
Installing a wood stove in a camper van is possible but requires careful consideration and planning. It is important to prioritise safety and follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation, including maintaining safe distances from combustible materials and properly installing the chimney. Additionally, it is crucial to have fire-proof materials in the surrounding areas and an air vent to ensure a good supply of air for the stove. While a wood stove can provide a cosy and homely feel, it also requires frequent maintenance and refuelling, which may disrupt sleep. Before installing a wood stove, it is essential to research local regulations and ensure that your insurance covers this modification.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Camper type | Camper van, RV, trailer, bus, boat, motorhome |
Stove type | Wood stove, wood-burning stove, mini wood stove, small wood stove, wood pellet stove, cast iron stove, steel stove |
Stove brand | Cubic, Grizzly, Kimberly, Salamander, Hobbit, Dwarf, Northwoods Fabrication, Earth Stove |
Stove features | EPA-certified, CSA-certified, glass door, air controls, secondary air |
Stove size | 2.7 cubic ft, 4kw, 5kw, 100-200 square feet, 200-400 square feet |
Stove position | Corner, at an angle, behind the bulkhead, on the driver's side |
Stove installation | Bolted down, secured to the floor, hearth, non-combustible material, fireproof base, hardie-backer board, hardibacker board, heat shields, insulated flue pipe, double wall insulated flue pipe, single wall flue pipe, twin wall flue pipe, flue kit, flue system, closure cap, rain cap, storm collar, flashing, silicone flashing, support bracket, air vent, fire extinguisher, smoke alarm, carbon monoxide alarm |
Stove maintenance | Cut wood, tend the stove, refill wood |
What You'll Learn
Wood stoves are a great way to stay warm in a camper during winter
Firstly, it is essential to prioritise safety. Wood stoves can be a potential fire hazard, especially in small, enclosed spaces like campers. Ensure that your wood stove is securely bolted down to the floor of your camper and positioned at a safe distance from combustible materials. It is recommended to have a minimum distance of 400mm between the stove and combustible surfaces, and at least 200mm from non-combustible surfaces. Additionally, consider installing heat shields for added protection.
Secondly, the position of the stove and the flue pipes is crucial. It is advisable to place the stove in a corner, allowing it to be visible from the bed and the doorway. This arrangement also optimises space utilisation. When determining the location of the flue pipes, avoid cutting through cross members if possible. The hole in the roof for the flue should be placed where you can easily fit the roof flashing. If driving through areas with low-hanging branches, installing the flue on the driver's side can help prevent damage.
Thirdly, adequate ventilation is essential. Install an air vent near the stove to ensure a sufficient supply of air for the stove to function properly. Additionally, consider using twin wall insulated flue pipes to maintain an effective draw and reduce the chance of deposits forming.
Finally, choose the right type of wood stove for your camper. Opt for a cast iron stove over a steel one, as it retains heat better. Select a stove size that is appropriate for your camper's dimensions—a smaller camper may not have enough space to accommodate a larger stove.
By following these guidelines and consulting with professionals, you can safely enjoy the warmth and charm of a wood stove in your camper during the cold winter months.
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The Kimberly™ is the most well-known wood stove for RVs
Installing a wood stove in your camper van is a unique upgrade. While it might sound crazy to many campers, it is an excellent way to keep yourself warm during cold weather. The Kimberly™ is the most well-known wood stove for RVs. It is a small wood stove designed by Roger Lehet, who also owns a wood stove shop. The stove is EPA-certified and CSA-certified, making it ideal for homes, tiny houses, cabins, yurts, RVs, bus conversions, tree houses, boats, and emergency preparedness.
The Kimberly™ uses a two-stage gasifier combustion system, which extends burn time and minimises smoke. It can produce up to 40,000 BTU and has a burn time of up to eight hours. The stove is portable and lightweight at only 56 pounds. It also features patented gasification technology, which ensures more heat is retained in your home rather than lost up the chimney.
The Kimberly™ has been on the market since 2012 and has earned a reputation as the best wood stove for tiny spaces. Its modern European styling and stainless steel construction make it a functional art piece. The stove's compact size, long burn times, clean chimney, and tight clearances make it a popular choice for those looking to add a wood stove to their RV.
If you're considering adding a wood stove to your RV, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and take the necessary safety precautions. Ensure you have the correct heat shield measurements and wall protection, and use a well-designed Class A chimney system. With proper installation and maintenance, a wood stove can be a great way to stay warm and cosy in your RV during cold weather.
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Wood stoves can be risky in campers, which are made of flammable materials
To ensure safety, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation, including maintaining the specified distances from walls and other combustible materials. Additionally, it is essential to use fireproof materials in areas where embers may fall and to install a chimney correctly. The chimney should be positioned to avoid cutting through cross members, and the hole in the roof should be appropriately sized and sealed to prevent damage while driving.
Another important consideration is the type of wood stove. Small wood stoves may require frequent refilling, disrupting sleep during cold nights. Larger stoves, on the other hand, may take up too much space in a camper. It is recommended to choose a cast iron stove over a steel one, as it retains heat better.
Furthermore, campers are airtight spaces, so installing an air vent is crucial to ensure a sufficient air supply for the stove to function properly. It is also essential to have a fire extinguisher, smoke detector, and carbon monoxide alarm installed.
While wood stoves can provide a cosy and homely feel to a camper, it is important to carefully weigh the risks and take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe installation and usage.
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Wood stoves require regular maintenance and refuelling
Maintenance includes ensuring the stove is secure, especially when travelling. The flue pipe should be checked to ensure it is watertight and in good condition. The stove should be placed on a fireproof hearth, and a heat shield should be installed to protect the wall and furnishings from heat damage. The stove should be kept clear of flammable objects, and carbon monoxide and smoke detectors should be installed.
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Wood stoves can be used for cooking
However, installing a wood stove in a camper requires careful consideration and planning. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
Safety First
As one user points out, campers are "basically giant tinder bundles", so fire safety is paramount. Ensure you follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation, including safe distances from walls and other materials, and install a fireproof hearth and heat shields if necessary. It's also essential to have a fire extinguisher, smoke detector, and carbon monoxide alarm.
Flue and Chimney
The position of the flue pipes and chimney is critical. You'll need to cut a hole in the roof of your camper, which needs to be an appropriate size and in a suitable place. The flue should exit on the driver's side if you're driving in a country where you drive on the left, to avoid low-hanging branches. Twin-wall insulated flue pipes are recommended, as they can be positioned closer to combustible materials.
Air Vent
As vans are very airtight, you must install an air vent near the stove to ensure a good supply of air for the stove to function properly.
Stove Size and Type
Smaller stoves may require more frequent refuelling, which can be inconvenient, especially overnight. Consider the size of your camper and whether you have space for a larger stove, which may be more efficient. Cast iron stoves are recommended over steel as they retain heat better.
Local Regulations
Be sure to check local regulations and building codes for compliance. Some insurance companies may not cover wood stoves in campers, so it's important to do your research.
Maintenance
Wood stoves require regular maintenance, such as cleaning the flue, and the wood needs to be cut to the right size. This may not be suitable for everyone, especially if you have children or plan to have multiple people using the camper.
Overall, a wood stove can be a great addition to a camper, providing warmth and a cooking facility, but it requires careful installation and consideration of safety measures.
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Frequently asked questions
It is possible to put a wood stove in a camper, but it is important to take safety precautions. Wood stoves can burn down campers much more easily than homes, as campers are made of highly flammable materials such as glue, sawdust, thin wood and plastic. It is important to install the stove according to the manufacturer's instructions, including maintaining safe distances from walls and installing a chimney correctly.
The best type of wood stove for a camper is a small, certified appliance that is bolted down to the floor of the camper. It is important to choose a cast iron stove over a steel stove, as cast iron retains heat better. It is also recommended to use a double-walled insulated flue pipe for added safety.
A wood stove can provide a cosy and homely feel to your camper, and can be used for heating and cooking. Wood stoves can be a more self-sufficient and natural way to heat your camper, and can be a backup heat source if you run out of propane.
Wood stoves require frequent refuelling, often every few hours, which can be inconvenient and disruptive, especially during the night. They can also be messy and time-consuming to maintain, and there is a risk of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning if they are not installed and used correctly.