it to late to seal the fire box ? Can it be run like caulking and still help. Thank you and I am sure everyone would love to see some of your smoked meat

[@DrBrowntree]

Hey Theresa thanks so much. Check me out on Instagram @geekmeats. Once I repaired my firebox hinge, my top closed flush to the box. There wasn't any room for me to add a gasket. So be care in attempting to add a gasket unless you have the clearance to close. I'd suggest a thin gasket if any.

[@sixeight6]

Great video What smoker U recommend highland or the bandera

[@fgcchevy]

I just got a Bandera, but I noticed you don't have slots in your fire box to put racks to grill in, did you remove them?

[@DrBrowntree]

Hey, I have them here. I didn't install them because I never use grates in my firebox.

[@fgcchevy]

GeekMeats mine came pre installed, that's why I was wondering. Thanks

[@TheDynotuner]

Did 1 roll of that gasket material do all your door edges? Or did you buy 2 of them... Thanks

[@DrBrowntree]

Yes, you can do it with one roll. Keep in mind, I didn't do the firebox. It was a flush fit and the gasket was too thick.

[@terryhatcher591]

I got one I love it

[@DrBrowntree]

I'm very pleased! Over the past few weeks, it's been getting more action than my Highland...

[@1990bigtom]

What charcoal basket do you use for the Bandera?

[@DrBrowntree]

Here's one I suggest... bbqsmokermods.com/oem-smoker-mods-by-brand/oklahoma-joe-s/oklahoma-joe-sr-highland-firebox-basket-stainless-charcoal-basket-for-highland-reverse-flow-12-x-12-x-8.html

[@1990bigtom]

GeekMeats Thank you

[@MajDogMeat]

Great Vid. One question..is RVT good to use as it does give off toxic fumes when heated...just asking

[@DrBrowntree]

Hey sorry for the delay. After the initial burn, you should be good to go. Put some heat in the chamber and let everything cure up.

[@fontzmark]

Hey Mr. Drbrowntree did you clean out all that sticky, tacky, greasy stuff on the inside before you seasoned it?

[@DrBrowntree]

Hey Mark, I did wipe down the inside with a damp cloth. That gets some off, but don't worry about the residual. Once you run it to season, paint a coating of bacon grease all over it. It'll burn off. Enjoy the smoker!

[@jfennell32]

Can you fit a full brisket inside of this

[@xxtitanfallxx2075]

It's at $300 at walmart should i buy it?

[@DrBrowntree]

That's a good deal... buy it!

[@xxtitanfallxx2075]

DrBrowntree almost. I ended buying the highlander for 180 at walmart.

[@DrBrowntree]

That's still a good deal for a great smoker.

[@lbcn8v]

I just purchased one yesterday from Walmart. For only $184 on clearance. I'm gonna do the mods u recommended

[@xxtitanfallxx2075]

If you have ro choose between the bandera and the highland whichone would yo buy?

[@michaelkennedy272]

Hinge weld breaking is unacceptable. Ill move on to looking for something else