Install a Stove into a Campervan
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In this post, we will explain a few basic areas you will need to consider when it comes to installing a small stove in your vehicle. This could be a horse box, tiny home, shepherds hut, caravan or any tiny space!
Installing a stove can be a daunting process, but by the time you have read to the end of the article you will feel a little more confident as we guide you through each step.
How to Install a Little Burners Wood Burning Stove in Your Campervan
Installing a Little Burners stove in your campervan is a fantastic way to add warmth and comfort to your van life experience. Whether you're heading to chilly climates or just want the cosy ambiance of a real fire, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of installing your Little Burners stove safely and effectively.
Step 1: Choose the Right Location for Your Stove
Before you begin the installation, you'll need to choose the right location for your stove. For optimal performance and safety, consider these factors:
- Space: Ensure the stove will fit comfortably in the space you've allocated in your campervan.
- Ventilation: The stove needs to be placed near a vent or chimney hole to ensure proper airflow and venting of smoke. You can install a 100mm vent behind the stove (on the floor), this ensures you're not fighting with the stove for oxygen!
- Heat Resistance: The area around the stove must be heat-resistant to avoid fire hazards.
Tip: It's a good idea to mark the area where the stove will sit before proceeding with installation.
Step 2: Prepare the Installation Area
Now it's time to prepare the installation area. Follow these steps:
- Clear the area of any furniture, clutter, or items that could obstruct the stove's installation.
- Mark the location for the stove and the chimney pipe. This is typically on the floor and roof of the campervan.
- Ensure the surface where the stove will sit is level and stable.
Tip: Double-check that there’s enough clearance around the stove for ventilation and heat safety.
Step 3: Install the Stove's Base and Chimney
Now that the area is prepared, it's time to install the stove's base and chimney. Follow these steps:
- Secure the stove base to the floor using screws or bolts, ensuring the stove is stable and level.
- Mark and drill a hole in the roof or wall of your campervan for the chimney pipe to exit. The hole should be large enough to accommodate the stove's venting pipe. You can get the centre hole by using a plumbline (string and something weighty, a nut!), placing the string on the ceiling and dangling the weight over the centre of the opening on the stove, mark this on the ceiling and this is your centre hole! (This only works on a level ground!).
- For the hole in the interior ensure the gap is atleast 50mm all the way around the twin wall to any combustibles.
- Install the chimney pipe, ensuring it’s long enough to vent smoke safely outside. You may need to seal the hole to prevent leaks.
Step 4: Connect the Stove to the Fuel Source
Your Little Burners stove is designed to burn multiple fuels, so you’ll need to prepare the stove to handle either wood, smokeless coal, or other approved fuels. Here’s how to do it:
- Choose your fuel. Wood is ideal for a cosy fire, while smokeless coal is more efficient and long lasting. Your stove is designed to handle both.
- Load the stove. Open the firebox and load some kindling and some firelighters. For the first few burns please use kindling to season your stove.
- Airflow settings. Adjust the airflow settings on your stove to match the fuel you're using. Wood requires more air to burn efficiently, while coal requires less air.
Tip: Always use dry, seasoned wood for the best burn and efficiency. Wet or green wood can produce excessive smoke and reduce the stove’s effectiveness.
Step 5: External
If you ordered one of our kits you will see there is an orange silicone boot. When installing this ensure the metal band is facing up. You can use silicone and some screws to ensure this stays down. Always use the appropriate screw;
If your installing it into a metal roof of a vehicle, you can predrill the holes, alternatively you can use self tapping screws and this will hold the silicone boot down firmly. If you are screwing into fibreglass or wood, ensure you are using the correct screws for this and preparing the area correctly.
The rain cap/cowls in our single wall kits have three holes predrilled into the 2nd pipe, you can easily attach your rain cap legs to this, followed by the cap.
In the twin wall kits you have a large cowl with a locking band. Install the flue pipes internally so it is above the silicone boot, press down and fix your silicone boot in place, undo the locking band and clip the cowl in place. Watch your fingers as they can nick your skin.
Step 6: Test the Stove
Once everything is installed, it's time to test your Little Burners wood stove:
- Light a small fire to test the stove’s operation. Start with a few small pieces of dry wood to get the fire going.
- Check the chimney pipe to ensure it’s drawing smoke properly and venting outside.
- Make sure the stove is producing consistent heat and there are no signs of smoke leaking into the campervan.
Tip: Always supervise your stove the first time you light it, and never leave the stove unattended while it’s burning.
Note: Whilst you are seasoning your stove the paint with smoke, this will continue for a couple of hours, however once it has been cured you wont have to do it again! You can do this prior to installation or whilst it is installed but ensure all doors and windows are open!
Tips:
- Always use dry, seasoned wood for the best burn and efficiency. Wet or green wood can produce excessive smoke and reduce the stove’s effectiveness.
- Ensure you have atleast a 250mm gap all around the sides of the burner, you can reduce this by around half if you install a heat shield - this can be one of ours which has the air gap in place ready for installation, you can also use vermiculite board or tiles.
- Always install a carbon monoxide alarm.
- Clean your flue pipe regularly.
Quick overview
- Position stove
- Mark centre hole on the ceiling for hole saw.
- Cut hole and install flashing
- Cut and install a ventilation hole for the stove behind the burner
- Install stove and flue pipes
- Install rain cap
Conclusion
Congratulations! You've successfully installed your Little Burners stove in your campervan. Whether you're heating your van on cold nights or just enjoying the cosy atmosphere of a wood fire, your stove will be a reliable addition to your van life setup. Be sure to perform regular maintenance and safety checks on your stove to keep it in top condition.