Who is Truma?
Truma developed the first portable heater for caravans in 1961 for the European market, and have been designing and perfecting the technology of RV heating systems ever since. With a reputation for quality, efficiency, and performance, SylvanSport proudly uses Truma products to handle the heating and cooling of the VIRE travel trailer.
Cold Weather Certification
One of the things Truma learned over the years is that the technology is only as good as its implementation. The size, layout, and structural materials of an RV affect the heating system’s performance and the unit’s ability to retain heat. The effectiveness of their heating systems are only as good as the RVs that are installing them.
In an effort to recognize RV models that meet the design, quality, and engineering standards to maximize the performance of Truma’s heating systems, Truma launched the Cold Weather Certification. Conducted in their state-of-the-art climate chamber, that can simulate virtually any climate, Truma evaluates a recreational vehicle’s ability to maintain a comfortable interior environment under controlled cold-weather conditions. Through extensive testing, the results are measured against international standards, and based on those results, an RV can receive either Gold Standard or Silver Standard Certification, or none at all. These certifications show the consumer the level of quality behind the construction of the RV and that they can count on reliability and comfort while traveling in any climate.
VIRE Goes GOLD!
In October 2026, SylvanSport VIRE was awarded Truma’s Cold Weather Climate Certification – Gold Standard. This represents the highest level of certification in the program and provides an important benchmark for VIRE customers looking for a true 4-season travel trailer.
Testing Process
All tests begin with a complete exterior and interior evaluation to ensure the RV and all of its systems are in good operating condition. Up to 22 temperature sensors are placed throughout the RV in critical locations to ensure that the system is distributing heat evenly to avoid hot or cold spots. The RV is then “temperature soaked” for a minimum of 10 hours in the climate chamber until the interior temperature of the RV matches the ambient temperature of the chamber.
The actual test lasts a minimum of 4 hours to get the RV up to the desired temperature. Readings from the sensors are used to chart a graph of the atmosphere inside the RV and how long it takes for the RV to reach the set interior temperature. This first confirms the ability of the vehicle to hold the heat the heating system is producing into the living areas. Then, airflow is measured from each outlet to confirm the balance of the layout and even distribution of heat. Thermal imaging is used to highlight areas that may need attention.
An RV that meets the Gold Standard starts in the chamber at 5°F (-15°C) and reaches an internal temperature to 63°F (20°C) in 4 hours or less. An RV that meets the Silver Standard has a starting temperature of 32°F (0° C) and reaches an internal temperature to 63°F (20°C) in 2 hours or less.
Results
SylvanSport VIRE achieved the Gold Standard level in 172 minutes, less than 3/4 of the test time allotted. This puts VIRE in an exclusive group of less then 30 RVs who have achieved either Gold or Silver Standard certification.
* information on Truma, Cold Weather Certification, and Testing from Truma’s website.