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Living full-time in an RV, camper, or van conversion can be an amazing life choice. There are so many magical things to experience that you can’t find living full-time in a traditional home.
However, since starting my full-time RVer journey only a few months ago, I can tell you all the things I miss most about brick-and-mortar living (thankfully the list is quite short!).
One of the things topping my list, believe it or not, is the dry, crackling heat of a fireplace or wood stove.
Thankfully, I’m not alone in my desires, and the possibility of snuggling up in front of a wood stove on a damp, chilly winter night brings many RVers so much joy.
Looking for something unique to keep you warm in your own home on wheels, whether living full-time or not? Me too! Though it may take a bit of remodeling, RV wood stoves are the perfect blend of luxury and long-term affordability, and I’ve compiled a list of the best options out there.
Here’s a quick overview of the list but keep reading to see a detailed review of each:
- Best Overall: The Dwarf 3kw
- Best for Tiny Spaces: Cubic Mini Cub
- Best Light Weight: Dickinson Newport Solid Fuel Heater
- Premium Pick: The Kimberly
- Most Unique Option: Shipmate Stove Skippy
- Best for Cold Climates: Cubic Grizzly Mini
Advantages of Wood Stoves in an RV
Propane or electric heat are usually standard in an RV. But what about the dry and comforting heat of wood stoves? Living full-time in an RV, primarily in the Pacific Northwest, means I am constantly battling humidity. Winters get tricky when it comes to moisture and condensation inside my 19-foot travel trailer. But if you’re looking for something a little larger, I wrote about my favorite Class C RV’s for winter in this article.
The heat from a wood stove, no matter how small, is dry and cozy. It eliminates the need for other moisture-removing products as well as providing a pleasant crackling sound. Your winters will be far more enjoyable with a wood stove!
Another advantage of having a wood stove in your camper is the cost of fuel. Firewood is a cheap alternative to propane or electricity, and is readily available even when stealth camping. Wood stoves radiate heat in an economic way, leaving you warm and comfortable for very little cost.
If you’re looking for an even more off-the-grid option for your heat, a wood stove may be the perfect fit for you! Dealing with propane can be expensive, and electricity is not always readily available for campers. Having a wood stove in your rig ensures you have heat, so long as there’s firewood around.
If your RV is large enough to fit a traditionally-shaped wood stove, you can even cook on it! The flat top gets hot enough to boil water, slow cook in cast iron, and it can even be used to dry your clothes after a snowy or rainy day outside. I love setting damp boots in front of a wood stove, and that can be an invaluable resource in an RV without a dryer.
Disadvantages of Wood Stoves in an RV
With my current interior design, I can’t fit a wood stove in my 1976 trailer. Though very small wood stoves exist, my RV needs a serious remodel to maximize my use of a wood stove. I imagine your RV does too! When considering a wood stove in your home on wheels, sometimes there may not be adequate space for one. If you are committed to installing one, get ready to redesign things a bit.
Another main disadvantage of installing a wood stove is the need for a flue pipe. Cutting into the roof of your RV can be a major source of anxiety as well as risk to your sealed roof. Make sure to take your time if you are installing a wood stove yourself. It is a fairly self-explanatory process, but putting any sort of hole in your RV roof comes with risks!
The main difference between traditional wood stoves and RV wood stoves is their size. As you could probably guess, your firewood must be cut much smaller for your RV wood stove than your average sized fireplace back home. Most people find this to be a serious chore, and the smaller the log, the faster it burns. The average RV wood stove requires maintenance through the night to keep the fire going. If you’re camping on an especially cold night and your wood stove is your only heat source, plan to wake up a couple times if you want to stay cozy!
If you’re hoping to do a lot of stealth camping in your van or camper, a wood stove may not be the right choice for you. There’s no fire without smoke, and only a few wood stoves on the market include more discreet venting technology. If your main concern while camping is remaining undiscovered, a wood stove may not be a good choice.
As with most parts of an RV, cleaning and maintenance is necessary for your wood stove. Ash must be cleared out, and your flue pipe needs consistent cleaning to avoid harmful buildup. This is an easy enough task, needing very little specialty knowledge. However, if you’re used to simpler heat sources, this may prove too much of a chore.
How to Choose the Best RV Wood Stove
If you’re like me and the upkeep of a wood stove isn’t daunting to you, how do you choose the one that’s right for you? There are a few things to consider if you haven’t yet:
- -What size wood stove can I fit in my RV?
- -How much remodeling/redesigning do I have to do for a safe installation?
- -How much clearance do I need on each side of the stove?
- -Do I have easy access to firewood or coal?
- -Is stealth camping a high priority for me?
- -Do I have a backup heat source?
- -What’s my budget?
Make sure you carefully measure the area where you plan to install your wood stove. There should be adequate space surrounding your wood stove for safety, including ample overhead clearance. Every wood stove is different! Some require more clearance than others, or there may be specialty equipment purchased separately to minimize the need for a lot of open space. Keep most soft goods and flammable objects away from your stove, and plan storage space for kindling and firewood. Depending on your rig, this may mean a lot of rearranging and designing for you.
But there are tons of creative people out there and plenty of installation videos to help you out! However, make sure this step is done properly- clearance and safety in your camper should be number one! Wood stoves can be a safe and efficient way of heating, but only if time is taken to install one properly.
Stealth camping can be a great advantage for some RVers, especially those of you who own a camper van. However, having a wood stove burning is a dead giveaway. There’s no way to hide smoke billowing out of your flue pipe! This can be a deal breaker for those of you looking for a more private retreat. Some wood stoves burn cleaner than others through various air intake processes, which means you’re not out of luck if stealth camping is a high priority for you! This may be something to ask the manufacturer specifically if discretion is high on your list.
As with so much of RV living, safety first! Having a backup heat source is never a bad idea, especially if your wood gets wet or you run out unexpectedly. Make sure you’re not heading out into the middle of nowhere in cold weather without a second option for heat! Thankfully a wood stove is often the most reliable option for campers, but make sure to always be prepared.
Most wood stove prices don’t include flue pipes or other installation materials. Check which manufacturers include these necessary bits of hardware in the purchase price, and budget beyond the cost of the stove. You may want to build wood storage beneath your stove as well, which will entail more trips to the hardware store. Some wood stoves can be wall-mounted as well. The possibilities are endless, which means you should be able to design the rig of your dreams, wood stove included!
6 Fantastic RV Wood Stoves
Still dreaming of a wood stove in your RV? Me too! Whether you’re looking for the smallest possible heat source for your van conversion or a wood stove that will burn all through the night, I’ve compiled a list of options for you. Keep in mind your budget, dimensions, and style while you read on- every wood stove is as unique as the rig that houses it!
1. Best Overall: The Dwarf 3kw
Pros
- Small dimensions (H17” x W10.25” x D8.5”)
- Large viewing window
- Wall vented option
- Cooking surface
- Multiple air controls
Cons
- Heavy (75 pounds)
- Tall legs and enamel door cost extra
- Needs refueling often (6”-8” logs)
- No safety rail along top
Need a bit more bang for your buck? The Dwarf 3kw may be the perfect fit for your camper or RV. It’s the smallest wood stove in the Dwarf lineup, but can still heat a whopping 300 square feet. Featuring a large viewing window, sturdy cast iron construction, and the option to wall vent your flue, this wood stove is traditional in every way.
There are three air control options as well, so that you can maximize your fuel. It also includes a grate and ash pan for easy cleanup and sifting! Looking for a customized cutie? The Dwarf wood stove lineup offers add-ons such as taller cast iron legs, a wood storage bin, and enamel doors in multiple colors! If you tow your rig, you may find this unit on the heavier side, and there’s no safety rail along the top.
But if you’re looking for a heavier duty wood stove for your RV, this tiny unit might give you the peace of mind and comfort you’re searching for. People also ask about the other Dwarf wood stoves and whether or not they will fit their rig. All it takes is knowing how many square feet you need to heat; the Dwarf lineup will most likely have you covered!
2. Best for Tiny Spaces: Cubic Mini Cub
Pros
- Tiny, tiny, tiny! (12” H x 11” W x 10.5” D)
- Clear glass for flame viewing
- Lightweight
- Easy installation and operation
- Cooking surface
- Produces very little smoke
Cons
- Not recommended for high ceilings
- Small logs require consistent refueling
- Not much cooking surface
- Only works up to 200 square feet
- Not recommended for a wall exit flue
If your RV space is at a premium and you’re looking for a seamless remodel, look no further than the Cubic Mini Cub. It is a mighty 27 pounds, which means your towing weight shouldn’t be affected, and it’s less than a single square foot dimension-wise. It is the tiniest wood stove on the market, and making waves because of that!
There’s a window for viewing your crackling flames, a 5” surface for cooking, and oh yeah, did I mention how freakin’ tiny it is!? People often ask if this unit is too small for their needs; it’s almost unbelievable how small this wood stove is! If your RV is on the smaller side with low ceilings, this may be the perfect fit for you.
Make sure you have at least 20 inches of clearance for it, and your logs have to be cut to 5 inches in length. You will need to wake up in the night to replace your logs, which may be the biggest con of this wood stove. If you’re hoping for a handsome addition to your van conversion or RV, this gold-accented cutie may be worthy of any influencer.
3. Best Light Weight: Dickinson Newport Solid Fuel Heater
Pros
- Small and unique shape (14.7″ H x 7.88″ W x 10″ D)
- Burns as hot as 8,000 BTU
- Removable ash drawer
- Lightweight
- Chic stainless steel design
Cons
- No viewing window
- Needs refueling frequently
- Not recommended for larger RVs
Searching for something even smaller and lighter? How about you take a look at the Dickinson Newport Solid Fuel heater! It might be a slightly taller unit than the Cub, but you can’t beat its other dimensions. Plus it only weighs 15 pounds, which means peace of mind for any of your towable rigs!
People often ask if this unit can heat their larger rig. Originally designed for boats 20’-25’ long, this stainless steel wood stove may be a unique and preferable fit for your smaller RV or camper. It burns logs, charcoal, and other solid fuels, which may be ideal for your varied travels.
It also comes with a removable ash tray and damper control. It’s wall-mountable, chic, and burns hot! If you need a mid-priced wood stove without all the extra fluff, this may be the perfect choice for you. Keep in mind its small interior; you’ll need to refuel in the night. But just look at that stainless steel exterior- it might be the exact style you’ve been missing from its competitors!
You can check the latest price on Amazon by clicking here.
4. Premium Pick: The Kimberly
Pros
- Viewing window
- Compact and round design (25.5″ H x 10″ Diameter)
- Burns one load of fuel up to 8 hours
- Can be used in traditional home
- Lighter weight (56 pounds)
- Little clearance needed (6”)
- Very little smoke detectable from flue
Cons
- Expensive
- Ceiling vent option only
- Accessories not included
If budget is no concern and you’re looking to have it all in your RV, the Kimberly wood stove might exceed your every expectation. It has a viewing window, unique and cylindrical stainless steel design, and is one of the few tiny wood stoves approved for home use! It can heat up to 1,500 square feet with only 6 inches of clearance necessary on any side. With such a sleek design, people also ask about its cooking capabilities.
Can the Kimberly do it all?
It includes a cooking surface, and purchasing additional accessories will allow for baking, generating electricity, and, coming soon, a water-boiling option. If you’re looking for a stealthier wood stove, the Kimberly’s design provides a nearly smokeless experience. Made in the USA, this wood stove sounds too good to be true, and for some, it is- be prepared for the financial investment that comes along with the Kimberly!
However, knowing it can be installed in a traditional home as well as an RV might be appealing to some of you planning to transfer to brick-and-mortar living. It also burns a single load of fuel up to 8 hours, which means you’ll get a full (and toasty) night’s sleep! What else can I say about this luxury wood stove? If you’re hoping to sleep through the night without refueling, the Kimberly may be your match made in heaven.
5. Most Unique Option: Shipmate Stove Skippy
Pros
- Compact and unique shape (W17.75” x D13.75” x H13.5”)
- Fits larger fuel
- Heats larger rigs (up to 45’)
- Made for cooking
- Lighter weight (45 pounds)
- Color, shape, and rail customizable
Cons
- Fuel loaded and stoked from top
- Expensive
- Unique flue shape
- No viewing window
One of the most uniquely designed wood stoves on the market, the Shipmate Skippy works just as good on land as it does at sea. Priced a bit higher than its competitors (but cheaper than the Kimberly!), the Skippy boasts customizable color options and cook plates, which may be exactly the wood stove you’re looking for. Weighing an attainable 45 pounds, this wood stove fits enough fuel for a 45’ rig.
A modernized design inspired by vintage boat stoves, this model of wood stove may be perfect for your rig redesign. My 1976 trailer would be absolute perfection with one of these cuties in it! Given its unique shape, people often ask if it will fit in their rig. Its dimensions are comparable to most other options on this list, and if you’re searching for the best wood stove for cooking, the Skippy is a clear winner. You may still need to refuel in the night, but it burns hot- up to 28,000 BTUs.
Make sure to check out all the color options, including customizable rails and even the shape of the stove top, so that you get the exact style you’re looking for!
6. Best for Cold Climates: Cubic Grizzly Mini
Pros
- Compact design (W 13″x H 15″x D 12″)
- Large cooking surface
- Large viewing window
- Lightweight (39 pounds)
- Produces very little smoke
- More affordable than others
Cons
- Not recommended for wall exit flue
- May need refueling in the night
Seeing double? Didn’t we already have a Cubic wood stove on the list? I couldn’t resist adding the Cub’s big brother, Grizzly, to the ranks! Built only slightly larger than the Cub, the Grizzly boasts a longer burn time and larger heating square footage, which may spell perfection for your rig. If you have high ceilings in your fifth wheel, want to wake up less in the night, and still crave a handsome and rustic design, then the Grizzly could be your best bet. It heats up to 300 square feet, and is labelled as Cubic’s winter model, which means you’ll be cozy if you find yourself in colder climates more often than not. People also ask about Cubic’s unique secondary combustion system.
If you’re hoping for a stealthier camping experience, the Grizzly produces very little smoke. The golden accents and railing atop this cast iron stove suit both modern and vintage designs. If you thought the Cub was almost perfect for you, the Grizzly may win you -and your larger rig- over.
Conclusion
Living in an RV or camper doesn’t mean you have to give up on a crackling fire. The dry heat from a wood stove benefits RV living more than most other options, and there’s nothing better than the coziness that comes with it! Though installation may seem daunting, the extra work may be worth it for your RV or van conversion. When the temperature drops, you can have a fire to look forward to, and it might come in the form of one of these wood stoves! If you’re up for the challenge and start-up cost, a wood stove may transform your RV into a proper home. All it takes is your imagination, and a cold winter night!