Category Archives: Tips and Tricks

Use Combi-Heater in winter with or without water?

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As a camper, questions arise during the winter season such as: “How do I make sure that the water in my heating system or vehicle does not freeze when I am not on site during the day?” or “Can I heat my camper or caravan without water in the boiler?

We answer both questions in this article.

If you are travelling with your vehicle in winter, you can choose between the above options to suit your needs. Both are possible, as long as the operation of the unit is adapted accordingly.

Option 1: If your motorhome or caravan is filled with fresh water, the heating should always remain active. As long as the frost monitor of the Combi, the FrostControl (FC), is exposed to an ambient temperature of >3°C, it remains closed and the water remains in the system. It is important here that the temperature is measured directly at the FC. Experience has shown that it is equally important that only the water runs out of the Combi when the FC is open. Whether the fresh water tank and all water pipes also run empty depends on the installation of the water supply by the vehicle manufacturer. This may or may not be the case. You should check this at your leisure before starting your journey.

You can set 5°C as the lowest room temperature on the heating control. If this is not sufficient to heat the FC because it has been installed further away from the Combi or a warm air pipe, a higher room temperature requirement should be set. This is possible with the CP plus from 5°C in 1°C steps. Simply approach a suitable value slowly. With the CP classic, with the two rotary knobs, level 1 also corresponds to 5°C, level 5 about 30°C. The other levels are in between. Level 2 should therefore be sufficient to keep the FC closed. Please note that such operation is only recommended during a journey. It is not a suitable means of keeping the vehicle frost-free throughout the winter. Short heating times of the heater promote the formation of condensation in the exhaust tract.

If the installation space of the FrostControl is too far away from the heater or completely unheated, a separate heating element for the FC can be purchased from our authorised dealers.

Option 2: If you are travelling without water in the system, the Combi can also be operated. The only important thing here is to set only room heating as a requirement for the Combi. The water heating programme must remain inactive. Make sure that the water tank of the Combi is correctly emptied. Residual water in the combi can get very hot very quickly. The resulting water vapour can irritate the temperature sensors of the heater and lead to a warning message “Water overtemperature detected”. For this reason, we recommend that you leave the FC open when using the vehicle in this way. This way, the water can find its way out of every corner of the fresh water supply during a winding journey. Optionally, you can help by using light compressed air or a balloon that has been put over and filled at the open water taps.

Please note: we recommend both modes of operation only on one trip. Operating the heater in one of the specified options for months should be avoided. The reason for this is that this type of use does not correspond to the intended use of an appliance for camping needs. In addition, under unfavourable conditions, condensation can collect in the exhaust pipe and disrupt the proper operation of the heating system.

With these tips, you’ll be well prepared, even when it’s cold outside. We wish you a wonderful winter holiday.

The fault 507, 516 or 517 appears in the display of the digital control panel CP plus – what to do

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Remote control Truma CP plus

Remedy fault 507 / 516 / 517 (gas supply interrupted)

Note: If the fault 507, 516 or 517 is displayed in the heater’s control panel, switching the control panel on and off does not help. This does not delete the fault, but blocks the heater for 15 minutes. The heater is also blocked for 15 minutes if the fault 507, 516 or 517 is deleted four times without the gas supply being established.


Remedying flashing fault 507 / 516 / 517 (gas supply interrupted)

The fault code 507, 516 or 517 flashes because the heater is still in a 15-minute blocking time. This was possibly caused by the heater control panel being switched off or because the heater’s 12-Volt supply was interrupted. The heater is also blocked for 15 minutes if the displayed fault is deleted four times without the gas supply being restored.

  • Wait out the 15-minute blocking time for the heater. During this time, do not switch off the heater’s control panel and also do not interrupt the power supply.
  • As soon as the heater’s blocking time has expired, the fault is then displayed permanently rather than flashing. It can now be deleted as described in the point above.
     

Truma Service at Christmas and New Year

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If the worst comes to the worst, we’ll be there for you

“Truma Service is where our customers need us – even on bank holidays”, says Service Manager Michael Suckart. Once again, Truma Service technicians will be available at six camp sites in Germany, Austria and Italy from 23 to 31 December 2017. They will service surrounding camp sites from these six locations. “Our products are very reliable and durable, but there may be the occasional problem. If the heating breaks down, your holiday is ruined. This is why Truma Service has been offering assistance over the Christmas and New Year period for many years. Our service technicians are on call at the most important winter camp sites to provide assistance if necessary. In this way, we make sure that our customers can enjoy carefree holidays.” The Truma experts not only repair appliances, they also answer questions and provide advice about all our products:

  • Naturcampingpark Isarhorn, 82481 Mittenwald, Germany
  • Camping Grüntensee, 87497 Wertach, Germany
  • Camping Bankenhof, 79856 Hinterzarten am Titisee, Germany
  • Eurocamp Wilder Kaiser, 6345 Kössen, Austria
  • Erlebnis Comfort Camping Aufenfeld, 6274 Aschau, Austria
  • Caravan Park Sexten, 39030 Sexten, Italy

Truma Service can be reached on the central service number +49 (0) 89-46 17 20 20 as follows:

Truma Service Helpline
24 to 26 Dec. 2017 and 30 to 31 Dec. 2017 from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm (emergency service).
27 to 29 Dec. 2017 from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Truma Service workshop
From 27 to 29 December 2017, the workshop is staffed from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

On 1 January 2018 Truma Service is not available, from 2 January 2018, the normal service times from Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm will apply.

Winter service also in Switzerland
An emergency service is also available in the Swiss Alpine regions from 24 to 31 December 2017. Winter campers can contact the Truma Service Partners directly or the Truma importer Selzam AG.

Grisons region / Canton of Grisons
Camper Huus, Felsenaustr. 41, 7000 Chur
Tel.: +41 81 284 64 79
Mobile: +41 79 350 85 86
Contact: Roland Meier

Rhone Valley region / Canton of Valais
Caravan-Service Siegenthaler, Walligrundstr. 32, 3930 Eyholz
Tel.: +41 27 946 23 07
Contact: Kurt Siegenthaler
Note: workshop service only

Central Switzerland region / Canton of Lucerne
Arber Caravans, Sagenwaldstrasse 26, 6033 Buchrain
Tel.: +41 41 448 28 28
Mobile: +41 79 777 57 70
Contact: Ueli Arber
Note: workshop service only

Bernese Highlands region / Canton of Bern
PWT Plüss Wohnmobil Technik, Gummweg 112, 3612 Steffisburg
Tel.: +41 33 437 48 68
Contact: Bernhard Plüss

Swiss Plateau region
KHC Service GmbH, Grenzstrasse 20a, 5525 Fischbach-Göslikon
Tel.: +41 76 589 57 79
Contact: Martin Debald
Note: Mobile service partner

Truma Importer
Selzam AG, Harzachstrasse 8, 8404 Winterthur
Service number: +41 900 085 085
Contact: Alois Haueis

Make optimum use of your air conditioning system in the caravan

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With an air conditioning system from Truma you can always have exactly the temperature you want inside your vehicle. It is not only the cooling output that counts, there is another function of the air conditioning system that is equally as important: it can dehumidify the air reliably. The higher the room temperature, the lower the humidity should be, because the body can discharge excess heat much more easily when the room air is dry. A high level of humidity often feels oppressive.  The temperature and humidity level are perfectly aligned in all air conditioning systems from Truma.

Truma_Klimaanlage_optimal_nutzen_1000x750Even if the weather is tropical outside, you should only cool down your motorhome or caravanmoderately. Experts recommend only cooling the temperature by around six degrees. This even applies when it is 35°C in the shade. If the temperature difference between the inside and the outside is too large, then this can lead to circulatory problems and illness.

Here are more tips:

Continue reading →

Tips for winter camping

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Outside it´s bitterly cold, but it is nice and cosy inside the motorcaravan. If you have the right equipment, winter camping can be a real pleasure. The Truma heating systems ensure absolute camping comfort even in the midst of winter. What do you need to think about before you embark on a winter camping trip? And what differences are there between the Truma Combi gas and diesel heating systems?  What do you need to think about before you embark on a winter camping trip?

Both the Truma Combi gas and also the diesel heating systems offer absolute comfort for winter campers. Thanks to their heating and hot water function, they ensure that the right temperature inside the motorcaravan is reached quickly and efficiently, and also that there is enough hot water for showering or washing up. Four warm air outlets and the high-performance fan ensure ideal distribution of the warm air throughout the vehicle. Continue reading →

Older S-heaters – what you need to be aware of!

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Anyone who wants to purchase a vehicle with an older Truma heater should note the following: The device should always be inspected by an expert or qualified workshop to check for faults. After so many years of use, it is possible that there may be gaps in the heat exchanger between the two half-shells that are pressed together with a sealing compound.

If the exhaust fumes (carbon monoxide) leak into the inside of the vehicle, this may, in worst case scenarios, kill the passengers.
Exhaust fumes can also enter the inside of the vehicle from corroded aluminium exhaust ducts. Since 1982 Truma has only fitted exhaust ducts made of stainless steel. Unfortunately, the exhaust ducts cannot be simply replaced 1:1 on heaters built before 1981 because they cannot be connected to the heat exchanger of the old heaters.

More information about “Replacing the heat exchanger”

 

 

Winter tips

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Wohnwagen in WinterlandschaftFor those campers who do not travel during the winter, it is time to put the caravan into its winter quarters and make it winter proof.

You should remember that both the vehicle and also the installed equipment need to be prepared for the shutdown phase.

Some useful care tips from Truma:

On-board battery

The statistical average battery life is anywhere between 3 and 5 years. However we know of cases where batteries have worked for many more years. Of course, this depends on the type of battery and how it is used. To ensure that the battery does not suffer during the winter, it should be removed from the vehicle before the winter and fully charged.

Five important tips about extending the battery life from Truma

1) For longer periods when the battery is not in use it should be disconnected and recharged every 6 to 8 weeks, at the latest every 12 weeks. Please note that the battery is only fully charged after 24 hours.

2) Adapt the charging voltage to the battery temperature. Depending on type, batteries will heat up more or less during the charging process. The direct ambient temperature also has a significant impact on the performance. If a battery temperature sensor is attached, it will record the operating temperature of the battery and will communicate this to the connected charger. The charger then changes the charging curve based on the sensor measurements. This means, the higher the operating temperature, the lower the output voltage; and the lower the operating temperature, the higher the output voltage

3) Note: The operating temperature range of our charging systems is 0°C to + 50°C. If 50°C is exceeded, the charging process is interrupted.
Using a battery temperature sensor is not only beneficial for the battery, it also increases its service life.

4) For periods longer than 24 hours when the battery is not in use, interrupt the power supply (e.g. with cut-out or disconnection of the battery terminals)

5) The battery should be stored in a cool and dry place protected from frost (e.g. cellar)

Batteries in remote controls or the automatic ignitor of the S-heater
To prevent batteries leaking, they should be removed from the remote control, or automatic ignitor. Store the remote control in a dry place.

Boiler Storage Waterheater
Drain the waterheater via the drain valve.
There are detailed instructions on how to drain the waterheater correctly in this article “Diagnosis – frost damage”.“Diagnose Frostschaden”

Controller System
Always disconnect the pressure controller (or high-pressure hoses) from the gas cylinder to ensure that there is no more gas in the lines.
If there is a gas remote switch, set it to OFF.

Mover
1) If the Mover is heavily soiled, spray clean with a soft water jet to remove any mud etc.

2) Ensure that there are no stones or branches caught on the Mover.

3) After cleaning, dry and then apply a light coat of spray oil or a similar water-repellent lubricant onto the guide elements of the drive.

Attention: The lubricant may not be allowed to get onto the rollers or tyres!

Engage and disengage the drive units several times to ensure that the lubricant is distributed across all guide elements. Do not park the caravan with engaged drive rollers.
If cared for correctly, both the vehicle and the Truma products will survive the winter without any problems. And you can start travelling again in the springtime without any worries.

Well equipped for the first tour

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How should I prepare the caravan for the travel season?

The following contains useful tips for restarting the heater, boiler etc. after the long winter break.

1. S-heater: (cleaning)

To do this, remove the cover from the heater.
Remove all dust deposits on the heat exchanger and base plate.

Use a small paint brush or brush to carefully remove any dust on the fan wheel of the Trumavent fan.
Also, check the exhaust cowl for damage and soiling (e.g. leafs).

1a. Battery in the automatic ignitor of the S-heater:

Insert battery – if you cannot hear a sparking sound, or only at intervals of more than one second, the battery needs to be replaced (only when the heater is switched off)
Only use temperature-proof (+70°C) leak-proof Mignon batteries, other batteries may cause malfunctions.

2. Storage Waterheater

Check the waterheater for leaks.
If there are any leaks, the inner tank can be replaced, either by our mobile service or an authorised Truma service partner.

Anyone who wants to tackle the replacement themselves, can do so by following instructions.

3. Controller system:

Connect the pressure controller, or high-pressure hoses to the gas cylinder.
Set the optionally installed gas remote switch to ON.

4. Mover:

Place the batteries into the remote control.

5. On-board battery:

Charge the battery. Please note that the battery is only fully charged after 24 hours.
During charging, please remember to adapt the charging voltage to the battery temperature.

Depending on the type, batteries will warm up more or less. Also, the direct ambient temperature of the battery has a significant influence on the performance.

If a battery temperature sensor is attached, it will record the operating temperature of the battery and will communicate this to the connected charger. The charger then changes the charging curve based on the sensor measurements.

This means, the higher the operating temperature, the lower the output voltage; and the lower the operating temperature, the higher the output voltage.

Note: The operating temperature range of our charging systems is 0°C to + 50°C.

If 50°C is exceeded, the charging process is interrupted.

Using a battery temperature sensor is not only beneficial for the battery, it also increases its service life.
Truma wishes you a pleasant summer season!

 

Stay cool – tips for your air conditioning system

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Make the most of your Truma air conditioning system with these few simple tips!

1) Vent your recreational vehicle before switching on the air conditioning system to guarantee fast cooling.

2) Close all windows and doors during operation.

3) Park your vehicle in the shade if possible.

4) Additional insulation, e.g. windows films or protective films prevent the vehicle from heating up.

5) If possible, cover any skylights and windows from outside, as these only cause the temperature inside the vehicle to increase.

6) Clean your roof regularly, because a clean roof does not heat up as quickly.

7) Ensure that there is enough air circulation below the vehicle by means of sufficient openings to prevent air build-up, e.g. attachment of skirt boards.

8) Do not select an inside temperature that differs too greatly from the outside temperature as this strains the body. The cleaning and dehumidification of the air generates a pleasant room climate even when the temperature differenceFlusenfilter_Frostair_1700_40040_13800 is low.

9) Replace the air filter of your Aventa every year. If you have a Saphir, replace the particle filter once a year and clean the fluff Partikelfilter_Saphir_40090_58100 filter twice a year or as necessary. Thanks to the closed cooling circuit, the Truma air conditioning systems are practically maintenance-free, e.g. no coolant needs to be refilled or replaced.

Mover XT – LED 3 of remote control flashes 4 times

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If the remote control emits an acoustic signal four times after beeing switched on and the red warning triangle (LED 3) flashes four times at the same time, the cause therefor could lie on the batteries, the battery voltage or on the remote control itself.

We recommend the following procedure in order to narrow down the cause.

1. Check that rotary switch and slide switch are in neutral position.

2. Check batteries of remote control (voltage) and replace if necessary.

The battery voltage of the remote control must be greater than or equal to 3,6 V (3 x 1,5 V AAA batteries). If rechargeable batteries are being used, it must be noted that because of the lower voltage of the rechargeable battery (3 x 1,2 V) the remote control is operated right at the limit and the rechargeable batteries have to be replaced or charged at frequent intervals!

3. Check battery quality.

Please use only high quality, leak-proof batteries with steel casing. Low-cost  batteries with a simple aluminium casing are not leak-proof and may also cause problems in the remote control.

4. Check software version.

The error could also appear with software version 1. The software version (HW 1 or HW 2) can be identified on the label above the batteries.

Should the software version be HW 1 or the above mentioned actions do not show any success, please contact our service.