Mis-aligned Heating Element

[TARDISgirl]

Hello all, I'm back from a long absence to the forum.
I had purchased a #1 almost 4 years ago, and have decided to upgrade to the #3 (analog).
I unboxed today, and noticed the frame around the heating element is badly askew. This is causing the firebox not to sit well, and will actually rock back and forth when installed.
I am also missing the nuts to install the caster wheels, I double checked the packing, and did not find any. So I am unable to put them on to move this big boi around.

Has anyone had similar issues? I have already emailed Steve, and am awaiting a response.

 

[old sarge]

Mine was not 100% straight either.  I tweaked the support, careful to not tweak the element and all is well.

 

[EFGM]

It's hard to tell from the picture, but if you close the lid on the wood box and then slide it in, is it still catty campus. Just a thought.

 

[Lonzinomaker]

My support was a little off center too. I just pushed it into alignment, being careful not to twist it so it stayed level.

 

[Stevegardner]

Is it my imagination, or are we seeing more posts with workmanship issues lately? I know the service and follow up on these issues is stellar, that is a huge plus. But, it seems like we are getting more posts with quality issues lately.

 

[Drayken]

.. the more popular an item, the more issues u will see arise. Almost all problems will get posted, but not every good experience does. Have u checked masterbuilt groups? There's soooo many problems, yet my friend has one that works great. We all tend to post more complaints, than successes.

About the bent element shield, Steve had said, as long as it isn't touching the actual element, it's not really going to affect anything. If u try to tweak it a bit, be sure not to break the welds in back.

 

[pappabear]

Hear's my take. My brother has had a #3 for 5 or 6 years with only 1 issue. During a move a wire came loose and Steve told him what to look for...done. He's had other smokers in the past and said smokin it is the best.
  I bought a #2 couple months ago, my first smoker. It's great and zero issues. Just my 2cents about a great smoker!

 

[TARDISgirl]

I'm in contact with Steve, trying to get a solution. The smokebox lid isn't the problem, the frame and heating element are just so off center, that the smokebox won't align at all.

 

[old sarge]

Here's hoping you get this resolved.

 

[TARDISgirl]

Got everything worked out. Steve sent me a replacement "gutted" #3 - just the box. Definitely an improvement. Great customer service for a great product.
Now my #1 has a big brother

 

[old sarge]

Outstanding!  Good company and a great owner.