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Last Updated on January 29, 2024 by Jeremy
Burning wood for a heat source, is the cheapest solution for fuel, when it comes to your RV adventures.
As opposed to a propane furnace, or an electric heater, very small wood burning stoves, do exist for such occasions.
Other than tiny homes (which you can learn how to build easy) or small log cabins, where your square footage is key to finding out your ideal wood burning stove, RVs have become a popular location to house these items, with safety, being the number one starting point.
- 1- What are the Benefits?
- 2- How do they work for RVs?
- 3- What dimensions work the area in Mind?
- 4- What is the smallest wood burning stove?
These are some topics that will be discussed within this article, some of which I hope to answer your questions.
What are the benefits?
Comfort
As it goes for any heat source, you’ll want to find a unit that not only looks appealing but find one that brings a sense of comfort to warm you up.
Anybody can enjoy a nice relaxing fire around a fire pit – the sound of the crackling that comes from logs, the smell of a nice cedar wood, the smoke…
This is where wood burning stoves in general, eliminate that smoke up its flue pipe, and out the chimney top.
To be comfortable around a wood stove, you’ll want to make sure it’s easy to use, and is maintainable.
Cost
As of October 31, the U.S. residential price of propane averaged $2.67/gal, down 6 cents from the previous year. Last winter, strong winter heating consumption and increased global demand for propane contributed to low U.S. propane inventories and high propane prices“. – US Energy Information Administration
Compared to the average electrical bill, in the U.S., this can range between 0.11 cents and 0.30 cents per hour at 1500 watts.
To put this into a perspective, a simple calculation, running your heater at 8 hours of a 24-hour day, you’re spending (based on 0.20 cents) $1.60 per day.
If you multiply that into 30 days, or 1 month, you’ll spend $48.00.
However, a wood burning stove will be cheaper than that.
Besides the obvious cost of the unit itself, the fuel source is all just manual labor in cutting your own wood.
And if you wanted an alternative, some lumber yards have scrap lumber or pallets to burn.
Ideally, your last option is your best option here! Are you wondering what the best types of firewood are?
Cooking
As with the cost of the propane, or electric, you can also cook with those two options.
As this does increase the cost if you were just utilizing those things for heating purposes only, a small wood burning stove, however, will be beneficially a cheaper alternative in both categories.
You’ll want to acknowledge that it may be not what you’re used to, but it reflects simplicity in the long run.
Clothes Drying
For what it’s worth, when you run any sort of heat source in the small, enclosed confines of an RV or tiny home, you’ll want to utilize laundry days into your schedule.
Having propane heat and damp clothes, creates an overabundance of moisture build-up inside your units. This creates problems down the road.
Although electric heat may be a better solution, it creates a fire hazard from damp clothes dripping near any electrical heater, and quite frankly, this option should be avoided, period.
With a wood burning stove, the natural flame heat, dries the clothes evenly, and warms them throughout.
How do they work for RVs?
Mini wood-burning stoves for RVs bring a touch of rustic charm and practical warmth to your mobile abode. Their functionality is both simple and ingenious. Operating much like their larger counterparts, these compact stoves typically feature:
- ~ Combustion Chamber: Despite their size, mini woodstoves have an efficient combustion chamber. This ensures that the wood burns thoroughly, maximizing heat output.
- ~ Airflow Control: Many mini woodstoves come equipped with adjustable dampers, allowing you to control the airflow. This not only influences the intensity of the fire but also helps manage the burn rate.
- ~ Heat Distribution: The compact design doesn’t compromise on heat distribution. Some models come with built-in fans to circulate warm air effectively throughout your RV.
- ~ Safety Features: To ensure safe operation in confined spaces, mini woodstoves often include safety features like heat shields and clearances to combustibles.
Determining Dimensions
Selecting the right mini wood-burning stove for your RV involves careful consideration of dimensions. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
- ~ Available Space: Measure the available space in your RV where you intend to install the wood stove. Consider not only the stove’s footprint but also the clearance needed around it for safety.
- ~ Venting Requirements: Mini woodstoves require proper venting to expel smoke. Ensure your RV has a suitable venting system in place or plan for the installation of one.
- ~ Weight: RVs have weight restrictions, so it’s crucial to choose a mini woodstove that aligns with your vehicle’s weight capacity.
- ~ Installation Flexibility: Some mini woodstoves offer versatile installation options. Consider models that can be floor-mounted or wall-mounted based on your RV’s layout.
What is available?
Mini Woodsman:
Compact Design: Perfect for RV living, the Mini Woodsman boasts a compact design that fits seamlessly into small spaces.
Efficient Heating: Despite its size, this mini wood stove provides efficient heating, creating a cozy atmosphere in your RV.
Ease of Installation: The Mini Woodsman is designed for easy installation, making it an excellent choice for RV enthusiasts.
Where to Purchase: Find the Mini Woodsman through authorized dealers. Learn more from this website: Mini Woodsman Wood Stove Review – Forestry Reviews
The Salamander ECO Wood Stove:
Compact Design: The Salamander ECO Wood Stove, known as the “Hobbit” in the UK, is a testament to efficient design, fitting snugly into small spaces and fireplaces where other stoves may struggle.
Made in the UK: Crafted from cast iron, this small stove is proudly made in the UK, boasting quality construction and durability.
Pre-Heated Secondary Combustion: Incorporating pre-heated secondary combustion technology, the Salamander ensures excellent clean burning and glass air wash efficiency. It maximizes the energy potential of every log or lump of coal.
Multi-Fuel Capability: A versatile stove, it’s designed to burn multiple fuels, providing a reliable heat source with precise control, economic efficiency, and environmental awareness.
Perfect for Small Spaces: The Hobbit wood stove, or The Salamander, is tailor-made for tiny homes, RVs, small fireplaces, cabins, garden rooms, shepherds’ huts, and other compact spaces.
Lifetime Reliability: Built with quality in mind, The Salamander is a solid, compact stove that promises a lifetime of reliable heat.
Outside Air Intake Option: Opt for the outside air intake for added convenience. While it’s installed at the factory, you’ll need to install the actual duct running through your wall.
Where to Purchase: Explore more about The Salamander ECO Wood Stove and make a purchase at smallwoodstoves.com.
Winnerwell Nomad Portable Wood Stove:
-
- – IDEAL FOR small spaces:
- >canvas tents,
- >teepees,
- >yurts,
- >shacks,
- >tiny homes
- >RVs
- – HIGHLY PORTABLE design:
- >nesting 4-leg design folds flat under the stove
- >chimney pipe sections stow inside stove body
- >side shelves function as carry handle
- >14.1-pounds total
- – IDEAL FOR small spaces:
Final Thoughts
As we warm up to the idea of bringing the comforting glow of a wood-burning stove into the heart of our RV adventures, it’s time for some final reflections. The world of very small wood-burning stoves offers a charming marriage of functionality, warmth, and aesthetic appeal, and our exploration has taken us through an exciting lineup of options.
In the pursuit of a cozy haven on wheels, these stoves bring unique features to the table. The Mini Woodsman captivates with its compact design and efficient heating, providing an excellent starting point for those seeking simplicity and warmth in their RVs.
The Salamander ECO Wood Stove, known as the “Hobbit” across the pond, adds an international flair to our lineup. Crafted from cast iron and designed for small spaces, it harmoniously combines quality construction, versatility, and a lifetime promise of reliable heat. The inclusion of pre-heated secondary combustion technology showcases its commitment to clean burning and energy efficiency.
For those with an eye for multifunctionality, the Winnerwell Nomad Portable Wood Stove offers not only warmth but also the flexibility to move around your RV.
Last but certainly not least, we should not ignore the fact that each of these woodstoves has the potential to throw a lot of heat, even with the addition od one of these items found on our online store:
As you navigate the options, consider the space in your RV, your heating preferences, and the ambiance you wish to create. Each stove has its unique charm, fitting different niches within the world of RV living.
Whether you opt for the compact efficiency of the Mini Woodsman, the international allure of the Salamander ECO, the portable enchantment of the Nomad, your choice becomes a signature element in the story of your RV adventures.
As the flames flicker and the warmth envelops your tiny home on wheels, may these wood-burning stoves add not just heat but a sense of comfort and nostalgia to your journey. Here’s to cozy nights, crackling fires, and the magic of the road. Happy travels and stay warm!
Cheers!
I know a good amount about woodstoves and currently use one in my home. I have never once considered them for an RV or other camper. It’s definitely interesting and yes if you know what you’re doing they will definitely keep a small space like that very warm.
My biggest criticism on this topic is that you mention safety but don’t really go into how to do this safely in these small spaces.
Thank you Kimmie,
As with any installation of woodstoves, and safety being its first important step, many of these instruction/installation manuals will showcase the how-to steps to keep your area safe.
As within the confines of smaller areas, as long as you’re heat shields are in place where they need to be, your units are securely fastened to the ground for travelling purposes, and your chimney top has a blow back valve in the flue, so no ashes circulate inside while travelling, this should be all the attention and focus that is needed.
Perhaps I will adhere this statement into my article to give better clarity on this specific topic.
Cheers!
Thank you so much for this post over small wood burning stoves. This is something that I have been looking into because I want to get an RV soon so that I can travel the United States and not constantly have to rent hotels. The mini woodsman one actually sounds pretty nice and has a very good price attached to it. I love how light it is, in case my girlfriend has to move it around, and not me.
All of these woodstoves have their perks, and having them reasonably priced is definately something to consider.
If you choose the mini woodsman wood burning stove for your RV adventures upcoming, please reach back to me so I can add your own personal review on the product to this post.