1st time poster here, and I think I've found the right forum for what I'm looking for. I am in the middle of a school bus camper conversion, and I think I would like to add a 2 burner stove to my kitchen. One of my main goals for this bus has been to run a single fuel. Diesel. I have already acquired a large Webasto diesel coolant heater for my heating and water heating needs, and I managed to pick up a used Dickinson Bristol diesel stove for my cooking. Here's the rub. The more research about marine use of the Dickinson, the more I see that for the cold months, it's great. It seems most mariners leave it on to keep their cabin warm and dry, and turn it up/down as needed for cooking. For the summer months, I hear a different story. I hear that it's too hot, and that it can be a hassle if you have to fire it up every day, as opposed to leaving it running. I'm not at the point of being able to test these claims yet, but I have decided it's better to be prepared. If I am proposing something that can't/hasn't/won't work, please feel free to tell me. I'm looking for a 2 burner stove that's capable of burning diesel. In my research I found several examples of burners that say they're rated for diesel. British no 12, Coleman Peak-1 550B multi-fuel, MSR Whisperlite series. None of those is really what I want. Ideally, I'd want something like a Kenyon marine stove that I could place over my Dickinson to use in the summer, and put away in the winter. I've read and watched some stories of kerosene conversions using burners that have vaporizing tubes, which I was thinking might work, if I could buy the right nozzles, but it seems I don't know the sources to look for these special burners, or complete kerosene stoves for that matter. Please let me know if I've gone astray, or any guidance/links/search terms that will help me hunt. Thank you
Would the Webasto Diesel Cooker be an option? https://www.webasto-comfort.com/fil...INT/Datasheets/Diesel-Cooker_datasheet_EN.pdf
Welcome to CCS. Interesting question. You've already invested in the Dickinson stove; I would try it for a season or three and see how it works for you. I see that you're in Texas. We camped in the Southwest for more than a month recently, and cooked outside every night with a two burner Coleman stove. Yes, it would be a different fuel, either Coleman fuel or propane, but they are relatively cheap and readily available. Your Dickinson diesel stove could be your primary, 9 - 10 months per year stove, and the portable stove(s) would give you the flexibility for outside living in the warmer months. If you look around the CCS site, there are literally hundreds (thousands?) of different types and models of portable stoves. Many choose to make hot beverages, breakfast, dinners, etc. regularly on these stoves, even though they have a perfectly functional kitchen stove, because we enjoy using these functional bits of technological history. A Note: Because of the additives in diesel fuel, it often clogs the burners of some of the stoves you've mentioned after some use. They will run better on K1 Kerosene, and the Coleman 550 and the MSR Whisperlite like Coleman fuel. Good luck with your bus conversion project. Paul
Thank you. I currently own two liquid fuel Colemans, a single burner (502 IIRC), and a dual burner (426 IIRC), as well as a couple other backpacking stoves (JetBoil, Solo). So if I don't find a diesel solution before I actually finish the conversion (or die of old age), and the Dickinson does prove too hot for me, that is the solution I'll be going with. My hope is that someone in this group knew of a stove that would meet my needs, or some modifications that could be made to either my Coleman, or a Kenyon alcohol (I see them locally occasionally), or had some Frankenstein experiment they were willing to part with. Thank you. I went with the Dickinson over the Webasto/Wallas for cooking for several reasons; simpler tech, multi purpose (cooking & heating), and I found a good deal on a used one. I am hoping for a solution that doesn't require another $800, as my wife might actually kill me if I ended up spending $2k on stoves. Additionally, it would require me to rob more counter/cabinet space to install it permanently. Maybe if I find a really good deal on one down the road I'll do that, but right now they are still awfully pricey. Too pricey for me to justify the ass chewing I'd get.
Some of the Kenyon Homestrand Mariner alcohol stoves had burners that could be converted to kerosene with just a jet change. They would be models with four tubes for the burner instead of two. Duane
I've read that the there was a kerosene model, the 205-32k. I wouldn't be upset if I could find one to try out.
I wonder if the question could be considered in another way. I presume you are converting a bus in order to be able to move about. I doubt you want a stove burning while on the interstate. What stove do you wish to use for simple outdoor meals and for quick indoor meals when travelling? I have a camper for remote travel which has a removable steel bench for a kitchen. We have used a few different stoves. The current setup is an Optimus 111 roarer and a butane tabletop stove. Either would meet your basic requirements. The butane tabletop stove is cheap, fuel readily available, easy control. And comes in its own box for storage. In your case, a Coleman and a 1/2 gallon can of gasoline will be cheaper (free) and simpler than a diesel option. Out of gasoline? Fire up your diesel stove and live with the heat. The occasional use stove can have a different fuel. It's going to need a separate fuel can either way.
Thank you. No, I won't be using a stove while driving. =]. Part of the appeal of single fuel diesel is that it extends the extreme boondocking capabilities. With a 63 gallon diesel tank, if I fill it up before I drive out into the wilderness, I shouldn't run out of fuel til long after the cows come home. Yes, I know it's not going to use much fuel sticking with my Coleman, but it is one more thing I have to worry about logistically. I agree having a table top unit will be great for cooking outside, or a quick indoor meal. This is something that the Dickinson fails at. What it does do is allows me to use an indoor day tank (I bought a used 2 gallon one), filled with a remote pump at need and with some simple tubing and valves, would allow me to quickly and easily fill a small Kenyon, or something similar, negating the need to carry any fuel cans. I know a diesel tabletop stove isn't the solution hardly anybody is looking for. But I've thought a lot about it, and if I can find/make one, it's what I want. Until then, yes, I'll stick with my Coleman. Regarding the Optimus 111, you call it a roarer. As I'm a newbie, does this mean it's basically an all or nothing, great for boiling water, bad for cooking eggs, type of thing? Thank you
Some basics. For example the difference between a roaer and silent burner: Stove Lighting instructions
Hi @djdalfaro It seems that you have a very clear idea of what you want and will take come persuading to shift from it. There are very few stoves designed to burn pump diesel fuel. There are some stoves which will reluctantly burn diesel for a relatively short time before they fail due to choking on the additives included in modern pump diesel. I know of no marine double burner stove marketed as a diesel fuel stove. The British Army No.12 stove was designed to accept a Military spec. Diesel fuel as used in the engines of the vehicles in which the stove was carried, but even it runs better on kerosene fuel....and it has a single burner, not a pair. 1997 British Army No.12 The problem with pump diesel fuel is that it comes in a variety of formulations, most of which deposit heavy fractions in the vaporising section of the burner, leading to blockage and failure of the burner. Good Luck with your search.... Best Regards, Kerophile.
@djdalfaro Welcome aboard the bus here. And sorry about the "roarer" name- I'll explain in a moment. A liquid fuel stove has to first vapourise its fuel before mixing with air and then igniting. The vaporising occurs in a heated section of pipe. The mixing occurs through a "jet" nozzle with air being sucked in to mix. Finally the fuel/air mixture can either be burned on the spot or distributed through a mesh work and lit. The mesh work quiets the sound of the burning. A stove which has this is a "silent" design. One that does not have the meshwork is a "roarer". All of these steps are relevant to your diesel question. Any liquid fuel stove can burn diesel. But most will do it very badly, with the mixture being too rich. So you need a stove designed for heavy hydrocarbons. Diesel is about the density of kerosene so a stove that burns one will usually be able to burn the other. The vaporising step is the issue with pump diesel. Some of the additives and fuel hydrocarbons cannot be vapourised. These clog up the vapouriser tubing eventually. Some stoves have the vapouriser/generator tubing impossible to clean. The Optimus 111 roarer design is like this. They are all old, not a huge problem for you. The stoves that will at least theoretically run pump diesel have cleaning wires in their vapouriser /generators. There is a simple little Chinese stove (BRS-12A) that fits the bill. Most others are stoves for world-roaming and/or mountain-climbing. These stoves are rough and tough. And are built to be light and compactable. Many are Roarers because this is a more easily serviced ("fettled") design with fewer parts. As for simmering, some stoves don't, some do. The Optimus 111 stoves of all designs are good at simmering. The mountaineering stoves tend not to be so good. I couldn't tell you re the BRS-12A. As said by others, people with stoves capable of running diesel, burn kerosene in their stoves. The maintenance is heavy otherwise. Achievable, but heavy.
By the way, your bus would run on kerosene if you had to. But the additives lubricate the cylinders, ensure the pump doesn't clag up with heavy hydrocarbons. Stoves don't have cylinders, not even fuel pumps (the pumps are for air). The additives detract from stove function. The same advice is given for gasoline- burning stoves. Go with the least additives in the fuel, ideally none.
There are some military tent heaters (Yukon Stove) and the emersion heater that drip fuel into a burner. These can handle just about any fuel, gas thru diesel. They have poor efficiency but eat anything.
That's essentially what my Dickinson is. I'm looking for a second option that will be for quick meals during the summer or while on trips that don't require me to heat up the stove. Yes, I'm pretty well set on my hunt, which is probably frustrating to those clearly more knowledgeable about stoves than I. But for me, I'm not a stove expert or even a connesieur. I already have a Coleman, and if I can't find something that aligns more with my goal, then I'll just use that. So I understand there's nothing off the shelf that'll work, is there a particular burner that you think might work? Maybe I can buy a couple burners and throw them in a Kenyon or something. Thank you guys for the explanation about roarer vs silent. So I looked online and the two models I'm seeing from of the cheap Chinese version that might work are the BRS 12a, and 8a. 12a has the integrated tank and 8a has the tank and hose. If I tried one of those out with diesel and it worked well enough for me, I'm assuming it would be possible to install the burners in some sort of tabletop case, like a Kenyon? Are there any other burners you think might work for this? Thanks for the advice.
WELCOME. You are one person inquiring to many about two burner for your bus. I am sorry in advance as this will be me piling-on another comment not onboard with your plan. I've been following along without suggestion as I too am not aware of a stove that you seek (should give you pause, no?). your: "I've thought a lot about it, and if I can find/make one, it's what I want." thought a lot about it and it's logical solution for you... Logic is a systematic method of coming to the wrong conclusion with confidence (that is me more often than i want to admit). MSR XGK EX, outdoor stove, would be an expensive experiment for you but out of the box it will burn diesel, you can try it out in an enclosed space. This is NOT something you should do, but that is your intent here, this burner being no different re odor and toxins than any other you will try. If you still believe diesel burner(s) will work, retro fitting 2 XGKs (double dollars) fixed to a base plate and a cook top/grate that drops over it would not be mission impossible. In case you are wondering: How is it MSR has a burner that allows diesel (as scarce few do)? MSR's burner does not like diesel, it's design is such that you can readily clean the vaporizing section (where the additives form deposits that will interfere with flow and proper flame). Cleaning: which you would need to be doing on a regular basis. Weight does not seem to be a limitation for your bus. I'd suggest do as RVs do, reconsider pipe-in propane connection (indoor/outdoor even). Purchase two tanks or a small reserve spare. For cooking only even a tank smaller than 20 lb will also last until the cows come home. Same can be said for kerosene (although propane is more common). I would think white gas has more negatives for your stated needs vs propane or kerosene. Please, do not take offense or think we're calling it done or putting you off. You will find membership will continue to welcome your comments with serious interest in your progress which ever route that is. best of luck
I thinks that you realize there is no easy or affordable solution to the diesel conundrum. Remain flexible and open to use what you've already got. You've got the jet boil for a quick brew up, a spot of tea or shot of hot water to start a bigger meal. You've got the Coleman 2-burner for outside cooking. Do you set up an outside summer kitchen? Tarps, canopy or pop-ups? Do you have slide out or side access storage on the bus that you could stage your cooking gear. Outfit your Coleman 2-burner with a propane adapter, extension hose and 25Lb tank. I understand this negates the 1-fuel idea but it makes for fast and easy. With the 1LB tanks, you may consider inside usage. Safety is ultimate, plan accordingly. A cramped kitchen can breed accidents. Don't cut corners. Get a used Coleman tank/vaporizer for outside use. Keep these as spares and/or to quickly swap it out if one runs out of fuel. Spare vaporizers will be helpful especially if you use ⛽️ pump gas. Yes, this also counteracts the 1-fuel, but it's fast and easy. Unlike propane and butane, you can see exactly the quantity you've got on hand cans/gallons. Make a storage bin to securely hold 1-gallon cans or other approved storage. I've always been one to work with what I've got and with the exception of collecting a few stoves and lanterns thought that less is more. I'm not sure that you'll achieve a 1-fuel diesel solution any time soon, barring extremely good fortune or winning the lottery. Stay flexible and willing to work with what you've got. The compromise may be that you find a fluid way adapt between inside and out, winter and summer and mother nature's quirky ways of keeping us on our toes.
@djdalfaro If you want to build a stove, the burner and generator (including cleaning wire) of the MSR XGK Ex would be a good start. Of the options available it is the most willing to put up with the repeated cleaning. And has a diesel specific jet. If you are both qualified enough and creative enough, a better tank setup for your purposes could be considered. Remember however that you will need to disconnect the fuel feed regularly to do the necessary cleaning. While I understand the BRS stoves to have under-specced cleaning compared to an XGK, the styles with a mount on top of the tank (or "fount") will have a lot of advantage when it comes to adaptation. As @OMC has said, many of us will be interested. I will be also interested to see if you tolerate a dual- roarer stove. Ooops, one other thing we hadn't mentioned. Simmering will be very tricky with whatever stove you use. Rugged cleaning and simple simmering do not go together. There is a whole section here on frankenstoves. Please keep us informed if you do go ahead.
And the odd military engine too. The M35 Reo truck and the Chieftain MBT spring to mind. I'd have thought it generally a good notion given the nature of the vehicles, but they've fallen out of favour so I suppose not. Makes them very cheap to run as hobby vehicles though, provided you can find a motor works/hauliers etc that has to be to have waste fuel removed.
Thank you. I appreciate the input. I did some digging on the MSR XGK EX, and I found that it (as well as the Coleman 550B) came outfitted to the US military for use as a multi-fuel (diesel jets included) stove. The Coleman 550B being a ?fount stove? IDK what it's called, where the burner is attached directly to the tank, and the MSR XGK being connected via a flexible hose. It was mentioned that a ?fount stove? might be easier to modify into a dual burner set up. Do you agree? Why or why not? I am not easily put off, scared away, nor insulted. Thank you for your input. As I start adding up the costs to buy multiple burners (assuming I could find one that worked well), a base w/ tank, various fittings, and perhaps a custom designed piece or two to make it all work, I'm estimating the cost to be somewhere in the $500+ range. That used Webasto cooktop is starting to look more appealing at $800. Working with what I've got would have prevented me from joining this forum though... Then where would I be? “With wisdom comes the rare ability to tell whether or not trying to change someone’s mind would be a waste of time.” As one who is uneducated in the finer points of liquid fuel stoves, I appreciate having my assumptions, plans, and expectations questioned, even if I remain unconvinced. What is the advantage of the fount style stoves to this adaptation? Thank you all for your input.
