Curosity concerning Truma water heater straps

[FloraFauna]

During winterization (which makes me sad but thats a different topic), I found the strap holding the Truma water heater had broken on both sides in very symmetrical locations.  Easy to splice on a new strap but how did the failure happen?  I suspect these are fatigue failures and thus that same strap material is the wrong fix.  I also am not completely certain of the complete purpose of the strap other than to restrict the back of the water heater from jumping around.  Thoughts?

 

[Ollie-Haus]

Ours did the same thing, hull #1373. I replaced and added additional screws on the sides. We'll see if they hold up longer than the original strap. 

[Steve Morris]

Oddly, ours did as well. It seemed like pretty soft strapping material. 

[Geronimo John]

I am not a Truma guy, but PLEASE submit a ticket to OTT on this.  In my eyes this is a clear safety issue as unrestrained movement of this machine could impace one of the gas lines down there and cause a BOOM with your family personally involved.

GJ