Truma Comfort Water Heater
We decided to invest in our 310GK-R and upgrade the Hot Water Heater. We were tired of the rotten egg smell regardless of the aluminum or magnesium anode rods or what I did to clean the tank out. Our Suburban Water heater was working fine, but it was time for a change. Long hot showers on city water and conservation while boondocking was the priority to make this move.
The Decision Closer
There are several YouTube influencers that I consider my go-to’s. I respect Jared from All About Rvs. He has been testing and experimenting with Tankless water heaters for several years. Here is a great overview video and the reason we choose Truma.
Decision and Cost Recap
After watching Jared and several other videos regarding tankless water heaters we choose the Truma Comfort AquaGO. We wanted an on-demand system similar to our home unit. That was a tough match, our unit at home has a recirculating pump. Seeing several videos featuring the Furrion and Girard the main complaint was the lag time for hot water to begin to flow. The Truma Comfort offered a good answer with their mixing tank. Here is a complete rundown of the unit from the Truma Web site. Click Here
Cost
It is no secret that Truma is very proud of its units. They are by far the most expensive tankless on the market. They offer two versions, one with a circulating pump and a unit without. We chose the Comfort version. I wanted a black unit to match our Suburban heater. Due to the smaller size of the Truma, we would also need a door conversion kit to cover the existing hole. So here is the rundown – Install 2 Hours -$250, AquaGO Comfort – $1500, Door conversion kit – $75 for a total of $2036 with tax. You do have an option of either a White or Black unit.
Installation
As I mentioned, Truma requires you to use their dealer partners. You can choose to have the unit installed at one of four Truma service centers. The installation took a little over 2 hours to complete. There are two dealer partners near us, we choose Souther RV and Storage 2320 N Jackson St, Tullahoma, TN. I liked the conversation I had with the owner and they were able to get us in quickly.
As a former RVTAA Registered Tech, I was happy to lend a hand with the installation. They unlike most service centers allowed me to participate. It did end up saving me an hour or so of labor costs.
Minor Modifications
Taking out the old Suburban 12gal was not an issue. However, the Truma is a much smaller unit and requires the correct access door plate to cover the larger hole. Beyond that minor modifications involved moving the gas line from the left to the right of the unit and building support for the rear of the heater. This is a 12volt/gas unit, you will not need the 120volt connected to your previous tank. That was tied off for a future project I have in mind. We tied the power to the existing 12-volt Electric switch on the interior board. Snaking the communication wire/switch to the cabinet was easy and I had plenty of room on the front side near the inverter switch.
Exterior View
Interior View
Truma Cowling
Mud Dauber Screen
Mud Dauber Screen
They do not make a mud dauber screen for this model. They might even frown on using one. I would much rather ask for forgiveness than have to clean dauber builds in my heat exchanger. Had to go a little Mcgiver on this one. A standard 9 1/4 x 7 1/8 (approximate) dauber screen will work. It fits nicely in the top and a standard spring can be used to attach to a top brace. The bottom does not offer that option. I used a couple of round flat magnets with 3M double back tape to attach one to the front panel and the other to the screen bottom. Worked perfectly.
Our Impressions
The unit has worked flawlessly since installation. We did have one interaction with the Truma support staff for an unusual sound the water heater was making. They were quick to return our call and solve our mystery sound. The water heater was making unusual sounds while we were boondocking one evening. It turned out to be a water pressure issue. We have been using the water heater for about 5 months now and it has been a fantastic upgrade. Using the Comfort setting on the heater provides us with true on-demand hot water. Having infinite hot water makes taking a long hot shower back-to-back on city water a treat.
Winterization was a snap compared to our previous heater. With a simple flip of a handle, remove the water filter, drain and you are done. If we ever buy a new RV again, this will be my first request for an upgrade. I know many of the manufacturers are moving to tankless, but if it’s not a Truma they can keep it.
Here Is What Truma Is Saying
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After exiting the tunnel in Downtown Mobile an SUV came up beside us and the occupants were yelling and pointing at us. Ginny finally figured out what they were shouting, YOU HAVE A FLAT! We were now looking for a place to pull the rig safely off the side off the road. We where near exit 24 on I-10, so I eased Boris and Natasha off the side of the road.
