Alright i seasoned Sunday. Did 2 racks (7lbs) of baby backs yesterday from Sam's. Got them for $3.09/lb.
0730 - I started with removing the membrane, rubbing down with some mustard and oil, then adding Dave's Rib Rub. I cut the ribs in half to easily fit the #2 and to get the meatier halves one rack lower.
They then went back into the beer fridge.
In the meantime i picked out a few chunks of hickory and it measured out to exactly 3 oz. I foil boated each piece. I filled a mini loaf pan with some apple juice. I put all this in the smoker right after the ribs went back in the fridge.
1130 - Ribs out....a beer out and go! 2 halves on top rack, 2 halves on 1st from top rack. Set the smoker to 230 and go! It was about 1140 when the door shut.
1155 - start noticing some smoke that started white then quickly went to a yellowish color. This continued for a bit. Didn't smell great either...not bad, but not like that great hickory smell.
1210 - trying to feed my little dude and hear the big belch and look out on the deck to see all the smoke. dark yellowish tinted smoke. this color continued for about 15 more minutes.
1225-1645 - nice constant stream of white smoke and an incredible smell! Pulled the ribs out.
1715 - dinner served! maybe a bit dry in the thin spots but overall pretty darn solid! Luckily i actually like the dryness and having to do some chewing, while my wife likes the juicier parts, so this worked out real well. There was on hunk of meat hanging off the end that basically got torched and i loved it. Like a hunk of crusted up jerky!
Overall, i consider it a success although i would like to get rid of the belch. Guessing one of the chunks caught fire and thats also why the dark yellowish smoke was present? maybe try ramping up temp next time? I noticed during the seasoning that the middle of the smoke box appeared to be the hottest, and not the part closest to the back. Normal? Should i avoid putting wood in the middle. Thanks to all you on these boards for all the tips...i know this beginner really appreciates it!