Rutland on a new egg?

minniemoh

I was at a family get together a couple of weeks ago and my 70 yr old uncle came up to me and said "I'm thinking about getting a Big Green Egg. I hear you may know something about them." I only see him once a year at this same family get-together and he's never been to my house so his question was very innocent.

Anyway, he wanted a medium egg and I found a good deal on one yesterday and picked it up for him. Next week, I will be driving it to his house 6 hrs away. I haven't been to his house in 13 yrs since he lives so far away. My aunt has dimentia and he has to spend a lot of time at home taking care of her. He really has his hands full and he loves a great steak - they used to go out quite often but now it's pretty hard for them. He's done a lot for my family over the years so I thought this was a great opportunity to lend a hand. 

My question is this, since I have had poor luck with stock gaskets, I am thinking about replacing it with a Rutland before delivering it to him. I don't want him to have to replace it in a year or have any headaches if his temp gets out of control while he's helping my aunt. If he has trouble, going there to help him replace it isn't really a viable option for me either. The stock gasket isn't perfectly installed and the dome and base definitely don't pass the dollar bill test so I will adjust it and set it up correctly so he has a good experience. I know many would say "have the dealer make it right" but I'm a bit of a perfectionist and I'd rather do it myself than make a big deal out of it. 

Would you install a "lifetime" gasket or hope for the best with a stock one? All input is appreciated.

SGH

If I knew what I know now when I bought my egg, I would have installed the Rutland before I ever lit the egg. 

Scottborasjr

Install Rutland and adjust as you see fit. Very nice gesture on your part! Not to mention it's easier to change the gasket before anything has been cooked on it.

RRP

I personally can vouch for 1,608 BGEs sporting Rutlands, though I know there are more out there. 

bigguy136

I just picked up a second egg and I replaced the gasket before it was ever used. Waaaaaaay easier than when I did a replacement gasket on my first egg after using it for a year. http://eggheadforum.com/discussion/comment/1698296#Comment_1698296

minniemoh

My mind was in the same camp as you guys. Thanks for the responses. I had a warranty base for one of my LBGE's and I replaced the stock gasket with a Rutland before I put it together and I know it's much easier than after it's been cooked one. That's the way I'm leaning for this one. I appreciate your expertise.

DaveRichardson

Do it!  That way there is no having to go up there next year to replace a blown gasket!