Testing boiler & water system in current weather

[Gary S]

I'm hopefully picking up my first, and new (to me) motorhome this weekend, and as its a private sale, wanted to make sure the truma system is working, without any issues caused by the recent cold weather. It has been sat in outdoor storage since early December when I viewed it.

I've searched the site, but couldn't find anything about 'de-winterising', if there was even such a word!

At any other time of the year, I realise it would be as simple as filling the water tank and off you go, but the temperature forecast is between 0-2c on Saturday, so I'm wondering what process I should follow to test everything.

 

[BouncyBoatFolk]

Some are easier than others.The make, model and year of the van will be helpful so as others with similar models can offer their actual user advice.
Mike.

 

[Gary S]

Its a Burstner 744, Oct 2021

 

[GeoffnDee]

If it is any help , you can run the Truma Combi without water in it , when on the correct control setting for air heating only , to check its operation on gas and also 230v (if it is an E version) on EHU

 

[Gary S]

If it is any help , you can run the Truma Combi without water in it , when on the correct control setting for air heating only , to check its operation on gas and also 230v (if it is an E version) on EHU

Thanks Geoff.
I was hoping to also check the water system was all working as it should, mainly because I keep reading horror stories about frozen pipes and taps not working.

If it was a dealer purchase, I guess it would be much simpler, but I'm conscious that once I hand over the money, it becomes my issue!

I may be overthinking it!

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[Silverman]

Can you delay collection until this bout of icy weather is over?

 

[Broadway]

I would treat it just as you would a dealer sale and ask the current owner to give you a full hand over. This would include full operation of the heating and water system on hook up and gas.
There’s a number of dealer hand over videos on YouTube if you’re not sure what’s included in a full handover.

 

[Boaty]

As Silverman above. The seller will not want to turn the engine, frozen pumps or find cracked fittings.
Set a new date, offer a split on insurance and storage.
Should be mutually beneficial.
Good luck.

 

[growly_bear]

I would treat it just as you would a dealer sale and ask the current owner to give you a full hand over. This would include full operation of the heating and water system on hook up and gas.
There’s a number of dealer hand over videos on YouTube if you’re not sure what’s included in a full handover.

and make sure that you know how to do a full drain down afterwards.

I know nothing of your model, but on my Hymer I drain the fresh and waste water tanks, open the boiler drain, open the frost control valve (boiler),turn off the 12V and then open all taps. Finally, blow through taps to move any trapped water. Oh and put some salt solution in the sink and shower drains to protect the U bends. Don't think I've forgotten anything, but I'm sure others will chip in too.

Just in case the seller can't show you the boiler heating hot water "because the frost value won't close as it's too cold" it may be possible, depending on the type of boiler, to run it on heating first which will warm up the boiler area (and consequently the frost protection valve) to enable it to be reset and allow water hearting. I've read that others use a hot water bottle over the valve etc...

 

[Brize]

Do as Broadway and growly_bear state, but let the vendor know in advance what you want. If he refuses to do that then I would think twice or request an independent hab check.

All being well, when the system is being demonstrated to you check inside cupboards and under the van to make sure there are no leaks.

Good luck!

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[Rollingwheels]

Once the heating has been running a while it should be warm enough to put some water in the system without the fear of freezing pipes then open taps until water flows without spluttering turn them off, check for leaks and listen if the pump kicks in again if it does there is a chance you have a leak, that is of course assuming it has a pressure pump and not a submersible pump dropped into the tank, there will be wires from the bottom of the taps if this is the case.
you would hope with a van so new and worth that much money the seller has looked after it correctly

 

[Whippet93]

As has been said, as full a hand over as a dealer would give, including a decent drive, if you can. If you can get them to put water in the system to check heating and hot water, look underneath first, then you can check again for any signs of leaking on the ground once the system is functioning. Even though it's a fairly new van you don't want to find a leak somewhere after you've parted with your cash. So do as many checks as possible.

 

[Gary S]

Thanks for all the advice, much appreciated and I'll update how I get on.