If you're researching caravan hot water systems, chances are you’ve narrowed it down to two big names: Truma and Camec. Both are trusted brands offering RV-friendly features—but there’s one big difference that often raises eyebrows.
Why is there a $1000 difference between Truma and Camec?
The Truma AquaGo Comfort is priced around $2000, while the Camec Digital Instantaneous Gas Water Heater comes in at just over $1000. That’s a significant price gap—so is the Truma worth the extra dollars?
Let’s dive into the key features and differences to help you choose the best caravan hot water system for your setup.
What Do Truma and Camec Hot Water Systems Have in Common?
Despite the price difference, both systems offer solid value and important features:
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Instantaneous Hot Water: No waiting—hot water starts flowing as soon as you turn on the tap.
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Low Gas Consumption: Ideal for off-grid camping, both units are designed to be fuel-efficient.
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European Engineering: You can expect high-quality performance and reliability.
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AGA Approved: Certified for safe use in Australian caravans and RVs.
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Available in Black or White: Both units offer colour options to match your caravan exterior.
Key Differences Between Truma and Camec Hot Water Systems
Gas Consumption
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Camec: 49.14 MJ/Hr
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Truma: 61.9 MJ/Hr
Camec comes out ahead with lower gas usage—something to consider if you’re regularly off-grid and conserving fuel is a priority.
Heating Speed & Temperature Control
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Truma heats water in just 6 seconds compared to Camec’s 20 seconds—a small but noticeable difference when you're standing in the cold.
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Truma also features patent-pending hybrid technology and a microprocessor-controlled temperature stabiliser. This keeps your water at a consistent 49˚C, even with fluctuating inlet temperatures or flow rates.
Cold Weather Performance
Truma includes a built-in frost control thermostat that activates when temps drop below 5˚C—perfect for winter travellers. Camec doesn’t offer this.
Maintenance
Truma shines in this department. No tools are required to drain the system, and the reusable filter cartridge helps prevent scale build-up from hard or bore water. You’ll spend less time maintaining and more time enjoying.
Custom Modes
Truma gives you flexibility with three different settings:
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Eco Mode – Saves energy
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Comfort Mode – Instant hot water access
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Decalcification Mode – Perfect for hard water areas; LED display tells you when cleaning is needed
Camec doesn’t offer mode customisation.
Warranty & Support
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Both systems come with a 2-year warranty.
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Truma has a wider range of spare parts available and a strong reputation for after-sales service.
Design & Appearance
Both systems are compact, but the Truma AquaGo Comfort has a sleeker, more premium design that blends nicely with modern caravans.
So, Which Caravan Hot Water System Should You Choose?
It really comes down to your travel needs and budget.
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If you’re looking for the best performance, faster heating, smart technology, and easy maintenance, the Truma AquaGo Comfort is worth the investment.
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If you want a reliable hot water system at a lower price and don’t mind a few fewer features, Camec is a fantastic value-for-money option.
Looking for an all-in-one solution to save space and weight in your van? Check out the Truma Combi D 6 Hot Water and Heater Combo. It’s a dual-purpose unit that heats both your caravan air and water—perfect for those travelling in colder climates or who want maximum efficiency in their RV setup.
DISCLAIMER* Please note, this advice is general in nature and we strongly recommend consulting the product manual and where relevant, a professional installer.
