Stampede RT-590 3RPM Auger Upgrade

[GoHogs!]

I am using the RecTeq 3rpm auger in my 590. I called and complained about low heat last winter and recteq shipped me the 3rpm one for free. Also, I was told that my original was a 1.1rpm, not a 2. I have zero problem with temp fluctuation. I can hold 180 or 225 without an issue. Opening causes some mildly higher swings than what is talked about here. I am wondering if the motor you put in isn't really compatible with the controller. Maybe the one you installed is actually higher than 3RPM. Might be worth looking at.

 

[chadinsc]

if the 590 has a less than 2 rpm auger maybe the people that have swapped in 3rpms and removed 2 rpm from 700s could sale the 2rpms cheap. but i thought they all used the same part number for auger for 700 and smaller

 

[flippingeo]

@GoHogs! I'm not sure. I do know the motor I put in was a 3RPM motor for sure. I can't be for certain the original one wasn't a 2RPM, but I thought it was a consensus that it was a 2RPM from the factory. Is yours an older model?

I should also clarify that I'm validating my temp fluctuations with multiple Thermoworks ambient probes. I trust those more than the RT probes. During my test my RT probes would show very consistent temps, but my calibration probes showed a much different story.

 

[C. Keeper]

if the 590 has a less than 2 rpm auger maybe the people that have swapped in 3rpms and removed 2 rpm from 700s could sale the 2rpms cheap. but i thought they all used the same part number for auger for 700 and smaller

To my knowledge the motors are 1.6 rpm. Hopefully someone will prove me wrong.

 

[PRC]

I should also clarify that I'm validating my temp fluctuations with multiple Thermoworks ambient probes. I trust those more than the RT probes. During my test my RT probes would show very consistent temps, but my calibration probes showed a much different story.

I agree, the RT PID controller is programed to show very low temperature swings during the cook even when opening the lid. The PID on the 1250 rarely shows more than than 1 or 2 degrees off the temperature setting. The Thermoworks ambient probes (I use two, one on each side of the smoker) will show 10 - 15+ degree temperature swings with the lid staying closed. Much higher temperature swings when you open the lid for a minute or more.

 

[Luscombe]

I really appreciate the detail in this thread regarding the auger RPMs, temp control, and flameouts. But, it does feel like a bit of a rabbit hole.

My wife is not a big fan of smokey flavor and does like grilled burgers. The 590 with the sear plates took too long and had too much smoke for her. The solution was a camp chef bolted to the side of the grill. I can get the temp up to over 600 in about 10 minutes. This makes searing and reverse-searing much easier.
I know it is another grill but for me, it is a more simple solution.
I bought the 590 because I got tired of chasing temps on low and slow with my BGE. RecTeq simplified my low and slow cooking.

Thank you for all of the research and testing.

 

[flippingeo]

I really appreciate the detail in this thread regarding the auger RPMs, temp control, and flameouts. But, it does feel like a bit of a rabbit hole.

My wife is not a big fan of smokey flavor and does like grilled burgers. The 590 with the sear plates took too long and had too much smoke for her. The solution was a camp chef bolted to the side of the grill. I can get the temp up to over 600 in about 10 minutes. This makes searing and reverse-searing much easier.
I know it is another grill but for me, it is a more simple solution.
I bought the 590 because I got tired of chasing temps on low and slow with my BGE. RecTeq simplified my low and slow cooking.

Thank you for all of the research and testing.

Agreed. A few post back I stated I went back to the factory auger. Just not sustainable as both a smoker and a grill. I also went back and forth on whether to get a separate “grill” (bullseye) or attach a sidekick.

I landed on the bullseye. I’ve been contemplating a stick burner for low and slow and don’t want to Frankenstein my 590 if it’s fleeting. Having a bullseye will provide me the flexibility of grilling regardless of my smoking path.

Either way, I love tinkering so this was a fun experience. But I don’t recommend it. Sure you get high heats, and fast… Just too many downsides.

My bullseye will be arriving this week. Just in time to break it in with a twice smoked ham for Christmas!

 

[Beak]

Did u have to drill holes in your 590 for side kick or can the holes for the handle be used , also how does the grease drain from the side kick ….thx for your help

 

[flippingeo]

Did u have to drill holes in your 590 for side kick or can the holes for the handle be used , also how does the grease drain from the side kick ….thx for your help

There is a whole thread dedicated to that topic. Several have done it and I was all but there before I bought the bullseye. Yes you have to drill holes. And grease management is different based on the surface you use. Some a diffuser, some a drip tray.

 

[Stratratbj96]

I’m pretty new to this whole pellet smoker thing but I am very well versed in common sense and blessed with pretty good knowledge of electrical and mechanical machinery in the industrial realm. I have purchased and used a RT-1250 for several successful cooks both low and slow and at higher temperatures,including low temperature smoked steaks with a reverse seer using grill grates. If I were you understanding what you want in a grill slash smoker then I would sell the 590 and purchase a new 1250. It’s truly a great universal pellet cooker that can handle it all. Recteq has a nice bundle option going on right now with pellets and or $100 off of the Bullseye if you think you need it as well for 700 plus temperatures and the convenience of smaller quick weekday cooks. Anyway that’s just my two cents. I think a new RT-1250 is just what you need to be a happy grill master.

 

[flippingeo]

I’m pretty new to this whole pellet smoker thing but I am very well versed in common sense and blessed with pretty good knowledge of electrical and mechanical machinery in the industrial realm. I have purchased and used a RT-1250 for several successful cooks both low and slow and at higher temperatures,including low temperature smoked steaks with a reverse seer using grill grates. If I were you understanding what you want in a grill slash smoker then I would sell the 590 and purchase a new 1250. It’s truly a great universal pellet cooker that can handle it all. Recteq has a nice bundle option going on right now with pellets and or $100 off of the Bullseye if you think you need it as well for 700 plus temperatures and the convenience of smaller quick weekday cooks. Anyway that’s just my two cents. I think a new RT-1250 is just what you need to be a happy grill master.

I’m happy. And I’m sure this isn’t what you intended, but it seems like your suggesting I lack common sense.

Im not looking for smoker/cooker suggestions. I shared my test and the results cuz I like tinkering. Sure it be nice if one cooker did it all well, but that’s not the case. This was just me confirming it’s true for the 590. I’m glad you're good with your 1250. 590 is plenty of smoke space for me, and the bullseye will be my grill.

Im good. My next cooker won’t be a ReqTeq. Need to diversify.

 

[Stratratbj96]

I’m happy. And I’m sure this isn’t what you intended, but it seems like your suggesting I lack common sense.

Im not looking for smoker/cooker suggestions. I shared my test and the results cuz I like tinkering. Sure it be nice if one cooker did it all well, but that’s not the case. This was just me confirming it’s true for the 590. I’m glad you're good with your 1250. 590 is plenty of smoke space for me, and the bullseye will be my grill.

Im good. My next cooker won’t be a ReqTeq. Need to diversify.

Please forgive me if I spoke out of turn. I can tell that you have great understanding of the situation and I in no way meant to insult you. My intention was to help others who may be having some of the same concerns. I have noticed that some on this forum want a grill/ smoker to cover both low and slow and fast and hot. My only intention was to say the the RT-1250 is pretty good at both, and the Bullseye is a good thing to have for quick cooks of burgers or a few steaks after work for two to four people. Again please except my apologies if I offended you or anyone else. This is a great forum and I support like minded people helping each other in the quest for a family fun hobby and a chance to grow together around some good eats.

 

[flippingeo]

Please forgive me if I spoke out of turn. I can tell that you have great understanding of the situation and I in no way meant to insult you. My intention was to help others who may be having some of the same concerns. I have noticed that some on this forum want a grill/ smoker to cover both low and slow and fast and hot. My only intention was to say the the RT-1250 is pretty good at both, and the Bullseye is a good thing to have for quick cooks of burgers or a few steaks after work for two to four people. Again please except my apologies if I offended you or anyone else. This is a great forum and I support like minded people helping each other in the quest for a family fun hobby and a chance to grow together around some good eats.

Not offended. I was pulling your chain a bit.

There are times I wished I had bought up from the 590. But it smokes well. I imagine the 1250 does do a better job with higher heat cooks. I just don’t want to wait around for a larger cooker designed first for lo/slo to get up there.

The way I see it, if I’m grilling I should be able to start the grill walk, in prep my food, and by the time I get back to the grill with the prep, it’s ready to go. If your saying you can hit 500+ in less than 15 mins in the 1250, that’s sick. My 590 would be 30 mins or more regardless of grill grates. And often I couldn't even get to 500.

In either case, my subjective conclusion to the concerns I opened with, is to not try the mod. If you need to grill get the sidekick, bullseye, or a gasser of your choice.

I wanted only one cooker that did it all. But landed on another one won’t hurt. Besides, my wife needed gift ideas! Haha.

 

[Rectechie]

I love my 590 but if I want to sear I use my BGE. I recently smoked a Tri Tip on the 590 and reverse seared it on the Egg. Searing on grill grates on the 590 or gas grill does not compare to searing on charcoal.

 

[okie]

Hello fellow RT friends. I know you are just sitting there, watching football and wishing you had some long winded post on the RTF to read. Well you're in luck! I just replaced the factory 2RPM auger motor with an aftermarket 3RPM motor in my RT-590. And here's my story.

Overview​

When I bought my RT-590, this was my first direct exposure to pellet cookers. I had an aging, mid-range gasser and a 22" WSM I'd use for slow cooks. The gasser was in need of replacement, and the WSM was always more effort than I was looking for. So with months of research I landed on the RecTeq 590. It seemed like it would be a great way to consolidate my cookers. When I got it I loved it. Slow cooks became so much more hands-off and the smoke flavor was nothing short of the WSM IMHO. But, I quickly discovered that it wasn't a great alternative to a gasser for the quick cooks, searing, etc. So then I began researching what I could do to rectify this situation.

Issues Identified:

• Slow heat-up times for anything above 300° (30 mins in some cases just to get to 350°). God forbid I wanted 400°. I'd have to start the thing at breakfast to grill for lunch or early dinner.
• Even with Grill Grates, searing was just not feasible, or at least ideal, even if I wanted to wait an hour for the thing to heat up.
• When my wife wants a hamburger she only gives me a 30 min notice, and I must deliver. My RT-590 just wouldn't allow me to satisfy her.
• Impromptu "grilling" just isn't feasible, every cook must be planned out in advance.

Solutions Explored:

1. Purchasing another cooker (Bullseye specifically), but I really didn't want another cooker.
2. Attaching CampChef, or equivalent, sear box (Still an option).
3. Modify the RT-590.

I know from traversing this forum that I'm not the only one with these issues/concerns. So I was just about to pull the trigger on the Bullseye and I came across this thread in the RT-700 Group. https://www.recteqforum.com/threads/bfg-auger-motor-in-the-rt-700-its-awesome.3823/. I dove in. Let's try it, If I can avoid another cooker, I feel like a winner. I'm not the first to try this on the RT-590, but I've spent a good deal of time testing and documenting this so I thought I'd share. So here goes...

The TL;DR Version​

• What did you do? - I replaced the factory 2RPM auger motor with a 3RPM aftermarket motor found at SmokeDaddyInc.com - https://smokedaddyinc.com/product/3rpm-auger-motor-made-in-the-usa/
• Should I also get the Aluminum Auger Motor Stabilizing Bracket? - No. There isn't enough clearance to fit. (See details below).
• Was it easy to do? - Yes it was. Simply follow the instructions here -
• Did it fit without modification? - Yes it did. The upgraded replacement motor from SmokeDaddyInc.com fit perfectly.
• Did it make a difference? - Yes it did. I was able to reach temperatures at breakneck speed relative to the factory motor. I gained over 60° (12%) in max temperature, and ~70% gains on durations to setpoints. Substantial differences. All the gory details below.
• Anything negative to report? - TBD with further testing. I did realize some larger swings with the pit open tests. While it recovered much faster than the factory motor, it did swing quite high on some tests at 225° which is not great. However, this wasn't consistent so I'd like to do some further testing. It also seems a bit less stable at typical smoke temp (225°) which I don't like, but I'm going to try some cooks and see what happens. The 2RPM motor would hold dead nuts 225° for hours on end so expectations are a bit high.
• Would you recommend it? - It depends. If you are not having issues with your RT-590, only do slow/lo cooks on it, I wouldn't recommend it. If you struggled like me and looking to try something before buying another cooker, then yes. I recommend it. Based on other's experience, I would also explore the 2.5RPM motor. I'm looking to do that as soon as the motors become available. Others have reported lesser swing ranges than with the 3RPM.

​

The Details​

OK. For the rest of you who like this stuff, and want to read on, here are the gory details of this project.

General Information​

• Model: RT-590
• Min Feed Rate: 6.5%
• Temperature Calibration (Pit probe offset): +11%
• Pellets: RecTeq Ultimate Blend

Testing Preparations​

Conducted a series of tests that could be used to compare the 2RPM and 3RPM motor.

1. Clean the grill, scrape the drip pan
2. Calibrate meat probe using ice water calibration process
3. Set pit to 225° and place probe in center about 1" above grates
4. Let pit reach target and hold for 30 mins to stabilize
5. Adjust offset as needed for pit/probe alignment
6. Remove probe

View attachment 13141

Testing Process/Results​

This section describes the testing process and presents the results. I colocated the tests/results for easy comparison. I would have liked to have exported the Temperature History Charts, but unfortunately there is no way to do that in the app. I was going to grab screenshots and stitch them together for comparison, but honestly forgot. However these are the actual numbers realized at each phase of the tests.

Dates/Conditions

• 2RPM - Sunday, Oct 10, 2021
  • Environmental Conditions - Overcast/Cloudy; 65°; Winds 10 MPH/22 MPH Gust; RH 90%
• 3RPM - Saturday, Oct 16, 2021
  • Environmental Conditions - Overcast/Incoming cold front; 72°; Winds 16 MPH/26 MPH Gust; RH 76%

225° Startup Tests
Started the pit with a setpoint of 225°; Record time to setpoint.

• 2RPM
  • Start time - 10:45A; Time setpoint reached - 11:05A; 20 mins to setpoint from ambient.
• 3RPM
  • Start time - 1:00P; Time setpoint reached - 1:06P; 6 mins to setpoint from ambient.
    • Actually topped over at 227°. Blower fan was in constant intermittent mode. Blew for ~5 secs then paused for ~5 secs. Interestingly it does not really hold 225° like the 2RPM motor, it ranged +/-3°. Blower continued intermittent operation which is atypical of 2RPM.

Once reached, I held both tests for 30 mins to stabilize.

• 3RPM
  • At 30 mins, I lost fire (flameout). Dropped to 192° and never recovered. Pit eventually dropped to 130°. Stopped test to investigate. Firepit was empty, so I suspected auger jam or motor failure. I turned it back on to see if auger would run, it didn't I placed a handful of pellets in the pit and they ignited. Shortly thereafter the auger started operating. Hit 225° in about 5 mins. No more issues and seemed to be ok to move forward with tests.

225° Recovery Tests
Opening pit for defined times and recording max temperature drop/rise and time back to setpoint (stable). Once setpoint was reestablished, I held for >=15 mins before next test to stabilize. Reported below as (LOSS; RISE; TIME TO SETPOINT).

• 2RPM
  • Open 15 seconds: No loss; No rise; Stayed at setpoint
  • Open 30 seconds: 223°(-2°); 227°(+2°); Back to setpoint in 10.5 mins
  • Open 60 seconds: 188°(-37°); 228°(+3°); Back to setpoint in 22.5 mins
• 3RPM
  • Open 15 seconds: 198°(-27°); No rise; Back to setpoint in 2 mins
  • Open 30 seconds: 187°(-38°); 245°(+20°); Back to setpoint in 13 mins
  • Open 60 seconds: 215°(-20°); 228°(+3°); Back to setpoint in 13 mins

3RPM motor was definitely swinging wildly before it would stabilize at the setpoint. I can't really explain the loss/rise difference between 30/60 sec. More tests might be needed.

500° Ramp Up Tests
Adjusted setpoint to 500°; Record time to setpoint.

• 2RPM
  • 31 minsto setpoint from 225°
    • 350° at 6 mins; 400° at 9 mins; 450° at 14.5 mins;
• 3RPM
  • 9.5 minsto setpoint from 225°
    • 350° at 5 mins; 400° at 5:45 mins; 450° at 7 mins

500° Recovery Tests
Opening pit for defined times and recording max temperature drop/rise and time back to setpoint (stable). Once setpoint was reestablished, I held for >=15 mins before next test to stabilize. Reported below as - TEMP LOSS; TEMP RISE; TIME TO SETPOINT).

• 2RPM
  • Open 15 seconds: 476°(-24°); No rise; Back to setpoint in 4 mins
  • Open 30 seconds: 429°(-71°); No rise; Back to setpoint in 12.5 mins
  • Open 60 seconds: 394°(-106°); No rise; Back to setpoint in 12 mins
• 3RPM
  • Open 15 seconds: 492°(-8°); No rise; Back to setpoint in 2 mins
  • Open 30 seconds: 450°(-24°); 536°(+36°); Back to setpoint in 14.5 mins
  • Open 60 seconds: 357°(-143°); 541°(+36°); Back to setpoint at 15 mins

While the swings found with the 3RPM are much broader, I'm not sure how much it matters at this cooking temperature. At this point in the test, the weather had gotten a bit more rough. It was raining and much more breezy as the cold front was coming in. Overall recovery between the 2 motors are close in duration, but not temperature. On the 2RPM motor I was realizing no rise on the backside as I was with the 3RPM. Again, not sure it matters much at this cooking temperature, but noticeable difference. I do hope to do some more tests with this.

Max Temp Tests
Yup! It's now time to see how high this sucker can fly. Adjusted the setpoint to FUL and placed GrillGrates (GG) flat side up on right side. Observed and documented temps at defined milestones. GG measured with Thermoworks IR-GUN-S. Reported below as - PIT TEMP/GG SURFACE TEMP.

• 2RPM
  • At 15 mins: 498° / 533° - From 500°: +/-0° / +33°
  • At 30 mins: 519° / 548° - From prior: +21° / +15°
  • At 60 mins: 536° / 563° - From prior: +17° / +15°
• 3RPM
  • At 15 mins: 602° / 620° - From 500°: +102° / +120°
  • At 30 mins: 600° / 635° - From prior: -2° / +15°
  • At 60 mins: 600° / 645° - From prior: +/-0° / +10°

So with the 2RPM, I was unable to get beyond 536° even after an hour. IMO that is a tough temp to get a good sear. While yes the GGs were higher, still not high enough IMO. Not to mention I'm not willing to wait an hour to hit that temp. The 3RPM was able to jump up over 100° within the first 15 mins. As you can see, I topped off at ~600° so essentially it reached max temp within 15 mins from 500° start point. Impressive for sure, and with the GGs, I definitely feel comfortable this joker can give a good sear.

Supplemental FUL Test
Last night the cold front came through and cooled us off substantially. I wanted to do a cold start FUL test with the 3RPM. Here are the results:

• Environmental Conditions - Partly Sunny; 55°; Winds 15 MPH/26 MPH Gust
• 500° at 17 mins after start
• 600° at 25 mins after start
• Held at 600° for over an hour
• Recorded max GG temp just over the fire box at 657°

View attachment 13142

Replacement Notes​

Its easy. Just watch this video (

). Pretty sure it took me no more than 30 mins, and that includes time trying to figure out whether I could use the SmokeDaddy motor bracket. Some notes though:

While you're in there, go ahead and clean things up. Keyboard duster, Swiffer, whatever you have lying around. Bugs find it to be a safe place.

SmokeDaddy Motor bracket just didn't have enough clearance to use. As you can see from the photos, the factory motor is only supported by the auger shaft and a small plate under the motor. In the first picture you'll see the motor is crooked as there is play between the motor and the plate. I did end up putting a small piece of weatherstripping on the plate to reduce the twisting of the motor. Not sure how necessary it is though.

View attachment 13143
View attachment 13144
View attachment 13147

Comments/Issues​

Now, in addition to the temp swing issues with the 3RPM and the flameout I experience on the first test, there was something else I noticed that I want to mention. At this point, I still don't know if it is related to environmental conditions, or whether these new high heats are literally forcing the moisture out of the pellets, but on FUL I realized lol substantial condensation in my hopper. I'm diligent about how I store my pellets, and they are always dry. Now the pellets that were in the hopper likely grabbed some moisture from this recent Oct heat/humidity wave we've had, so that is certainly possible.

But either way, this is concerning. I will keep an eye on this in my next few cooks. I'm in MD, so we are almost always humid. Though I've never noticed moisture in the hopper before.
View attachment 13148

I do believe that the play between motor and the chassis may be intentional to take up the sudden shock when auger hits the larger pellets at start up to avoid motor damage or cotter pin shear. Somewhere in the distant past I was told that but can’t remember which pit I was using. I think you did a great job!

 

[okie]

To my knowledge the motors are 1.6 rpm. Hopefully someone will prove me wrong.

I think 1.6 rpm is correct. The new 2.5 might be a more stable upgrade. My 1070 has 3 rpm motor and seems very stable and I have verified 700* on FUL.

 

[C. Keeper]

I think 1.6 rpm is correct. The new 2.5 might be a more stable upgrade. My 1070 has 3 rpm motor and seems very stable and I have verified 700* on FUL.

I prefer the 2.5 compared to the 3.0. YMMV

 

[All The Smoke]

This is why I am divorced. Good write-up, thanks for sharing.

 

[Motodad1776]

Got my 590 last March, I verified today that my 590 has a 3RPM motor, I'm at 2% feedrate and the grill will hold steady at any temp. Wasn't sure if anyone knew the 3RPM was stock on the 590 now?

 

[flippingeo]

Got my 590 last March, I verified today that my 590 has a 3RPM motor, I'm at 2% feedrate and the grill will hold steady at any temp. Wasn't sure if anyone knew the 3RPM was stock on the 590 now?

Did not know this. When you say steady... Steady based on the RT PID, or did you validate with some additional pit probes? Not saying you're wrong, just want to confirm. I know for me, what the RT reports and what is actually happening in the pit can be 3 different things.