Why don't TC makers use the Truma Combi units?

I wonder why your Wave heater is setting off the CO alarm? Others who use the Wave heater don't report that issue but perhaps they don't use a fan with theirs.

Maybe the fan is circulating the CO?

Gee Wizard wrote:
So, I'll install the Olympian Wave catalytic heater instead and use a small 12v fan to circulate the air.

Well, Gee, that is exactly how I rigged my system. I have a separate water heating system that is powered by propane. Frankly, I didn't have any issues except that the Wave set off my CO detector - over and over.

But, last year we traveled through Europe in a Dutch made Tonke "Fieldsleeper" that was equipped with the Truma system. Frankly, it was amazing how gently and quietly the heat warmed the cabin. And it was amazing how much hot water we had - quickly. The whole heat and hot water issue faded into the background during our trip. A very nice development.

Rockymtnb wrote:
That's an accurate description of the Alde underfloor combo system, which provides a very even but relatively slow responding heat flow. But the Truma Combi is different, and much faster responding, providing the full 14000 BTU/hr output within minutes (20000 BTU/hr for the more powerful Comfort Plus version).

And that's actual thermal output, whereas traditional RV furnaces list BTU rates using gas consumption value where 20k BTU/hr gas consumption provides about 14k usable output at 70% average cycle efficiency.

...that was my experience, too, observing the Truma 1st hand (on a very, very cold day!) in a pop-up truck camper. The truma is extremely efficient (something like 96% efficient). It blows the doors of any of the dinosaur RV furnace technology out there today.

kohldad wrote:
The biggest problem with the Truma is it is a slow heat system. It can not handle large temperature changes or that much even quickly recover from leaving the door open for a few minutes....

That's an accurate description of the Alde underfloor combo system, which provides a very even but relatively slow responding heat flow. But the Truma Combi is different, and much faster responding, providing the full 14000 BTU/hr output within minutes (20000 BTU/hr for the more powerful Comfort Plus version).

And that's actual thermal output, whereas traditional RV furnaces list BTU rates using gas consumption value where 20k BTU/hr gas consumption provides about 14k usable output at 70% average cycle efficiency.

Water heating on the Combi is a bit slower, but there's a Boost mode available for quicker hot water output.

Camp woof wrote:
Sign me up ... Northern Lite, would be great if you added this to the 10-2!

Makes no sense for me to heat up 6 gallons of water for a 2 gallon shower. Also, the space savings mentioned above, the electricity savings, the QUIET when using the heater. Then knock off $250 from the overall cost since you don't need a wave 6 catalytic heater anymore!

When people talk about TC innovation, well here's an idea whose time has come.

Dave

I think one of those in my new Northern Lite would be nice. The Atwood furnace is very noisy and vibrates so much I can feel it in bed. I have had hot water heat in several of the homes and one bank I have lived in- quiet and even.

kohldad,

kohldad wrote:
In regards to a wave heater, since they do not exhaust to the outside, all the moisture from the propane burning is inside the unit. I have enough problems with condensation from breathing and limited cooking, so I don't want my heat source to also add moisture. The furnace is a dry heat because the exhaust is vented outside.

If you scour the archives you'll find a very detailed account of Sleepy's installation of a Vented Plat Cat heater. Since it's vented some of the odor and condensation issues are addressed. Sleepy mounted his opposite the dinette in his Lance and seemed very pleased with its performance.

Hi Silver! :B

My $0.02 USD and worth every cent,

Bill

The biggest problem with the Truma is it is a slow heat system. It can not handle large temperature changes or that much even quickly recover from leaving the door open for a few minutes. Therefore, I don't like it because I get a lot of energy conservation by letting the temperature drop when I don't need the camper warm like at night or out hiking for the day. The rest of the time the temp is as low as the thermostat allows. On most days, this means a quick one time rise to 70* in the morning and then a couple hours in the evening. The Truma won't handle the large quick swings in temperature. 20* reduction in temperature saves a lot of propane.

In regards to a wave heater, since they do not exhaust to the outside, all the moisture from the propane burning is inside the unit. I have enough problems with condensation from breathing and limited cooking, so I don't want my heat source to also add moisture. The furnace is a dry heat because the exhaust is vented outside.

Lastly, I would much rather have a $700 furnace and a $300 water heater that can be repaired/replaced independantly than a $2300 combination unit.

Mello Mike wrote:
BundutecUSA truck campers come with Truma combination units. Their campers are made in Iowa.

....absolutely correct. I got a personal tour of a BunduTec truck camper (with the Truma installed and working), by the camper designer/maker, Rory Willett, at the 1st Overland East rally, near Asheville.

Excellent install. Super nice camper. Rory's a very nice guy, too. This is the future of water heating and furnaces in the RV world in North America. I also met the North American rep for Truma products, and let me tell you, they are aggressively moving their technology into the North American RV genre.

Hi Bill ! :B

Eugarps wrote:
All,

The Cirrus truck camper uses the Alde system which is very similar to Truma. Some higher end custom campers like XPCamper and EarthCruiser use Webasto which offers a diesel fueled option. All of these are quite common globally but sadly not here.

Bill

Very true.Webasto, Truma are always on display at every Caravan show I have been at and fitted( Truma) as original equipment on many local RV's.
Irony is that EarthCruiser do not offer a TC in Australia, although they come from here and have an Australian operation located not far from my Sister's rural house

Personally I don't have much interest for this. I rarely am plugged in. I'd prefer a diesel furnace and water heater. For now I'm planning on a solar hot water system supplemented by solar electric for summer time use. That will cut my summertime propane use to cooling only.

I also don't mind the sound of my propane furnace. It doesn't bother me at all. If I was to change anything it would be the two way fridge for DC only Danfoss type compressor as I have plenty of solar electric.