This post may contain affiliate links.
Those of you who follow our Travato Owner’s Group on Facebook will have already anticipated this one. (By the way, can we start calling that the TOG? It’s so much shorter to type!)
While we were in Louisville for the 2015 RVIA show, we spent some time hanging out at the Truma booth. I was able to get answers to most of the questions that I had about the Truma Combi system. And even when the actual answer is “it depends”, I at least got the explanation of why it depends. I also got some information on the Aqua-Go, which is a “hybrid” tankless style water heater that works for either OEM installs, or user retrofits. What exactly is a “hybrid” water heater? Watch the interview and find out!
The Truma crew was living large at the show – sponsoring the keynote and hosting festive events at their booth, which was typically busy. And while Winnebago was the first to discover them and incorporate their high-tech, European appliances into their RVs, they couldn’t keep Truma a secret forever. We’re starting to see Truma units (both the Combi and the AquaGo) turn up in more and more motorhomes by different manufacturers, and we couldn’t be happier about this. Every RVer should get to experience appliances this fantastic.
We do plan to keep in touch with Truma, so if you have some other questions that weren’t addressed in the video, let me know in the comments and we’ll try to get them answered.
And while I was typing this, I’ve just decided – I’m definitely calling it the TOG from now on!
I have been researching Hot water heaters for some time now.
I love what Truma has to over in the Diesel Units.
Can I get the diesel units in the United States?
My local dealer says no. Is there a work around? Can I buy direct?
We’ve asked Truma about their diesel units in the past. They’re simply not available here. (Approvals, etc.)
If you absolutely had to have one, you would need to contact an RV parts distributor over in Europe and have them ship you one. That’s about the only way I can think of to get one here.
When converting an existing 6 gallon water heater in a Tiffin Allegro Breeze to a Truman Plus do you use the existing exterior cover plate? If not how do you handle the exterior trim plate color match?
The Truma Aqua Go comes with its own external cover plate.
Rather than try to match, I would probably try to deliberately NOT match. Get a black cover on a white RV… that kind of thing.
This was a very helpful interview! I have 2017 Sunseeker Transit with a Truma
and the manual leaves something to be desired. Great to know that the unit can be used w/o water, IE, use the heat in winter without having to un-winterize the main water system. ( for heat only). Your other videos are helpful also.
Glad you liked it!
If you ever have any questions, you can always call their customer service. They’ll go above and beyond to help you out.
Was wondering if any tankless water heater can be installed in an RV – as long as I don’t mind voiding the warranty.
I can’t speak for *any* tankless water heater, but the Aqua Go was designed for the replacement market. So you’ve got a pretty good chance it will work.
You may want to check with Truma North America.
hello my name is Tim I am looking into purchasing and on demand hot water heater for my RV I have an 03 Montana it has the 10 gallon hot water tank in it right now in my last RV that I had I put in Atwood on-demand 50000 BTUs water heater in it I wasn’t very satisfied with it I’ve done some research this time I just now heard of the truma I was going to purchase a Precision temp but after learning about the truma I’m not sure which way to go now any suggestions thank you
We love our Truma combi and the people running the company. Their support is great.
If you’re unsatisfied with another brand of on-demand heater, the Aqua-go is a solid and proven alternative. More and more OEMs are including Truma instead of other brands.
Hello James,
In the interview it was mentioned “while connected to the water supply” got me thinking about pressure variability while dry camping (due to water pump). Is there fluctuation in water temp when not connected to municipal water? We have on demand water heat for our home (and a well) and I notice when there are pressure fluxuations the temp fluctuates.
Thanks,
Kimberly
My thinking is this: Like any on-demand water heater, the Aqua Go can heat the water a certain number of degrees at a certain flow rate. If the water is flowing faster, it spends less time in the heater, and so it can’t get as hot. However, the Aqua-Go has a small tank in it, which will likely reduce temperature swings compared to other tankless water heaters.
Perhaps the Truma guys will chime in here.
Thanks for asking the reader questions. I have wondered whether I could run the unit with the water pump off. Good to know you can. If your readers don’t have a Truma- it’s the best part of my new Travato 59k, hands down.
Computer has bee infor a repair…so just catching up. Question on Truma & ProMaster drivetrain warranty. On Truma, can one use compressed air w/com I to clear water when winterizing? On warranty: I noted a posting that Dodge reducing drivetrain warranty with gases PeoMaster to 5y/50k from the 10y/100k which poster indicated still applicable to the diesel.
James, do you know on this.
Don’t know about the ProMaster drive train warranty.
But on the Truma – I have personally winterized ours with compressed air. More than once. With no issues.
Thanks for clearing up the question on how the mixed modes work! I was also impressed to learn about the 3 stage adaptive technology to improve efficiency. Good stuff.
Yeah, the 3 stage burner was something I hadn’t heard, and the specifics on the mix modes were welcome info. Glad you liked it!
Hi James,
Just to clarify, the 3 stage burner is available on the Truma Comfort and Truma Comfort Plus units which has a propane output of 20,400 BTU.
The Travato is fitted with the Truma Combi Eco Plus which has a two stage burner and an output 14,300 BTU.
Hope that helps.
Awesome. Thanks, Mark!
Thanks for another great RVIA interview!
Great interview James, your getting really good at it! Very impressive products/company.
I have been reading up on that AquaGo and it looks to have addressed most if not all the “issues” with tank-less water heaters.
Did he mention how big the holding tank (accumulator?) is?
Also, if I’m reading it correctly, it has some sort of re-circulation system that keeps the water in the hot in the feed lines hot.
I saw a pictorial description of the replacement install and it looks fairly simple for DIY guys like yourself and probably very few man hours if having it done by an RV repair tech. That is just plain brilliant, GO TRUMA!
Lastly, any mention of an Andriod version of the control app?
Any way, good job and we’re looking forward to your full Truma-Combi review.
Happy trails,
Andy & Kim
He didn’t mention the size of the tank, but I like the idea if it keeps you from getting the frigid blast every time you turn the water on and off when you’re in the shower.
The recirculating system requires return lines to be plumbed in by the manufacturer. It’s not really something you could do (easily) on a retrofit. But yes, it does have it.
The Android version of the app is available as well. Saw a link to it over on the TOG.
I don’t know if we’ll do a full Truma Combi review, but I do plan to try some kind of video like: How long can you shower with the Truma Combi?
Andy & Kim,
The entire Truma AquaGo holds 1.3 liters of water which includes the heat exchanger and the temperature stabilizer tank.
Winnebago will be offering the Truma Comfort Plus with the only available true on-demand instant hot water system on starting in 2016 on certain Class C models.
Currently the Truma AquaGo can only be installed by a trained Truma Dealer partner. Due to the manufacturing variance, installation can take between 2-2.5 hours for a conventional water heater, 0.5-1 hour for a competitor on-demand unit.
Good luck with the shower test, looking forward to hearing the results!
Mark! Welcome!
It’s great to have participation directly from Truma here in our little corner of the internet. Please come back any time!