Cubic Mini WOOD STOVE in a VAN | Full Install & Review

This is the Cubic Mini "Cub". Over the course of 3 days I installed this tiny wood stove in my 136 wheel base camper van, in preparation for a long winter in the North woods.
During this video I share the details of why I chose a wood stove, things I learned during the install, and a quick review after using it for a few days in the north woods.
Please remember that installs may change depending on the layout of your tiny home. I am not a professional. Read the instructions carefully, understand your clearances, ask the company any questions you may have, and make sure to use a CO detector in your tiny home. Stay safe, and enjoy!
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We are Linnea and Akela. Through the van build, I used my stubbornness and drive to show individuals that they, too, can convert a campervan by themselves and on a budget, with a lot of learning, rolling up the sleeves, and getting to work.
Our goal is to inspire individuals to chase their dreams... to break from societal limitations and live the life they truly desire.
SUBSCRIBE for solo travel, all things outdoors, and the in's & out's of van life with a big german shepherd.
Follow on Instagram: @linnea.and.akela

[@catblue6393]

I'm surprised you aren't keeping the diesel heater as backup. You did a great job on that stove install. Kudos!

[@dennismcreynolds9243]

I love watching your videos on your van build. I’m building my van out and I’m getting a lot of ideas from you. I would like to thank you for not cursing I cannot stand cursing and that’s the only thing that will make me turn this off. I don’t wanna stop watching. I enjoy watching so thank you so much for not cursing.

[@Linneaandakela]

I'm so glad you're enjoying! :)

[@hepson1]

Electrical tape made my day :D So many times it saved my garage from being all covered with blood drops :D

[@Linneaandakela]

For sure!

[@teslah2997]

Great job, but I knew it would be. Really loved the “bloopers” at the end…..do more, please! Nothing beats a cozy wood stove heat.

[@luns486]

Beautiful job with the install and such an awesome upgrade to your rig. Must say, I'm a little surprised that you're not keeping the diesel heater as a secondary heat source for times when you're not settled enough to start a whole fire/don't have wood, etc.

[@janetkoball44]

I thought the same.

[@charisma-hornum-fries]

Absolutely. I would probably store the heater somewhere else not far away. Maybe in Chris bus.

[@the_mum]

I'm curious as to why you removed the wood and metal wall between the stove and your bed.

[@warmbreeze43]

I really love your wood stove. Please put the heat shield on your ceiling it’s for my comfort not so much yours🤣.

[@SheRoamsWild]

Am I installing a cubic mini? no. did I watch the entire video? 100%.

[@crushedrock]

Awesome job. You are really enjoyable to listen to.

[@sheripride428]

I can’t wait for the adventure to begin! Im living vicariously through y’all!

[@omavicmcmurray2893]

Thanks for sharing this install! You so inspire me! Thanks Linnea BTW I keep my clothes on the edge of the bed, under covers, it really makes a difference and my dogs get excited when they see me getting my Sox on because they know I’m almost done getting dressed under the covers.

[@montybarbee8128]

Lol, I can totally relate to the dog thing, I have two 90lb dogs taking up valuable floor space in my tinyhouse.

[@johnbroystonjr23]

Hey Linnea & Akela!!! good job on the Cubic Mini install. Continue to stay SAFE out there in the wilderness. I KNOW that your videos are continuing to help a LOT of people. Keep up the good work and Thank you for sharing. 😎

[@judithbyerly5888]

Seriously, Linnea, you are freakin amazing! Installing a wood stove. I am beyond impressed. In my 73 years I would not have ever even considered doing such a thing. 😂 You are the Best! Thank you for showing how truly capable we can be! Love it & you! Stay warm!! Blessings! ❤️🙏🏻

[@TRAINSUP1]

👉🚐👍 your install was very impressive! 👊

[@ThorUnleashed]

It's a really good looking setup for the wood stove. Thanks for sharing the install. Those doggos looked so cute all snuggled up behind you!

[@aurorac6946]

I’m constantly checking my notifications to see the next video in this series. Cant wait to see more!!

[@tammydemis7851]

You are a bad ass in everything you do! We have a regular size wood stove in our house, and though I love the ambiance & heat it gives, as you said, it is a lot of work, & it is dirty. Plus it is a super dry heat…so we use a pot full of water on top of it. So excited for this next chapter…I know you & Chris are going to “knock it out of the park!” Give that sweet Akela a hug from me! 💕

[@hannahsgrace4U]

Your so funny.....Hurt Land! I'll remember that one. Lol Hey, if you want tho resell your diesel heater, my daughter and I are building out her van out in the desert...... she wants to "be like Linnea". Happy days to you in the Northwoods!

[@adelaidecahill9913]

10/10 Install video!!!!! I installed a Cubic Mini in my van about a year ago and you're video is extremely accurate. Several other install videos were a lot looser on clearances/safety and I really appreciate your attention to detail and explanation of your choices. Thank you for putting safe and accurate DIY information onto the internet.

[@flynnsylvest257]

I'm impressed with all the work you have done yourself on your van and appreciate the information that expands my mind about what's possible. I just have to say that I am crushing on Akela. I look eagerly for her in all the frames and loved seeing the little bit of paw or ear that showed in the frame early in parts of today's video. I look forward to seeing all your posts. Thank you and please tell Akela one of her fans sends a hug.

[@zepherstarrtrail7802]

Linnea....your boo-boo gave me a wonderful memory of my father. He was an electrician and plumber and came home with paper towel/electric tape bandages on his finger. My mom would make him properly clean and bandage it . Wishing you the best for the coming months and stay warm.

[@Tommyjamesrb]

I installed a woodstove in my truck camper. I was surprised at how well you mounted your woodstove. I see problems with some installs with normal use of the vehicle and not having the woodstove secure. A panic stop would send it flying forward. BUT not yours as it mounted down very secure .. Good Job 🙂 Dry heat in small spaces is a must !

[@Deekers2020]

The protection wall you placed from the stove to your bed is no longer there the last half of your video. What happened?

[@trishhipolito2862]

Seems really dangerous to have bedding so close without it

[@charisma-hornum-fries]

Now I want one. But I'm loving in a two story apartment in Copenhagen. The chimney is blocked off and I'm not sure where else I can place a flute. What a challenge. 😀

[@journeywithserenity5655]

Love it! I'm feeling nostalgic and think I'll go back and rewatch your build series. I'm hunting for my van now and your reactions as you build are pure awesomeness. While renovating my RV trailer I swore, came up with creative solutions and did sketchy first aid to my injuries also, but learned a ton! I love when you are building/renovating because you don't sugar coat or pretend like it went perfect!!!

[@michaelharris1455]

Ah. The mechanic's bandaid. You're definitely"legit" now. 😄 Very nice installation, looks great. Thanks for letting us watch.

[@MrRKWRIGHT]

Good evening Linnea & Akela. Once again another great video with superlative production values and absolutely inspiring content - from a couple of two self-sufficient and extremely talented offgrid women living and camping in the Great Outdoors. Great job on the wood stove install. 😎😎😍😍

[@michaelgregory1013]

Great job! Nice attention to detail.. Take care

[@frankbennett9897]

wow this is very cool I love having a crackling wood fire and I may have to consider this for my Sprinter

[@janisaschim2429]

I love your wood stove! It is both practical and fun. There is nothing quite as relaxing as a fire in a wood stove.

[@meldixon1327]

1. I am impressed by your version of DIY...it is professional to me. 2. I am impressed at your knowledge of how to do DIY 3. I am impressed that you are not afraid of heights I am so afraid of heights, that there is absolutely no way I would have been on top of a van. I am not ashamed to admit that standing on a step stool makes me queasy. Hence the reason I damn near put in lights bright enough to land a plane in my kitchen so that I won't have to change them every six months. Anyway, now that I have admitted to you and the KZbin world that I am afraid of heights, as always I am inspired by you. Keep on Truckin' and stay safe. Happy Holidays...

[@johngulbunny8652]

I've often take a kitchen strainer I cut down,fill it with wood pellets,which are cheap,easy to handle,and put it in my stove,with my strainer full and it takes up most of the room in the firebox,it last over 12 hrs and keeps my camper very warm.the pellets are available everywhere in 40 lb bags,at any farm store nationwide.eliminates searching for wood.the downfall of Burnside is using wood pieces there's 3 times the square inches of air over wood,my way reverses that

[@maggycotherman2314]

Wood burner is so cozy. Wish I had room for one in my build. Nice job. Lovely addition to your home.

[@ChristineExplores]

That Cubic Mini is adorable and so cozy looking! I’m gonna miss my wood burning stove when I hit the road again next year. This is definitely something I’ll consider for a build!

[@andreaschadeck5596]

My fave parts of your van are the wood stove and the tile backsplash and the little diamond mirror. So cute and cozy.

[@montybarbee8128]

As so many of us following you, I’ve been waiting on this one also.. I am into my second year of living in my 18 foot tinyhouse, and have been seriously considering a mini wood stove. I’m thinking my installation through the roof would be just as nerve racking. Alas, after building this all by myself with only help standing the walls, I think I can handle it. I wish I could send you a picture of my tinyhouse and can’t wait to do some traveling/boondocking. Currently plugged into the grid😒 Anyway enjoyed the video and I’m pretty sure that I will be purchasing a mini. I love burning wood and waking up to that chilly morning air. Keep up the videos and thanks.

[@directorfscmcfsc4965]

Consider adding dicor lap sealant over the flue screws. It will prevent leaks

[@paige_n_neri]

You always make things look so easy. I'd like a wood cook stove in my house when the day comes that I build again.

[@rs1961]

Outstanding explanation of the pros and cons of your stove. You are very articulate and a pleasure to listen to. I loved your detailed footage of the install just as much as your post install performance review. I look forward to your next video. Thank you!

[@target844]

The install looks great. For a fan to spread out heat I would look at 12 V computer fans. Noctua makes great and very low-noise fans and includes an optional inline resistor that makes them very hard to hear at all. Energy consumption is less than 1W for them. I would use some piping to pull air from the upper part to the floor, both to the open floor part and also to the back near the rear doors so the area under the bed does not get too cold. A larger diameter fan moves more air with less noise so look at the 120 mm or larger variants. No need to have that large pipe, make a cone around the fan to get to the pipe size, and place the fan down on the floor so they are not in the way.

[@lorenaroma]

Great install! I lamer i installed mine wrong! Also you should do a video on the water heater and oven accessories!

[@cynthiadavis2338]

Well, you are on your way up in the North woods. I really like your stove. And I think you will enjoy it a lot this winter.

[@ErickNS1]

This fire pit is one of a few covered pits that is on the list kzbin.infoUgkxAU9pOCSV9Y5JprooHvfxTpOrt4hx8uRM of approved products for Disney Fort Wilderness. The product served its purpose well and provided excellent fires throughout the evening. We were able to open the door and do s'mores, but I had to be careful because the handle was a bit hot on occasions. Additionally, I wish they had replaced some of the standard nuts with lock nuts in some places. We lost the door handle after just a couple of days of usage. Not a deal breaker, just a recommendation. I still give it 5 stars.

[@JerkyJones100]

Holy eff that van looks comfy n cozy with the wood stove going and dog chillin on the bed. Right on!

[@jimmymalone3494]

It was awesome Linnea to see you install you stove and i love your blooper.Thank you for with us.

[@carycoombe3380]

A very practical and honest instructional video. Thanks for the bloopers at the end - they explained the bandage that I was very curious about.

[@billconnelly4840]

Nice JOB. Stay warm.❤

[@Breakable_Pencil]

Been waiting for this one!! So exited to see y’all’s adventures this winter :)

[@shelleylorber358]

Iinnea I'm living your travels thru your adventures. I would never have been so bold/brave after college to do what your doing, I love it. Thank u for sharing your adventures. Love Akela beautiful dog.

[@jaynegraham-mcmorrow5390]

Hi, isn’t it always a leap of faith to just get the jigsaw out and start cutting holes in our beloved vans!! I find it’s like jumping off or into something, eventually you just gotta take a deep breath and do it! Good on you for installing your stove!! Jayne

[@janetkoball44]

It looks great. I have a nice woodstove in my home. My youngest son installed mine . It is so heavy! I really like it but just like you said, it's a lot of work. Thanks for the great video. See you next time. From Central Oklahoma

[@alpinebro619]

You say you could wall mount it to any wall. I was thinking of making an acrylic wall that also serves as the fuel tank for my diesel tank as well as firework storage. Do you think mounting to this wall will serve me well? I mean there is a heat shield! Lol love the outtakes and cursing! You’re pretty hilarious! 😂

[@deetee6118]

Great job on the install. I have one in my homemade camper and works great. I started off with a stove i made out of a 20 # propane tank and the chimney was a drive shaft. To get the heat from the ceiling to the floor i took a length of pvc pipe with a 90 degree elbow and installed a boat bilge blower just above the elbow it draws the heat from the ceiling to the floor. I lived in Alaska and it was my home for several years.

[@messydessy]

Where can I buy one

[@0230Raveena]

You're amazing for having done this all by yourself. It's truly impressive.

[@LauraDeLaune]

I love watching your videos and I adore you, Chris and the pups! Thank you for always being real in your videos!

[@bobnorman8397]

Awesome!! I don't have a van but I want one of those stoves 👍

[@stuartchapman5171]

I lived in vehicles for 12yrs in my youth. Stove tech and regs have moved on a lot. I have installed many stoves. That said, I learnt a lot about the process from your video. I'm about to do a stove installation and my mind was leaning tiwards the techniques and materials you used. I spent my adult life as a metal worker. For a novice you did a great job. And as for your first aid, spot on. I always carried a small tin of paper roll and electrical tape in my tool box. One size fits all band aid, in a pinch. On with the job. Really great video and great looking build.

[@tshomesteadprepping8753]

Great Job, Love the out takes at the end 😁

[@rhondamckinley4373]

You are so talented. Thank you for sharing this install with us. Enjoy!

[@BayaniMagtanggol]

10:22 - that little british moment is funny 😆

[@kevin.campbell]

I MISS these videos. Love the mid sentence cut from daylight to dark! A quick couple of thoughts you didn't share. This is a lot of counter/top space dedication for a van. This is a terrible idea for anyone thinking of stealthy vans. And keep the diesel heater to use if you're mobile again next winter. Best wishes always.

[@heartdawg]

Excellent install Linea. Looks beautiful in your van🧡

[@stevenbaxter5601]

I truly hope the mini wood stove works for you. It is going to be so cold. Thank you for another great video of your adventures. You are a brave person!

[@bettysmith5032]

Great job.

[@simply.leen.]

The ash makes up for the cozy feeling of the fire - right? Sort of like, I don't mind dog hair everywhere in my life because #dogsarelife. :) Thanks for sharing the install. Inspiring as usual. You're a great instructor. (And the bloopers are my favorite!)

[@jartotable]

I can't wait to install mine. Its a nobrainer if there is a diesel shortage and your stuck somewhere.

[@TheArtisticGardener777]

Beautiful little stove! I love mine❤. Admire you’re obvious intelligence, sensibility, and confidence. You’re gonna love your Cubic Mini!😊

[@IreneOutolintu]

Your videos have inspired me to pursue a similar life back home in Finland. Not quite yet, but in two years or so. Thank you ♥️

[@Linneaandakela]

That’s amazing to hear ♥️

[@gigievans395]

I just ordered a small hiking stove for my Canopy on my Chevy 4x4 Silverado 👍💯I too am a MTN girl n plan to be stationary in the woods as well. I live in the PNW where humidity n rain cause so much WET Which leads to mold! :( I didn't want a perm fire place so bypassed the Cubi in case I wanted to use the fp outside in a tent. But...Cubi was my first choice! Enjoy n keep living the dream! ❤️👍💯🔥

[@sovereigns1grace]

Now you're looking really cabiny! Looking forward to shenanigans!! Woo hoo!

[@amyfu2047]

I'm excited for your winter! Enjoy the different sounds! It's amazing.

[@tjfallon2834]

I've watched a ton of videos...I found you amazing, thorough and you keep it simple..good luck on your journeys....I'm building a man cave because I want a mini wood burner (I also have a Chinese diesel heater) and glad I watched your video.

[@mikiingram5219]

This was great! Thank you for sharing. Also, love the outtakes. Keep them coming.

[@lorraineowen7978]

Way to go Linnea, you did great. 😀 Another great way for heat and cooking.. Looks fab too. 🔥👌

[@shoutingatclouds1050]

TINY WOODSTOVE You should be able to take coals out and use them in your small Hibachi for fish& shrimp and thin strip of beef depending on how green the wood is your using.

[@burlmapleleafs]

Great install Love the diy Band-Aid Like your parts list The thing amajig lmao

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you!

[@traida111]

im putting mine in soon, mine has a flat top that I could pan cook from, also I got an awesome metal tank that attaches to the back of the flue, you put water in and it boils and there is a tap at the bottom.

[@waynedodd8764]

Great channel keep it up

[@garywells3874]

Well done. News flash! when you get to be my age you end up getting up in the middle of the night and to use the Potti so It's a good time to add another log. I had one in my sailboat too and love them.

[@aubreyj.tennant1123]

Love your attention to detail, safety mindedness and passion. Not letting the absence of an angle grinder phase you but advise to use one if possible. Cool stuff! Especially - “here’s what I’d do next time”. I’m definitely installing one in my vintage RV. 🙏🏼👍

[@1961Bullet]

Best mini install on the interwebs. 🎉😊

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you so much!

[@roadtriplover.]

Great video and review at the end. Thanks a ton for that last bit. Perspective is everything.

[@lynncatalano4782]

Tyvm for showing us!!!

[@MrCarson66]

great stuff well done and most appreciated.... cheers

[@dogsbyfire]

Great video! You covered so many topics so thoroughly. Thank you very much!

[@michelleellis8201]

Love your wood burning stove! I'm really a fan of them. Looking forward to seeing your upcoming videos on your adventures ❤️

[@Lauramt2287]

Wood heat is amazing. Very different than diesel heat or electric heat. Love your install!

[@aaronriedel5372]

I've watched pieces and parts of this install from your shorts and other social media. Can't wait to see how you, Chris, and the dogs handle this challenge of living through the winter! Also, (perhaps I missed it) did you reinstall your solar panels?

[@Trendlespin]

I appreciate your very through video. I want a wood stove in my van so bad. We live where there is plenty of wood and I love the idea of being able to heat with what is around. Thanks for sharing that the rack on this model can be removed. I was looking elsewhere because I want to b e able to use the top of the stove and why is that rack there. I wish I knew as much as you do about tools and cutting and fixing. I admire your independence.

[@Wanderboom]

Toasty and warm on those cold Wisconsin winter nights! 😉👍

[@Kralphrn]

Good job, very impressed!

[@mariepalkiewicz852]

BEAUTIFUL!

[@jeanniekartis5916]

Love it, nice and cozy. I was thinking the same, "can load it right from bed" haha

[@rolandedrummer9723]

I've been using kerosene heater in my tiny cabin. Just switching to small wood stove this week. I have an endless supply of wood since it's in the woods. I'm still keeping a kerosene stove for convenience sometimes ,but I need the wood vibe.

[@Nanno00]

I love it!!!! You really do so much inspirational projects. I noticed at the end that the heat shield that you installed between the stove and your bed was no longer there. Did the manufacturer say to remove that? If so, I’m curious why they wouldn’t want that between the stove and combustible you! 😊

[@little76boo1]

Brilliant! My other half said electrical tape is the only plaster (band aid) a true worker uses! He's a mechanic.

[@jimfishalot]

Stop waiting to get my prosthetic foot. After an imputation and back at camping, can't wait, get so excited. Nothing like the great outdoes. Spent 45 years at sea as a commercial fisherman and camped in between. Got a love life as they say in Maine the way life should be.

[@livingthedreambuildingthedream]

Thank you so much for this video, I think I will be getting one.

[@bettyvanwhite6745]

So jealous of your mini. My son thought I was nuts to want one in my build.

[@marymccowan6629]

Looks so toasty in your van. Your so brave doing this install by yourself. SH*T is my fav word but since I am older I have switched to SUGAR around my children and grandchildren 🤣🤣