Truma Ultrastore Water Heater

[Grey13]

Hi, I know this topic has arisen before but my question has not been addressed (Well as far as I can see)
Looking at the picture, can someone tell me how easiest to access the electrical heating element.
Do I need to remove the bed beam over the top and remove the heater top cover or is there an easier way.
What about the side cowling?

http://www.qis-uk.co.uk/Pics/Truma_Ultrastore_water_heater.JPG
http://www.qis-uk.co.uk/Pics/Truma_Ultrastore_Water-Heater_dia.JPG

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hi, I know this topic has arisen before but my question has not been addressed (Well as far as I can see)
Looking at the picture, can someone tell me how easiest to access the electrical heating element.
Do I need to remove the bed beam over the top and remove the heater top cover or is there an easier way.
What about the side cowling?

http://www.qis-uk.co.uk/Pics/Truma_Ultrastore_water_heater.JPG
http://www.qis-uk.co.uk/Pics/Truma_Ultrastore_Water-Heater_dia.JPG

It's almost certain the heater needs to be fully removed from teh caravan to facilitate the element replacement. It's not possible to be certain if the bead beam needs to be removed or not. I must remind you that all work involving a gas consuming appliance musty be carried out in accordance with the industry standard safety procedures and testing. Unless you are gas trained and approved to work on these appliances you are unlikely to have the necessary knowledge or tools to complete the job to the standards. By law work on domestic appliances must be carried out by an approved registered fitter.
would n

 

[Damian]

Replacing the electric element in an Ultrastore does NOT require the heater to be removed from the van and nothing relating to the gas side is touched.

Where the power cable enters the outer grey tank cover there is a star shaped series of depressions which open out to provide access to the element and thermostat.
ENSURE ALL ELECTRIC is OFF.

The element is held in by two small nuts as is the thermostat , carefully remove the nuts and draw the element out of the tank, cut the power cable near the element.

Fit the new element making sure the element has the offset at the lowest point, and use the new sealing washer (put the washer on before inserting the element!!!)

Tighten the nuts just enough to provide a watertight seal, fit the new thermostat, tighten the nuts just enough , do not overtighten.

Make the electric connection from the new element and original supply cable using a waterproof junction box.

TIP: It is really easy to drop the nuts as they are so small and you are working upside down, almost, so use some Blu Tac or Plumbers Mate in the socket to stick the nuts to.

 

[VicMallows]

Grey13,
I have quite recently replaced the element in mine. Your pic suggests that your Ultrastore is installed in the same awkward position. As Prof says, you will certainly need to move the unit (not necessarily remove it completely) and this WILL entail disconnecting the gas feed. (removing the top cover will not help with access to the element). In my case the wiring was so tight that I had to break/remake the connections, although yours looks rather better.

Once you have access, replacing the element itself is easy, if a little fiddly, and it is best to have some decent small socket spanners.

You will need to re-seal the flue outlet with suitable mastic when reinstalling the unit.

(I know some will frown on any suggestion that you work on anything related to GAS .....but this is PRACTICAL Caravan forum).

 

[Damian]

I have NEVER needed to remove, or move an Ultrastore to replace the element.
It may be awkward but that's all, and I have replaced somewhere near 100 to date !

 

[VicMallows]

Replacing the electric element in an Ultrastore does NOT require the heater to be removed from the van and nothing relating to the gas side is touched.

Damian,
I realise now that you are quite correct!. All I needed to do was make a suitable opening (3in diameter?) from the front locker of my Elldis 362. I could indeed then have changed the element without disturbing the Ultrastore. Then just a simple patch over the hole.

My only concern is the state of my back afterwards hmy:

 

[VicMallows]

I have NEVER needed to remove, or move an Ultrastore to replace the element.
It may be awkward but that's all, and I have replaced somewhere near 100 to date !

Damian, I'm pleased to be corrected. I will try harder next time