Truma has QC issues….

[SeaDawg]

On 2/27/2025 at 12:27 PM, Galileo said:

As others have pointed out - if you fiddle with it, you likely void your warranty. 

And, there is the rub.

[katanapilot]

7 hours ago, SeaDawg said:

And, there is the rub.

5 year old trailers have a systems warranty?  Didn’t know that! 

[John and Betty]

Anyone know if Oliver got the replacement parts? I was told in January they were 60 days out.  Was anyone told not to use the water heater?

[katanapilot]

All I know is there are 800 affected units from Oliver.  Service told me they “might” get more than the 15-20 units per month that they had previously gotten from Truma.

Others have posted that they believe Truma is in no hurry to supply Oliver with these parts as Truma did not believe a recall was warranted.

I bought a new burner from an eBay seller and modified the burner ends to match the current build spec.  I’ll install that and use it until Oliver gets to me in the recall queue.

It’s a tough spot to be in as there is a risk of fire if you use your recalled AquaGo.  Oliver has not been very informative as to whether or not you should or should not use a recalled unit.  I suspect if they told us specifically not to use the water heater - there would be a lot of unhappy customers amongst the 800 or so - especially given the unknown lead time of parts availability and replacement.  

[Tom and Doreen]

2 hours ago, katanapilot said:

...Others have posted that they believe Truma is in no hurry to supply Oliver with these parts as Truma did not believe a recall was warranted.

 

The fact that Truma has changed the design would seem to indicate that they know that they have a problem.  What is certainly true is that Truma does not have the capability to address the numbers associated with this recall so they're denying repsonsibility and pushing it off on others, in my opinion. Additionally, if a burner assembly is designed with eight tabs why would they choose to only crimp two?

[Zodd]

So at those numbers, assuming there is any weight behind them, but given Oliver's slow action on this front it seems their might be, we are looking at almost 2 years before everyone is fixed up. Given Oliver's reputation, I certainly hope this is not their response. But I also have not heard a word since I submitted paperwork 2 months ago. 

[katanapilot]

18 hours ago, Zodd said:

So at those numbers, assuming there is any weight behind them, but given Oliver's slow action on this front it seems their might be, we are looking at almost 2 years before everyone is fixed up. Given Oliver's reputation, I certainly hope this is not their response. But I also have not heard a word since I submitted paperwork 2 months ago. 

At 15-20 replacements per month, it could be three or more years.  Hopefully, Truma will up their production rate for Oliver (not holding my breath) and/or there will be another terminating action on the recall versus complete burner replacement.

As I was able to crimp the uncrimped ends of the replacement burner I bought, it seems like a similar action could be taken on in-service units to mitigate the risk of the burner tubes coming loose. 

[Galway Girl]

On 1/16/2025 at 8:27 AM, Galileo said:

What I did find was a little scary. (See the attached photo.)

the nut holding the main gas line to the burner manifold was quite loose.

That was our FIRST Problem.   If you go back to all the various Truma postings...you'll find the first one we posted was all about that loose fitting.  

Truma Factory had us return our unit to them and they discovered their production line tools had the wrong torque setting for that coupler...and that it backed off from vibration over time.

The SECOND issue is the one that caused the Oliver Recall, non-crimped burner tubes.  The symptoms are 'very similar' in that both cause a build up of gas that ignites with a whoosh / thump and then blows out the burner....it keeps trying and occasionally it starts and runs.

In the picture below are 4 different photos from different posts we've made.

First - What the raw gas ignition looks like for both issues:

Still Pix of Burner Flare due to either: Loose Coupler --- or --- Disconnected burner tubes

Movie showing ignition when too much gas is in the chamber.

 

A photo of the culprit coupler - Our Coupler Issue -

A movie showing the loose coupler could be turned easily with fingers....not tight at all.

 

Second - Our Burners Rattle Loose Issue 

 

Third - The NEW ASSEMBLY that we are having installed today at a repair center.

 

I'm going to check with Oliver and Truma to see if either can send us a new exterior door for the water heater, as ours had partially melted due to flames of these events.

Craig - Hull 505 - Galway Girl

 

 

 

Edited 15 hours ago by Galway Girl

[ScubaRx]

28 minutes ago, Galway Girl said:

That was our FIRST Problem.   If you go back to all the various Truma postings...you'll find the first one we posted was all about that loose fitting.  

Truma Factory had us return our unit to them and they discovered their production line tools had the wrong torque setting for that coupler...and that it backed off from vibration over time.

The SECOND issue is the one that caused the Oliver Recall, non-crimped burner tubes.  The symptoms are 'very similar' in that both cause a build up of gas that ignites with a whoosh / thump and then blows out the burner....it keeps trying and occasionally it starts and runs.

In the picture below are 4 different photos from different posts we've made.

First - What the raw gas ignition looks like for both issues:

Still Pix of Burner Flare due to either: Loose Coupler --- or --- Disconnected burner tubes

Movie showing ignition when too much gas is in the chamber.

 

 

A photo of the culprit coupler - Our Coupler Issue -

A movie showing the loose coupler could be turned easily with fingers....not tight at all.

 

 

Second - Our Burners Rattle Loose Issue 

 

Third - The NEW ASSEMBLY that we are having installed today at a repair center.

 

I'm going to check with Oliver and Truma to see if either can send us a new exterior door for the water heater, as ours had partially melted due to flames of these events.

Craig - Hull 505 - Galway Girl

 

 

 

@Galway Girl Craig, this is the best post so far on the problem(s) that have plagued the Truma water heater. If I had one I'd take it out and make it look just like your last photo, even if it were still in warranty. For those still in warranty, your unit will likely be out by the time the parts arrive to repair it. I would not wait until my trailer burns down.

Edited April 15 by ScubaRx

[Patriot]

16 hours ago, ScubaRx said:

@Galway Girl Craig, this is the best post so far on the problem(s) that have plagued the Truma water heater. If I had one I'd take it out and make it look just like your last photo, even if it were still in warranty. For those still in warranty, your unit will likely be out by the time the parts arrive to repair it. I would not wait until my trailer burns down.

Fortunately we have not experienced any issues with our Truma Aqua go in our 5 years of ownership since our delivery in March of 2020. I am glad Truma and Oliver are addressing this recall as quickly as the supply chain allows. Whether in or out of warranty it’s my understanding this repair free of charge if you own a serial numbered recalled unit. I have not read or heard of any Oliver’s or other RVs equipped with the Truma Aqua Go burning down. 

Jason B at Oliver Service told me the repair/swap out of the burner takes approximately 40-45 min.
Great pics/vid and solid write up @Galway Girl. 

 

An open source article worthy of reading -

https://www.rvtravel.com/oliver-travel-trailers-with-faulty-water-heaters-recalled/

Edited April 16 by Patriot

[katanapilot]

On 4/15/2025 at 5:05 PM, Patriot said:

Fortunately we have not experienced any issues with our Truma Aqua go in our 5 years of ownership since our delivery in March of 2020. I am glad Truma and Oliver are addressing this recall as quickly as the supply chain allows. Whether in or out of warranty it’s my understanding this repair free of charge if you own a serial numbered recalled unit. I have not read or heard of any Oliver’s or other RVs equipped with the Truma Aqua Go burning down. 

Jason B at Oliver Service told me the repair/swap out of the burner takes approximately 40-45 min.
Great pics/vid and solid write up @Galway Girl. 

 

An open source article worthy of reading -

https://www.rvtravel.com/oliver-travel-trailers-with-faulty-water-heaters-recalled/

Not entirely sure Truma is providing much support to Oliver for this recall.  They seem to be fighting a "global" recall of the AquaGo and Oliver is the only one (so far) that has initiated a recall for these units.

 

"I have not read or heard of any Oliver’s or other RVs equipped with the Truma Aqua Go burning down."

Not yet, anyway...

Edited April 16 by katanapilot
added text

[Galway Girl]

Got a call from the shop doing our Truma Burner replacement.  They said:

"the water test failed. the fitting on the circulation pump is cracked and the copper line is bent and cannot be repaired. Regina with Oliver Trailer advised this is not something they are covering. I am reaching out to Truma to see fi this is under warranty and or get parts pricing."

So now we have to cancel our trip next week.  Not sure how or why the copper line is bent but I did notice that the line going into the top of the water heater was a bit wiggly loose.  Maybe it's another issue with bouncing around in the trailer.

I may need to see about converting to another brand or putting in a Suburban unit.

Craig

 

[jd1923]

55 minutes ago, Galway Girl said:

Maybe it's another issue with bouncing around in the trailer.

I may need to see about converting to another brand or putting in a Suburban unit.

No way it could bounce to the point of bending an internal copper pipe. Sorry, but there’s no physics that would explain that. Call it Truma manufacturing defect #2, and counting, having read 5 pages of this thread.

So sorry Craig, that this has disrupted your travel plans. That s#cks!

Your last thought is likely the way to go. Personally, if neither OTT nor Truma would correct this situation after all these demonstrated issues, neither company would get another dollar from me. And it’s easier to swap the unit than to rebuild it on your own, with expensive parts, and then what?

I’d like to think there is a viable brand of tankless HWH in the marketplace! Until so, we’ll keep carrying an extra 6 gallons  of water…

[John Dorrer]

11 hours ago, Galway Girl said:

Got a call from the shop doing our Truma Burner replacement.  They said:

"the water test failed. the fitting on the circulation pump is cracked and the copper line is bent and cannot be repaired. Regina with Oliver Trailer advised this is not something they are covering. I am reaching out to Truma to see fi this is under warranty and or get parts pricing."

So now we have to cancel our trip next week.  Not sure how or why the copper line is bent but I did notice that the line going into the top of the water heater was a bit wiggly loose.  Maybe it's another issue with bouncing around in the trailer.

I may need to see about converting to another brand or putting in a Suburban unit.

Craig

 

Craig, considering all that you have had go wrong with your Truma, could you briefly share the number of issues that you faced.

 

After the fire was the entire unit replaced and by who? Was the work done by Truma, one of their approved service companies, or Oliver.

 

I remember the fire, and now the burner issue.

 

It seems the service provider did what they said they would do, but found other issues. I could understand them not wanting to take Ownership on something they only were replacing the defective burner.

 

This seems to be something that is on Truma.

 

Sorry this is happening.

Edited April 17 by John Dorrer
Typo

[John Dorrer]

11 hours ago, jd1923 said:

No way it could bounce to the point of bending an internal copper pipe. Sorry, but there’s no physics that would explain that. Call it Truma manufacturing defect #2, and counting, having read 5 pages of this thread.

So sorry Craig, that this has disrupted your travel plans. That s#cks!

Your last thought is likely the way to go. Personally, if neither OTT nor Truma would correct this situation after all these demonstrated issues, neither company would get another dollar from me. And it’s easier to swap the unit than to rebuild it on your own, with expensive parts, and then what?

I’d like to think there is a viable brand of tankless HWH in the marketplace! Until so, we’ll keep carrying an extra 6 gallons  of water…

JD, several years ago Craig had a fire in his Truma water heater. It was a dicey situation. It is my understanding Truma replaced the unit. Fast forward to the burner replacement. Oliver stepped up to the plate, taking care of this. It is my understanding that Oliver sent the part to a Truma approved service company in the PNW. After replacing the burner unit, they conducted their final testing and discovered other issues. I'm not sure how Oliver has any responsibility in this. I don't believe they had anything to do with the previous replacement. That was done by Truma. The trailer is approximately 6 years old. The unit was replaced by Truma approximately 2+ years ago. This appears to be 100% on Truma. Oliver shouldn't be  responsible for replacing a unit they didn't install

My 2¢

Edited April 17 by John Dorrer
Typo

[jd1923]

1 hour ago, John Dorrer said:

JD, several years ago Craig had a fire in his Truma water heater.

Thank you, John. Please allow me to correct my above statement, by not including OTT. I remember reading this with your reminder. That's two strikes for Truma, on just one hull.

[CRM]

55 minutes ago, katanapilot said:

Yep, when you can’t “just hook up and go camping” - it does suck.  

That's a big reason why I try to keep things as simple as possible and only own equipment that I can easily purchase parts for and service myself, even if not considered "the best" available. I don't say this to make anyone angry, but nothing Truma will ever be installed in my Ollie. 

[Boudicca908]

I have some comments about Truma.... all good. 

A couple of summers ago I had a propane leak. It's a long story. I was convinced it was the cooktop, but the only available  SOB RV repair shop in North Dakota decided it was the Truma AquaGO, and since they weren't certified by Truma to "Repair" the Truma, and because the unit was under warranty, Truma shipped a new unit and it was installed by the SOB RV place within a few days. Truma gave me fantastic service in that event, getting the unit delivered very quickly. I imagine that they are overwhelmed with the number of units that need to be repaired or replaced with this recall, but my experience with their company is very good, and they worked with OTT service in the course of that event. 

[katanapilot]

16 hours ago, katanapilot said:

Yep, when you can’t “just hook up and go camping” - it does suck.  

My comment was meant for another poster (not the OP).  This poster, who fortunately for them had Oliver repair their recalled AquaGo - told the rest of us that were waiting for our repair - to "just hook up and go camping".  I found that comment to be tone deaf (and still do).

Fortunately for me, I was able to buy a new burner off eBay, crimp the uncrimped ends and check the torque on the fittings.  Not everyone (and I suspect most of the effected 800) are able to do this, nor should they be expected to do so. I think using an unrepaired AquaGo is risky and so "just hook up and go camping" is not a practical answer for many.

[Ronbrink]

8 minutes ago, katanapilot said:

Fortunately for me, I was able to buy a new burner off eBay, crimp the uncrimped ends and check the torque on the fittings. 

Just curious why a new burner was even needed since it too had ends in need of crimping. Was there a reason the original burner could not be crimped and made use of? 

[katanapilot]

28 minutes ago, Ronbrink said:

Just curious why a new burner was even needed since it too had ends in need of crimping. Was there a reason the original burner could not be crimped and made use of? 

Excellent question.

1.  Primary concern was that repeated heat/cooling cycles on the burners had heat treated the burners and made the ends brittle.  Crimping these burners might lead to cracks.  Then the WH would be a brick until I could obtain and install a new burner.

2.  Lacking a service/repair manual, I was a bit concerned about pulling the burner.  I consider myself pretty handy, but I didn’t want to damage the WH by doing something stupid.  Having a burner in my hands gave me more confidence in what would be needed to remove and replace said burner.

3.  Given a very unknown lead time and lack of any real guidance from Oliver regarding the risks of operating a recalled AquaGo - I wanted to do something to reduce the risk.  If they are only getting 15-20 burners per month (and OTT service was not even confident in that number) - the possibility of years before repair was unworkable for me.

[Ronbrink]

On 3/25/2025 at 4:26 PM, katanapilot said:

I will also put a small TIG weld bead at the ends to make sure there is never any movement. 

Did you ever post a pic of the TIG welds? Seems a spot weld could be done without crimping, what think you?

[katanapilot]

On 4/18/2025 at 9:43 AM, Ronbrink said:

Did you ever post a pic of the TIG welds? Seems a spot weld could be done without crimping, what think you?

I'll try to get that posted next week.  Sorry, been busy with higher priorities.

And yes, I think a TIG weld or even some high temperature metallic epoxy would do the job.  https://www.amazon.com/J-B-Weld-37901-Temperature-Resistant/dp/B01IBOBY74/ref=asc_df_B01IBOBY74?mcid=8379611e6f663b5f9dd162baf3db4633&hvocijid=6621279464323635468-B01IBOBY74-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6621279464323635468&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9010892&hvtargid=pla-2281435178858&th=1

[Zodd]

I know this topic has been frustrating for many people, especially those who believe everyone should have followed a specific order. However, I also understand that many are waiting for updates and want reassurance that their concerns are being addressed. So here is my story.

A few months ago, I filed my paperwork. Last week, I learned that Oliver had shipped my replacement parts to the dealer I selected, Bretz RV in Liberty Lake, WA. They provided me with a tracking code, so I called the dealer. They informed me that they could schedule my service for the day the parts were set to arrive, which was on Tuesday.

I dropped off my trailer and spoke with the dealer. He mentioned that Oliver had just called him to verify the recall, parts delivery, and the work needed for my trailer. Three days later, on Thursday, I picked up the trailer. The service was delayed by a day due to confusion over whether the work was warranty-related or a recall. They initially thought it was warranty work and were waiting for an approval call from Oliver. Once they clarified that it was indeed a recall, they finished the job and got the trailer back to me.

Ideally, none of this would have happened, or at least, the wait would not have been so long. However, once Oliver shipped the parts, my experience with Oliver and the dealer network I used was quite pleasant.

I hope more of you out there start to get this notice and have a seamless repair experience. 

[ScubaRx]

On 4/20/2025 at 9:34 AM, katanapilot said:

And yes, I think a TIG weld or even some high temperature metallic epoxy would do the job.  https://www.amazon.com/J-B-Weld-37901-Temperature-Resistant/dp/B01IBOBY74/ref=asc_df_B01IBOBY74?mcid=8379611e6f663b5f9dd162baf3db4633&hvocijid=6621279464323635468-B01IBOBY74-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6621279464323635468&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9010892&hvtargid=pla-2281435178858&th=1

Propane in air burns at 3596°F. I don't know how hot that makes the burner tubes get but I believe a tig spot weld would be the best bet. With the right filler metal for example, silicon bronze (melts around 1500-1600°F.), you might be able to braze the ends to the frame.