Tent Stove Recommendations

Put 1/2" - 1" of dirt or sand in firebox to reduce heat on bottom of stove where most burn outs occur. You can also cut tile to fit the bottom of your stove and then use stove glue to secure the tile. A much better system than using dirt, especially, for long term use.

NEVER put your stove on a tent floor or other flammable material. Have a nonflammable area in front of your stove in case sparks or wood falls out of your stove when you open the door. Always ensure your stove is on a level surface to avoid any possible problems.

Never allow your stove to get so hot that your stove or stovepipe becomes red. A red hot stove will cause the metal to warp.

Reduce airflow on your door air intake to reduce the stove temperature.

If you are going camping in the back country I strongly recommend you take a kettle to boil drinking water 5 minutes to prevent guardia lamblia. Water in the water tank normally doesn't boil. I would recommend a stove constructed of 3/32" to 1/8" steel if you are not packing in where weight is a major consideration. The heavier stoves are much more durable and will last much longer.

Never store your stove with ash in the firebox. The ash will draw moisture and your stove will rust. If you are going to camp in very cold weather considering purchasing a stove that is one size larger than the stove designed for your size of tent. The one size larger stove will ensure that you stay warmer in very cold or wet conditions. Additionally, you will need a very warm tent to dry out wet boots and clothes.

Compare the listed stove heating duration of each stove you are considering vs actual size of its firebox. Some stove manufactures list very long burn times compared to other manufactures with approximately the same size of firebox.

Purchase a damper. A damper in the stove pipe does not allow the heat to escape quickly which increases the stove heating efficiency 10-15%.

Stove Heating Duration vs Tent Heating Capacity: To me, how long the fire burns at night is more important than tent size heating capability. I need a stove large enough to burn all night to dry my boots and clothes during hunting season.

CAMPING IN WINDY CONDITIONS: Recommend you secure all sections of stove pipe at the joints and where the pipe attaches to the stove with sheet metal screws. Windy conditions will cause the stove pipe to loosen when the tent roof billows in the wind. Also stake down the front and back ridge end of your tent at the grommet on each end of your ridge.

WATER HEATER: Install the spigot in the hole in the water tank. Insure you place the rubber washer on the outside of the water tank and the nut on the inside of the tank. Before starting a fire in wood camping stoves attach the water tank to the stove by using the brackets. Fill water tank with water. Always keep the water tank filled. A filled water tank prevents the washer on the spigot from melting and also warping the water tank. I recommend you remove the water tank at night from wood camp stoves to prevent any possibility the water tank might go empty.