Truma Combi

[gklott]

Has anyone installed a Truma Combi, replacing the water heater and the heater?

 

[DanandDaphne]

It looks like an interesting unit, but I don't see where you can buy one. Looks like they might be sold only to manufacturers.

There also seems to be a demand water heater but they only list some parts and supplies on the web site.

 

[gklott]

Only by Truma partners

It looks like an interesting unit, but I don't see where you can buy one. Looks like they might be sold only to manufacturers.

That is correct. I tried several ways to get the Truma VarioHeat to replace our Suburban SW6DE.

The Truma products are available for installation only via the partners, but they are available. Truma warns that any 3rd party or aftermarket sales will receive no warranty or parts support.

Was wondering if any Escape owner had done this, for any of the Truma products.

Because of this, we have pretty well settled on the Propex HS2800. Our SW6DE is OK, as long as it works.

73/gus

 

[Rockhead]

Check on eBay there are some there for sale

 

[gklott]

EBay purchase

Check on eBay there are some there for sale

Yes, did that, but such purchases kill any Truma support. From Truma USA website “If you should encounter Truma products aftermarket or partially assembled, please be advised that warranty and service will not be covered by Truma. Truma also will not supply products or parts to support any aftermarket sold systems.“

Still looking for someone who had a Truma partner dealer do the install.

73/gus

 

[Rossue]

We put a Propex HS2800 in the Transit van a year ago and it works fantastic. Lots of people ask about the Truma Combi on Ford Transit USA forum too and here is a recent post on 11/15/22 that sounds promising:

"It looks like Truma is offering Truma Heaters and Truma Combi units again in the US from their Elkhart, Indiana Corporate Office. They require a certified dealer for the installation and have mobile technicians for service. They even have a dealer here in Phoenix now (LaMesa RV). Check out the Truma website.(RV Water Heaters & Furnaces | Truma North America). They are not a DYI friendly company, but they manufacture a superb product.
We’ve been very happy with our Truma Combi Eco Plus installed by Sportsmobile West, now Field Vans, in 2020."
https://www.fordtransitusaforum.com...ched-or-installed-a-truma-heater.78191/page-9

 

[bborzell]

We lived with a Truma Combi for 4 years in our Airstream Basecamp. I liked it.

One unit for cabin heat as well as hot water.

 

[Sean Murry]

That is correct. I tried several ways to get the Truma VarioHeat to replace our Suburban SW6DE.

The Truma products are available for installation only via the partners, but they are available. Truma warns that any 3rd party or aftermarket sales will receive no warranty or parts support.

Was wondering if any Escape owner had done this, for any of the Truma products.

Because of this, we have pretty well settled on the Propex HS2800. Our SW6DE is OK, as long as it works.

73/gus

Have you decided where to install the Propex heater? Would you place it where the Suburban heater was or in a different location. Our Suburban heater is working fine, but when it goes I would also replace with a Propex.

 

[Craig_TaB]

Background:
The 17B is on my short list for my next Travel Trailer purchase. My current trailer has the Alde combination heat/hot water system that is known for its super quiet operation (once warm, 30-minute warm up) . The web comments for the Suburban Forced Air furnaces noise level combined with hearing their propane burners roaring around campgrounds got me interested in the Truma Combi as an alternative. The Combi with ducted air is reported to be much quieter while still not the Alde near silent system.

So how would the Truma Combi fit? Is it doable maybe even as a DIY?
(I've not investigated an Alde DIY conversion - - - as that maybe beyond my DIY skill/interest level.)

Early Space Analysis:

First off the Combi will reduce trailer load by ~47# with water. The Combi itself is about 40% lighter than the empty HW Tank + Suburban while the Combi only holds 2.6 gallons of water. Also, the Combi is easier to drain.

Comparison of Space Usage ( attached PDF has more figures)

At this time . . . I'm not sure the Truma Combi is a good fit. These figures do not include the water lines, winter by-pass stuff that also must be in the general Combi area which will make for a messy/busy equipment compartment. That said, a well planned 'factory' installation could address those items.

All this is for Fun, enjoy.