Make A Wood Stove For Your Camper: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wood stoves are a great way to heat your camper van, RV, or tiny home. They're an environmentally friendly, electricity-free, and affordable heating option. With a wood stove, you can enjoy the crackling sounds of a flame and the warmth of a fire while on the road.

In this article, we'll discuss the benefits and drawbacks of installing a wood stove in your camper, as well as provide step-by-step instructions on how to build and install your own wood stove using recycled materials for under $20. We'll also offer some tips and tricks for optimizing your wood stove's performance and ensuring safe usage.

Choosing a wood stove

When selecting a wood stove for your camper, there are several factors to consider, including space, weight, heating needs, and safety. Here are some key points to help you choose the right wood stove for your camper:

Space Considerations:

• Measure the space you have available in your camper to determine the size of the wood stove that will fit. Consider not just the footprint of the stove but also the clearance required for safe operation.
• Think about where you will place the wood stove. It should be installed on a non-combustible surface, such as a stone or metal hearth pad, to protect the floor from heat and embers.
• Ensure there is adequate clearance from combustible materials such as walls and furniture. The required distance may vary depending on the stove model and the use of heat shields.

Weight Constraints:

Consider the weight of the wood stove, especially if you plan to move it around or install it in a slide-out area. Lighter options like the Dickinson Marine Newport, weighing only 15 pounds, can be a good choice for small campers or RVs.

Heating Needs:

• Assess the heating requirements of your camper, taking into account factors such as climate and the size of the space you need to heat. Larger campers or colder climates may require a bigger stove with a higher heat output.
• Consider additional functionalities you may want, such as a cooking surface. Some wood stoves offer the ability to cook or bake, providing extra versatility.

Safety and Ventilation:

• Prioritize safety by choosing a wood stove designed for RVs or tiny spaces, as they maximize safety and space. These stoves often include features like heat shields and secure ventilation systems.
• Ensure proper ventilation by installing a chimney or flue pipe. The pipe should extend above the peak of the roof to keep smoke away from the living area. Consider using double-wall insulated pipes to minimize smoke and address creosote concerns.
• Install carbon monoxide, oxygen, and carbon dioxide sensors, as burning wood can deplete oxygen levels and produce carbon monoxide. Always leave a window cracked open when burning wood to mitigate these risks.

Some popular wood stove options for campers include the Cubic Mini Wood Stove, The Kimberly, The Mini Woodsman, and The Hobbit Stove. Each has its own unique features and heating capabilities, so be sure to research and select the one that best suits your needs and space constraints.

Building a stove stand

Planning and Materials

The first step is to decide on the type of wood stove you will be using. In the case of a Dwarf Wood Stove, the manufacturer provides specific guidelines and clearance requirements that you must follow. Determine the dimensions of your stove and the amount of space you will need for wood storage. Consider the overall design and layout of your camper van to ensure the stove stand fits seamlessly into the available space.

Construction Techniques

For the construction of the stove stand, you can use materials such as plywood or reclaimed wood. If you want a more rustic or cabin-like appearance, reclaimed wood panels can be attached to the exterior of the stand. Cut and assemble the wood to create a box-like structure with a small opening at the front. This opening will allow you to stack burning wood inside while preventing it from falling out during transit.

Safety Considerations

To ensure safety, it is crucial to use a non-combustible material below the stove to catch any falling embers. This material should extend at least 12 inches in front of the stove and match the required clearance distances for the heat shield you are using. Additionally, if your stand is made of combustible material, you will need to add a 1/2-inch thick layer of non-combustible insulating material, such as mineral fibre board, below the ember protection layer.

Finishing Touches

Once the stand is constructed, you can add decorative elements or paint it to match the aesthetic of your camper van. Place your stove tools on the side wall of the stand to make them easily accessible and enhance the overall look.

By following these steps and considering your unique design preferences, you can create a functional and aesthetically pleasing stove stand for your wood stove in your camper van.

Stove placement and clearance

When installing a wood stove in a camper van, there are several factors to consider to ensure safe and efficient placement and clearance.

Firstly, the wood stove should be placed on a non-combustible surface, such as a stone or metal hearth pad. This will protect the floor from heat and any escaping embers. It is also important to maintain adequate clearance from combustible materials such as walls and furniture. The required distance will depend on the stove model and the use of heat shields, which can reduce the necessary clearance. Industry guidelines, such as those set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), recommend a minimum distance of 3 feet (90 cm) between the wood stove and combustible walls, and 2 feet (60 cm) for non-combustible walls. For brick walls, a distance of at least 12 inches (30 cm) should be maintained, while for stone walls, the distance should be at least 18 inches (45 cm).

Proper venting is crucial to safely remove smoke and gases from the interior. This typically involves installing a chimney or flue pipe that extends above the roof to ensure good draft and keep smoke away from the living area. The specific requirements for chimney height and installation may vary based on the stove model and local building codes. It is also important to consider the surrounding structure, especially when installing the stove near brick or stone walls, as these materials can absorb and radiate heat, potentially causing the stove to malfunction or creating uneven heat distribution.

To increase safety and reduce the required clearance, heat shields can be installed on walls near the stove. These should be made of non-combustible materials and properly anchored. Additionally, ensuring an adequate air supply to the wood stove is necessary for efficient combustion and to prevent carbon monoxide accumulation. Some stoves may require direct external air intakes.

Installing a chimney

Firstly, ensure you have a complete flue design and all the necessary components. You will need an install kit, which is a "base kit" with the parts that everyone needs, and then additional piping depending on your structure. You should also have your stove assembled and your hearth built.

Next, ensure your vehicle is level and the wheels are chocked. You will need a variety of tools, including a level or plumb bob, a wax pencil or sharpie, tools to cut a hole in your ceiling/roof, and various fasteners, sealants, and lubricants.

Now you can begin the installation process. The first step is to attach the stovepipe to the flue flange of the stove, sealing it with stove cement. If you are using insulated piping, you may need to crimp the inner wall of the pipe to fit inside the flue flange. Test the fit, and make any necessary adjustments with an angle grinder. If you are using a third-party stove, you may need to make additional modifications for a perfect fit.

Once the stovepipe is attached, add additional sections of stovepipe to get at least 40" of vertical pipe. Then, build a fire in your stove outdoors to cure the stove paint and cement. Once cured and cooled, move the stove back inside and secure it in place on the hearth.

The next step is to cut a hole in your roof for the chimney. The hole should be aligned with the pipe attached to the stove and large enough to allow the insulated pipe to pass through without violating clearance to combustibles inside the ceiling. Mark the center point and clearances, ensuring you have at least 2" of clearance to combustibles in all directions. Cut the hole with the appropriate tools for your ceiling material, and then cut a small hole in the roof to determine the exact location of the cutout. Drill a small hole through your roof at the center point, then mark and cut the hole in the roof from the top.

If your pipe passes through a cabinet or large space before hitting the roof, you must enclose it in a chase to maintain the required clearance.

Now you can install your stovepipe. First, assemble the chimney pipe, securing the single-to-double adapter to the bottom of the insulated pipe with a double-wall clamp. If you are using a detachable chimney, attach the driving cap to the top of the pipe. Then, insert the chimney pipe into the pipe boot, threading it through the roof. Adjust the pipe boot so that the top is just below the bottom of the clamp.

Install the roof support bracket by attaching the L-brackets to the sides of the clamp. You can install the bracket in various locations, but it is often best to install it on the ceiling for easier access during maintenance. Fasten the bracket to the ceiling, ensuring it is in the correct position to support the weight of the chimney vertically and laterally.

Build the connector pipe, connecting the single-wall pipe from the stove to the single-to-double adapter using a clamp or stovepipe screws. Cut the single-wall pipe to the required length with an angle grinder.

Finally, create a watertight roof seal by installing a pipe boot. Ensure the underside of the pipe boot flange and the roof are clean and dry, then apply sealant and fasten the flange into place with the appropriate fasteners. Seal around the perimeter of the flange and over each of the fasteners.

Now you can assemble the rest of your chimney. Install the extra insulated pipe, roof vent, and ceiling trim plate. Verify that your chimney is properly supported and that all joints are secure. Check for clearance violations around the stove and flue system, ensuring you have the required clearances from combustibles.

Safety considerations

When making a wood stove for a camper, there are several safety considerations to keep in mind. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure safety:

Materials and Ventilation

Firstly, it is crucial to choose the right materials for your wood stove. Avoid using flammable materials such as nylon or polyester, as they can pose a fire hazard. Opt for materials that can withstand high temperatures and leave enough clearance around the stove to prevent melting or catching fire. Ensure proper ventilation by creating a fresh air intake system, such as a small hole in the floor or ducting to direct fresh air into the combustion chamber.

Fire Safety

Install a fire alarm and carbon monoxide detector in your camper. Place the fire alarm as high as possible, while mounting the carbon monoxide detector close to the floor, as carbon monoxide sinks. Additionally, keep a fire extinguisher easily accessible near the door, so you can quickly exit in case of an emergency.

Stove Placement and Installation

Determine a safe location for your wood stove, ensuring that all four feet can be securely bolted to the camper's floor. Avoid placing the stove near flammable objects or materials. When installing the flue pipe, try to avoid using elbows or bends, as these can impact the stove's performance. The driver's side of the camper is usually a good choice for the flue vent to avoid low-hanging branches.

Fuel Choice

Choose the right fuel for your wood stove. Avoid using charcoal or kerosene stoves due to their high carbon monoxide emissions. Instead, opt for fuels such as alcohol, white gas, or propane. Additionally, ensure that your wood is properly dried, as firewood with high moisture content can impact the stove's performance and produce less heat.

Maintenance and Monitoring

Regularly maintain your wood stove to keep it in good condition. This includes cleaning, inspecting for any damage, and ensuring that all components are securely attached. Monitor the fire and fuel levels frequently, especially overnight, as wood stoves need to be fed every few hours.

By following these safety considerations and maintaining your wood stove, you can enjoy a cozy and safe heating solution in your camper.

Frequently asked questions