How to Keep a Campervan Stove Burning Overnight

Keeping a stove burning for longer periods is something many campervan owners want to achieve, especially during colder months. A steady overnight burn means the van stays warmer for longer and you don’t have to relight the fire first thing in the morning.

With the right fuel and a good fire setup, a small stove can continue producing heat for many hours.

Start with a good base fire

The key to a longer burn begins with building a strong fire to begin with.

A common method is to start with a base layer of fuel, followed by firelighters and kindling to get the fire established. Once the fire is burning well and producing strong heat, you can add additional fuel to build a solid bed of embers.

A well-established fire will always burn more consistently than a fire that is still struggling to get going.

Use slower burning fuels

Some fuels burn much faster than others.

Logs often burn quickly and may need topping up more regularly, whereas coal briquettes tend to burn slower and produce a steady heat output.

Because of this, many people choose briquettes when they want their stove to stay warm for longer periods.

Build up the fuel bed

Before heading to bed, it can help to add a slightly larger load of fuel to the stove.

This gives the fire more material to burn through slowly over time. As the fuel burns down it continues producing heat, helping keep the van warm well into the night.

Adjust the airflow

Airflow plays a big role in how quickly fuel burns.

Once the stove is burning well, slightly reducing the air intake will slow the burn rate and help the fuel last longer.

Every stove behaves slightly differently, so it may take a little practice to find the balance that works best for your setup.

Expect the stove to cool eventually

Even with slower burning fuels, a small stove will naturally cool down after several hours.

However, maintaining a good fuel bed before sleeping often means there will still be some warmth left in the stove in the morning, making it much easier to get the fire going again.

Every stove setup is slightly different

Factors like insulation, outside temperature and the type of fuel used can all influence how long a stove stays warm.

With a bit of practice you will quickly learn how your own setup behaves and how to get the most out of your stove.

Need help getting the best from your stove?

If you’re experimenting with different fuels or trying to get longer burn times from your stove, feel free to get in touch.

We’re always happy to share tips and help people get the most out of their campervan stove.