Truma RV Water Heater Maintenance & Winterization

Truma RV Water Heater Maintenance & Winterization
How to easily maintain the Truma AquaGo and Truma Combi.

By: Kenny & Sabrina Phillips

Part of what makes Winnebago RVs so great are the appliances included inside each motorhome and towable. Each one is chosen intentionally to offer the best experience to Winnebago owners. When it comes to water heaters, I believe Truma is the very best of the best.

We had a Truma AquaGo installed in our RV in the summer of 2023, and we would certainly classify it as a high-end appliance. While boondocking, it helps us save propane, and when we’re connected to full hookups, it provides endless hot water for our showers. On top of that, it has been incredibly easy to own, operate, and maintain.

We first became aware of Truma when we took out a Winnebago Travato for three weeks. The Travato uses the Truma Combi system, which combines both the water heater and furnace into one unit. We really enjoyed how easy the Combi was to use and were curious if we could have one installed in our Winnebago Vista. Unfortunately, it couldn’t be retrofitted into our unit, but we were pleased to find out that the Truma AquaGo could be.

Both of these appliances are used in multiple Winnebago RVs, so I’d like to share some tips on maintenance and winterization for anyone new to using Truma water heaters. It is very simple; however, you should always read your manual and consult a professional if you have any questions or concerns. 

Note: We have a Truma AquaGo basic, but the Winnebago EKKO comes with a Truma AquaGo Comfort Plus, and the Travato comes with a Truma Combi G Comfort Plus. Your steps may differ depending on the model year of your appliance and if you have any other Truma appliances installed. Always be sure to check your operator’s manual. You can also reach out to Truma directly at [email protected] with questions or for help finding a Truma service partner.

Download your operating manual with complete instructions and usage warnings here.

RV Water Heater Maintenance for Truma AquaGo and Truma Combi

Maintenance on our Truma AquaGo has been incredibly easy. The system keeps track of how many gallons of water flow through it and, after a set amount, alerts you when it’s time for a cleaning—technically known as the decalcification process.

Over time, water heaters can develop calcium deposits inside them, often referred to as scale. The Truma AquaGo needs periodic decalcification to remove this buildup and ensure optimal performance, strong water flow, and a longer system life.

In our case, we perform the decalcification process once a year, and Truma makes it incredibly simple. In fact, the system does most of the work—you just have to set it up.

This cleaning process uses six decalcification tablets sold by Truma. You simply insert the tablets into the AquaGo filter and turn on the self-cleaning program. There are a few steps involved, such as depressurizing the system and making sure it’s completely cooled off, but for the most part, the AquaGo cleans itself. 

All you need are the tablets, and full hookups are recommended since it uses a lot of water. You just want to make sure you will not run out of water in the middle of the process, or it can damage the appliance. Plan for about three hours for the process.

For a full walkthrough, here’s a video I made showing the entire process. 

Note on Different Truma AquaGo Control Panels: Digital vs. Analog

Truma offers two different types of control panels for the AquaGo water heater: the CP Plus digital display and the analog rotary dial. Both can start the built-in cleaning (decalcification) process, but they work a little differently.

If you have the CP Plus digital controller, begin by turning the dial until you reach the wrench icon and press the center button. From there, select AquaGo, press the button again, then scroll until you see Clean on the display. Press the button once more to start the cleaning cycle. Once activated, the AquaGo will automatically handle the process from start to finish — no need to touch anything until it’s done.

For the analog rotary control, simply turn the dial to the Clean position. You’ll notice the amber light begin to blink slowly, which means the system is preparing to start. You have about 30 seconds to cancel if needed. After that time, the circulation pump turns on and the cleaning process begins even if no cleaning tablets are in place. When the cycle is complete, the amber light will blink rapidly to let you know it’s finished.

The main difference between the two systems is how they communicate with you. The digital CP Plus gives on-screen prompts and confirmation, while the analog version relies entirely on the amber indicator light to show what’s happening.

Truma AquaGo Decalcification Steps

Note: These are the steps I personally follow for my AquaGo unit, be sure to check your operator’s manual for additional notes and important warnings.

• Turn off the AquaGo and make sure the system has completely cooled down.
• Turn off the water supply and depressurize the water system by opening a hot water faucet to relieve any pressure.
• Drain the water system and remove the water inlet filter cartridge from the AquaGo unit.
• Insert six Truma decalcification tablets into the filter housing.
• Reinstall the filter cartridge and close everything securely.

• Turn the system back on and start the self-cleaning program as described in the manual.
• Allow the cleaning cycle to run completely — the system will automatically mix the tablets and clean the internal components.
• Flush the system with fresh water afterward to remove any remaining solution or loosened scale.
• Return the AquaGo to normal operation and enjoy your clean, efficient water heater.

Read more about the process from Truma, including what to do if your system gets “stuck” in clean mode. You can also download the Truma AquaGo operating instructions PDF by searching for the file here.

Truma Combi Decalcification Steps

The Truma Combi also has a simple decalcification process. I haven’t done it myself yet, but after watching several videos, it appears to go just as smoothly as the AquaGo. The main difference is that there are no tablets—you simply mix your own solution using one tablespoon of citric acid for every liter of water.

To clean the system, fill the water heater with the solution through the fresh water supply, let it sit for four to five hours, and then drain it out. After that, the Combi is ready to return to normal operation. Truma recommends performing this decalcification one to two times a year, depending on how often you use the system and the hardness of the water where you camp.

Note: Be sure to check your operator’s manual for any differences for your specific model, as well as additional notes and important warnings.

• Turn off the system and let it cool completely.
• Drain the water heater using the Combi’s pressure relief/drain valve.
• Mix the cleaning solution:
• Citric acid option (Truma recommended): 1 tablespoon citric acid per 1 liter of water.
• Fill the water heater completely with the solution through the fresh water supply (on the Winnebago Travato, you can use the multi-system water panel to draw the solution from a bucket into the Combi).
• Let the solution sit for several hours (4–5 hours recommended).
• Drain the system again using the drain valve.
• Flush thoroughly with fresh water until no solution remains.
• Refill the system and return to normal operation.

Winterizing the Truma AquaGo and Truma Combi

When it comes time to store your RV for the winter, getting your Truma water heater ready for the cold months couldn’t be easier. It is important to winterize your Truma RV water heater before the temperatures drop. The temperature at which winterization is necessary depends on the unit—for example, the Truma AquaGo basic must be winterized even if it will be in frost conditions.

Note: Damage can occur to your unit if it is not winterized properly, so be sure to do your research and not wait too long to take on this simple task.

Truma AquaGo Winterization Steps

Note: These instructions may differ depending on which version you have.

• Turn the AquaGo OFF and let it cool completely. Never work on it hot.
• Depressurize the water system: shut off the pump/incoming water and open hot and cold faucets to relieve pressure.
• Put the RV’s water heater in BYPASS to isolate the AquaGo (check the owner’s manual for the bypass location).
• Flip the yellow Easy Drain Lever to drain the mixing vessel. Keep it depressurized and cool when you do this.
• Swing the lever fully down to eject the filter cartridge; let the unit drain completely.
• Remove the water inlet filter (or heating cartridge, model-dependent), store it for the winter, and do not reinstall it until de-winterizing.
• When drainage is complete, close the Easy Drain Lever and the exterior access door. Once drained, the AquaGo itself is protected against freezing.

Learn more about winterizing your Aqua Go in the operator’s manual available here.

Truma Combi Winterization Steps

Note: These instructions may differ depending on which version you have.

• Turn off the Truma Combi and allow it to cool completely.
• Depressurize the system by shutting off the water pump (or incoming water supply) and opening all hot and cold faucets.
• Switch the unit to Bypass mode per your owner’s manual.
• Flip the yellow lever up (in line with the valve body) to open the drain valve and empty the water container. Ensure all water drains out—check the clear outlet tube for any blockages.
• Leave the drain valve open for the entire winter season.

Learn more about winterizing your Combi in the operator’s manual available here.

Closing Thoughts on Truma Water Heater Maintenance

Since adding the Truma AquaGo to our RV, we’ve been impressed by how easy it is to maintain and how dependable it’s been on the road. Whether we’re boondocking in the middle of nowhere or hooked up at a full-service campground, knowing our hot water system is in top shape gives us one less thing to worry about. And with a little care before winter, we know it will be ready for another year of RVing. Take care all, and safe travels!