5 Common Mistakes When Installing a Campervan Stove

Installing a stove in a campervan is one of the most rewarding upgrades you can make to your van. A small stove adds warmth, comfort and a cosy atmosphere that many van owners love.

Many people install their own stoves successfully, but there are a few common mistakes that can make the process harder than it needs to be.

Knowing what to look out for can help make the installation smoother and ensure the stove performs as well as possible.

Placing the stove too close to walls

One of the most common issues is positioning the stove too close to surrounding materials.

Stoves produce a lot of radiant heat, so it’s important to allow safe distances between the stove and anything combustible such as wood panels, cupboards or insulation.

As a general guide, around 300mm clearance is recommended without a heat shield. If a heat shield is installed this can often be reduced to around 100mm.

Not planning the flue route first

Before fixing the stove permanently in place, it’s always a good idea to plan the flue route.

The flue should ideally run as straight and vertical as possible through the roof. If the stove position is chosen without thinking about the chimney route first, it can sometimes make the installation more complicated later.

Starting with the flue path often makes the whole setup much easier.

Cutting the roof hole too early

It can be tempting to cut the hole in the roof straight away, but it’s better to take your time and check the positioning first.

Making sure the stove is positioned correctly and the flue path is clear of roof ribs or wiring will help avoid problems later.

Many installers use a simple string and nut method to mark the centre point of the flue hole before cutting.

Forgetting about ventilation

A stove needs a supply of fresh air to burn properly.

Many campervans already have roof vents or small air gaps that allow airflow, but it’s important to make sure the van isn’t completely sealed.

Good ventilation helps the stove burn efficiently and keeps the air inside the van comfortable.

Rushing the installation

Installing a stove isn’t usually a difficult job, but taking your time makes a big difference.

Carefully measuring clearances, checking the flue position and sealing the roof properly will all help create a safer and more reliable installation.

Learning from other van builders

One of the great things about the vanlife community is that many people share their stove installations and experiences.

Looking at other setups can provide useful inspiration and help you understand how different layouts work inside different vans.

Need help planning your stove installation?

If you’re planning a stove installation and want advice before getting started, feel free to get in touch.

We’re always happy to help people plan their setups and answer any questions about installing stoves in campervans and small spaces.