Now that Winter seems to be finished in the Midwest I'm debating if I need to remove my thermal blanket.  GMG recommends removing after a certain temp, but what would be the harm in leaving it on year round?  I know I should look under to make sure there aren't any rust spots or anything, but aside from that, I'm in IA so it can get 90s in the Summer.  Is there any risk to keeping it year round aside from maybe not being able to maintain a 150 when its hot?

 Three things come to mind;

 1/ Dampness = rust if the pit is not used often and/or left to the elements.

 2/Heat damage. The outer surface may get too hot @ higher temperatures damaging the finish.

 3/Weather damage to the cover itself, epically the sun.

I live in central Iowa and have the thermal blanket along with the cover. I use my pit at least once a week. Since the handle is the only thing that the blanket attaches to with screws, the other are just magnets, you should be able to look and see if you have any moisture. Mine sits on the west side of our house and under the roof overhang so it doesn't get a lot of abuse.  I plan on keeping mine on all year.

I had the same thought - why not just keep it on.  Then I tried smoking salmon @ 150 when it was 80 degrees out... The pit could not stay low enough with the blanket on.

I had the same thought - why not just keep it on.  Then I tried smoking salmon @ 150 when it was 80 degrees out... The pit could not stay low enough with the blanket on.

That makes sense to me and what I was wondering. Again this forum is great, thank you everyone for your replies, I'm still pretty new to this smoking thing and newer to pellet smokers!