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<font size="2">Secret # 10 - Pre-heat your smoker to 255 degrees F. Don’t just rely on the thermometer on the smoker as these tend to read hotter than the actual temperature that the ribs are cooking at. Use an oven thermometer for a more accurate read and place it right on the rack that the ribs will be cooking on. 

Secret # 11 - Bring the wood. Traditionally smoke woods are dictated by the region you live in. In the south hickory tends to be the favorite, mesquite in the southwest and alder in the west and northwest. But with that said you can get just about any popular type online. Competitive BBQ teams use a wide selection and here are some of the most popular:
Hickory
Mesquite
Oak
Alder
Apple
Pecan
Maple

Secret # 12 - Your ribs should take 5-6 hours to smoke, be sure to apply your mop every 45 minutes. Remember Secret #1 – the thickest part of the rack of ribs should be at least 160-170 degrees F. For the last 30 minutes, wrap your ribs in heavy duty aluminum foil, apply your mop, and place them back on the smoker. Wrapping them in foil will make them very tender. Another helpful hint – be sure your exhaust damper is wide open, trapping smoke in your smoker produces ribs with a very bitter taste. 

That’s it, follow these 12 secret steps and you’ll be smoking ribs like a pro.</font>