Camp Chef PGVXXL Warning & Instruction Booklet

WARNING & INSTRUCTION BOOKLET

www.CampChef.com | 1.800.650.2433 • Camp Chef is a registered trademark of Logan Outdoor Products

©2018 • Patented • Patent Pending • 3985 N 75 W, Hyde Park, UT 84318, USA • Made in China 1018_PGVXXL_Instructions

PELLET SMOKER

MODEL PGVXXL

WARNING

DANGER

FOR OUTDOOR USE ONLY

WARNING

If the information in this manual is not
followed exactly, a fire or explosion may
result causing property damage, personal
injury or loss of life.

WARNING

• To installer or person assembling this
appliance: Leave this manual with this
appliance for future reference.

• To consumer: Keep this manual with this
appliance for future reference.

This instruction manual contains important
information necessary for the proper assembly
and safe use of this product. Read and
follow all warnings and instructions before
assembling and using this appliance. Do not

• Never operate this appliance unattended.

• Never operate this appliance within 10 ft (3
m) of any structure, combustible material or
other gas cylinder.

• Never operate this appliance within 25 ft (7.5
m) of any flammable liquid.

• Heated liquids remain at scalding
temperatures long after the cooking process.
Never touch cooking appliance until liquids
have cooled to 115°F (45°C) or less.

Failure to follow these instructions could result
in fire, explosion or burn hazard which could
cause property damage, personal injury or
death.

CAUTION

Always store wood pellets away from heat
producing appliances and other food containers.
Pellets should be stored in a dry environment.

discard this instruction manual.

CAUTION

Use Only Wood Pellet Fuel Specified By The
Manufacturer. Do Not Use Pellet Fuel Labeled As
Having Additives. Only use Camp Chef Premium
Pellets with the following specifications. 8,000­8,300 BTU/LB 0.75-0.85% Ash content

CAUTION

Contact local building or fire officials about
restrictions and installation inspection
requirements in your area.

A MAJOR CAUSE OF FIRES IS FAILURE TO
MAINTAIN REQUIRED CLEARANCES (AIR
SPACES) TO COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS. IT IS OF
UTMOST IMPORTANCE THAT THIS PRODUCT BE
INSTALLED ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THESE

WARNING

Normal use will create a buildup of ash, grease,
and creosote inside the smoker. The smoker must
be thoroughly cleaned after every 50 hours of use
or if a buildup of grease or creosote is noticed
inside the smoker. Clean the smoker by removing
all internal parts and thoroughly scrape away all
grease and creosote from all internal surfaces
including the grease drain and remove debris from
the smoker. The drip tray must always be cleaned
prior to turning the smoker to high. Excessive
buildup of grease and creosote may result in a
grease fire. If a grease fire does occur, turn off
the smoker using the main power switch and
close the door. Leave the door closed until the fire
extinguishes itself. If an uncontrolled fire does
occur, immediately call the local fire department.
Never put water on a grease fire.

INSTRUCTIONS.

CARBON MONOXIDE WARNING

Follow these guidelines to prevent this colorless, odorless gas from poisoning you, your family or others. Know the
symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and confusion.
Carbon monoxide reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. Low blood oxygen levels can result in loss of consciousness
and death. See a doctor if you or others develop cold or flu-like symptoms while cooking or in the vicinity of this
appliance. Carbon monoxide poisoning, which can easily be mistaken for a cold or flu, is often detected too late. Alcohol
consumption and drug use increase the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is especially toxic to
mother and child during pregnancy, infants, the elderly, smokers and people with blood or circulatory system problems,
such as anemia, or heart disease.

Hardware Bags:

PGXXL-13
Legs & Hopper Hardware
Qty (16) M6 x 15 Bolts
Qty (2) M4 Self Tapping Screws

PGXXL-10
Wire Rail Hardware
Qty (8) M6 x 20 bolts
Qty (8) M6 Flat Washer
Qty (8) M6 keps Nut

PGXXL-11
Heat Deflector Bracket Hardware
Qty (4) M4 X 10 Screws

PGXXL-12
Probe Cover & Thermometer Hardware
Qty (4) #8-32 Self Tapping Screws

PG24-54 (2)

PG24-44 (1)

THERMOMETER

PGXXL-3 (1)

PROBE COVER

PGXXL-16 (1)

HOPPER ASM

PROBE COVER

PGXXL-2 (2)

WIRE RAIL

PGVXXL PARTS

SSG24 (1)
SAUSAGE RACK

SMV-45 (3)
JERKY/SEAFOOD RACK

PGXXL-1
DRIP TRAY

PG24-4 (1)
HEAT DEFLECTOR

SMV-38 (4)
COOKING GRID

SMV-3 (1)
DAMPER VENT

M5 SHOULDER SCREW

SMV-40 (1)
SMV WIRE HANDLE

PG24-34 (1)

FEED GASKET

PGXXL-7 (2)

HEAT DEFLECTOR BRACKET

PGXXL-5
(1)DOOR

PANEL

PGXXL-15 (2)

DOOR HINGE

PGXXL-17 (1)
HANDLE ASM

PGXXL-6 (1)

BOTTOM DOOR PANEL

PG24-17 (1)

ASH CUP

PG24-11 (1)

PGXXL-8 (4)
LEG

PG36-7 (4)
SWIVEL CASTER

GREASE BUCKET

0918 PGVXXL PARTS

PG24-9 (1)
PULLOUT KNOB

PG24-42 (1)
PULLOUT LOCK

PG24-41 (1)
BURNER PULLOUT

BURNER

PG24-20 (1)

M4.2 X 10 SCREW (4)

PG24-21 (1)

HEATING ROD

PGC24-14 (1)

HOPPER WINDOW

M4 X 10 SCREW (2)

PG24-25

PG24-24 (1)

AUGER MOTOR WITH IMPELLER

PG24-49 (1)

AUGER IMPELLER

PG24-27 (1)

BLOWER IMPELLER

(1)AUGER PIN W

/NUT

PG24-23 (1)

AUGER BUSHING

M4.2 X 10 SCREW (4)

PG24-26 (1)

PGC24-8 (1)

AUGER

BTOP-1 (1)

BOTTLE OPENER

M4.2 X 10 SCREW (2)

BLOWER MOTOR WITH IMPELLER

PG24-30 (1)

0918 PGXXL PARTS

PG24-28 (2)

MEAT PROBE

CONTROLLER KNOB

PG24-52 (1)

PG24-60 (1)

HOPPER LID

HOPPER RAKE

PG24-53 (1)

AUGER GUARD

LID MAGNET

PGC24-18 (1)

PG24-48 (1)

POWER CORD

PGC24-13 (1)

PGC24-12 (1)

HOPPER HANDLE

HOPPER CLEANOUT

M6 NUT (2)

M6 X 15 BOLT(2)

PG24-42 (1)

PULLOUT LOCK

PG24-9 (1)

PGXXL-9 (1)

CONTROLLER

PG24-45 (1)

CONTROLLER GASKET

PULLOUT KNOB

PG24-46 (1)

GUARD PLATE

1. Do NOT leave this appliance unattended while in use.
The user must remain in the immediate area of the
product and have a clear view of the product at all times
during operation.

2. Keep children and pets away from burner at all times.

3. The use of alcohol, prescription or non-prescription drugs
may impair your ability to properly assemble or safely
operate
this appliance.

4. For OUTDOOR use only. Do NOT use in a building,
garage or any other enclosed area. Do NOT use in or on
recreational vehicles or boats. NEVER use this appliance
as a heater.

5. Do not operate appliance under ANY overhead
construction. Keep a minimum clearance of 18 inches
(0.5 m) from the sides, front and back of appliance to
ANY construction. Keep the area clear of all combustible
material and flammable liquids, including wood, dry
plants and grass, brush, paper, and canvas.

6. This product is not intended for commercial use.

7. Always allow the appliance to cool before covering with
the patio cover.

8. Always cover the appliance, with patio cover (if
supplied), when not in use.

9. Always unplug smoker before installing patio cover.

10. Use only on a level, stable non-combustible surface like

bricks, concrete or dirt. Do not use this appliance on
any surface that will burn or melt like wood, asphalt,
vinyl or plastic.

11. Make sure the grease bucket is in place before starting

the smoker.

12. In the event of a fire the dial should be turned to

shutdown, close the door, and leave it closed until the
fire goes out. After allowing the smoker to cool, follow
the cleaning instructions before the next use.

13. Use only food grade hardwood pellets manufactured for

use in pellet smokers. Using softwood or heating pellets
will void your warranty.

14. Do not allow the hopper to run out of pellets. Pellets

can be added at any time. The hopper will hold
approximately 15 pounds of pellets. The pellet usage
will vary greatly depending on the ambient temperature
as well as
cooking temperature.

15. It is recommended that you not store pellets in the

hopper for extended periods as they may absorb
moisture from the air and clog the auger.

16. Keep the door closed during cooking. The smoker is

designed to cook with the door closed.

17. Do not use accessories not specified for use with
appliance.

18. Never use gasoline, gasoline-type lantern fuel,
kerosene, charcoal lighter fluid, or similar liquids to
start or freshen up a fire in this appliance. Keep all
such liquids well away from the appliance when in use.

19. Ashes should be placed in a metal container with a
tight fitting door. The closed container of ashes should
be placed on a non combustible floor or on the ground,
well away from all combustible materials, pending final
disposal. When the ashes are disposed by burial in soil
or otherwise locally dispersed they should be retained
in the closed container until all cinders have thoroughly
cooled.

20. Creosote – Formation and need for removal. When wood
pellets are burned slowly, they produce tar and other
organic vapors that combine with expelled moisture
to form creosote. The creosote vapors condense in a
relatively cool oven flue and exhaust hood of a slow
burning fire. As a result, creosote residue accumulates
on the walls of the smoker. When ignited, this creosote
makes an extremely hot fire. The smoker should be
inspected every 50 hours to determine when grease
and/or creosote build-up has occurred. When grease
or creosote has accumulated, it should be removed to
reduce risk of fire.

DANGER

Do not work on this smoker if it is plugged in. Electric
shock may occur resulting in death or serious injury.

Assembly Instructions

4. Install Stop Lock using Qty (2) M6 Shoulder Bolts and
Qty (2) M6 nuts.

5. Install Burner Pullout by sliding it through the
side where the Stop Lock was installed.

6. Install Stop Lock Bushing on the Burner Pullout.
Then install the Pull Knob on the Burner Pullout.

screws.

Assembly requires two people.
Remove all loose parts from the inside of the smoker and
hopper. Lay a blanket or piece of cardboard down to protect
the smoker.

1. With the smoker cabinet in the upright position remove
the door by lifting it from the hinges. Set the door panel
aside. This will make assembly much easier.

2. Set the smoker assembly on its back. Set the smoker
cabinet on a padded surface such as cardboard or carpet
to prevent scratching or damaging the smoker.

3. Assemble Qty (4) Legs as shown using Qty (12) M6 x 15
bolts. See FIG. 1

M6 x 15

FIG.3

Burner Pullout

6. Install stop lock bushing on the burner pullout, then
install the pull knob on the burner pullout. See FIG. 4

FIG. 4

7. Install Qty (2) heat deflector brackets using QTY(8) M4 x
10 screws. See FIG. 5

FIG. 5

FIG. 1

4. Install stop lock using Qty (2) M6 Shoulder bolts and QTY
(2) M6 nuts. See FIG. 2

FIG. 2

Stop Lock

M6 Shoulder Bolt

M6 Nut

5. Install burner pullout by sliding it through the side where
the stop lock was installed. See FIG. 3

Heat Deflector
Bracket

M4 x 10

8. Install bottle opener as shown in Fig. 6.

BOTTLE OPENER

M6 X 15MM SCREW

FIG. 6

9. Install hopper handle as shown in Fig. 7.

M6 X 15MM SCREW

BOTTLE OPENER

Thermometer

Feed Gasket

Hopper Tube

Route thermometer

through this hole

13. Install Qty (2) Probe Covers as shown.

14. Install Qty (2) Wire Rails as shown.

M6 X 20 Bolt

M6 Flat Washer

M6 Keps Nut

Wire Rail

M6 LOCK WASHER (2)

M6 FLAT WASHER (2)

M6 RUBBER WASHER (2)

12. Secure hopper end to the smoker body assembly using
Qty (2) self tapping screws. See FIG. 9

#8-32

Thermometer

Notch Up

M6 x 15

FIG. 7

HOPPER HANDLE (1)
PGC24-12

8. Install the feed gasket over the hopper tube. Install the
hopper tube through the square opening on the side of
the smoker assembly. When the hopper tube is about
half way in, route the Thermometer through the upper
rectangular hole. Note: Be careful not to damage the
thermometer. See FIG. 8

FIG. 8

Probe Cover

FIG. 9

Hopper End

13. Install hopper lid as shown in Fig. 10.
FIG. 10

14. Install Qty (2) probe covers as shown. See FIG. 11

Self Tapping
Screws

9. Attach hopper assembly using Qty (4) M6 x 15 bolts as
shown. See FIG. 9

10. Install thermometer as shown then secure using Qty (2)

#8-32 screws. See FIG. 9

11. Push extra wire from thermometer back through the hole

to the hopper. Install probe cover to the wall where the
thermometer came thru the wall using QTY (2) #8-32
screws. Make sure that the notch in the cover is up and
wire goes through notch so it is not pinched. See FIG. 9

M6 Lock Washer

M6 Flat Washer

M6 Flat Washer

M6 X 15 Bolt

M6 Hex Nut

Probe Cover

FIG. 11

15. Install Qty (2) wire rails as shown. See FIG. 12

13. Install Qty (2) Probe Covers as shown.

14. Install Qty (2) Wire Rails as shown.

M6 X 20 Bolt

M6 Flat Washer

M6 Keps Nut

Wire Rail

15. Install the Damper Vent on the side of the smoker assembly
using Qty (1) M6 Shoulder Bolt.

16. Install SMV Wire Handle by using Qty (2) M6 x 15 bolts.

17. Install Heat Deflector on the Heat Deflector Bracket.

18. Install Drip Tray.

Ash Cup

FIG. 12

16. Install the damper vent on the side of the smoker

assembly using Qty (1) M6 shoulder bolt. See FIG. 13

17. Install SMV wire handle by using Qty (2) M6 x 15 bolts.

See FIG. 13

Damper Vent

M6 Sholder Bolt

M12 Lock Nut (2)

Wave Washer (1)

Door Lock

Wave Washer (1)

Door Handle

FIG. 15

23. Tighten handle nut until the latch barely clears the door
flange. If nut is overtightened handle will be difficult to
rotate. In this case loosen nut 1/4 turn maximum. See
Fig. 16.

.025 MAX GAP

SMV Wire Handle

M6 x 15 Bolt

FIG. 13

18. Install heat deflector on the heat deflector bracket.
See FIG. 14

19. Install drip tray. See FIG. 14

Drip Tray

Heat Deflector

FIG. 14

20. Install racks in the smoker assembly. See FIG. 15

21. Re-mount the door panel by sliding the door’s hinge pins
into the cabinet’s hinge seats.
See FIG. 15

22. Assemble the door handle as shown using the handle,
Qty (2) wave washers, and Qty (2) M12 lock nuts. See
FIG. 15.

FIG. 16

24. Install grease bucket. See FIG. 17

25. Install ash cup. See FIG. 17

FIG. 17

Grease Bucket

Burner Clean-out

Before each use the burner should be cleaned out by lifting
the pullout lock and pulling the clean-out port knob on the
right side of the smoker to open the burner clean-out. This
will allow the ash from previous use to fall into the cup
under the smoker. The cup should be removed and emptied
and then reinstalled before each use.
After cleaning out the burner make sure to close the burner
clean-out by pushing the clean-out port knob in on the
right side of the smoker. Make sure to lift the pullout lock
and push the clean-out port knob all the way in and lock in
place with the pullout lock. Every 50 hours of use, remove
the smoker grates, grease tray, and heat deflector and clean

the inside of the smoker. If you notice a lot of ash blowing
around in the smoker it is time to vacuum it out.

DANGER

Never Operate the Pellet smoker without the ash cup in place.
Make sure the burner clean-out port is closed and locked
before starting the smoker.

Never open the burner clean-out port when the smoker is hot.

Filling the Auger Tube
Caution: Only use the feed setting when the hopper has
ran out of pellets. Feed setting is not for normal use.

The first time you use your smoker or any time the hopper
has ran out of pellets you will need to fill the auger tube.
This simply means you must fill the auger tube with pellets
until pellets reach the burner. This is done by turning the
dial to the FEED position then holding the BYPASS button
for 3 seconds. The auger will remain on for no more than
7 minutes. This is ample time for the pellets to reach the
burner. It is easiest to open the burner clean-out by pulling
the knob on the right side of the smoker. Once you hear
pellets dropping into the cup you can close the clean-out
port by pushing the knob on the right side of the smoker and
then select your cooking temperature. (Never operate smoker
without the ash cup in place). Always make sure the burner
clean-out port is closed by pushing in the knob on the right side
of the smoker before selecting any of the cook settings. Never

open the burner clean-out port when the smoker is hot.

Controller Explanation
Power Switch

Used to turn the main power onto the pellet smoker. The fan
will be on whenever the power switch is on. The dial must
be rotated to any of the other positions before the smoker
will start. If the power is turned on with the dial in any other
position than Shutdown the smoker will immediately start
that function. “O” is Off. “-“ is On. See Fig 18

Fig. 18

Dial Positions
Shutdown -This setting must be used after each use. Turn

the dial to this setting and the fan will remain on. Wait for
10 minutes to allow the smoker to finish burning any pellets
in the burner before turning the main power switch off. This
setting will burn up any extra pellets in the burner and cool
down the smoker. Do not turn the main power switch off

when the smoker is hot.
Low Smoke - This setting is used for smoking foods at an
average temperature of 160F. This setting will produce large
amounts of smoke.
High Smoke - This setting is used for smoking foods at an
average temperature of 220F. This setting will produce large
amounts of smoke.
150F to 350F - There are 25F increment settings from 150F
to 350F. You can simply select any temperature you want
and the smoker will control the temperature within 15F of
the selected temperature.
High - This setting can be used to achieve temperatures up
to 350F depending on ambient temperatures.
Feed - This setting is used to feed pellets to the hopper.
It will be used the first time you use the smoker to fill the
auger tube and any time you may inadvertently run the
hopper out of pellets. See instructions on filling the auger
tube.

Display
“START” - The digital readout will display “START” each
time the dial is changed from the OFF, SHUTDOWN, or FEED
settings to any of the cook settings. The startup cycle
is approximately 8 minutes. During the cook cycle after
the start sequence the digital readout will display the
temperature inside of the smoker. If the Probe Temp button
has been pressed then it will display the temperature of the
external probe used for measuring meat temperatures.
“SDOWN” - The digital readout will display “SDOWN” when
the dial is turned to the shutdown mode. After 10 minutes
the digital readout and the fan will turn off.