A Truma Combi Eco Plus unit typically costs about $2,400-$3,400 before installation; a professional replacement often totals $3,500-$6,000. The final price depends on the supplier, RV layout, labor rates, venting and gas or electrical work needed.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combi Eco Plus unit | $2,400 | $2,900 | $3,400 | Equipment only; availability and included parts vary |
| Professional replacement | $3,500 | $4,600 | $6,000 | Unit, standard labor, and basic connection parts |
| Labor | $800 | $1,400 | $2,400 | About 8-14 hours, depending on access and modifications |
| Installed cost per system | $3,500 | $4,600 | $6,000 | U.S. dollars; excludes major RV repairs or upgrades |
What a Truma Combi Eco Plus replacement typically costs
The Eco Plus combines an RV furnace and water heater, so its equipment price is higher than a basic water heater alone. For a like-for-like replacement in an RV with compatible hookups and an accessible compartment, budgeting $3,500-$4,600 installed is a practical starting point. A difficult retrofit or high-cost market can bring the invoice closer to $6,000 or more.
Most standard replacement quotes land around $4,000-$5,000 when the existing installation is compatible. The estimate assumes a single unit, ordinary access, no major duct redesign, and typical replacement connections. New installations may cost more because the shop must plan and create the appliance space, exhaust route, ducting, and utility connections.
Assumptions: U.S. RV service-shop pricing, standard replacement scope, and no substantial structural or code-related repairs.
Where the unit, labor, and RV modifications appear in a quote
Ask whether the quote includes the appliance, control components, connectors, vent parts, testing, and disposal of the old unit. The labor line can include removal, fitting, gas and electrical connections, water connections, and operation checks. A low equipment price may not reflect the full installed expense.
| Quote item | Typical range | What changes the charge | Pricing basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eco Plus appliance | $2,400-$3,400 | Retailer, stock, included accessories | Per unit |
| Removal and installation labor | $800-$2,400 | Access, wiring, plumbing, duct work | $100-$175 per hour |
| Vents, fittings, and connectors | $150-$600 | Replacement parts and vent route | Per job |
| Disposal and shop charges | $50-$250 | Haul-away policy and diagnostic time | Per job |
| Possible RV modifications | $300-$1,500 | Cabinet, duct, utility, or opening changes | Per job |
Labor is often the largest variable after the unit itself, especially when the replacement is not a direct fit.
How tank capacity and installation access change the estimate
The Eco Plus model’s combination of space heating and hot water means the RV must accommodate the appliance and its required connections. A replacement that matches the existing footprint and utility layout usually avoids extra carpentry and rerouting. Confirm the exact model and installation requirements with the service shop before ordering; a similarly named Combi model may not share the same configuration.
Compartment access also matters. A unit reachable through a removable panel may take fewer labor hours than one blocked by cabinets or interior trim. If a technician must remove and reinstall fixtures or cut and finish an access opening, the added work can cost $300-$1,500, depending on materials and finish.
Fit and access can shift a quote by hundreds of dollars even when the appliance price stays the same. Include photos of the compartment and existing connections when requesting estimates.
What installation time adds to the total
A straightforward replacement may take about 8-10 labor hours, while a retrofit with difficult access or utility changes can take 12-18 hours. At shop rates of roughly $100-$175 per hour, that represents approximately $800-$3,150 in labor before parts. Rates vary, and some shops quote a fixed installation charge rather than billing each hour.
Scheduling may require an inspection or diagnostic appointment before the repair visit. Ask whether diagnostic time is credited toward installation and whether the quote includes startup and heating and hot-water checks. If the RV must remain at the shop while parts are ordered, storage fees may apply; those are usually shop-specific rather than part of a national standard.
How removal and venting affect replacement charges
Replacing an existing Combi with the same model is generally simpler than converting from separate furnace and water-heater equipment. Conversion work can require new ducting, plumbing, wiring, an exhaust opening, or cabinet adjustments. Each change adds labor and materials, so a retrofit estimate should itemize those tasks instead of presenting only one appliance-and-installation total.
Old or damaged vent components and corroded connections may need replacement for safe operation. Basic fittings may cost under $200, while a more involved vent or utility correction can add several hundred dollars. Ask the shop to distinguish required safety repairs from optional upgrades.
Do not compare a direct-replacement quote with a conversion quote unless both cover the same removal, venting, and connection work.
Are RV service rates higher in some U.S. regions?
Labor rates and availability vary by location. Large metro areas and busy RV destinations can run about 10%-25% above a typical shop estimate, while some rural markets may be 5%-15% lower. Rural shops can also charge travel or pickup fees, and limited parts availability may add delays or shipping charges.
Season and demand can affect appointment timing more than the appliance’s list price. Before peak camping periods, service calendars may fill quickly. Get a written quote that lists the shop rate, expected hours, parts, and any travel or storage fees so estimates from different regions are comparable.
Three Eco Plus replacement quotes with different scopes
A direct replacement in a mid-size RV might include a $2,700 unit, 9 labor hours at $125 per hour, and $250 in fittings and disposal, for a total near $4,075. This assumes the existing compartment, vent, and utility connections are in usable condition.
A higher-cost replacement could include a $3,200 unit, 13 labor hours at $155 per hour, and $500 in parts and shop charges, totaling about $5,715. A retrofit example with a $2,700 unit, 16 hours at $145 per hour, and $900 in materials and modifications would total about $5,920.
These examples show how scope and labor can matter as much as the unit’s purchase price. Confirm whether sales tax, diagnostic fees, and any warranty-related work are included.
Where owners can trim the Eco Plus installation bill
Request at least two itemized estimates, using the same model number and scope for each. Providing clear photos and RV details can help shops assess access before scheduling. If the existing unit is still installed, avoid removing it before a technician checks whether the problem is a repairable connection or component issue.
Keep a direct replacement where feasible, and approve cabinet, duct, or control upgrades only when needed for compatibility or safe operation. Compare the total delivered equipment price with the shop’s supplied-unit price, but confirm that self-supplied parts will be accepted and covered by the installer’s workmanship warranty.
The most reliable savings usually come from avoiding unnecessary retrofit work and comparing complete, like-for-like quotes.