Q1: What is the thickness of the metal?

A: 1/8 inch

Q2: Is the tray that holds the charcoal as big as the grate area so that fire is under the entire grate?

A: The ash pan that the charcoal sits on is removable. You have to move the grates out of the way to remove the ash pan tray. The ash pan is the length of the grill so you have an even fire

Q3: I notice many new gas grills do not require lava rocks etc.. Is that the latest trend for buyers?

A: Each company has its own system of retaining heat. Many of our grills have flavorizer bars of some kind that do not trap the grease as much as lava rocks.

Q4: Does the main part of the grill and the smoker both have dampers to regulate the air flow?

A: There are dampers on the right sides of the main grill and side grill. Once the side grill is attached to the main grill it covers the main grills damper. The damper on the side grill functions for the main and side grill.

Q5: Does the main part of the grill and the smoker both have dampers to regulate the air flow?

A: There are dampers on the right sides of the main grill and side grill. Once the side grill is attached to the main grill it covers the main grills damper. The damper on the side grill functions for the main and side grill.