Truma has QC issues….

[GraniteStaters]

Not trying to add fuel to the Truma fire, but we had problems with our Truma last spring after 4 1/2 years and the symptom, delayed ignition and the smell outside adjacent to the Truma.  I was directed by Oliver to reach out to Truma, as I recollect and that wasn't unexpected.  When I open the case with Truma support, an Elkhart based engineer reached out to me and said they didn't want me to use the Truma anymore.  They made me promise as they felt it was a health and safety risk.  I naturally agreed, particularly when they said they would have a certified technician of my choice replace the unit for free and document the installation of the Truma with pictures.  We went with out hot water in the Oliver for a week at the Maine Rally.  I reached out to Tim's RV in Erving, MA and explained to Tim and Brandon that Truma would be shipping a unit to them and compensating them for doing the pictures and installation.  We arranged for a late June for the 1/2 day installation.  Truma requires certified and trained technicians and extended a courtesy approval after discussing Brandon's experience and in light of our needs.  Truma sent the brand new unit to Tim's.  We were notified when they received it.  Brandon confirmed the delivery too before I made the trip from Concord, NH to Erving.  Tim and Brandon were very gracious and Brandon did an outstanding job on the install.  

[CRM]

3 hours ago, katanapilot said:

Yes, it is an instant on-demand hot water heater (similar to what you might have at home).  

Thanks. I've never even seen one of the Truma units before. Since it's on-demand it makes sense that it doesn't have an electric option.

[DaveAndBecky_NorthernMI]

On 2/13/2025 at 3:10 PM, John Dorrer said:

There was a small allotment received from Truma, and they were assigned to people with scheduled maintenance. 

Can confirm. Spoke with Jason today regarding service on March 11-12. He has a burner set aside for me.

[ScubaRx]

5 hours ago, katanapilot said:

Assuming this is true - all the more reason for us as owners to try to come up with practical, near term solutions.  Otherwise, it will be years before Oliver gets enough burner assemblies to remedy the recall of 800 units.

I can't argue that under these circumstances, it would take a long time to get to everyone. But don't misunderstand what I wrote. These statements are just possibilities that I'm saying COULD be true, I have no evidence that they are, but if I was running Truma and a company pissed me off bad enough, that's exactly what I would do.

I don't own a Truma, but if I did and now knowing the exact nature of the issue, you can bet your sweet bippy I would pull that burner out, repair it, put it back in, torque it to the proper specs, hook up and go camping.

[katanapilot]

2 hours ago, ScubaRx said:

you can bet your sweet bippy I would pull that burner out, repair it, put it back in, torque it to the proper specs, hook up and go camping.

Exactly what I plan to attempt.  

[Rivernerd]

22 hours ago, ScubaRx said:

It is my belief that this “shortage of parts” is an issue manufactured by Truma to punish Oliver and (by default) this community of owners for making this problem public knowledge.

If you are correct, it is a remarkably poor business decision by Truma.  The sooner the product failure is resolved, the sooner it fades from the public consciousness, and Truma's quality reputation can be rebuilt.

[Galileo]

15 hours ago, katanapilot said:

Exactly what I plan to attempt.  

It’s really quite simple and well within the skill set of anybody who can change their engine oil or a set of spark plugs.

You WILL need a couple of Torx wrenches. I forget the size, but both/all were included in a small Elkind folding set, I’d guess a T-10 is one of them. Two open end wrenches to remove the gas fitting. (I don’t think there’s room to use flare nut or “line” wrenches.) About 5/8 or 11/16” I think. Also the big wrench for the nut holding the gas line to the manifold.

Other than having to ease it out and caress it back in is to pull out the black control box at the top right of the heater enclosure when you open the access door. Easier than removing the ignition and flame sensor leads and less likely to break them. DO take the picture as Galway Girl suggested to put the disconnected leads back in the right place. Turn off the LP first of course.

Once you overcome any trepidation about working on an unfamiliar piece of equipment, it’s a pretty simple job.

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

Edited 23 hours ago by Galileo
Fat fingers and autocorrect

[katanapilot]

5 hours ago, Galileo said:

It’s really quite simple and well within the skill set of anybody who can change their engine oil or a set of spark plugs.

You WILL need a couple of Torx wrenches. I forget the size, but both/all were included in a small Elkind folding set, I’d guess a T-10 is one of them. Two open end wrenches to remove the gas fitting. (I don’t think there’s room to use flare nut or “line” wrenches.) About 5/8 or 11/16” I think. Also the big wrench for the nut holding the gas line to the manifold.

Other than having to ease it out and caress it back in is to pull out the black control box at the top right of the heater enclosure when you open the access door. Easier than removing the ignition and flame sensor leads and less likely to break them. DO take the picture as Galway Girl suggested to put the disconnected leads back in the right place. Turn off the LP first of course.

Once you overcome any trepidation about working on an unfamiliar piece of equipment, it’s a pretty simple job.

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

Appreciate the advice.  I built the two airplanes in my profile picture, so I am hopeful  I have the skills and tools to do this job.  😉Would prefer to have a service manual but it sounds like those are top secret need to know only and reserved for the few Truma service centers.

I think the warranty is long expired. 
 

My plan B is to have Truma replace this one with a remanufactured unit. They stated they won’t replace the burner only even at my expense.  Not the most customer friendly company I have dealt with. 

[Galileo]

16 hours ago, katanapilot said:

My plan B is to have Truma replace this one with a remanufactured unit. They stated they won’t replace the burner only even at my expense.  Not the most customer friendly company I have dealt with. 

Wow. 

Truma doesn’t seem to be winning many hearts and minds here. 

I’ve read seemingly very different impressions of Truma’s customer service. Some say they’re great, others - not so much.

My only attempt at contacting them didn’t even get the courtesy of a reply. 

[mossemi]

On 2/24/2025 at 1:16 AM, John and Debbie said:

I plan to just turn off the Truma aquago every night and turn it back on in the morning.  

John 

Our standard practice has always been to turn the Truma on at the inside control panel when we needed hot water and then turn it off when not needed.  This is not a solution to the problem, it just reduces the likelihood of a fire 🔥 when we are not around.  We will also add a  step to our departure and setup checklist , to turn the outside switch off or on as needed before travel!  It’s the best we can do until a repair has been completed.

Mossey

[srthomsen]

As far as I can tell, the systems are all maufactured in Germany and / or Italy. I cold not find any information pertaining to a Truma manufacturing facility in the USA.

This, if true, certainly could account for some of the lack of availability of components with which to repair the defective heaters.

Developed in Germany, produced in Italy: Our Products come from a single mold

One of our most important success factors: Within the Truma Group, development and production come from a single source. This means we can optimally coordinate manufacturing and production. The development headquarter is part of our German parent company, located in Putzbrunn, Bavaria. Together, we set new standards with coordinated, continuous improvements in development and manufacturing. This enables us to manufacture high-performance, high-precision products that delight our customers and add the greatest possible value.