Truma Ultraflow Surge Damper problems
I have a 2009 Coachman Amara and am experiencing problems with the water supply into the caravan. Having replaced the external submersible pump (which has made no difference to the situation) I fear the issue may be the Truma Ultraflow Surge Damper, which I understand is now obsolete. In looking into possible resolutions, it seems that a Whale Pressure Switch will be a suitable replacement, but will I require a Whale Surge Damper too? Also, before attempting to 'have a go' at this myself, will there be a fuse within the existing Truma set-up? I have checked the fuse (labelled 'pump') in the main (multiple) fuse box and it appears fine. I realise this topic has probably been covered previously, and elsewhere, but would welcome any thoughts and advice. Thank you.
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Thank you for taking the time to reply. When I was last out in my caravan, in October, the water system didn't function, ie when turning on taps, no water flowed through to the sink or basin. At the time, I was on a CAMC site so called at the office to ask for advice. 'O' rings were replaced, on the submersible pump at the connection to the caravan, but to no avail. The Site Manager loaned me a replacement submersible pump which didn't make any difference. (It was pointed out to me that this was a 'spare' left by a previous visitor, so its usefulness could not be assured.) Assuming this pump was faulty, I purchased a new submersible pump and that, also, made no difference to the situation.
I then contacted a local mobile repair and servicing company and after explaining the situation to them, sent a photo of the Truma Ultraflow Surge Damper, located beneath the front seating. After exchange of e-mails, texts, etc, I was advised that this damper was obsolete but that a pressure switch 'could probably do the job'. The repairer did not have a suitable item in stock but could order one. I was due to leave site the next day so decided to wait until I got home and address the issue at a later date, managing with water from various bottles in the meantime.
I have not had the opportunity to get out in my caravan since October, but having recently re-visited the situation and done some on-line 'research', I am now wanting to resolve the problem, in readiness for the forthcoming season. There is no doubt that the Truma damper is obsolete, but I have not investigated further to see if it contains a fuse within the casing. My caravan is not stored at home so I am limited at the moment as to the extent of my investigations. (As I write this, snow is falling . . . .)
Any further input would be hugely appreciated.
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Further to the above, I attach a photo (hopefully) of the Truma Ultraflow Surge Damper.
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OK, that clarifies the set up, one which I must admit I have not seen before.
Our current caravan (2008 Swift) has an onboard pump with built in pressure switch, and does also have a separate surge damper. Our previous van (1998 Swift) had a drop in pump like yours, a pressure switch but no surge damper.
A possible solution would be to remove your current surge damper thing and fit an adjustable pressure switch after the water inlet, and then after that a stand alone surge damper such as the Fiamma A20 (we have this one), or a Truma or Whale one.
The 2 wires should be connected to the new pressure switch. You would probably need some additional plumbing parts, and some more wires, to connect it all back together.
A surge damper is not essential, but will certainly smooth the water flow and reduce pump noise. It only requires to be connected to the water pipe.
Personally, I would remove the Truma thing and take it apart to see why it is not working, and whether I could repair it before doing anything else.
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Thanks again - will dismantle the Truma damper and have a closer look at it. Will also re-check all potentially relevant fuses. Think this will all have to wait, now, until I am next out on a site - hopefully next month. (If nothing else, I have discovered how to add a photo to a post . . . )
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Can you not work on it at your storage place? Or bring the duff item home to look at?
When we go away, we need everything to be working, especially the water, as we always use our own shower etc. If things do not work, we cannot go away.
We are fortunate that we can have the caravan on the driveway, but would also add that if that was not the case, we would not have a caravan!
Always something that needs fixed, plus the van is handy when we have several visitors.
Hope you can get it all fixed up.
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Good morning - a very positive update to my post of 16 January..On much closer inspection, I discovered a small black 'screwhead' labelled FUSE on the right-hand side of the damper. After removing it, complete with very strong spring (and retrieving the small glass fuse which had pinged off) I have replaced said fuse at a cost of 40p, eventually re-assembled the whole thing and my pump works fine!! As a 70+ female, solo caravanner, I am enjoying a brilliant sense of achievement. Thank you for your patience and interest in my predicament. Would have posted sooner, but for the problems with the Club site.
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Congratulations on solving your problem. I would've replied sooner but circumstances (and a certain outage) prevented me doing so!. Don't forget to let us know where you're going on your travels and then any of us with problems can coming knocking on your door!
Well done too, for posting a picture (something I really struggle with) and perhaps when you next sign into your profile, you may change your ScreenName and update it to a real 'name?'
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