Thank you for taking the time to answer the poll regarding your preferred topics. When I started writing today's post (early yesterday), the wood stoves topic had the most votes. I'll keep the poll up so you'll have a say in our content.
The Sardine
The mini wood stoves at http://www.marinestove.com are amazing! My explanation could not do them justice. If you're looking for a wood stove for your vanstead, I'd suggest browsing their install pictures:
You can even get the alcohol drop in burner accessory for hot weather cooking use: http://www.marinestove.com/Accessories.htm
Here's a link to a man who used a tent stove in his motorhome: Full Time Living
Keep in mind that he sells these stoves and they aren't designed for motorhome use. That said, I will most likely go with this option in my vanstead, until I can afford one of the marine stoves (above). The link below the picture will take you to amazon where you can see the same stove for $60 with different pictures that show scale.
My install will most likely be on a passenger side hinged door. This will allow me to open it to the outside and use it as an outdoor or tented stove. I'll go into more later when I discuss my vanstead design.
There are many other options in small vanstead sized wood stoves. Please list *your* favorites in the comments.
Note: wood stoves should *never* be used in a vehicle that runs on gasoline. If you're vanstead is a diesel, then you're in luck!
Note: wood stoves should *never* be used in a vehicle that runs on gasoline. If you're vanstead is a diesel, then you're in luck!
I love it. Not only are wood stoves efficient when heating, but being able to cook on them is a major added benefit. And honestly, if you're stuck inside inn the winter, it's always nice to cozy up to a wood stove while reading, chattiing or doing whatever on a cold winte's day.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I'd do it in a cargo sized van, but in a box van, I think it would be an excellent idea, especially if you found a way to do a removable mount for a propane camp stove for warm weather cooking when a single alcohol flame just won't cut it. Would be cool in a classic airstream with the interior redone like Curtis just did on his Dolphin as well :) cozy
That is so hilarious, as I was working on a posting about woodstoves at the same time as you and came up with the same company. Great minds think alike!!
ReplyDeleteThe draw for me is that my worst problem in the winter has always been condensation (and sometimes mold). I had this problem in Utah and in Washington State, so it isn't just in the Northwest. Wood heat takes care of that. Growing up with a wood stove, I loved having something nummy smelling always simmering on it. I don't have to be concerned about stealth, so it's a great choice for me. The Sardine is smaller than the Buddy Heater that I've been using so space isn't an issue. There are many benefits. We've seen wood stove installs in small vans.
ReplyDelete12v or AA demuhidyfier didn't cut it in those climates? I agree, they're the best way to keep humidity under control in the winters. That's one reason they're so popular in the northern bayous and the smokey mountains as well. I also agree about keeping something good smelling simmering on them as well, be it tea, herbs or a pot of mulled cider, it's a great way to make an aa feel more comfortable and homey :) the dancing flames at the window rock too, lol.
ReplyDeleteHey Heidi,
ReplyDeleteIt would be great to list other Vandwellers that have installed woodstoves and how they like them, if you have a listing :)
It would be a great way to keep a tea pot simmering for hot water for tea, cider or just soup water...I love this idea, and just think of the aroma that would embrace you every time you open up the door to your VanStead!
ReplyDeleteKylie, if that isn't confirmation of the company and the quality of their stoves, I don't know what is! lol. I've been dreaming of having one ever since I posted about them on the Vandwellers Facebook Group. They are near where we homebase... I'd love to go visit them.
ReplyDeleteRemi, I tried so many products for condensation! I didn't try the small dehumidifiers, however I tried products that were reported to outperform them. In Utah I didn't start having a big problem until the temps got down to about 15F. In Washington State, it doesn't need to get that cold. For me, it was the *worst* issue I had fulltiming. Now we don't usually stay in climates that don't have ideal temps. When we get back to Washington and I start working on my vanstead, the woodstove will be one of the first things I want to do!
ReplyDeleteTo all,
ReplyDeleteKylie also wrote a blog about these stoves at Celtic Gypsy Vandwelling (in the Vansteader Blogs List)... she has links to some wood stove stories that are worth a read!
Heidi,
ReplyDeleteI just found a company that might have them here in Canada as well, for a less expensive price. I will call about them tomorrow and see if they are still making Little Cod Woodstoves and let you know!
That would be so great Kylie (to get it for less)! Also, I would love to make a list with other vanhomes with wood stoves, but the people we see in Port Angeles have not been the friendly approachable types. We tried to initiate a conversation with one guy by lingering on the beach ...but he was napping and didn't come out. I will definitely start a list with other sites now. Great suggestion!
ReplyDeleteWhen we still lived in the stick house we heated a 3 bedroom home with a wood stove that is over 200 years old. They don't make them like that anymore. We often see versions of it in old western movies and such. You really brought back some great memories for me. Thank you... :)
ReplyDeleteOh, Heidi! One of these little stoves in a van was my dream for a long time. Are you going to put it in a van, or Taj? I figured I had to give up the stove if I had a Roadtrek. I am almost willing to trade the RT for a simple van, if I can have a stove. You are so right--they are great for drying out the place in winter and making it feel toasty. And mold is such a problem. Stoves provide heat, cooking, dryness, and light--everything you need. AHHHH--I want one again!
ReplyDeletePidge and Judith, I do understand the draw to the wood stove... some of my best childhood memories are based on the old stove that used to heat the house I grew up in.
ReplyDeleteJudith, we'll be seeing you very soon... we'll have to talk wood stoves!
Most of my best childhood memories are connected with woodstoves in primitive cabins. They just feel like home. They are home! The hearth. Humans have been gathering around wood fires for so long. Can't wait to find out more of your stove plans! Oh boy--woodstoves, worm composting, gardening, compost toilets . . . .
ReplyDeleteHeidi, looks like we will have to continue the stove and laundry discussion long distance. I would love to know what vehicle you are adding a stove to!
ReplyDeleteJudith! I sure wish we were having this conversation in NC!
ReplyDeleteWhen we get back to Washington (where my old van lives) we're going to turn Charlie (his new name)... into a vanstead. We're going to give him a wood floor, ceiling, and walls.... a wood stove on a hinged door for indoor/outdoor (or tented) use. He'll have homemade rugs and quilts, pantry shelves, and food stores. We have special plans for him... more to come on this! I'll post about this soon!
Now, about Rosie... there isn't any reason you can't give Rosie a wood stove. In fact, I think it could be done easier than with a standard van ... the sail boat installs show how this can be done in such a small space... I can think of a few places you could put one.
Hey, is there any chance you could join us at the gathering this winter? It would be great if you could be there!
I wish I could be at the gathering this winter! It doesn't look likely at this point, but I'll keep it in mind.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to know where you think I could put a woodstove in Rosie. Very curious about this! I feel more comfortable with wood than propane, and like the fact that in some places, fuel can be found on the ground. Only problem with wood is hauling the fuel around, but I probably have enough room for some in the "basement" storage areas. Oh--and poking holes in Rose.
Your plans for Charlie are wonderful! Can't wait to see the results, and hear your "special plans."
Wish you were here.
Well, we'll miss you! I hope something changes and you can make it.
ReplyDeleteMichael said he thinks the best place for it (in your rig) would be behind the driver's seat.
Would it work to replace the propane stove with a woodstove? I think the only other place is where Mike suggested. I have a third seat there which is probably going to be replaced by something--stove, storage, freezer, who knows--and the added tall cabinet behind the passenger seat.
ReplyDeleteJudith, we don't think it would be a good idea to replace the propane stove... but it is ultimately your choices that make it *your* home. :)
ReplyDelete