Pellet Fan

Pit Talk -- Comments and Questions Regarding These Pellet Pits => FEC/Cookshack => Topic started by: MadFoodScientist on September 07, 2017, 05:36:59 PM

Title: Cover recommendations for FEC PG500
Post by: MadFoodScientist on September 07, 2017, 05:36:59 PM
I have a FEC PG500 on the way with an optional front shelf.  I was wondering if anyone has found any covers they could recommend for the PG500 with a shelf.  I passed on the Cookshack cover due to the price.  Thanks!
Title: Re: Cover recommendations for FEC PG500
Post by: pmillen on September 07, 2017, 05:48:54 PM
Cheap covers (Amazon) don't last a year on my PG500.  Pulling them off and on rips them, especially in cold weather.  Do an Internet search for Covers By Mel.  They last so long that your grandchildren will be using it.

You can get a dimensioned drawing for her from the Cookshack web site.  She'll need it to make a proper fit.
Title: Re: Cover recommendations for FEC PG500
Post by: InThePitBBQ on September 07, 2017, 06:15:58 PM
I'm debating the cover for my PG 500 as well, you have to decide if the front shelf is an option you want or not as it determines the cover dimensions and I haven't bought it yet.

I keep having to clean my PG front cabinet with a touch of foaming oven cleaner now and then to get off the condensation trails from low and slow cooks, having the front shelf will make that job a little harder but it sure would be nice to have it's not very expensive to add it.

I see covers by Mel is over in Wakarusa, that's just a little over a half hour away from me I'll look into that option further thanks for the tip!
Title: Re: Cover recommendations for FEC PG500
Post by: MadFoodScientist on September 07, 2017, 09:05:07 PM
Thanks for the recommendation on Mel Covers. In the long run I will likely go that direction. Unfortunately/fortunately my order shipped much faster than I anticipated. It has already shipped! Says it will be here in two business days. I think I will have to get something off Amazon to get it here in time. Anyone know of any on Amazon? I have not found any. Needs to be 33 inches wide to fit the shelf.
Title: Re: Cover recommendations for FEC PG500
Post by: pmillen on September 07, 2017, 09:18:54 PM
https://www.amazon.com/OxGord-Water-Proof-71x22x43-Heavy-Duty-Protector/dp/B01JQ4PO6U/ref=sr_1_9?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1504833384&sr=1-9&keywords=grill+cover (https://www.amazon.com/OxGord-Water-Proof-71x22x43-Heavy-Duty-Protector/dp/B01JQ4PO6U/ref=sr_1_9?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1504833384&sr=1-9&keywords=grill+cover)

I think this is the one I bought.  It will last long enough for you to obtain Mel's.

BTW, my PG500 sits for weeks uncovered with the hopper full, rain, snow or shine.  No problems.
Title: Re: Cover recommendations for FEC PG500
Post by: MadFoodScientist on September 08, 2017, 08:11:58 AM
Pmillen- thanks for the Amazon link. Does your PG500 have the front shelf? I am concerned that cover will not fit with the front shelf.
Title: Re: Cover recommendations for FEC PG500
Post by: pmillen on September 08, 2017, 09:19:51 AM
Yes, front shelf on mine.  The covers were sized Small, Medium & Large when I bought mine.  I recall buying a Large.

I looked back through my orders and didn't see it listed.  There must have been something different in the way I ordered it to make it not part of my history.
Title: Re: Cover recommendations for FEC PG500
Post by: TechMOGogy on September 08, 2017, 09:26:49 AM
I had a custom cover made for my FEC100.
That was over 5 years ago and it is still in like new condition.
It was about the same price as the Cook Shack one for the PG500
Sometimes paying a bit more is worth it (I had other OEM covers for bbq's that lasted 1 season).
The custom covers are so good that I now have 6 of them for various bbq's, smokers and outdoor equipment.
Just another opinion as I like things that last vs buying junk over and over
Dan
Title: Re: Cover recommendations for FEC PG500
Post by: triplebq on September 13, 2017, 10:21:12 AM
Big fan of Covers by Mel.
Title: Re: Cover recommendations for FEC PG500
Post by: Bentley on September 13, 2017, 10:57:28 AM
Have never had one, but have heard good things about this Mel for over 10 years!
Title: Re: Cover recommendations for FEC PG500
Post by: MadFoodScientist on September 13, 2017, 11:15:22 AM
Thanks for all the advice everyone.  I am planning to purchase a Mel cover but needed to get something quick.  Hopefully the cheap cover I ordered off Amazon will fit until I can get the Mel Cover.  My PG500 is supposed to be delivered this afternoon!!!
Title: Re: Cover recommendations for FEC PG500
Post by: pmillen on September 13, 2017, 11:34:16 AM
BTW, my PG500 sits for weeks uncovered with the hopper full, rain, snow or shine.  No problems.

(https://vppdag-ch3301.files.1drv.com/y4m1P2peQsQMIAA_DjXLGZDxPiyxfXQRgGby3lt7TAIUrSTYaXfb_BvWzudWZfNyxVs9oDlSgyu_joqHPOM_r6Hxk9quHN3mJ6cNivxgyOuZ9duZZ_6oh9LEPbE0uVDfopwMqKk81bl05DhLSLRvJLhF-X-OYTYes95i40sUuMt11WxLAgfM_Q9L4RyD86bGhvjiC62qlHVg5UH3INhqNxAYA?width=660&height=372&cropmode=none)
Title: Re: Cover recommendations for FEC PG500
Post by: MadFoodScientist on September 18, 2017, 11:43:04 AM
Update- I went with a cover from Amazon.  It was a size large and said it fit 64"Lx24"Dx48H".  Cover fits good for my PG500 with front shelf.  It is the Classic Accessories Ravenna which seems surprisingly well made for the price.  Much nicer actually than the OEM cover from my Lousiana Grill.  I will use this until I can go with the Cover by Mel. Thanks again for all your help in getting the right size!
Title: Re: Cover recommendations for FEC PG500
Post by: MadFoodScientist on September 22, 2017, 08:13:04 AM
Picture of the cover.
Title: Re: Cover recommendations for FEC PG500
Post by: InThePitBBQ on September 22, 2017, 11:55:26 AM
Say that looks like a nice cover, what are your thoughts using it on a PG 500 without the front shelf would it still fit ok and not drag on the ground?
Title: Re: Cover recommendations for FEC PG500
Post by: MadFoodScientist on September 26, 2017, 11:46:02 AM
InThePit- Unfortunately, I did not try the cover on the grill prior to installing the shelf.  I tried eyeballing it, and I think it may touch the ground if used without a shelf.  Might be worth giving it a try.  Looks like the medium cover would fit length by width wise but might be a little short. 
   Having taken the cover on and half a few times now, it is easy to take off and seems like a really good cover for the price. 
Title: Re: Cover recommendations for FEC PG500
Post by: pmillen on September 26, 2017, 02:02:22 PM
Looks like the medium cover would fit length by width wise but might be a little short

I order all of my covers short.  I want them about 10" from the ground.  If they come close to the ground they allow mice to access the food and shelter the pit provides.
Title: Re: Cover recommendations for FEC PG500
Post by: Bentley on September 26, 2017, 02:06:39 PM
Wow, that is good info to know!
Title: Re: Cover recommendations for FEC PG500
Post by: pmillen on September 26, 2017, 04:29:52 PM
They got inside and built a nest.  It took me a while to figure out that it was through the grease drip, which is a bit smaller than a nickel.
Title: Re: Cover recommendations for FEC PG500
Post by: spanman on September 26, 2017, 07:46:23 PM
I have a FEC PG500 on the way with an optional front shelf.  I was wondering if anyone has found any covers they could recommend for the PG500 with a shelf.  I passed on the Cookshack cover due to the price.  Thanks!

I bought this one for my PG500 with front shelf installed.  Sturdy, and fits like a glove.

http://www.cookshack.com/store/Grills/PV028WS-Cover-PG500-with-Optional-Shelf-Attachment
Title: Re: Cover recommendations for FEC PG500
Post by: DMAXNAZ on October 08, 2017, 07:53:22 AM
I take a bath towel folded in half lengthwise and set it on the front shelf before I put my cover on. It hangs over both ends of the shelf and stays in place well enough to put the cover on. Then I bungee cord the cover underneath with two short cords. They fit real loose and are just there to keep the cover from blowing around too much. My cheap cover has lasted 5 years. I have been lazy for the last year or so with putting it on. Keeping the front shelf from cutting the cover is most important. I attached a pic of the cover I purchased. I can't remember if I ordered a large or xl.