Benimar boiler not producing hot water: what's going on?

Benimar typically installs a Truma Combi, a combination boiler for both heating and hot water. In higher-end models or older ones, you may find an Alde system (central heating boiler with hot water tank) or a separate Truma boiler (e.g., Truma Boiler Electric or Gas). The symptoms and solutions vary by system, but the basic principles remain the same. For more background on possible causes, read our general explanation about a camper boiler not producing hot water.

Diagnosis by power source

First check which energy source you are using, then test accordingly:

• Gas operation (Truma Combi or separate gas boiler): Do you hear the ignition clicking? If not, check the gas bottle, the gas tap, and the 12V supply to the boiler. A common cause is a dirty or faulty ignition unit or a poor gas pressure regulator. Sometimes the boiler has been purged and you need to let the gas line flow for a while.
• 230V electric (Truma Combi E or separate electric boiler): Measure whether there is voltage on the heating element. A burnt-out element is a classic. Also check the fuse in the distribution board and the thermostat. With Truma Combi, the circuit board may be faulty, but that is less frequent.
• 12V (only with Truma Combi with 12V option or with Alde): The 12V mode provides limited power and is mainly intended to prevent frost. If there is no hot water at all, this mode may not work due to low battery voltage or a faulty relay.
• Alde system: Here hot water production runs through the central heating boiler. Check whether the circulation pump is running and whether the boiler heats up on gas or electricity. An air bubble in the central heating circuit can block heat transfer; bleeding the system is then the first step.

Safety valve and other checks

A closed or faulty safety valve (drain tap) can cause the boiler to drain or fail to build up pressure. Check that the valve is fully closed and not leaking. Also check whether the boiler is getting water at all: a frozen or kinked hose, a closed water tap, or a blocked filter could be the cause. With Truma Combi, the mixing valve is sometimes scaled up, so hot water is produced but does not reach the tap.

The cost of a repair varies. A new heating element costs roughly 100 to 250 euros, an ignition unit 80 to 200 euros, and a circuit board can go up to 400 euros or more. Labour not included. With an older appliance, a complete boiler replacement (1,500 to 3,000 euros) may not be economically sensible. Weigh the repair cost against the current value of your motorhome. A realistic estimate of that value can be found on our page about the market value of a motorhome.