Camp Chef PGVXXL User manual

PELLET SMOKER
WARNING & INSTRUCTION BOOKLET
MODEL PGVXXL
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

WARNING
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
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. 8,000-
8,300 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
INSTRUCTIONS.
DANGER
• 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.
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.

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.
0918 PGVXXL PARTS
PGVXXL PARTS
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
PG24-9 (1)
PULLOUT KNOB
PG24-42 (1)
PULLOUT LOCK
PG24-41 (1)
BURNER PULLOUT
PG24-17 (1)
ASH CUP
PG24-34 (1)
FEED GASKET
PG24-44 (1)
THERMOMETER
PG24-54 (2)
PROBE COVER
PG24-4 (1)
HEAT DEFLECTOR
SMV-45 (3)
JERKY/SEAFOOD RACK
SMV-38 (4)
COOKING GRID
SMV-3 (1)
DAMPER VENT
SMV-40 (1)
SMV WIRE HANDLE
SSG24 (1)
SAUSAGE RACK
PGXXL-17 (1)
HANDLE ASM
PG36-7 (4)
SWIVEL CASTER
PGXXL-1
DRIP TRAY
PGXXL-2 (2)
WIRE RAIL
PGXXL-3 (1)
PROBE COVER
PGXXL-16 (1)
HOPPER ASM
PGXXL-5
(1)DOOR
PANEL
PGXXL-6 (1)
BOTTOM DOOR PANEL
PGXXL-7 (2)
HEAT DEFLECTOR BRACKET
PGXXL-8 (4)
LEG
PG24-11 (1)
GREASE BUCKET
M5 SHOULDER SCREW
PGXXL-15 (2)
DOOR HINGE

0918 PGXXL PARTS
PG24-28 (2)
MEAT PROBE
PG24-46 (1)
GUARD PLATE
PG24-45 (1)
CONTROLLER GASKET
M4.2 X 10 SCREW (2)
PG24-30 (1) CONTROLLER KNOB
PGXXL-9 (1)
CONTROLLER
PG24-9 (1) PULLOUT KNOB
PG24-42 (1) PULLOUT LOCK
PGC24-13 (1)
HOPPER CLEANOUT
M6 X 15 BOLT(2)
M6 NUT (2)
PG24-48 (1)
POWER CORD PGC24-18 (1)
LID MAGNET
PG24-53 (1)
AUGER GUARD
PG24-52 (1)
HOPPER RAKE
PG24-60 (1)
HOPPER LID
PGC24-14 (1) HOPPER WINDOW
BTOP-1 (1) BOTTLE OPENER
PGC24-12 (1)
HOPPER HANDLE
M4 X 10 SCREW (2)
PG24-49 (1) AUGER IMPELLER
PG24-24 (1) AUGER MOTOR WITH IMPELLER
PG24-23 (1) AUGER BUSHING
PG24-25 (1)AUGER PIN W /NUT
PGC24-8 (1) AUGER
PG24-27 (1) BLOWER IMPELLER
M4.2 X 10 SCREW (4)
PG24-26 (1) BLOWER MOTOR WITH IMPELLER
PG24-21 (1)
HEATING ROD
PG24-20 (1)
BURNER
M4.2 X 10 SCREW (4)

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
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. 1
4. Install stop lock using Qty (2) M6 Shoulder bolts and QTY
(2) M6 nuts. See FIG. 2
FIG. 2
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.
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
SCALE 0.100
Burner Pullout
FIG.3
6. Install stop lock bushing on the burner pullout, then
install the pull knob on the burner pullout. See FIG. 4
FIG. 4
SCALE 0.100
7. Install Qty (2) heat deflector brackets using QTY(8) M4 x
10 screws. See FIG. 5
M4 x 10
Heat Deflector
Bracket
FIG. 5
8. Install bottle opener as shown in Fig. 6.
FIG. 6
M6 X 15MM SCREW
BOTTLE OPENER
M6 LOCK WASHER (2)
M6 FLAT WASHER (2)
HOPPER HANDLE (1)
PGC24-12
M6 RUBBER WASHER (2)

9. Install hopper handle as shown in Fig. 7.
M6 X 15MM SCREW
BOTTLE OPENER
M6 LOCK WASHER (2)
M6 FLAT WASHER (2)
HOPPER HANDLE (1)
PGC24-12
M6 RUBBER WASHER (2)
FIG. 7
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
Thermometer
Feed Gasket
Hopper Tube
Route thermometer
through this hole
FIG. 8
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
12. Secure hopper end to the smoker body assembly using
Qty (2) self tapping screws. See FIG. 9
Probe Cover
Notch Up
Self Tapping
Screws
Thermometer
#8-32
M6 x 15
Hopper End
FIG. 9
13. Install hopper lid as shown in Fig. 10.
FIG. 10
14. Install Qty (2) probe covers as shown. See FIG. 11
13. Install Qty (2) Probe Covers as shown.
14. Install Qty (2) Wire Rails as shown.
M6 X 15 Bolt
M6 Flat Washer
Probe Cover
M6 Flat Washer
M6 Lock Washer
M6 Hex Nut
M6 X 20 Bolt
M6 Flat Washer
M6 Keps Nut
Wire Rail
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 15 Bolt
M6 Flat Washer
Probe Cover
M6 Flat Washer
M6 Lock Washer
M6 Hex Nut
M6 X 20 Bolt
M6 Flat Washer
M6 Keps Nut
Wire Rail
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
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.
Damper Vent
M6 Sholder Bolt
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
17. Install Heat Deflector on the Heat Deflector Bracket.
18. Install Drip Tray.
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.
Ash Cup Grease Bucket
Door Handle
Wave Washer (1)
Wave Washer (1)
Door Lock
M12 Lock Nut (2)
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.
FIG. 16
.025 MAX GAP
24. Install grease bucket. See FIG. 17
25. Install ash cup. See FIG. 17
Ash Cup
Grease Bucket
Door Handle
Wave Washer (1)
Wave Washer (1)
Door Lock
M12 Lock Nut (2)
FIG. 17
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.

“SENSR” - The digital readout will display “SENSR” if there
is an error with the temperature sensor inside of the smoker.
“PRERR” - The digital readout will display “PRERR” when
the Probe Temp button is pressed if either the external probe
is not plugged in or there is a problem with the probe.
“FEED” - The digital readout will display “FEED” if dial is
turned to the feed mode. After 7 minutes the auger will turn
off.
“BPASS” - The digital readout will display “BPASS” when
the bypass button is pressed and held in for 3 seconds. See
the setting on Bypass Mode.
“Flame” - The digital readout will display “flame” if the fire
is extinguished.
Breaking In the Smoker
We suggest turning the smoker to 300F for ½ hour before
cooking on the smoker for the first time. This will burn off
any manufacturing oils and cure the paint. Make sure to
follow the instructions for filling the auger tube before
breaking in the smoker.
DANGER
Always start the smoker with the door open. The door
must be closed after the start cycle.
Cooking
Once the auger tube has been properly filled you can begin
cooking by selecting any of the cooking temperatures. The
smoker has 13 cook settings. Low Smoke, High Smoke,
150, 200, 225, 250, 275, 300, 325, 350. By selecting any of
these the smoker will go into the Startup mode. The digital
readout will display “START” for 8 minutes during the
startup cycle. After the 8 minutes the digital readout will
display the internal temperature of the smoker. The dial can
be changed at any time during the startup cycle or the cook
cycle between any of the 13 cook settings.
DANGER
Do not over-fire the smoker by over feeding pellets into
the burner prior to startup. If flame is inadvertently
extinguished never restart the smoker without first
cleaning out the burner. Improper use can cause an
uncontrolled fire.
Shutdown
When you are done cooking the dial must be turned to the
Shutdown setting. The digital readout will display “SDOWN”.
In this setting the fan will remain on for 10 minutes to
finish burning any pellets in the burner and cool the smoker
down. After 10 minutes the digital display and auger will
turn off. At this point the main power switch should be
switched to off. Before smoker can be used, the power
switch must be turned off and back on.
Bypass Mode
The bypass may be used if there is a power failure, or the
smoker is accidentally turned off, or anytime you need to
restart the smoker and it is still hot. The bypass mode
should only be used if the smoker has been off less than
3-4 minutes. This method is used to bypass the normal
startup mode and get the smoker cooking again quickly.
The burner must still be hot enough to ignite new pellets
or this method will not work. In order to initiate the bypass
mode you must first select the cook setting you want. At this
point the digital readout will display “START”. Simply press
the bypass button in and hold it for 3 seconds. The digital
readout will display “BPASS”. Release the button and the
smoker will go into the cook mode and the digital readout
will display the smoker temperature. If the smoker fails to
ignite using the bypass mode then restart the smoker using
the normal startup procedures.
Meat Probes
This smoker has built in meat probes to measure the
temperature of the food as it is being cooked. To use these
probes insert the wire through the stainless flaps on the
side of the firebox. Insert the probes into the food. Plug the
connectors into the receptacles on the front of the control
panel. When you press the probe temp button on the front
of the controller the digital readout will display the food
temperature. Press the button a second time to toggle the
display to the other probe. Press the button a third time to
toggle back to the cooking temperature. If the probes are
not installed correctly or there is an error with the probes
the digital readout will display “PRERR” when the probe
temp button is pressed. When running the probe wires to
the food make sure it is positioned out of direct contact with
any open flame or damage may occur. The digital readout
will display a “X” in front of the number when displaying
the “X” meat probe temperature and a “Y” for the “Y” meat
probe temperature. Example: “X155F”