7 Easy Oklahoma Joe Longhorn Smoker Mods, Sep(2023)

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oklahoma joe longhorn smoker mods_FeaturedImage

Here I have explained most of your queries about Oklahoma Joe Longhorn Smoker Mods.

I have always struggled to find proper information on the Mods. 

Therefore, whatever from my experiences in doing and learning about the  Mods, I have tried to share the best of helpful information..

I have tried to cover some common queries like,

I surely hope it solves your problem….,

Be sure to check out – 

12+ Full List of top modifications of different grills, smokers and cookers etc.
Oklahoma Joe vs Char-Griller
Oklahoma Joe Longhorn combo mods
Oklahoma Joe accessories.

Oklahoma Joe Longhorn Smoker Mods- Easy and to the point.

Mod 1 : Adding Lock gauges. 

Smoke leakages are common in Oklahoma Joe Longhorn..

One of the reasons is the cooking chamber lids not closing properly. 

For me in order to make it hold tightly and not leak through the cooking lids, I used lava lock clamp and installed it on the chamber doors. 

Some people prefer to place it much lower than mine.

For me it worked best when I placed it on the upper side. 

However you need to know that this can come in between while opening the firebox lids.

Its purely your choice on where you want to place…,

Oklahoma Joe Longhorn Smoker Mods
Image of the lava lock.
Sale
LavaLock® clamps compatible with Oklahoma Joe's Smoker Lid Latch Kit for Longhorn, Highland, 3 in 1 cook chamber lid 2 pack
  • ✅ 【FOR FIREBOX / COOK CHAMBER】Smoker latches for smoking chamber or firebox lid
  • ✅ 【ADJUSTABLE】Adjustable design to work with any offset smoker
  • ✅ 【FITS OK JOES HL & LH】Replaces Oem compatible with Oklahoma Joe's 7816915P06 Door Latch Kit, 2-Pack
  • ✅ 【HELPS FIX WARPED LIDS】Allows for easy modification and customization of your smoker
  • ✅ 【2 PER PACK】Smoker door latch kit includes two latches per pack with mounting hardware.

Mod 2: Adding Thermometers

Whenever you purchase Oklahoma Joe Longhorn you will get two slots for the thermometer.

I wanted to have this done fully. 

Therefore I got new thermometers and installed them. 

What I found is that my two sides have a difference of 10-15 degrees in temperature.

However, I prefer to keep it this way.

I like to have one side hotter than the other.

It is handy for different dishes at a time..

Image of the thermometer
Image of the thermometer.
Sale
DOZYANT BBQ Charcoal Grill Smoker Temperature Gauge Pit Barbecue Thermometer Fahrenheit and Heat Indicator for Meat Cooking Port Lamb Beef, Stainless Steel Temp Gauge
  • The 2 3/8" large face of the temperature gauge makes it easy to read and classify the temperature of your food. The Stem is 2 7/8"
  • For maximum durability and reliability the case is made out of stainless steel. This is not only safe but also environmentally friendly
  • Easy to install on your grill, oven or oven panel for convenient usage
  • The surface of the temperature gauge is waterproof and will not get foggy due to the heat so that you can read the temperature at any time you wish to do so
  • The temperature range goes from 50F~800F (2% measuring accuracy)

Mod 3: Using Water Pan

This is highly recommended.

I place the water pan under the grates.

It doesn’t take up much space.

And it is very helpful to manage the temperatures. 

See mine. . . .

Image of the Water pan
Image of the Water pan.

Mod 4 : Using Diffuser or Tuning Plates (Oklahoma Joe Longhorn Tuning Plate)

Also known as the Oklahoma Joe Longhorn baffle plate modification.

This is one of the most valuable modifications so far for me.

I highly recommend it.

Using tuning plates helps to even out the smoke in the cooking chamber.

It also helps in maintaining the temperature inside the cooking chamber.

In my case I simply bought one as I didn’t want to go through the hassle of making it myself. 

Just got one online and installed it.

Either you can fix it through screws or leave it as temporary. 

In my case I screwed it well and attached it.

It is really not hard to unscrew it for cleaning.

Image of the tuning plates fixed up
Image of the tuning plates fixed up.

Mod 5: Remove the Spot Welds and the Brackets

If you see inside the cooking chamber you will see some tiny spot welds under where the baffle plate would sit. Also the brackets.

These are for reverse flow models only..

Image of the tiny welds and brackets to be removed.

I didn’t require those, So I removed it with the help of an air hammer. 

I really wanted to have the tuning system, therefore I had to remove these welds in order to place my tuning plates properly. 

Mod 6: Seal the Firebox (Oklahoma Joe Firebox Upgrade)

It is a good idea to seal the firebox with silicon.

In Fact I used silicone to seal almost every place where smoke leakages were evident to me while cooking.

If you are tired of your smoke leakage problem then this modification is a must.

Oklahoma Joe Longhorn Smoker Mods
Sealing the firebox with silicon.
Oklahoma Joe Longhorn Smoker Mods
Installing gasket on firebox.

Tips : 

It is useless to put sealant around the area of the firebox lid closing as it burns off with heat soon..  

Mod 7: Adding ports for probes.

It is very annoying to see the leakages when you want to insert the temperature probe through the lid.

I drilled a hole to insert my probe directly.

This is quite handy as I don’t need to put my probe through the lid. 

You can attach a rubber port to it to prevent leakages and easy insertion of the temperature probes.

Image of the port hole
Image of the port hole.
Sale
2 Pack Thermometer and Probe Grommet for Grills - Compatible with Weber Smokey Mountain Cookers and More - Compare to Replacement 85037 - by Impresa Products
  • Ideal For Many Grills: Our thermometer and probe grommets are a perfect fit for Weber (TM) Smokey Mountain Cookers (TM) with no drilling required (14.5", 18.5" and 22.5"). Other grills can be easily adapted to use the probe by drilling a 1.25 inch hole in the side of the grill (tips below)
  • Measure Temperature Easily: Our thermometer and probe port makes it easy to feed probes into your grill without crushing or damaging the sensor cord under the lid. The small round hole is perfect for smaller probes and the larger slot port is great for large or dual probes
  • Comparable To OEM Parts: Our thermometer grommets are made from high-quality, high-temperature-resistant, food-grade silicone and are durable, robust, and made to last
  • Easy To Install: Quick and easy to install - installation tips below. Comparable to OEM part # 85037. Allows for multiple probes to be inserted
  • If you have any questions about whether this probe grommet for smoker will fit your equipment, please contact us through our seller page or ask a question. Please note: This is an aftermarket product (produced by Impresa Products). We have no affiliation with or endorsement from any of the manufacturers mentioned

# Tools and Items I used for the Modifications:

Find your Accessories

Oklahoma Joe’s Temperature gauge

Sale
Oklahoma Joe's 3695528R06 Analog Temperature Gauge , Silver
  • Fits most BBQ smokers with a 13/16 inch opening
  • Accurately reads temperature of grill or smoker in degrees Fahrenheit
  • Premium stainless Steel construction
  • Includes one temperature gauge with wing nut

Oklahoma Joe’s Steel Griddle

Oklahoma Joe's 1996977P04 19-inch Carbon Steel Griddle, Gray
  • Extra-large 19-inch diameter griddle to cook for a crowd
  • Heavy-duty 12-gauge carbon steel construction is more durable and lighter than cast-iron
  • Universal griddle for use with most smokers, grills, ovens and stove tops
  • Designed to fit the Flex Grate on the Oklahoma Joe's Rider & Rider DLX Pellet Grills
  • MEASUREMENTS: Diameter: 19.0 inches ; Handle width: 4.3 inches; Handle height: 2.3 inches; Thickness: 1.2 inches; Base to top of handle: 2.4 inches

Oklahoma Joe’s Charcoal Firebox

Sale
Oklahoma Joe's 5279338P04 Stainless Steel Offset Smoker Charcoal Firebox Basket, Silver
  • The original heavy-duty basket from Oklahoma Joe's. Designed in the USA
  • Holds enough fuel to load once and cook all day. Also helps keep cleanup quick and simple.
  • Fits most offset charcoal smoker grills including the Oklahoma Joe's Highland, Longhorn, Bandera and 3-in-1 Combo.
  • Stainless steel construction so it's build to last. Quick and easy to assemble.
  • Measures 12.3-Inches W x 12.3-Inches D x 7.5-Inches H

Oklahoma Joe’s Dirp Bucket

Sale
Oklahoma Joe's 9518545P06 Drip Bucket, Black
  • Long-lasting metal construction so it's made to last
  • Coated with weather-resistant paint
  • Works with most offset smokers
  • Measures 6.3-inches in diamter with a 2-quart capacity

Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Outdoor combo grill cover:

Oklahoma Joe's Longhorn Outdoor Grill Combo Cover
  • Made To Fit The Oklahoma Joe Grill/Smoker Combo
  • Heavy-Duty 300D X 250D Polyester
  • Weather Resistant
  • No Assembly Required

Oklahoma Joe’s Smoker Lid Latch Kit

Smoke stack extension for OKLAHOMA JOE’S LONGHORN

FAQ

# How can I improve my Oklahoma Joe smoker?

You can improve your Oklahoma Joe Smoker with a few modifications like sealing the joint leakages, Using Gasket across lids, Using charcoal Basket, Adding Temperature gauge etc..

I have already listed the most effective modifications in this article.

# Are Oklahoma Joe’s smokers made in China?

The company is now owned by Charbroil which is a US company.

So you can rely on its quality.

It is better than most other smokers in its range.

However, mass production of its units are done in China.

# How do you use an Oklahoma Joe’s Highland offset smoker?

Using Oklahoma Joe’s Highland offset smoker is easy like another offset smoker.

Here is a video example of how to use it. Smoked Ribs and Fire Management.

# What is the biggest Oklahoma Joe smoker?

Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn offset smoker is the largest as of now with the capacity of around 751-square-inches of primary cooking space.

# Is a reverse flow exhaust port available on the Oklahoma Joe Longhorn Smoker?

No. On this Longhorn Offset Smoker, there is only one smoke stack..

# Conclusion

In conclusion, these simple modifications for the Oklahoma Joe Longhorn Smoker can greatly improve its functionality and usability. You may improve temperature control and efficiency with these adjustments, which range from installing heat management systems to closing air leaks. By putting these straightforward improvements into practice, you can elevate your smoking skills and easily enjoy mouthwatering bbq..