[kazuo]

I am working on installing mine now...where did you port the exhaust? I am thinking about putting it as low as I can thru the side wall and letting it hide in the trim....it's with in the below unit tolerances! @kazuo this is my theoretical steath exhaust plan. Black cap, black trim.

Also was it werid putting the insert thru a convexed wall? I am wondering if I am going to have to make some kind of a shim.

I haven't installed the combi unit yet, purchased about a month ago. I to am going to mount the exhaust at trim level. I peeled back the trim to have a look, the surface is flat under the trim, should aid in mounting the exhaust, looks like the edge of the round exhaust will end up about tangent to the trim piece, so the strength of the trim piece might be kind of marginal with a hole cut at that position. So I started to redesign to a rectangular shape with a built in bug
screen (prevent mud dauber from building a nest) made preliminary drawing, keeping cross sectional area the same.havent finalized the cover, want to maintain the indirect path of the original Truma cover and incorporate the bug screen and if possible mimic the contour of the trim piece. Stalled out, probably will go back to using the supplied Truma cover, make sure you maintain 1 meter separation ( minimum) between the fuel (gasoline) port and the furnace exhaust.

 

[turbodave]

Yes, Truma supplier DIY in Europe. It was an odd decision by the American dealer to attempt to block out the DIY market.

I was told by a Truma rep (off the record) that the decision not to sell to DIYers was made at corporate due to the lack of support in North America .
Dave

 

[kazuo]

I wanted a Truma, although I wanted a Varioheat (air only)...because Propex seemed “behind the times,” Webasto / Espar too finicky / prone to fail, and legitimate (supported) Combi was too expensive...though that was before this “alternative sourced” Combi’s came to my attention. All that said, I could have bought a “grey-market” Varioheat, or even its E2400 predecessor, but I valued a support channel in USA, and Truma-from-Europe pricing was still not that great. As mentioned previously, the real Truma USA won’t deal with DIY’ers, and didn’t bring the Varioheat or E2400 to USA (except MAYBE to LARGE RV manufacturers like Winnebago or Forest River...who actually only install Combi’s from the looks of things).. So no luck for scum like me.

Good luck to you with this “grey market” Combi, seriously. Had I known about it at the time, at today’s pricing, I might have sprung for it.

As it is, I bought a Propex 2211, though a year later it is still not installed. Long story (started install, then removed). I wanted underfloor install, to save space, and keep all combustion out of the interior, though not sure I will be saving much usable space...though hopefully still safer than interior-mounted combustion heaters. I absolutely consider my decision a compromise. Again good luck with grey-market Truma’s. FWIW, Varioheat are super efficient with electricity and propane, Combi’s (and Propex) not as much. To their credit, Webasto & Espar appear super efficient...until they fail. All I can do at this point is HOPE the Propex doesn’t fail, and HOPE it is safe in DIY install.

2015 Tall, Medium Length, Cargo, 3.5EB, pretty generic-looking, DIY camper

I to wanted

I was told by a Truma rep (off the record) that the decision not to sell to DIYers was made at corporate due to the lack of support in North America .
Dave

I read that the USA distributor absolutely will not honor any warranty, and no parts. I am sure they have some exclusive deal with Truma, the reason the Canadian company has the Truma units to sell is that they bought them at a Bankruptcy sale.

 

[kazuo]

I am working on installing mine now...where did you port the exhaust? I am thinking about putting it as low as I can thru the side wall and letting it hide in the trim....it's with in the below unit tolerances! @kazuo this is my theoretical steath exhaust plan. Black cap, black trim.

Also was it werid putting the insert thru a convexed wall? I am wondering if I am going to have to make some kind of a shim.

Like I said earlier, I stalled out on my own design. Now that I have decided to use the supplied Truma vent cover, I think I got an idea for the spacer (adapter) to mount in the trim area, if it works out, I will post here. It is simple for just the spacer, I was trying for stealth, (not worth it) like you said black in black (good enough). I will sell you one for nominal cost if it works out and you want one,(will make on CNC mill, once I make one, second one is piece of cake, haven't even drawn it up yet, so it will probably be a week more likely two before I have anything to show.

 

[turbodave]

I to wanted

I read that the USA distributor absolutely will not honor any warranty, and no parts. I am sure they have some exclusive deal with Truma, the reason the Canadian company has the Truma units to sell is that they bought them at a Bankruptcy sale.

It sounds like the North American distributor IS Truma. The Canadian Co. has no relation to Truma. They bought out the bankrupt Hymer stock and spares. There is no warranty from Truma on anything bought from them. That said, it appears that they have their own warranty set up and have parts. Parts should also be able to be sourced from Europe. Truma appears to have excellent reviews in Europe. I'm probably going with a Truma in my current build.
Dave

 

[njvagabond]

It sounds like the North American distributor IS Truma. The Canadian Co. has no relation to Truma. They bought out the bankrupt Hymer stock and spares. There is no warranty from Truma on anything bought from them. That said, it appears that they have their own warranty set up and have parts. Parts should also be able to be sourced from Europe. Truma appears to have excellent reviews in Europe. I'm probably going with a Truma in my current build.
Dave

It may be challenging to get a European vendor to ship parts to the US. If you have a contact in Europe that will buy parts for you and ship them to the US then you are in better shape.

 

[kazuo]

It sounds like the North American distributor IS Truma. The Canadian Co. has no relation to Truma. They bought out the bankrupt Hymer stock and spares. There is no warranty from Truma on anything bought from them. That said, it appears that they have their own warranty set up and have parts. Parts should also be able to be sourced from Europe. Truma appears to have excellent reviews in Europe. I'm probably going with a Truma in my current build.
Dave

Thanks could not remember the company that went belly up (Hymer). Almost bought the Propex (much cheaper) but the fan noise kept me looking, really like the idea of the variable fan speed, researched the truma vario heat, was willing to pay the premium, but as you know can't buy. when the truma combi popped up, I caved, alot of money but it has what I want, and it saves having to build my hot water system. For what it's worth I bought the extra duct accessory pack, really not that useful for what I need, don't recommend buying. If your thinking of getting one, you might want to ask about how many they have in stock. Once they are out, you will be looking on Ebay, The unit they sent had a build date of middle of 2018, but looks unused, non Truma box, but well padded with expanding foam, pleased dealing with those guys, prompt shipping.

 

[turbodave]

With Trumas being installed in new US/Canada factory vans couldn't you get parts from them? They're going to need to support their sales.
Dave

 

[njvagabond]

With Trumas being installed in new US/Canada factory vans couldn't you get parts from them? They're going to need to support their sales.
Dave

Might be a good idea to call. Support | Truma

I doubt if they won't service a grey market DIY if they will supply parts. They might not even sell parts for DIY service if you have a US factory built vehicle that came with one.

When the Canadian Co. runs out of the liquidation inventory they purchased, I'd think they won't be able to provide parts.

 

[Kabouter]

For all the venting and accesories, you do not need to use the official Truma parts. Check out this page for good info: Resources

I have had success sourcing parts from England. The shipping has been reasonable and just like any online ordering process. I just ordered my vd-combi blank cover from here: Truma Blanking Plug VD-combi | Truma Code: 34310-01 | Truma Combi heaters + Spare Parts | Leisureshopdirect

It will be here next week.

 

[njvagabond]

Thanks @Kabouter They ship parts to the US. That's great!
Truma is back in consideration vs Propex. And here I thought that was one decision "in the bank".
Unlike Propex North America Truma price is < UK(landed).
I guess I should make a decision before liquidated inventory is gone.

 

[turbodave]

For all the venting and accesories, you do not need to use the official Truma parts. Check out this page for good info: Resources

I have had success sourcing parts from England. The shipping has been reasonable and just like any online ordering process. I just ordered my vd-combi blank cover from here: Truma Blanking Plug VD-combi | Truma Code: 34310-01 | Truma Combi heaters + Spare Parts | Leisureshopdirect

It will be here next week.

Sounds like the spare parts issue is solved even if the Canadian seller runs out. Anyone find a service manual online?
Dave

 

[kazuo]

With Trumas being installed in new US/Canada factory vans couldn't you get parts from them? They're going to need to support their sales.
Dave

I believe you have to supply a serial number, to get parts from the USA rep." Buy the ticket take the ride" HST.

 

[turbodave]

I believe you have to supply a serial number, to get parts from the USA rep." Buy the ticket take the ride" HST.

Sounds like i would need to "take a look at a new RV with a Truma to see what a serial # looked like". Just for research purposes of course.

 

[Janus9]

Sounds like i would need to "take a look at a new RV with a Truma to see what a serial # looked like". Just for research purposes of course.

Our records show that serial # was sold to and installed by (blank) RV manufacture. All issues for warranty/parts/issues etc.... go through them. Have a good day.

 

[Intruder]

I purchased my first Truma Combi 2 years ago from Fleabay at a great price but it was just the heater itself. No installation kit, no digital controller, no duct, no temp sensor, no nothing, but I took the chance anyway and was able to source everything from the US, Canada and Europe. It was somewhat of a pain but I was able to get all the Truma parts I needed. The heater runs great to this day.
My second purchase was from the Canadian selling the Truma Combi's with all the parts except the ducting included. I am installing it now. I am more than glad I went this route and would do it again and the price is fair.
I just want to put it out there that this is a doable deal and can work out fine, The parts are available but maybe not fast and as easy to come up with as some of the more common heaters. Is it possible It will not be supported in the future? Yes, but that is true of a lot of the items we install in our vans, windows, seat swivels, batteries, electric steps etc. I have owned many different heaters over the years including an Espar D2 In my first conversion. It was very good heater but the Truma in my opinion is better plus you get hot water.
If you like the Truma features then go for it and enjoy it.

 

[Zed3386]

For me it just seemed like a no Brainer it was an espar from England or a truma from Canada for basically the same price...the difference, one is quiet, does hot water, and heat with a minimum of 3 outputs. It was well worth the risk of no manufacturer warrantee or parts per say...afterall we are building complex vans and always thinking outside of the box....

 

[njvagabond]

I believe you have to supply a serial number, to get parts from the USA rep." Buy the ticket take the ride" HST.

Nothing ventured ...

 

[Zed3386]

Like I said earlier, I stalled out on my own design. Now that I have decided to use the supplied Truma vent cover, I think I got an idea for the spacer (adapter) to mount in the trim area, if it works out, I will post here. It is simple for just the spacer, I was trying for stealth, (not worth it) like you said black in black (good enough). I will sell you one for nominal cost if it works out and you want one,(will make on CNC mill, once I make one, second one is piece of cake, haven't even drawn it up yet, so it will probably be a week more likely two before I have anything to show.

That would be awesome. I was looking at it today, the only two concerns I have are the exhaust temperature and the surrounding plastic trim, and not impedeeding the air intake with the body trim.

 

[Zed3386]

@kazuo I am just looking at it again today...one other thing I just thought of, once drilling thru the body trim do we need worry about water getting in behind it (the trim) thru the opening for the port. I fully intend to seal up the plastic trim inserts inside the van, but my greater concern is excess water sitting in between the trim and body panel, particularly as the outer diameter of the hole in the trim needs to be a little bit larger to let the truma get air thru the intake, that or the intake needs to be raised a bit

Which panel were you thinking of putting it thru?, I am, looking at the driverside where the slider door would be