Truma ultrastore problems

[NATALIE_374374039]

I was just seeing if anyone else had encountered the unfortunate problem were having with the ultrastore water heater failing.

Our 2007 Lunar Lexon we've had from new, developed a problem where it kept tripping out our electrics.

After a process of elimination we found the ultrastore to be the problem.

Before you say it.......there was water in the tank at the time as we always use the truma ultraflow system which tops up the tank each time water is used .

We took it to our dealers repair centre who have advised that the element is now damaged due to us not having water in the tank and leaving the heater switched on.Half of the element is a different colour but they have not done any tests on it.

We have made the point that the tank should never have been empty as we use the ultraflow and only drain the system for winter. To no avail they still maintain that we're at fault and this is not covered under warranty. I feel very disappointed with the way we have been treated as the only option to have it replaced is at our expense. I have emailed Truma direct to see if i get any joy.The customer service from my dealer has not been the best over the matter I just wondered if anyone else had encountered the same problem,

Thanks Natalie

 

[Damian]

Natalie, Ultrastore elements are just the same kind of thing as a kettle element, and can fail at any time.

The usual reason for failure is as the dealer has said, switching on before making sure the tank is actually full, however that does not preclude other reasons.

Ii assume, maybe wrongly, that you never drain down between trips or before towing? if not that in itself is not good for the heater as you have 10 litres of water in an unbaffled tank sloshing about and the unit is only held in place by 3 screws.

Unfortunately the only indications the dealer can go by will be the discoloured element, and by putting a multimeter across the wiring to check resistance.

In your description it seems that whatever happened, the element overheated somehow, or just failed for no aparrent reason.

 

[NATALIE_374374039]

Natalie, Ultrastore elements are just the same kind of thing as a kettle element, and can fail at any time.

The usual reason for failure is as the dealer has said, switching on before making sure the tank is actually full, however that does not preclude other reasons.

Ii assume, maybe wrongly, that you never drain down between trips or before towing? if not that in itself is not good for the heater as you have 10 litres of water in an unbaffled tank sloshing about and the unit is only held in place by 3 screws.

Unfortunately the only indications the dealer can go by will be the discoloured element, and by putting a multimeter across the wiring to check resistance.

In your description it seems that whatever happened, the element overheated somehow, or just failed for no aparrent reason.

Thanks. Point taken about keeping water in the tank ..just feel that I have been let down by the service centre who have just taken the element out and not tested resistance.

It seems like we're going to foot the bill for a genuine claim although the van is not 12 months old yet !!

I feel it's a bit of a step backwards for Truma not to have a safety cut out like they used to do as this would stop it happening.

 

[Damian]

Natalie, the heating element does have a temperature overload cut out, Truma have not taken a backward step by removing it at all, in fact as the earlier model heaters had a built in control, the newer ones have a separate module attached to the tank next to the element, but if that failed, it is permanently attached to the element, it still means a new element.

Even though the element can withstand one or two overheats, each one damages it, and eventually fails completely.

I do understand your point however, and maybe Truma will help, it is certainly worth asking .

 

[John_374224558]

I have exactly the same problem at the moment with my 2007 Abbey. It tripped on electric during the summer, so I used the gas. Intend to report it at next service so I am glad to be armed with this information.

I don't think I have knowingly swithed it on without it being full so I am assuming it should be a warranty job!

 

[full timer]

before being fobbed off with being told that you have overheated the element, check it out yourself I have recently removed 2 for customers and on each there was a weld that was cracked and possibly leaking water into the element so it could also be a manufacturing fault

 

[John_374224558]

before being fobbed off with being told that you have overheated the element, check it out yourself I have recently removed 2 for customers and on each there was a weld that was cracked and possibly leaking water into the element so it could also be a manufacturing fault

Thanks for the info, will have a look first.

 

[NATALIE_374374039]

Thanks everybody.

I have now emailed Truma who want me to send the element to them for testing.

The van is now back at a rather more helpful caravan repair centre who have also advised that as half the element is discoloured it seems that it may have been fitted incorrectly in the first place as they seem to think that the half that still looks ok will have been submerged in the water.

At least now someone is listening to me i'l keep you updated.

 

[NATALIE_374374039]

before being fobbed off with being told that you have overheated the element, check it out yourself I have recently removed 2 for customers and on each there was a weld that was cracked and possibly leaking water into the element so it could also be a manufacturing fault

I agree with you it's all too easy to be fobbed off without the problem being properly investigated.Like I say if I had run the tank dry I'd be holding my hand up and not sticking to my guns like I am now as I have not let it run dry ! It's more the principle of it all now.

 

[Taff]

I have the same problem. I purchased my 2006 Bailey Pageant caravan in April and paid extra for extended warranty. The insurance company has authorised the work and it is planned to be carried out tomorrow.