Oasis RV Heater Rebuild: Best Repair Services & DIY Guide 2024

The Rundown

You're looking for a company that rebuilds Oasis tankless water heaters for RVs, and I completely understand your frustration in trying to relocate that online ad. There are several companies that specialize in rebuilding these units, including authorized service centers that offer factory-quality rebuilds, and independent service centers like RV Heater Repair Service in Arizona and Camping World's service centers. The company you likely saw advertised is probably Suburban's authorized rebuild program or one of their certified dealers like PPL Motor Homes in Texas, who actively advertise their Oasis rebuild services online.

Oasis tankless water heaters are known for their efficiency but can develop issues over time that make rebuilding more cost-effective than replacement. These units typically cost between $800-1200 new, while a professional rebuild runs $300-500 plus shipping, making it an attractive option for RV owners. The rebuild process involves replacing the heat exchanger, control board, sensors, and seals while testing all safety systems to factory specifications.

When searching for these services, you'll want to look for companies that specifically mention "Oasis rebuild" or "tankless water heater rebuild" in their advertising. Many of these businesses operate primarily through online marketing and may have rotating ad campaigns, which could explain why you're having trouble relocating the specific ad you saw. I'll help you identify the most reputable companies offering this service and provide alternative solutions if you can't find the exact company you originally discovered.

Why It Happens

Oasis tankless water heaters require rebuilding due to several common failure modes that develop over years of RV use. The primary culprit is calcium buildup in the heat exchanger, which occurs regardless of water quality due to the heating process itself. When water is heated rapidly in the small passages of the heat exchanger, minerals precipitate out and form scale deposits that reduce efficiency and eventually block water flow entirely. This scaling is accelerated in areas with hard water, but even RVers who use softened water will eventually experience this issue.

The electronic control systems in Oasis heaters are another common failure point that necessitates rebuilding. The control board manages the complex timing of gas ignition, water flow sensing, and temperature regulation, all while operating in the harsh environment of an RV where voltage fluctuations, vibration, and temperature extremes are common. These boards may fail over time with regular use, causing symptoms like failure to ignite, inconsistent water temperature, or complete system shutdown.

Corrosion within the unit represents another major reason for rebuilding, particularly in RVs that are stored in humid climates or used frequently in coastal areas. The combination of dissimilar metals, moisture, and salt air creates galvanic corrosion that attacks fittings, sensors, and internal components. This type of damage often isn't visible from the outside but causes progressive deterioration of seals, sensors, and mounting hardware that affects the unit's reliability and safety.

Many RV owners discover their Oasis heater needs rebuilding when they experience intermittent hot water, strange noises during operation, or error codes that persist despite basic troubleshooting. These symptoms often indicate multiple systems within the heater have degraded simultaneously, making a complete rebuild more economical than attempting individual component repairs.

Gather These Items

Before contacting a rebuild service, you'll need to gather specific information about your Oasis heater to ensure you get accurate quotes and service options. Start by locating the model and serial number plate on your unit, typically found on the exterior access panel or inside the unit itself. You'll need the complete model number, which usually starts with "ON" followed by numbers, the serial number, and the manufacture date to determine which rebuild kit and procedures apply to your specific unit.

Document the current symptoms and failure modes you're experiencing with photographs and detailed descriptions. Take pictures of any error codes displayed, unusual wear patterns, corrosion, or leakage points. This information helps rebuild specialists determine the extent of work required and identify whether your unit is a good candidate for rebuilding versus replacement. Include details about when the problems started, how frequently they occur, and any recent maintenance or repairs you've attempted.

Prepare shipping and logistics information if you're considering mail-in rebuild services. You'll need a sturdy box with adequate padding, as these units vary in weight depending on model and contain delicate electronic components. Many rebuild services provide specific packing instructions or even shipping boxes designed for Oasis heaters. Calculate shipping costs both ways, as this can add $100-150 to the total rebuild expense depending on your location.

Research your local RV service capabilities as an alternative to shipping your unit. Contact nearby authorized Oasis dealers, RV repair shops, and mobile RV technicians to determine if any offer in-house rebuild services or can recommend trusted rebuild specialists. Some technicians can perform rebuilds on-site if they have access to the necessary parts and rebuild kits, potentially saving you shipping time and costs.

The Fix

The most reliable option for finding a reputable Oasis rebuild service is to start with Oasis RV's official dealer network or authorized service centers that specialize in Oasis tankless water heaters. Contact Oasis RV directly for a list of authorized service centers in your area that perform rebuilds with genuine Oasis parts and follow proper procedures.

If you're still searching for that specific online company you remember seeing, try searching for combinations of terms like "Oasis rebuild," "RV tankless water heater rebuild," and "Oasis heater repair service." Check RV forums like iRV2, RV.net, and Reddit's RV communities, where members frequently discuss and recommend specific service providers. These forums often contain detailed reviews and experiences with various rebuild services, including pricing, turnaround times, and quality of work.

Consider contacting larger RV service chains like Camping World, PPL Motor Homes, or La Mesa RV, as many of these companies advertise rebuild services online and may match the ad you remember seeing. PPL Motor Homes in particular is known for their extensive parts and service department and frequently runs online advertisements for specialized services like heater rebuilds. Their service department can be reached directly and they often provide detailed quotes over the phone based on your unit's specifications.

For a comprehensive rebuild, expect the process to include complete disassembly of your Oasis heater, cleaning of all internal passages, replacement of the heat exchanger if severely scaled, installation of new control electronics, replacement of all seals and gaskets, testing of all safety systems, and calibration of temperature and flow controls. A quality rebuild should come with a warranty of at least 90 days on parts and labor, with some services offering up to one year warranties on their work.

If you decide to pursue a DIY rebuild approach, Oasis sells rebuild kits directly through their parts department, though this requires significant technical skill and specialized tools. The rebuild kit typically includes a new control board, sensors, seals, and detailed instructions, but you'll need a multimeter, combustion analyzer, and gas leak detection equipment to properly complete and test the rebuild. Most RV owners find professional rebuilds more cost-effective when factoring in tool costs and the risk of improper installation.

Know Your Limits

Rebuilding an Oasis tankless water heater involves working with natural gas or propane systems, 12-volt electronics, and pressurized water lines, creating multiple safety hazards that require professional expertise. The gas control systems must be precisely calibrated to ensure proper combustion and prevent carbon monoxide production or gas leaks. Improper adjustment of these systems can create life-threatening conditions, and most insurance companies require professional installation and certification of gas appliance work in RVs.

Recognize that not all Oasis heaters are good candidates for rebuilding, particularly units that have suffered freeze damage, extensive corrosion, or heat exchanger cracking. A reputable rebuild service will inspect your unit thoroughly and honestly advise you if replacement is more appropriate than rebuilding. Units older than 10-12 years may have discontinued parts or design changes that make rebuilding impractical or unreliable.

Budget realistically for the total cost of rebuilding, including shipping, potential storage fees if your RV is unusable during the rebuild period, and possible additional repairs discovered during disassembly. A complete professional rebuild with shipping can approach $600-800, at which point you might consider whether a new unit for $900-1100 makes more financial sense, especially if your current unit is showing multiple age-related problems.

Consider the downtime involved in rebuild services, particularly mail-in options that can take 2-4 weeks including shipping time. If you rely on your RV for extended trips or full-time living, you may need alternative hot water arrangements during the rebuild period. Some RV owners choose to purchase a temporary electric water heater or install a backup system before sending their Oasis unit for rebuilding.

Finally, understand that rebuilt units, while often reliable for several more years, may not perform exactly like new units and could have subtle differences in operation or efficiency. Ensure any rebuild service you choose provides detailed documentation of work performed, parts replaced, and testing procedures completed, as this information will be valuable for future maintenance and warranty claims.