Hi all, looking at replacing our electric water heater with a gas one. 2 people, outdoor shower...Have looked at alot of forum posts and seems a 14lt would do us fine but seems the Trauma has in the past had issues with the flame going out..Suburban seems more reliable but only comes in 22lt I think? Has the newer Trims ultra rapid solved the flame out issue ? Is this still a problem for people? Other recommendations?...cheers Ozi
Peter_n_Margaret said
03:02 PM Jul 10, 2025
We had a 14L Truma gas/electric for about 15 years without a single issue. I would guess that any "flame out" issues would be installation problems.
Unlike the Suburban, it has a stainless steel tank that does not require an annual anode replacement.
About 5 years ago we swapped it for a Webasto diesel heater that provides habitat heating, hot water heating and can pre-heat the engine. More expensive, but superior in every respect.
If you want a "used" 14L Truma, it is still in our shed in Adelaide.
Cheers,
Peter
ozigoo said
03:15 PM Jul 10, 2025
Hi Pete, I'm in Adelaide yoo, might be interested in yours, not sure how to private message...
Peter_n_Margaret said
04:08 PM Jul 10, 2025
Hi Ozi.
Just sent you a message.
If you click on your name in the top left corner, your profile should come up where you can send and receive private messages.
Cheers,
Peter
Whenarewethere said
09:19 PM Jul 10, 2025
I know it's not mobile hot water but we have 2 instantaneous 3 phase hot water systems at home.
If you are desperate for more hot water, can't you double the tanks. You could even add additional insulation, but then you probably are after the hot water sooner than later, so thermal standing losses are not so critical.
Heat loss on a 80 litre tank is 1.7 kWh per 24 hours.
Burt65 said
09:24 AM Jul 19, 2025
ozigoo wrote:
Hi all, looking at replacing our electric water heater with a gas one. 2 people, outdoor shower...Have looked at alot of forum posts and seems a 14lt would do us fine but seems the Trauma has in the past had issues with the flame going out..Suburban seems more reliable but only comes in 22lt I think? Has the newer Trims ultra rapid solved the flame out issue ? Is this still a problem for people? Other recommendations?...cheers Ozi
Not sure about the "TRUMA" not trauma, issues, but I know for sure that the Suburban did have a massive recall in the past. I'm sure they have addressed the issue in the new models..
We use diesel for the hot water system. Lately, I have seen more and more people using the standard Bosch or Rheem Instant Gas system... Cheaper and better than an RV system any day of the week..
Bas + Eve said
07:58 PM Jul 21, 2025
Our original Truma lasted 15 years also. Great HWS.
Unlike the Suburban, it has a stainless steel tank that does not require an annual anode replacement.
About 5 years ago we swapped it for a Webasto diesel heater that provides habitat heating, hot water heating and can pre-heat the engine. More expensive, but superior in every respect.
If you want a "used" 14L Truma, it is still in our shed in Adelaide.
Cheers,
Peter
Just sent you a message.
If you click on your name in the top left corner, your profile should come up where you can send and receive private messages.
Cheers,
Peter
I know it's not mobile hot water but we have 2 instantaneous 3 phase hot water systems at home.
If you are desperate for more hot water, can't you double the tanks. You could even add additional insulation, but then you probably are after the hot water sooner than later, so thermal standing losses are not so critical.
Heat loss on a 80 litre tank is 1.7 kWh per 24 hours.
Not sure about the "TRUMA" not trauma, issues, but I know for sure that the Suburban did have a massive recall in the past. I'm sure they have addressed the issue in the new models..
https://www.coastrv.com.au/suburban-recall
https://www.productsafety.gov.au/recalls/suburban-recreational-vehicle-water-heaters-model-sw6pa-sw6dea-sw6da-sw4dea-sw4da-sw4deca-and-sw6deca-updated-remedy
We use diesel for the hot water system. Lately, I have seen more and more people using the standard Bosch or Rheem Instant Gas system... Cheaper and better than an RV system any day of the week..