I’d recommend Lava Lock. It should seal up that area for you.
LavaLock RTV 650 F BBQ grill smoker sealer Hi Temp Silicon adhesive 3 oz. ( 2.8 fluid ounce) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LRLELK0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_T373FbFAFHS5A
Something like this
LavaLock XTR lid gasket compatible with Oklahoma Joe's Smoker Gasket Kit 15-ft roll for Longhorn, Highland, 3 in 1 lids https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SVG3WYH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_R6STPYD33EJRW19NMH2F
I've seen guys use these clamps specifically on the highland model to keep a tight seal on the lid. I used a gasket on my ok joe. And had similar results. Eventually the lid weighed down on the gasket enough to get a decent seal but these clamps would do the trick asap. Happy smoking/bbq'ng bro ✌
https://www.amazon.com/LavaLock%C2%AE-Oklahoma-Longhorn-Highland-Chamber/dp/B07SSD9C55
I didn’t get the clamps, just the lava lock adhesive and the rope material itself. Didn’t make any holes. this is what I ordered
This is what I use but you can get larger boxes too. I actually don't have an OK Joe yet, just a Weber Kettle. Patiently waiting for the OK Reverse Flow to come back in stock.
LOL, I think it ingested some bad temperature probes. That is a pass-through port I added so I could have multiple meat and ambient temperature probes in the smoking chamber. It seals better than the factory port on the left side. URL on Amazon: https://amazon.com/dp/B09R28764M
Did you notice the screened opening under the pellet dump handles on the Lexan cover-plate so cool air will be pulled in by the auger motor fan?
I use charcoal to get the wood going, but other than that - yes I only use wood. I'm lucky that a guy "down the road" sells BBQ wood, and my brother in law recently felled a cherry that I got a load from. I have a stainless steel basket from Amazon. It worked as it should, but for wood I don't see it very applicable. https://www.amazon.com/Oklahoma-Joes-5279338P04-Firebox-Basket/dp/B07NWHT1Q8
I think my concern with the baskets is that I see given the height its harder to grill on top of it. Sometimes I do a sear over a second set of grates within the firebox. Do the baskets allow for this?
i see that there's a PK charcoal Basket that I think would fit much lower so i can continue to grill sometimes.
My guess would be 2/3rd a bag but its possible it would take the whole thing if you filled it up to the very top. It would be close.
This is what I got:
Oklahoma Joe's 5279338P04 Stainless Steel Offset Smoker Charcoal Firebox Basket, Silver https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NWHT1Q8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_FR16F9GQGDKWKP6YM87W
I ended up searching for and ordering stainless steel toggle clamps off of Amazon - there was a configuration I liked better than the lavalocks / OKJ's.
Haven't seen an app based one but this one works great on my RFH. Let's face it, if you are using a stick burner you aren't walking away too far from the smoker because you want to keep an eye on the wood and temperature. This isn't a Traeger set and forget.
Here is a less expensive basket. I have been using this with no problems.
You might also consider upgrading your charcoal. The Thai/Japanese style “thaan” burns longer than your standard Kingsford briquette. They’re usually used for high heat applications but I’ve had some luck mixing them with splits and standard briquettes. I usually buy the pok pok brand but they’re currently sold out on Amazon. I’ve linked you to a similar product below though.
CHARBLOX Dragon Fire Grilling Charcoal - Made with Super Strong Bamboo - Ultra Hot, Stays Lit 6 Hours, Limited Edition https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SWV2R51/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ThRYEb71XPV00