Maintenance & problems

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

A Chausson boiler that doesn't deliver hot water usually points to a fault in the Truma Combi or the Alde system.

Chausson camper with boiler problem: no hot water from the tap

Direct antwoord

My Chausson boiler isn't giving hot water. What can I do?

A Chausson boiler that doesn't deliver hot water usually points to a fault in the Truma Combi or the Alde system. The cause is often an ignition problem on gas, a faulty heating element on 230V, or a safety valve that stays closed. So check whether the boiler is filled and bled, and whether the power supply and fuses are in order.

With a Truma Combi, a common culprit is the electronic ignition or a dirty burner. With an Alde system, the problem is more often in the circulation pump or an airlock in the circuit. A simple reset can sometimes solve a lot, but with a faulty element or circuit board, the repair can run up to 200 to 400 euros.

How to tackle a Chausson without hot water

Chausson installs a Truma Combi in most campervans, a combi boiler for heating and hot water. On the more expensive models (such as the 7-series or special editions), you may sometimes find an Alde system or a separate Truma boiler (e.g. the Boiler Elektro). The symptoms and solutions differ per system, but the basic checks are similar.

Most common causes per energy source

Does your boiler run on gas, electricity, or both? Depending on the selected mode, different components may fail.

Gas mode: no ignition due to an empty gas bottle, closed gas tap, dirty burner, or a faulty ignition unit. Also check that the gas pressure regulator is still working correctly.
Electric mode (230V): a burnt-out heating element, a broken thermostat, or a faulty relay on the circuit board. Measure the resistance of the element (usually around 60-100 ohms for an 850W element).
12V mode (only on Alde): low battery voltage, a poor earth connection, or a faulty circulation pump. The 12V setting often provides limited power.
Safety/pressure relief valve: if this keeps leaking or is closed, water cannot flow through or the boiler will not fill. Check that the valve is not scaled up.

Diagnosis in three steps

Always start with the simplest checks. Often the problem is solved more quickly than you think.

Step 1: Is the boiler filled and bled? Turn on a hot water tap. If air comes out or no water, the boiler may not be filled or there is an air lock in the system. Fill the system according to the manual and bleed via the bleed valves.
Step 2: Which energy source are you using and is it working? Test the boiler on gas and on 230V separately. If it works on one source but not the other, you know where the problem lies. Check fuses, residual current device, and the gas supply.
Step 3: Reset the system. On a Truma Combi, an error code may appear on the display. Switch the system off completely (including the 12V master switch), wait a few minutes, and restart. Consult the manual for the meaning of the error code.

For a detailed step-by-step guide per boiler type, please refer to our general explanation about a campervan boiler without hot water. There you will also find tips for other brands and systems.

What does a repair cost?

The costs depend greatly on the faulty component. A new heating element for a Truma Combi costs roughly between 150 and 300 euros, excluding installation. A new circuit board can cost up to 400 to 600 euros. A simple cleaning of the burner or replacing a gasket often costs less than 100 euros. At a dealer, expect 60 to 90 euros per hour for labour. On an older unit, a repair may be less economically viable.

If you are unsure whether the investment is still worthwhile, selling your Chausson could be a sensible choice. Find out how much your campervan is still worth via our page on the market value of a motorhome or go directly to selling your Chausson for a no-obligation proposal.

Frequently asked questions

Also often asked

My Chausson boiler works on gas but not on electricity. What now?

Then the problem is almost certainly in the 230V circuit: check the fuse in the camper and in the plug, the residual current device, and measure whether the heating element still has resistance. Often the element is burnt out and needs replacing.

Cold water does come from the tap, but the boiler doesn't kick in. What can I do?

Check whether the boiler is switched on and whether the desired temperature is set high enough. Look for an error code on the display. Reset the system by turning off the 12V master switch for a moment. If that doesn't help, the circuit board or a sensor may be faulty.

My Chausson has an Alde system. Why isn't the water getting hot?

With Alde, the circulation pump can be stuck or faulty, causing the heated glycol mixture not to flow through the heat exchanger. Also check the glycol level and the pump on 12V. Sometimes a software update of the control panel is needed.

Why does it take so long for my Chausson boiler to give hot water?

That depends on the energy source. On gas it usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, on 230V it can take 45 to 60 minutes. With a boiler that's being brought back into use after the winter, there can be air in the pipes, so the system needs to be bled first.

Can I run my Chausson boiler on 12V only?

No, the Truma Combi and most Alde systems don't work on 12V for heating water. 12V is only for the control and the fan. For hot water you need 230V or gas.

My Chausson boiler gives hot water but the tap stays cold. How come?

Then the problem is probably not in the boiler itself, but in the mixer tap or a kinked pipe. Check whether the cold water supply to the tap isn't accidentally shut off and whether the tap itself isn't scaled up.

No desire for expensive repairs?

Have your Chausson valued for free. We buy campers all over Flanders, even with a faulty boiler. Request a no-obligation quote today.

Free valuation

Verwante pagina's

My Chausson boiler isn't giving hot water. What can I do?

How to tackle a Chausson without hot water