Intermittent faults are the hardest kind to diagnose. They don't always show themselves on demand, they can disappear for weeks at a time, and they're easy to dismiss as a one-off. When a customer brought their campervan to us with an ongoing intermittent fault on their Truma diesel heater, that's exactly what we were dealing with — a problem that had been present for a long time without a definitive fix.
The Problem
The owner had been living with an unreliable Truma diesel heater for some time. Intermittent heater faults on campervans can have several causes — fuel delivery issues, glow pin failure, overheating shutdowns, control board faults, or blocked combustion air and exhaust paths. Without proper diagnosis, it's guesswork.
We carried out a thorough diagnostic process, identified the root cause, and repaired the heater. It's now operating correctly and reliably — which for a campervan owner heading into a Scottish summer of wild camping matters more than it might sound.
Habitation Check
While the van was with us, we also completed a full campervan habitation check. A habitation service covers the systems that keep occupants safe and comfortable — gas, electrical, ventilation, water ingress, and more. It's something many campervan owners overlook, but it's the equivalent of an MOT for the living space. We recommend one annually, and any time a van changes hands.
The hab check gave the owner a full picture of the vehicle's condition beyond just the heater fault, and peace of mind before the season gets underway.
Lithium Battery Upgrade
With the van already in, we also carried out a lithium battery upgrade — fitting a Fogstar Drift 230Ah underseat lithium battery alongside a Victron 20A mains battery charger.
The Fogstar Drift underseat format is a popular choice for VW-based campervans and similar vehicles where space is at a premium. The 230Ah capacity gives the owner serious usable power — around 180Ah of that is accessible without stressing the battery, compared to perhaps 50-60Ah from a same-sized AGM.
The Victron 20A mains charger ensures the battery charges properly and efficiently on hookup, with Victron's adaptive charging algorithm keeping the lithium cells in good condition over time. As Scotland's only Victron Approved Installer for leisure vehicles, we specify and install Victron charging equipment on every system we build.
The Result
The customer left with a heater that works, a van that's been properly checked over, and a battery system that will genuinely support off-grid use. A long-running frustration resolved, and the van significantly more capable than when it arrived.
Book Your Van In
We're based in Callander, Perthshire — 45 minutes from Edinburgh and Glasgow — and we handle Truma heater repairs across Scotland, alongside lithium battery upgrades, habitation checks, and full electrical system work for campervans and motorhomes.
Whether it's a fault you've been putting up with for too long, a battery upgrade, or a full system build, get in touch. Call 07852 945087 or email info@keltiecampers.co.uk.
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