smoker at CG?

Iraqvet05 · 04-30-2014, 09:17 AM

The DW and I are planning a trip to a local CG and suggested we invite the neighbors to camp with us or at least come out one night for adult beverages and dinner. I have a gas smoker I love to use and I was thinking of dragging it along with us to the CG. Has anyone used a smoker at a CG? If so, has anyone complained about it?

OurJayco · 04-30-2014, 09:23 AM

I see people using smokers at CG all the time. The smell to me is "INVITING" and not offensive at all.
I really don't think you will have a problem. Fairly common at campgrounds I visit.
Let me know when you will be "smoking" in Minnesota and I will join you.

Stingray75 · 04-30-2014, 09:29 AM

Only complaint I've experienced was due to the meat shortage coming off the smoker. My Traeger does attract a few extra visitors but they generally come with beverages. I've learned to smoke a few extra racks at home and heat em up at the CG.

Jagiven · 04-30-2014, 09:33 AM

I have thought about bring mine along but never have. I have only seen a few smokers at CGs over the years. I would question why anyone would find it offensive, you are camping and almost everyone has a campfire going. Not much difference between a campfire and a smoker, just your choice of wood. Enjoy and gave us a little feedback on how it turns out.

mcfarmall · 04-30-2014, 01:50 PM

Why would one guy with a meat smoker be any more offensive than 250 smoky campfires burning green DNR firewood?

Iraqvet05 · 04-30-2014, 02:31 PM

I have a tendency to forget the smoker when it's going since it's a long process. My kids know not to touch ithe smoker since it gets hot but I'll have to be mindful of the kids they invite back to our site. Looks like the smoker is going with us on our next outing...thanks for the feedback!

wwsmith111 · 04-30-2014, 02:41 PM

I had several complaints from the campers next to me because of the drifting smoke. I was told I would have to put it out if I couldn't find a place where the smoke didn't bother someone. I had to relocate several times depending on the wind.

namusmc65 · 04-30-2014, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stingray75

Only complaint I've experienced was due to the meat shortage coming off the smoker. My Traeger does attract a few extra visitors but they generally come with beverages. I've learned to smoke a few extra racks at home and heat em up at the CG.

How is that traeger working out for you? How do the wood pellets compare in price to other fuels?

Stingray75 · 04-30-2014, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by namusmc65

How is that traeger working out for you? How do the wood pellets compare in price to other fuels?

Really haven't compared cost of fuels but I don't feel poor after using it. A bag of pellets on sale is about $16 and I get about 20 hours of cook time (no science, just a a WAG). I think the pellet grill is as close to a real wood cooking as you can get.

Ryetye · 04-30-2014, 08:00 PM

Well im dragging my bws g2 chubby camping this weekend and if someone complains they wont be eating at the potluck! Btw ill have a padlock on the cooking chamber since ill be arriving at around 8 meat will go on at about 10 and cook all night so come morning my youngest son will be guarding with a baseball bat!

jimandcarol · 04-30-2014, 10:54 PM

We use are smoker and never had any complaints.Less smoke than the camp fire

mcfarmall · 05-01-2014, 04:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stingray75

Really haven't compared cost of fuels but I don't feel poor after using it. A bag of pellets on sale is about $16 and I get about 20 hours of cook time (no science, just a a WAG). I think the pellet grill is as close to a real wood cooking as you can get.

Are those pellets especially formulated for cooking? Plain old wood pellets (the kind for heating your house) are only $4-$5 for a 50lb bag around here. Supposedly the heating kind are 100% hardwood with no binders.

Stingray75 · 05-01-2014, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcfarmall

Are those pellets especially formulated for cooking? Plain old wood pellets (the kind for heating your house) are only $4-$5 for a 50lb bag around here. Supposedly the heating kind are 100% hardwood with no binders.

That ones debated on pellet head forums as often as oils are debated on gear head forums. My opinion, all pellets need a binder in the process to make a pellet hold it's shape - I want to be certain the binder is food grade. Heating pellets contain bark along with hardwood which effects temperature and contributes to increased ash buildup. Heating pellets are typically oak which is OK for heat but Hickory, Mesquite, Apple & Alder have flavor.

There are some high quality heating pellets out there that I wouldn't hesitate in using if my goal is to turn up the heat and sear some flesh. For smoking, low heat / long time make good eatin.

Derek700 · 05-03-2014, 08:47 PM

I have used my Bradley smoker before with no complaints about the smoke. The delicious smell makes people wonder what is going on.

Camping Couple · 05-09-2014, 03:40 PM

Rotflmao!!!

j_shoe99 · 05-09-2014, 06:22 PM

A few years back, the guys at our campsite, in Marquette MI, got asked to help our neighbors throw a fully dressed hog onto a bbq trailer late one night. Lets just say it was heavy and bloody on a tarp. But, WOW, it tasted soooo good the next afternoon after we joined their group picnic!!! They invited us over, since we helped the night before.

Sidenote:
I actually have 14# of ribs in my fridge right now, waiting to hit the smoker tomorrow!!

I think if you bring a smoker to the CG.....you are easily the coolest person there!!! I guarantee you will make friends with your neighbors. Om nom nom...

mcfarmall · 05-10-2014, 06:12 AM

If anyone complains about the smell from your smoker, tell them that you threw a pound of carrots in there just for them.

Bassdogs · 05-10-2014, 06:50 AM

Please, hard to believe anyone would complain about a smoker unless you had it set up 5' from their open window. the only thing I seen that will prompt a complaint almost every time is a loud gen or a loud drinking party after quiet hours. Smoking brisket or ribs might attract varmits or new friends, but complaints? I think not!

Quahog · 05-11-2014, 06:17 AM

I'm subscribing to this thread. Besides having a mild interest in the Traeger, I've been considering getting myself one of the newer Weber 14" Smokey Mountain Cookers. I use a 22.5" at home a lot and once I saw the new one, I saw the potential for its "on the road" use. Anyone have one?

j_shoe99 · 05-11-2014, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quahog

I've been considering getting myself one of the newer Weber 14" Smokey Mountain Cookers. I use a 22.5" at home a lot

I'm in the same boat as you! I have the 22.5" WSM too,made ribs yesterday, and would love to have the smaller 14" WSM for it's compact size, and to bring with me camping! Can't justify the $$ right now though.

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