Heating Your Camper With Wood: A Cozy, Efficient Guide

If you're camping in an off-grid location, you might not be able to hook up to an external power source, and heating your camper can become a challenge. While there are a few options for heating a camper without electricity, one of the most popular methods is to use a wood-burning stove. This method provides free heat and can be a great backup plan if something goes wrong with your heating system. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of using a wood-burning stove and provide tips and tricks for getting the most out of this heating method. We will also explore other ways to stay warm while camping in cold climates.

Insulation

Choose the Right Materials

Select insulation materials with a good R-value, which measures their ability to restrict heat flow. Materials with a higher R-value provide better insulation. Some options include:

• Styrofoam or foam board insulation: These come in different-sized foam sheets or panels that are resistant to water and fire. They have R-values ranging from 5 to 20, with well-insulated campers typically having an R-value of 10 for walls and 20 for the ceiling.
• Fiberglass insulation: This option ranges between an R-value of R-11 and R-15. However, it can irritate the skin and requires covering to avoid direct contact. It is also susceptible to moisture buildup and mould.
• Mineral wool insulation: This has a higher R-value than fiberglass and is a porous material that traps air efficiently.
• Natural fiber insulation: This includes denim insulation and wool insulation, which are sustainable and eco-friendly options.
• Spray foam insulation: This is crafted by combining two chemicals that harden upon application and can reach every corner of your camper. However, it requires immediate covering with plywood as it expands.

Take Precise Measurements

Measure the walls, floor, windows, and ceiling of your camper to determine the amount of insulation and other materials needed. This step is crucial to ensure you have enough supplies and avoid wasting materials.

Clean and Prepare Your Camper

Before installing insulation, thoroughly clean your camper and check for any areas that need attention, such as cracks or rusty spots. Use a wire wheel to grind away rust and patch large holes. If your camper shell is made of fiberglass, use a fiberglass repair kit to fix cracks and holes. Seal any unwanted cavities with spray foam or expanding foam.

Plan Your Electrical System

It is important to manage the electrical system before installing insulation. Ensure all wires are properly routed and secured behind the insulation boards to avoid any issues later on. Plan the placement of lights, calculate energy usage, and sketch out plug locations.

Install Sound Deadening

If you are insulating an older vehicle, consider installing sound deadening material on the metal floor of the cab area to reduce noise while driving. You can also use it on the ribbed floor of your camper to level the surface.

Install Window and Roof Cut-Outs

Install windows, roof vents, or chimneys before adding insulation. Cutting holes after installing insulation will waste good insulation and increase the risk of leaks, especially in rainy conditions. Wait a few days after installing these features to ensure they are leak-free.

Install Insulation

Now, it's time to install the insulation. Cut the insulation into sizes that fit the sections you want to insulate and secure them with adhesive spray or tape. For the floor, consider using a carpet or therma wrap along with the insulation to keep the cold out and make the surface more comfortable. Fill any gaps with expanding foam.

Finish with a Vapour Barrier

Once the insulation is in place, seal any tiny spots and seams using construction-grade joint tape or duct tape. You can also add a vapour barrier, such as Reflectix, to reduce radiative heat transfer. However, ensure you get a perfect seal to avoid trapping water in the insulation.

Wood-burning stoves

Factors to Consider:

• Positioning: It's recommended to position your stove at an angle in a corner, so it can be seen from the bed and the doorway. This is also a space-efficient setup.
• Bolting: The stove needs to be securely bolted down to the floor of your camper, ideally through the floor itself rather than a raised platform. Look for stoves with pre-drilled holes to make this easier.
• Flue pipes: Consider the position of the flue pipes and try to avoid cutting through cross members. The hole in the roof for the flue should be in a suitable place to fit the roof flashing. If driving in the UK or on the left-hand side of the road, installing the stove and flue on the driver's side can help prevent the rain cap from being knocked off by overhanging branches.
• Safe distances: Be mindful of the safe distances between the stove and combustible/non-combustible materials. Regulations specify the required distances for single-wall and twin-wall flue pipes. You may need to install heat shields to reduce these distances.
• Air vent: It's crucial to install an air vent near the stove, as vans are airtight spaces. This ensures a good supply of air for the stove to function properly.
• Safety equipment: In addition to the air vent, it's essential to have a fire extinguisher, smoke alarm, and carbon monoxide alarm fitted inside your camper.

Installation Steps:

• Decide on the position of the stove, ensuring it's safely distanced from anything flammable and doesn't obstruct movement.
• Determine where the flue will exit the roof, leaving enough room around the exit point.
• Gather all the parts and tools you'll need, including the stove, flue kit, flashing kit, cowl, heat shield (if needed), and silicone sealant.
• Place the stove in its position and assemble the first few sections of the flue.
• Use the flue to find the centre point for the flashing kit on the roof. Drill a hole straight up through this point and any insulation layers.
• Use the flashing kit as a stencil to draw the cut-out for the flue on the roof. Cut the hole using a jigsaw or angle grinder. Repeat this process if the roof is insulated, ensuring the holes are aligned.
• Move the stove outside and light it to cure the paint.
• Install the flashing kit on the roof, sealing it with silicone sealant and securing it with self-drilling screws.
• Push the flue up through the flashing kit from the inside of the camper.
• Attach the cowl to the top of the flue.
• Join the flue to the collar at the back of the stove.

Additional Tips:

• Always use insulated flue to prevent accidents and ensure a good draw.
• Choose a small wood stove, as you won't need a lot of heat in a camper.
• Be mindful of the height of your flue and cowl when driving under bridges or low-hanging branches. Consider using a flue cap when travelling to prevent damage.
• Consult an expert if you're unsure about the installation process or have concerns about safety.

By following these guidelines and instructions, you can safely install and use a wood-burning stove to heat your camper.

Fire safety

Heating a camper with wood can be a great way to stay warm when off-grid or during power outages. However, it's important to prioritise fire safety when dealing with an open flame in an enclosed space. Here are some detailed tips to ensure fire safety when heating your camper with wood:

• Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: It is crucial to have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your camper. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless and odourless gas that can be deadly if inhaled, so a detector that alerts you to its presence is essential.
• Ensure proper ventilation: Always crack a window when burning wood to allow fresh air to circulate and prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Additionally, ensure your wood stove has a chimney flue or pipe to vent fumes and smoke out of the camper.
• Use a heat shield: Place a heat shield, made of non-combustible materials, around the wood stove to protect the surrounding walls, furniture, and floor from the intense heat. This will also help to increase the required clearance between the stove and combustible materials.
• Maintain safe distances: Keep flammable items, such as clothing, towels, and paper products, away from the wood stove and chimney flue. A safe distance should also be maintained between the wood stove and any furniture or walls.
• Regularly clean the stove and flue: It is important to clean the stove and flue regularly to prevent the buildup of ash and fumes, which can pose a fire hazard.
• Use a fire extinguisher: Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of any fires or sparks. It is also a good idea to have a portable carbon monoxide detector and a portable fire extinguisher when camping.
• Follow manufacturer instructions: Each wood stove model is unique, so be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation, operation, and maintenance. This includes guidelines for the stove pipe, heat shields, and clearances.
• Don't leave the fire unattended: Always supervise the fire when it is burning. Do not leave it unattended, especially when sleeping or leaving the camper, to prevent any potential fire hazards.
• Be mindful of oxygen levels: Burning wood consumes oxygen, so it is important to ensure adequate ventilation and fresh air supply to maintain safe oxygen levels. Additionally, consider using CO and O2 sensors to monitor oxygen levels.
• Choose the right wood: Different types of wood burn differently. For example, oak produces more heat than pine but requires more effort to cut into logs. Choose dry wood with low moisture content, as wood that is too wet or green may not burn efficiently and produce less heat.
• Store wood safely: Keep your wood stack or pile away from the camper to reduce the risk of fire spreading to the wood source. Additionally, ensure that any leftover ashes are completely cooled before disposal to prevent residual embers from igniting a new fire.
• Be cautious with portable stoves: If using a portable wood stove, ensure it is placed on a stable, non-combustible surface and is not left unattended. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe operation and maintenance.

Heating options

There are several ways to heat a camper without electricity. The most common method is to use a propane furnace, which comes standard in most motorhomes, RVs, and camper trailers. These furnaces use propane gas for heat and 12V power to regulate and monitor the temperature. They are efficient enough to keep your camper warm, except on extremely cold winter nights.

If you are looking for a completely off-the-grid heating solution, a wood-burning stove is a great option. These stoves require some initial setup and maintenance, such as collecting or chopping wood, but they can provide ample heat for your camper. You will need to ensure proper ventilation by installing a stove pipe to channel the smoke away from the camper. It is also important to place a piece of tarpaulin or metal underneath the stove to catch any falling sparks or embers.

When using a wood-burning stove, it is crucial to lay out the stove properly before use. Place a tarp or rocks underneath the stove to prevent heat from escaping. Then, set up some kindling, such as twigs and small pieces of wood, around a metal sheet where the pot will sit. Larger pieces of wood should be placed around the exterior, with only one additional layer compared to the kindling. Finally, set up logs directly outside the kindling to avoid smothering the fire.

Another option for heating your camper without electricity is to use wood pellets, which can be found in most hardware stores. These pellets are small, ground-up pieces of wood that burn cleanly and quickly, providing efficient heat for small spaces. They are also compact and easy to store, making them a convenient choice for campers.

If you prefer a more traditional approach, you can also heat your camper by burning firewood. It is important to choose the right type of wood, as some types burn better than others. For example, oak produces more heat than pine but requires more effort to cut and chop. Make sure to burn wood frequently and regularly to maintain a consistent temperature and prevent your fire from getting out of control.

Additionally, you can consider using a portable space heater, such as the popular Mr. Heater, which runs on propane. However, it is crucial to ensure proper ventilation when using propane heaters to prevent the buildup of dangerous gases. These heaters produce wet heat, which can lead to moisture buildup and the potential growth of mould and mildew. Therefore, it is recommended to use a dehumidifier to control humidity levels. Always prioritise safety by having proper ventilation, keeping flammable items away from the heat source, and having a fire extinguisher and carbon monoxide alarm handy.

Wood types

Wood is a great alternative to propane for heating your camper. However, it's important to note that campers are made of lightweight, flammable materials, so there are some safety considerations to keep in mind. Here are some tips for choosing the right wood for your camper:

• Use dry wood: Dry wood burns more efficiently and produces less smoke. Fresh or green wood can create a lot of smoke, which can be dangerous if it gets sucked back into your camper through ventilation. It's best to use wood that has been dried for at least a year, and preferably two.
• Choose hardwoods: Hardwoods, such as oak, tend to produce more heat than softwoods like pine. They may require a bit more effort to cut and split, but they will give you a hotter and longer-lasting fire.
• Burn seasoned wood: Seasoned wood has been allowed to dry and age, reducing its moisture content. This makes it easier to light and burn, and it produces less creosote, a flammable substance that can build up in your chimney.
• Avoid resinous woods: Woods like pine and spruce are highly resinous and can cause excessive creosote buildup in your chimney, leading to a fire hazard.
• Opt for dense wood: Dense woods, like hickory or oak, will burn longer and produce more heat. So, when in doubt, choose denser wood over lighter, less dense options.
• Be mindful of local regulations: Some areas may have restrictions on the types of wood that can be burned due to environmental concerns. Make sure to check your local regulations before choosing your wood.

Remember to always burn wood responsibly and follow safety guidelines to minimise the risk of fire and carbon monoxide hazards.

Frequently asked questions