Gilles C

I'm replacing a 3500ST that I was never able to get repaired (due to Webasto's unresponsiveness) with a 55EVO, a seemingly simple operation. (Note: I'm an engineer and I do everything myself on board!) In practice, the supplied kit has numerous defects and omissions that make installation problematic and generate a considerable waste of time! Part of the wiring harness is pre-assembled, but not the other part. The wires going to the diesel pump are left hanging loose, and the connectors are supplied in a separate small bag. However, the documentation shows the completed harness without indicating the wire arrangement in the connector... and the wires are all the same color! The main power harness is pre-assembled with a huge fuse box that can't be routed through conduits. You have to start by removing the harness to route it through the conduits and then reassemble it! Some necessary assembly components are missing: the condensate drain elbow, the exhaust sleeve, AND THERE IS NO PACKAGING LIST IN THE SUPPLIED KIT. As a result, it's only halfway through assembly that you realize you need to order optional parts and therefore wait another week to continue the project... The same goes for the essential thermal insulation sleeve for the exhaust, which is also not included! The technical documentation and installation instructions are extremely confusing, mixing up all the product variants (2000, 4000, 5500) and all the control system variants (even giving the same name to two distinct control systems that don't connect in the same way). Once you understand it, it's very simple, and you wonder why the explanation is so convoluted. Zero points for clarity and educational value. Furthermore, when you call WEBASTO at the customer support number listed in the documentation and, after three days of trying, finally get through, you're "politely" turned away and referred to "the authorized installer from whom you purchased the product"!!! Paying 15 times the price of a Chinese knock-off for no better service, is that really worth it? WEBASTO should take a good look at themselves instead of relying on their reputation. In the end, the boiler replacement, which I planned to do in 3 days, took me 3 weeks, and I still have to add the extra air vents. Here again, the documentation is lacking; the number of "air points" needed to calculate pressure losses due to fittings, elbows, vents, etc., isn't specified for the 55EVO... I know it's an Air Top 2000 S ST max. 325 points. Air Top 3500 ST max. 550 points. Air Top 5000 ST max. 375 points. But nothing on the EVO 55, so I don't know if I'll be able to add the extra vents, which was the main reason for upgrading to the next model up! Last point: WEBASTO REFUSES to register your heater for the international warranty if you are a private individual. The product registration website is only accessible to authorized dealers and/or installers. I hope SVB can help me with this; otherwise, they might as well just remove WEBASTO from their catalog altogether!