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Solved! What to Do If Your RV Electrical Outlets Aren’t Working 

• Last Updated: March 27, 2024
• 15 minutes read

When your RV’s electrical outlets aren’t working, the frustration can go far beyond not being able to use your favorite appliances. It can really get in the way of enjoying your vacation while also leaving you scratching your head trying to figure out, “Why, oh why, have my RV’s power outlets decided to call it quits?”

A blown fuse, a tripped circuit breaker, or a GFCI outlet requiring a reset might cause your RV electrical outlet to stop working. However, more complex issues could involve the power inverter, house battery bank, or shore power connection.

When an RV outlet usually goes dead, a simple fix can often solve the mystery of a malfunctioning outlet, and you can save the cost of a service call by doing the work yourself. However, you might need professional repair for more complicated electrical problems.

In this article, I’ll help you troubleshoot the issue by walking through the most common causes behind a non-working camper outlet and how you can fix ’em up in a jiffy.

Taking the time to investigate some of the more common reasons why your RV’s outlets aren’t working requires a step-by-step approach. Troubleshooting each one to rule it out or assess its severity will help you determine if it’s an easy fix you can handle yourself.

Even if it’s something that’s beyond your ability, knowing more about what causes RV outlets to stop working will help you ask more informed questions from an electrician.

1. There’s a Problem with a GFCI Outlet

GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, which is a special type of outlet found in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and just about anywhere in an RV where there’s a risk of water coming in contact with an outlet. The outlet itself has a tiny type of fuse built into it.

When a fault, like a drop of water, excess condensation, or any other short occurs in the outlet itself, it “Trips” and disconnects the electrical connection in the outlet, before it has a chance to cause problems elsewhere in the circuit at large.

Reset The GFCI Outlet & Check For Water Problems

When a GFCI trips a little button pops out. Resetting it is easy, but you need to make sure that the outlet is dry, or that you have otherwise rectified the original problem. Otherwise, it will continue to trip or could cause more damage to the rest of the circuit.

2. A Circuit Breaker Tripped or a Fuse Burned-Out

If you don’t have power going to a standard AC outlet, that isn’t a GFCI outlet, the next thing to check is your RV’s circuit panel. Most modern-day RVs have circuit breakers , though there are a few models that still use fuses.

When a specific breaker is tripped or a fuse is burned out, the power is cut from the corresponding circuit, including all of the RV electrical outlets connected to that circuit. To restore power, you can reset the breaker by flipping the switch or replace the faulty fuse.

Though first, you should ask yourself what caused it to trip or burn out. If you simply reset the circuit, dust your hands off and consider it a quick, easy fix, you might just be setting yourself up for a major problem later on.

Most of the time, when a fuse burns out or a circuit breaker trips it’s because there is a problem in the wiring, or you have too much plugged into one circuit.

Forcing power back to that problematic circuit, without correcting the problem can potentially damage appliances, burn out wiring, and even put your RV at higher risk of suffering an electrical fire.

What Caused the Circuit Breaker to Trip?

Right off the bat, this means assessing how much you have plugged in and drawing electricity from the problematic circuit. You can determine the wattage capacity of your circuit based on the Amperage rating on the breaker or fuse. To do the easy math, one Amp is equal to 120 Watts.

This means that a common 15 Amp circuit breaker can deliver a maximum of 1,800 Watts.

A 20 Amp circuit breaker can deliver a maximum of 2,400 Watts.

If you have so many things plugged into your outlets that your wattage demand is over the maximum capacity of the circuit breaker or fuse, you will continue to have the same problem over and over again.

You will need to either split up the demand to multiple outlets on different circuits or make some hard choices about what can be plugged in and turned on at the same time.

3. There’s a Problem with the RV’s Power Inverter

A problem with the power inverter is the second most common reason for an RV’s electric outlets not working. The inverter is designed to take the 12-volt DC electrical power from your RV batteries and convert it to the 120-volt AC electricity that many common RV appliances use. If the inverter experiences an issue, it might cause your outlet to fail, as it can stop providing electrical current to the entire RV’s outlets.

A lot of times, you can correct the problem by performing a hard reset of the inverter using the following steps.

How To Perform A Hard Reset Of An RV Inverter

• Step One: Carefully disconnect your RV’s inverter from all external power sources. This includes the campsite’s shore power as well as any sort of generator.
• Step Two: Then open all of the inverter’s DC connections to fully disconnect the inverter from the house battery bank’s DC power.
• Step Three: Make sure to check the inverter’s screen to make sure it’s blank and that it is no longer receiving power from any DC or AC power sources to the point that it has shut off.  
• Step Four: Wait at least 3 to 5 minutes to ensure all residual power inside the unit has dissipated.
• Step Five: Carefully reconnect the inverter’s DC power sources. This will reconnect the inverter to the house battery. This will allow the inverter to power back up again.
• Step Six: Then carefully reconnect all AC power sources.
• Step Seven: When you’re ready, hold down the inverter’s power button and release to turn it back on. Don’t be surprised if it takes two to three minutes for all the internal software to reload and reconnect properly. 

4. The RV’s Battery Charge Level Might Be Low

If you’ve been running on battery power overnight or for a day or more, chances are good you’ve put quite a drain on your RV’s house battery bank reserves. It’s important to remember that inverters aren’t all that efficient and tend to use more than a fair portion of your battery power.

Even if you believe your overall power consumption has been modest, you’ve likely been losing a small portion of electrical charge continuously to the inverter. This isn’t the inverter’s fault; it simply requires some additional charge to convert DC into the AC that most RV electrical outlets rely on.

Compounding this problem is that once a lead-acid battery is depleted below 50% the electrical charge it can deliver starts to fade. It can even fade to the point where the inverter and the rest of the RV’s electrical system simply cannot power the RV’s AC outlets.

How to Tell If Your Battery Charge Is Low

You can check your RV’s house battery charge using a charge monitor or a multimeter set to read voltage. If either of the devices is telling you that the house batteries are below 50%, chances are good that you need to recharge the batteries before your RV’s interior AC outlets will work again.

Note that this fading effect is only common in lead-acid deep cycle RV batteries . If your RV has cutting-edge lithium-ion batteries , then this fading effect doesn’t apply. Lithium batteries will deliver the same type of robust power at 98% that they do at 2%.

5. Power Is Interrupted by Corrosion on the Battery Posts

The process of electrolysis can start to affect the metal-on-metal contact of the battery terminals. It can gradually get to the point where electricity can’t get from your RV’s house battery bank to the inverter and the rest of the RV.

In a case like this, you won’t have power or insufficient power throughout the RV, and you’ll likely see a powdering white or perhaps green substance on the battery posts. Though you should be able to restore power by connecting to a shore power pedestal.

In a case like this, a simple battery cleaning might be all you need. You can do this using the following steps.

How To Clean RV Battery Posts

• Step One: Disconnect all power line clips and other connectors from the battery post.
• Step Two: Use an old toothbrush or a wire brush to lightly scrub away any loose material from the battery posts.
• Step Three: Create a paste from equal parts baking soda and water. Then apply it liberally to the battery terminal post.
• Step Four: Give it 10 to 15 minutes. Take this time to clean the brush of any debris.
• Step Five:   Then use the brush to scrub away the paste and any lingering corrosion debris.
• Step Six: Wipe the posts clean with a moist paper towel. Make sure to remove all traces of paste.
• Step Seven: Reconnect the battery to the RV’s electrical system and test to make sure the inverter and RV circuit panel are receiving power.  
• Step Eight: Check the charge level of the RV’s house batteries and recharge if they are anywhere near 50% of the maximum charge.  

6. There’s a Problem with Your RV’s Shore Power Connection

So far, we’ve checked components of the RV’s electrical system that are related to the house batteries and internal power. If you are at a full-hookups campground that offers shore power electrical service as part of the campsite rental fee, then it could just as easily be an issue with the power pedestal itself.

These power pedestals see a lot of use and abuse over the course of a single year. They also tend to receive minimal maintenance in rustic campgrounds or older campgrounds that have a limited maintenance budget. A failure in the power pedestal itself can leave your entire RV without power.

Though will be more than just the outlets. All your RV’s electrical components will fail to run when you are connected to shore power instead of drawing from the RV’s 12 Volt DC house battery bank.

7. You Might Have One or More Burned-Out Outlets

At this point, we’re down to a process of elimination to determine why your RV outlets are not working. Let’s say you’ve put in your due diligence. You’ve checked all the internal power systems, breaker, house batteries, GFCI outlets, and inverter as well as the external AC power sources like the shore power connection, and everything is fine. The next logical step is to check the outlet itself.

How to Tell If An Outlet Is Burned Out

This starts with a visual inspection of each outlet, starting with the one that is closest to your RV’s circuit breaker. Look for signs of a short circuit, such as:

• Burn marks on the face of the outlet
• The smell of something burning
• Scorch marks on one or more outlets
• Outlet that feels loose in the wall’s mounting box

Sometimes a bad outlet can cause a short circuit that is so severe it prevents the flow of electricity to all the other outlets on the circuit. With some RVs, this can also cause power to not be delivered to other major appliances such as the rooftop air conditioner or a built-in microwave.

Just make sure you turn off the main breaker and disconnect any power before you do anything more than perform a visual inspection.

How to Replace a Bad Electrical Outlet in Your RV

Let’s say your visual inspection turned up signs of an obviously bad electrical outlet in your RV. Before you can safely power up the other outlets you are going to need to remove and likely replace the burned-out electrical outlet. You should also be prepared to find other problems behind the outlet, such as melted, burned-out or short-circuited wires. Sometimes a wire might simply come loose due to vibration and cause the outlet to stop working

Removing and replacing the faulty RV electrical outlet can be done using the following steps

• Step One: Make sure the breaker or fuse for that circuit is off/removed.
• Step Two: Remove the outlet cover and carefully unscrew the outlet from the wall.
• Step Three: Slowly pull the outlet out, visually checking the wiring as you do. Look for things like a loose wire, discoloration, or signs of a short circuit in the wiring as well as the connections to the outlet itself.
• Step Four: Repair any wiring and replace the outlet, if necessary. You can usually use a simple household outlet you find at a hardware store.
• Step Five: Once any wiring repairs have been done and the outlet has been replaced, you should turn the circuit breaker back on.
• Step Six: Test the outlet and all other outlets in the circuit to make sure the electrical fault has been repaired.
• Step Seven: Permanently install the replacement outlet by tightening the screws and resecuring the outlet cover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can rv outlets run on dc battery power.

RV outlets aren’t engineered to run directly off DC battery power. They are designed to run on 120 Volt AC electricity that is delivered by the inverter, which transforms the 12 Volt DC of your RV’s house battery bank into AC.

If you want to run your outlets off the RV’s inverter, make sure you have sufficient battery capacity to power your small appliances. Common AC appliances like a microwave, hairdryer, or coffee maker can quickly drain your battery to the point where it can’t supply enough power to the rest of your RV’s electrical outlets.

What’s The Difference Between an RV Inverter and a Converter?

An inverter turns DC electricity from the RV’s house battery bank into the AC that powers the standard outlets. A converter does the opposite, by taking AC current supplied by an external source and turning it into the DC electricity needed to do things like charge the RV’s 12 Volt house battery bank.

A converter’s primary job is to charge batteries while connected to shore power or perhaps an aftermarket generator. A converter also requires a separate fuse panel and breaker boxes to be installed.

When Should I Call an Electrician to Repair My RV’s Electrical Outlets?

Electricity is the sort of thing you need to take seriously. It’s definitely a time where safety does indeed come first, as electrocutions and electrical fires are caused every year by amateurs who tried to fix an electrical problem that was over their heads.

If you feel like you are out of your depth with an RV electrical problem, there is no shame in calling a professional electrician in to handle the situation. Especially if your RV is still under warranty, or there is a clause in your RV insurance voiding damage caused by self-repairs.

When determining why your RV’s outlets aren’t working, you need to troubleshoot some of the common culprits, in hopes of finding a relatively easy fix.

This starts with checking and resetting any GFCI outlets and checking the circuit panel for any tripped breakers or burned-out fuses. Reduce the demand on the outlet by unplugging things before resetting circuit.

If you are connected to a campground’s shore power, check the pedestal for signs of a maintenance problem. The campground hosts might need to make a simple repair.

Make sure to check the 12 Volt DC house battery bank, to make sure it has at least 50% of the maximum charge, pr you’ll need to recharge them. A good terminal post cleaning might also be in order.

From there, check the inverter. Sometimes performing a hard reset by powering it down and disconnecting all the leads is enough to get it operating normally again. Any time that you feel you are beyond your skill level, there is no shame in calling in a professional electrician. A lot of RV warranty plans and RV insurance policies even have language that can void your coverage if something is damaged by attempting self-repair.

About Author / Aaron Richardson

Aaron Richardson is an expert RVer and the co-founder of RVing Know How. Aaron, along with his wife Evelyn, has been living and traveling in their Keystone Fuzion RV since 2017. Their adventures span across the country and beyond, including memorable RVing experiences in Mexico. Aaron's passion for the outdoors and RVing shines through in his writings, where he shares a blend of travel stories, practical tips, and insights to enhance the RV lifestyle.

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How To Troubleshoot Your RV Electrical Outlets

Just like your house and other buildings, your RV is equipped with GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets. The most common reason outlets stop working is because a GFCI outlet is tripped somewhere in your RV. Start with the GFCI outlet closest to the inactive electric-powered component and work your way outwards checking for tripped GFCI.

A GFCI outlet is easy to identify because it has TEST and RESET buttons located in the center of the outlet. When pressing the test button, you will likely hear an audible click. Pressing the test button should open the internal circuit. An opened circuit is a “tripped” circuit.

With the test button tripped, you will no longer be able to run any components plugged into that circuit. If you find a tripped GFCI, push the GFCI reset button to try closing the circuit.

Most GFCI outlets are near potentially wet areas of the RV, such as the kitchen sink, bathroom sink, and exterior outlets. GFCIs protect any electrical device plugged into that receptacle as well as additional outlets connected to the same circuit, meaning they’re connected by the same electrical line. This is why an outlet without GFCI buttons can appear to not work.

GFCI Mapping

If pushing the reset button doesn’t work, the “circuit” in GFCI implies that there are multiple outlets being protected. If an outlet does not look like a GFCI outlet, it may still be in the protected circuit. To make future troubleshooting easier, you can do GFCI mapping.

For GFCI mapping and testing, you can use a simple outlet tester or your multimeter tool (which is recommended to carry in your RV toolkit). Use the tester to determine which standard outlets are tied to a common GFCI.

With the tool plugged in, trip the test button on the GFCI. The lights should disappear, indicating an interrupted power flow. Reset the GFCI and the lights should come back on.

Now that you have verified power to that outlet, push the test button. With the GFCI tripped, plug the tool into adjacent outlets. Use colored tape to mark which adjacent outlets are showing no power. These outlets are likely tied into a common circuit. Repeat this step noting all outlets that show no power. Next, push the GFCI reset button. Verify that power has been reestablished at the previously dead outlets.

In larger coaches, you’ll likely find two or three separate GFCI circuits. So for this step, you may want to have three or more different colors of tape on hand for each circuit or simply number the tape. The mapping method for multiple circuits is the same as a single circuit. You’ll simply need to repeat the process a couple of times.

As you’re testing outlets, remember to check all exterior outlets. It’s likely the exterior outlets are tied to an interior GFCI. Exterior outlets often share the GFCI circuit with the bathroom.

If your tool indicates incorrect wiring to that outlet, have your RV checked by a trained maintenance professional at your nearest Camping World Service Center .

Note: You might find some outlets don’t lose power when any of the GFCIs are tripped. This does NOT mean that you have a problem. It simply means that the coach manufacturer determined that GFCI protection was not needed at a specific outlet.

Power Restored

Following these simple troubleshooting steps will help get your RV outlets working. If the power outage goes beyond the outlet, you can check this basic troubleshooting guide for RV electrical systems . Good Sam members can call the Elite Service Tech Advisor support line for a real-time step-by-step troubleshooting walkthrough for your specific RV model.

• Comment (21)

I have a Keystone Hideout 178LH 2017. My GFCI is not tripped and is providing power when an item is plugged in. However, the remainder of the GFCI outlets are not powered. Might it be that the first outlet in the series is out? There is no evidence that any of the GFCI outlets are burned or melted. They just have not power. Again, GFCI is functioning I guess. and there is no trip light either. Also, is there a way to tell the order each outlet runs in the series? Or do they run in parallel? thanks Dave

Apologies for the delayed reply, as I was awaiting insights from our technical service team. Here are their thoughts:

The resettable GFCI outlet is usually the first outlet downstream from the circuit breaker, and it is supposed to protect the outlets downstream from itself. These outlets should be identified with a “GFCI” decal. These outlets are wired in parallel, so if downstream outlets are inoperative it means there is a wiring issue after the GFCI outlet or the GFCI outlet has failed and must be replaced. Outlets in the RV with no “GFCI” decals are probably on another breaker and are not GFCI protected. These outlets must be tested separately as they are in no way associated with the GFCI outlet or breaker.

Let me know if that helps or if you have any follow up questions!

My GFCI outlet in bathroom is not tripping when I hit the test button also my refrigerator outlet and outlet by kitchen sink aren’t working and I believe the are linked together what can I do to fix

Just happened to me. My GFCI near the fridge was still showing green and was able to trip and be reset.

Was going to replace it anyway. I have 2016 Winnabago Itasca Navion.

Decided to look in lower outside bay which has plugs inside. For use on the outside.

There was an inverter mounted in there that had a GFCI that “was” tripped.

Reset. Everything worked again

Have you checked all of your fuses and breakers to see if anything is blown or tripped?

We have been camping all day and in the middle of the night just lost power. Checked the inside breaker the campsite breaker and the GFCI outlet and nothing is working to restore it. Help?

Do you have only have no power at your outlets? Or throughout your entire RV?

Have you also checked the fuses on your breaker panel? What, if anything, was running during the night? A/C, furnace, etc.?

My outside outlet stopped working on my 1984 London arie camper after a storm that made my power go out. When power restored, everything still worked perfectly except the outside outlet. I have reset all of my GFCI circuits and it still doesn’t work. Please help me figure this out

Hi Kathryn,

Is that outside outlet a GFCI itself? If so, have you tried resetting that specific outlet? Have you also checked that you don’t have a blown fuse?

Beyond that, you can always have your RV’s electrical system inspected by one of our trained technicians: https://rv.campingworld.com/rv-service-maintenance

Looking forward to your replies!

My gfi in the bathroom has no power at all and now none of my receptacles work, microwave, outside refrigerator and a/c please help

Hi Melissa!

Have you tried resetting the GFCI in your bathroom? If so, have you then checked your breaker panel for a tripped breaker or blown fuse?

Beyond that, I’d highly recommend scheduling a service appointment: https://rv.campingworld.com/rv-service-maintenance

Let us know what steps you’ve already taken. Thanks!

GFCI outlet in the bathroom was tripped when plugging in my hair dryer. I reset and it worked fine from then on, but the outlets in the kitchen, under dinning table and outside are still not working. Please help.

I’m having same problem! Help!

Does your RV have another GFCI in the kitchen? If so, have you checked that it hasn’t tripped as well?

You can also check your breakers to ensure none have tripped and/or inspect your fuses to see if any are blown.

Beyond that, I’d recommend contacting your nearest service center: https://rv.campingworld.com/rv-service-maintenance

Let us know if you have any other questions!

Does your RV have another GFCI in the kitchen? If so, have you checked that it hasn’t tripped as well?

Beyond that, I’d recommend contacting your nearest service center: https://rv.campingworld.com/rv-service-maintenance

Looking for gfci on driver’s side wall in my 2008 Newmar Canyon Star 3205

Can you clarify whether you’re looking for a replacement GFCI?

If so, I’d recommend heading into your local Camping World: https://rv.campingworld.com/locations

If you have another question, let us know and we’ll get back to you ASAP!

Only are GFCI outlets don’t work. There are two GFCI circuits. One of the GFCI circuits runs all the kitchen outlets. This circuit also is with the TV and bedroom breakers since when I shut the breaker off the TV and bedroom receptacles and the GFCI light goes off. Why would both my GFCI circuits be down? Also the lines coming into the GFCO outlet have no voltage but the light is on

I reached out to our technical team and they recommend returning to the dealer for a proper inspection immediately. Anytime there may be a concern that multiple circuits are wired together, we don’t want to take chances. The only way to know is to have the dealer look it over carefully.

Here’s where you can find the closest dealership to you: https://rv.campingworld.com/locations

We are camping and just got here today and half the campers power is not working. The GFCI on the bar area will not reset. We have checked all the breakers, used a tester and all fuses are good. The outside plugs and the microwave will not work. We even ran our camper cable source and plugged into another site thinking it might be the pedestal at our site. But still no luck with getting the power to these areas. Called Good Sam tech and he wasn’t much help. Said he would call us back in 30 minutes but we haven’t heard back from him. We have a 2022 Jayco 28.5 Eagle Fifth wheel. Any suggestions?

If that GFCI won’t reset, that could very well be your issue and it’s possible you’ll need to replace the GFCI itself. So far, it sounds like you’ve eliminated issues with the power source, tripped breakers, and blown fuses.

Are you hearing an audible click when you press the test button on that GFCI?

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RV Outlets Not Working? Here’s What to Do

Tripped outlets.

Question: Where does one go to reset tripped outlets? All of our electrical outlets have lost power, but everything else is fine. This is for a 26ft TrailCruiser by TrailLite.

Answer: Without knowing the particulars on how your RV was setup or modified by the dealer and or former owner, it is difficult to provide a precise answer. But we can offer a few thoughts.

First, your rig may have a panel of circuit breakers and/or a GFCI reset button. So look for that and consult any specifications or manuals you have for your RV.

If you cannot reset a breaker or switch, then you may need to trace the electrical circuit(s) that are giving you trouble. However, this must be done with caution and armed with all the tools at your disposal.

If it were our rig, we would definitely consult the owner’s manual and wiring schematic specific to our RV.

If you do not have an owner’s manual, contacting the manufacturer may shed some light on the problem. If contacting the manufacturer does not help then try asking the RV dealer or the former owner from whom you bought the rig. If that is not possible then the only option is to physically trace the wiring.

In tracing wiring, the objective is to identify any circuit breakers, a tripped GFCI outlet, or a loose wire. To do this you will need a continuity tester/test light (such as a neon tester, electrostatic wand, volt ohmmeter, three-prong outlet tester) and a lot of confidence on working with a live electrical circuit.

You will have to identify the power source for the circuit to determine if you have power to the circuit. Once you have determined that you do have power at the source then you can move on to the circuit itself.

Test for power at the breaker then follow the circuit to each outlet looking for a break in the circuit or a bad outlet. If any of these terms seem foreign to you, then please do not attempt to do this. Instead, take the RV to a repair center.

Comment: This is not an uncommon issue – people would think that the company who made their coach would try and make things simple – but they do not. As to your question, there is for the most part two locations to look for any power issues: #1) the first location anyone should look is the fuse box, it could be a tripped breaker if 120 volts and a blown fuse if 12 volt is the issue, then #2) this is the one most if not all miss, THE GFI OUTLET. You have to look at all the gfi outlets as the company most likely has it set up so that when a gfi trips in a kitchen it will kill the outlets in the lower part of the coach, and if in the bath it could kill all the outlets in the upper half of the coach. So as you see, if a gfi issue – it is not just that outlet. Also, for most gfi outlets, it is difficult to see if it tripped – you need to push the reset button to know for sure. So I hope this helps you and others as this is a common issues as I stated above.

Wall Outlet Won’t Work

Question: The wall outlets in the kitchen of our Canyon Trail 5th wheel just quit working. We checked all fuses, and they are fine. What else could be the problem?

Answer: It could be a number of things that is causing the problem. We have several pages on our site which have addressed similar questions, so we suggest these as resources for troubleshooting the problem.

Your easiest solution is to replace it. Like breakers, GFCI’s have a finite life span. If it has not been replaced, then based on the age of the unit I’d look to replace it. Another thought is that the wiring could be loose and tightening the connections might solve your problem, but my opinion is that it has reached its useful lifespan.

Have 1998 Safari Sahara, the gfi plug in kitchen losses power but does not trip breaker on plug or throw any breakers, and comes back on after 10 or 15 minutes. Any ideas?

Some Power Outlets Not Working

by Keith (Lucedale, MS USA)

Question:  The TV outlet and a couple other outlets and a couple lights just quit working all at once. I have flipped all the breakers and checked them with a meter. Plus i have pushed the reset button on the GFCI plug near the bathroom sink – it is working. Is there anything else I can check that might fix the problem? Trailer is a 2002 33 foot Montana.

Answer:  It seems hat you have a wiring problem where a connection has gotten loose or cut – either on the ground, or less likely, the positive side. The fact that some of the 12 volt lights also quit working seems to indicate that something cut/disturbed the wires both on the 110 volt and 12 volt side.

Since you have a meter you should be able to trace the problem from the outlet or light back to its source. If you have wiring diagrams it will be of great help. If you cannot trace the wiring then the next best course is to run new wiring (I know it might be a pain).

Otherwise you will have to take it in to a repair place. Just be ready to dig deep in your pockets if it takes them a long time to find the source of the problem.

Outlets Not Working

by Dennis (Marysville, WA)

Question: We have no power to outlets in our fifth wheel when using electric, but we do have it when we use the generator. Can anyone help?

Answer: Here are a few thoughts. Your problem my be in one of the following: the converter, your power cord, the wires that connect your power cord to the converter, or the power transfer switch.

CAUTION:  Never work on a converter or a power transfer switch while it is connected to live power unless you are skilled in electrical trouble shooting. Don’t risk injury or your life.

However, if you feel comfortable working on the converter you can check to make sure that all of the converter connections good and tight.

Also make sure you have a good battery connected to the converter. We have heard that a bad battery can cause similar problems.

Also try resetting all circuit breakers in the converter and make sure that they are good. If you have a GFI outlet reset that too.

You may also want to check the power transfer switch – but please heed the caution above.

If you feel comfortable working on the power transfer switch, you can check the contacts to make sure that they are operating properly and that the contacts are not pitted or welded shut.

If you still do not have power at your outlets then you will need to take your 5th wheel to a professional to resolve your power issue.

Electrical Outlets Have No Power

by Gary (Cincinnati, Ohio)

Question: I had shore electric on every outlet working properly and then unplugged electric and turned the generator on and had no power to electrical outlets. Any ideas?

Answer: Trying to diagnose an electrical problem remotely is difficult at best, but here are some things to check: 1 – Check generator circuit breaker(s) and reset if needed. 2 – Check GFI outlet and reset if needed after you turn on the generator. We sometimes have to do that to get the outlets to work. 3 – Recheck and reset (if needed) all your 120 Volt breakers in the main house panel after you turned on the generator. 4– Check for power leaving the generator.

If all of the above is OK and you still do not have power at the outlets then the problem may involve your power transfer switch. Trying to diagnose or fix one is a job best left to a qualified RV repair facility. However, if you feel handy and are very comfortable working with live power circuits, here is a link that might help:  http://www.progressivedyn.com/troubleshooting_transfer_relay/ . It shows how to diagnose power transfer switch problems. Your transfer switch my be different but the procedures should be the same.

Please let us know how things work out.

Jill Miller is the founder of Your RV Lifestyle. Trading corporate America for the open road, Jill, along with her partner Jose, began their RV journey, making an unconventional start by wintering in New Jersey. A natural adventurer, she was motivated by a desire to explore the USA and beyond, embracing the varied landscapes, communities, and cultures across the country.

For Jill, the allure of RV living was not about material accumulation, but rather the pursuit of an adventurous, fulfilling lifestyle. A lover of golf, bicycling, hiking, and line dancing, she has carried her passions across the country, engaging with them in diverse settings. Jill’s commitment to the RV lifestyle came after years of careful research, numerous consultations with RV owners, and personal trials, including living in a rental RV.

RV Outlets Not Working? Here’s What You Need to Know!

Hey there, fellow RV aficionado! If you’re anything like me, the lure of hitting the open road in your rolling haven, chasing horizons and cozy campfires, is what dreams are made of. But let’s be real, when the outlets in your RV suddenly play dead, it’s like hitting a speed bump on your smooth journey—it’s annoying and can throw a wrench in your well-laid plans.

No electricity means no morning coffee, no charged devices, and no lights for late-night reading. But don’t you worry! I’ve been down this road before and have gathered all the intel to help you troubleshoot those pesky outlet issues. We’re going to dive into the nitty-gritty of why your RV outlets might be on strike, from the ABCs of your power source to the ins and outs of circuit breakers and fuses. Plus, we’ll tackle those mysterious GFCI outlets and figure out what to do with loose connections.

And because I’ve learned a thing or two from my own bumps in the road, I’ll share when it’s time to wave the white flag and call in a pro, along with some golden tips to keep your electrical system humming like a well-oiled machine.

Ready to become the hero of your RV’s electrical system? Let’s get those outlets working again and make sure your RV adventures are nothing but smooth sailing. Here’s to powering up and making memories that last a lifetime!

Table of Contents

• 1 Check the Power Source
• 2 Inspect the Circuit Breakers and Fuses
• 3 GFCI Outlet Issues
• 4 Address Loose or Faulty Connections
• 5 Professional Assistance
• 6 Preventive Measures for Maintaining RV Outlets
• 7 Understanding RV Electrical Systems
• 8 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• 9 Final Thoughts

Check the Power Source

Hey, fellow adventurers! So, let’s dive into a little issue that can throw a wrench in our wanderlust: RV outlets not working. Been there, done that, and guess what? I’ve got some tips and a funny story to boot.

First off, if you’re plugged into shore power and things go dark, here’s what I do: I double-check the power cord to the RV. One time, mine was as loose as my grandma’s dentures at a family barbecue! Make sure it’s snug and not looking like it survived a bear attack. If it does, time for a new one.

Next, I peek at the shore power pedestal – that’s the campground’s power source. I found a fried critter in mine once, poor thing had tripped the breaker. So, flip any tripped breakers off and back on. If it looks like a BBQ gone wrong, tell the camp folks or switch sources.

Inside my RV, near where I stash my hiking boots, is the circuit breaker panel. Main breaker should be on like a light at a ghost story session. If it’s tripped, give it the old off-and-on. Same goes for the individual breakers for each circuit. If a breaker’s playing hard to get, flipping off repeatedly, it might be time to call in a pro.

Now, if I’m out in the wild, running on generator power , I make sure it’s humming along nicely, not acting like my uncle after too much turkey. Check the fuel and that it’s on. And yes, generators have breakers too. Found that out the hard way when mine decided to take a nap. If it trips, reset it. If it’s more stubborn than a mule, get some help.

And for those times when it’s just me, the stars, and no plug in sight, the house batteries come into play. Make sure they’re charged – nothing sadder than a dead battery when you’re trying to blend a margarita. I use a multimeter to check; it’s as essential as my coffee pot. Corrosion on the terminals? Clean it off. Loose connections? Tighten them up. And keep an eye out for blown fuses.

Here’s the kicker – once, in the middle of nowhere, with my outlets dead as a doornail, I went through all these steps. Turns out, I’d forgotten to switch from driving mode to living mode. Yep, I was the problem!

So, remember, a reliable power source is the secret sauce for a smooth RV experience. Keep these checks in mind, and you won’t have to tell a story like mine – unless, of course, you want to make your friends laugh. Safe travels!

Inspect the Circuit Breakers and Fuses

Let’s talk about something super important but often overlooked – our RV’s circuit breakers and fuses. Imagine, there I was, in the middle of the most picturesque campsite, and bam! No power. No lights, no coffee machine, nothing. Here’s how I tackled it, and trust me, it’s easier than you think.

First things first, I found my RV’s breaker panel. It’s usually playing hide and seek near the entrance or snuggled up in a storage compartment. Inside, you’ll find a bunch of circuit breakers, each responsible for a different part of your RV. A tripped breaker? It’s that naughty one sitting halfway between on and off. Give it a firm nudge to “off” and then flip it back to “on”. If it throws a tantrum and trips again, you might need to call in an expert because there could be a bigger issue at play.

Now, overloading is a real party pooper. It’s like inviting too many friends into your RV and expecting there won’t be chaos. If your breaker keeps tripping, maybe it’s time to unplug something. You know, like that time I tried to run the microwave, the coffee maker, and the hairdryer at the same time. Lesson learned.

But wait, there’s more! Some RVs prefer old-school fuses. Find your fuse panel, which is probably chilling with your breaker panel. A blown fuse is easy to spot – it’s the one with the broken metal strip inside, looking all sad and disconnected. Swap it out with a new one that matches exactly, and voila! But keep those spares handy; you never know when you’ll need them.

Here’s a little story – once, I replaced what I thought was a blown fuse, but the new one blew immediately. Turned out, my electric kettle was the culprit, demanding more power than my poor RV could handle. So, I had to say goodbye to quick boiling water and hello to a more balanced power load.

Remember, folks, keeping an eye on those circuit breakers and fuses is key to a happy RV life. It’s like giving your RV a little health check. And if you’re ever in doubt or things keep going haywire, get a pro to take a look. Safe travels and may your outlets always be working!

GFCI Outlet Issues

Alright, let’s talk GFCI outlets in your RV, a little electrical safeguard that’s more protective than my mom when I started dating. Imagine, these nifty outlets are like having a bodyguard for your gadgets against electrical shocks.

So here’s the deal, GFCI outlets are usually hanging out in places they could get wet – think kitchen, bathroom, or outside. One rainy night, I found my coffee maker and toaster sulking in silence. Turned out, the GFCI outlet in the kitchen decided to trip, probably saving my appliances from an electric spa treatment.

Here’s how you get everything back to party mode:

• Find those GFCI Outlets : Scout out your RV for these outlets. They’re easy to spot with a “Reset” button that sometimes acts as a mini-breaker during a ground fault.
• The Reset Dance : Find an outlet playing dead? Hit the “Reset” button. If it clicks and everything lights up, you’re golden. But keep in mind, one GFCI outlet might be the ring leader for several others in your RV.
• Testing 1, 2, 3 : Just like checking the smoke detector, test these outlets by pressing the “Test” button. Everything should go dark (in a good way). Hit “Reset,” and you should be back in business.
• When Things Get Sticky : If the “Reset” feels more like pressing a doorbell at a haunted house (nothing happens), you might have a faulty outlet. It’s time to either channel your inner electrician or get a real one.

And let me tell you, I learned the hard way that you should test these guys regularly. I once spent a whole weekend with no blender for margaritas because I neglected my GFCI outlets. So, give them a quick test monthly, especially before you’re counting on that blender.

In short, keeping your GFCI outlets in check is like making sure your RV’s electrical system wears a seatbelt. Safe travels and may your outlets always be ready for your electric adventures!

Address Loose or Faulty Connections

Ah, the open road, my RV, and… no power to my outlets? Yup, been there! Let me walk you through how I zapped this problem with a bit of detective work and some elbow grease.

Power Cord Chronicles : First, I eyeballed my RV’s power cord. It’s seen better days, with more adventures than my trusty hiking boots. Any signs of wear, like frayed edges or insulation that’s seen better days, and it’s time for a new cord. And connections? They need to be snugger than a bug in a rug. Loose connections are like trying to drink a milkshake with a straw full of holes – frustrating and ultimately disappointing.

I once swapped cords with a neighbor to test a theory. Lo and behold, the outlets sprang to life. Mystery solved: my old cord was ready for retirement.

Outlet Odyssey : With the power safely off (because I’m fond of my hair not standing on end), I took a peek behind the outlet covers. It was like opening a mystery novel, each screw uncovering another clue. Wires loose? Tighten them up. Signs of a scuffle, like charring or cracks? That outlet’s had its last hurrah.

And let me tell you about the time I used a multimeter. Felt like a real electrician, except for the part where I had to Google which end was up. If the wiring sings the blues on continuity, it’s time to call in the pros.

Battery Bonanza : Those battery terminals can get crustier than my aunt’s famous lasagna. A good scrub and a tight connection can make a world of difference. And fuses? They’re like the unsung heroes, quietly protecting your electrical system until they sacrifice themselves. A quick check and replacement with the right fuse, and we’re back in business.

Keeping an eye on battery health is like checking the pulse of your RV’s power. Too low, and you’re out of luck. I’ve got a voltage meter that’s become my new best friend, always keeping me in the loop.

So, there you have it, my journey from puzzled to powered. Addressing loose or faulty connections isn’t just about keeping the lights on; it’s about safe travels. And when in doubt, a professional electrician is worth their weight in gold. Safe travels, and may your outlets always be in tip-top shape!

Professional Assistance

Alright, let’s get real about when to call in the cavalry for your RV’s electrical woes. I’m all for a good DIY adventure—I once tried to fix my RV’s air conditioner with duct tape and sheer willpower. Spoiler: It didn’t work. But when it comes to electricity, sometimes you’ve got to know when to fold ‘em and dial up a pro.

When DIY Turns SOS : If you’ve been down the troubleshooting road and your outlets are still throwing tantrums, it’s time to call in a pro. I learned this the hard way when my DIY efforts turned my RV into a disco ball of flickering lights. An electrician had it sorted in no time, saving me from a potential rave on wheels.

Safety First, Second, and Third : Electricity is not the place for bold heroics. Faced sparks, shocks, or the unmistakable aroma of burning wires? That’s your cue to step back and get an expert on the line. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry, especially when “sorry” means accidentally turning your RV into a fireworks show.

Upgrades That Don’t Upend : Dreaming of an RV that’s as high-tech as a spaceship? Before you start wiring in solar panels or adding an extra flux capacitor, get an electrician who knows their way around an RV. They’ll make sure your upgrades are stellar and not a shortcut to a blackout.

New Wheels, New Wires : Snagged a sweet deal on a used RV ? Before you hit the road, let a pro give its electrical system a once-over. It’s like a check-up for your RV to ensure it’s more ready for adventure and less likely to surprise you with an impromptu electrical solo.

Maintenance : The Unsung Hero: Regular check-ups by someone who actually knows what they’re looking at can save you a ton of hassle. A professional can spot the small stuff before it becomes big trouble, keeping your journeys smooth and your lights on.

Electricity is one of those areas where sometimes the smartest DIY is to know when not to. Calling in a qualified RV electrician can save your sanity and keep your adventures safely electrifying. Trust me, letting the pros handle the serious stuff means you get to focus on the fun parts of RV living, without the added sparks.

Preventive Measures for Maintaining RV Outlets

Oh, the tales I could tell about RV life and its quirky challenges! But today, let’s zero in on keeping those outlets in tip-top shape . Trust me, learning this was a game-changer for me, especially after that one time my coffee maker decided to take an unexpected vacation right when I needed my morning brew the most.

The Visual Once-Over : Like giving your RV a health check-up, regularly eyeball your outlets. Look for any signs of wear or a connection having a little too much freedom. Cracks, discoloration, or an outlet cover that’s seen better days? Time for some TLC. I once found an outlet looking more like a modern art piece than a power source. Not ideal.

Keep ‘Em Clean : Just like your favorite campsite, keep those outlets clean. A simple wipe down with a dry cloth does wonders. Remember, water and electricity mix about as well as socks and sandals — not a good look.

Tighten Up : Ever noticed how everything in an RV seems to loosen up over time? The same goes for outlet connections. A gentle snug-up with a screwdriver can prevent future headaches. But let’s not get Hulk-strong on them; it’s about finesse, not force.

Cover Story : Loose or cracked outlet covers are more than an eyesore; they’re an invitation for trouble. Keeping them secure and intact is like ensuring your RV’s shoes are tied before a hike.

The Surge Protector Saga : Investing in a surge protector was a life-changing moment for me . It’s like having a bouncer for your electrical system, only letting in the good electricity and keeping the surges at bay. Make sure it’s RV-grade and watch for those indicator lights — they tell a story.

Managing the Load : Imagine inviting all your friends over and then realizing you only have one pizza. That’s your circuit when you overload it. Spread out the energy consumption, and keep an eye on those power ratings. The time my blender and microwave duked it out over power was a lesson learned.

Call in the Pros : Sometimes, the best DIY is DI-Don’t. A professional electrician with RV know-how is worth their weight in gold. They see things we mere mortals miss and can ensure your electrical system is humming along perfectly.

By following these simple steps, I’ve managed to keep my RV’s outlets (and my sanity) in great shape. It’s about being proactive, not reactive. And always, always keep your coffee maker in working order. Priorities, right?

Understanding RV Electrical Systems

Diving into the electrical system of your RV can feel like exploring a cave without a flashlight. Trust me, I’ve been there. Once, in the middle of a storm, my RV’s power flickered out, leaving me in a rather dark situation—literally. That’s when I rolled up my sleeves and decided to get acquainted with the beast powering my portable home. Here’s the lowdown, the simple version that even I could grasp.

The Great Power Debate : 30 Amp vs. 50 Amp: Think of your RV like a hungry pet; some are satisfied with a small meal (30 amp), while others need a feast (50 amp) to keep all systems go. The 30 amp service is your basic setup, good for keeping the lights on and your fridge humming. But throw in an air conditioner or a microwave, and it’s stretching it. My friend’s RV? It’s a 50 amp, which means it can handle almost everything all at once—AC, hairdryer, you name it. Check what your RV needs, so you don’t bite off more than you can chew.

Inverter Intrigue : The inverter is like a magic box that turns battery power into usable outlet juice for when you’re off the grid. Great, right? But it’s not limitless. It once fooled me into thinking I could run my coffee maker indefinitely. Nope. The inverter can only handle so much before it needs a recharge, so watch those power-hungry appliances.

Breaker, Breaker 1-9 : My first encounter with a tripped breaker was a mystery wrapped in an enigma. Located usually by the RV entrance, this panel is like the control center for your RV’s power. Each switch corresponds to a different part of your RV. If something trips, it’s a sign to switch it off and then on again. If it keeps tripping, well, you’ve got a bigger fish to fry, and it might be time to call in the pros.

Wiring Wizardry : Outlets can be like people—wired differently. Some are in a series (where if one goes out, they all go out), and some are in parallel (each doing their own thing). Knowing this helps when you’re hunting down a pesky outlet problem. And if you ever need to replace one, ensure it matches the original’s specs to avoid any electrical faux pas.

In the end, understanding your RV’s electrical system is about keeping your adventure on track and avoiding getting left in the dark or, worse, causing damage. My adventure in the storm taught me the importance of knowing just enough to keep things running smoothly—or at least knowing when to call in someone who does.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When it comes to RV outlets not working, it’s natural to have questions and seek answers to resolve the issue. In this section, we address some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to non-functioning RV outlets. By exploring these common inquiries, you can gain valuable insights and guidance to troubleshoot and resolve outlet problems in your RV.

From understanding the potential causes of outlet issues to knowing when to seek professional help, these FAQs provide clarity on common concerns that RV owners encounter. Whether you’re facing tripped circuit breakers, faulty GFCI outlets, loose connections, or power source problems, we aim to address your queries and empower you with the knowledge needed to tackle outlet issues effectively.

By delving into these FAQs, you’ll be equipped with the information necessary to troubleshoot your RV’s outlet problems and ensure the safety and functionality of your electrical system. Let’s explore the answers to frequently asked questions and embark on the journey to get your RV outlets up and running again.

Remember, electrical work can be complex and potentially dangerous. When in doubt, it’s always best to consult a professional electrician for assistance.

By addressing frequently asked questions, RV owners can gain clarity on common concerns related to non-working outlets. These answers provide guidance and help readers navigate the troubleshooting process and make informed decisions about resolving outlet issues in their RVs.

Final Thoughts

Wrapping up, keeping your RV outlets in check is the secret sauce to a glitch-free adventure on wheels. We’ve zipped through everything from playing detective with power sources to the nitty-gritty of circuit breakers and the enigma of GFCI outlets. Armed with this guide, you’re now a troubleshooting wizard, ready to face those outlet gremlins head-on.

But here’s the deal: safety is king. When things get hairy, or if your RV starts acting more like a mystery novel than a home, it’s time to call in the cavalry—a.k.a., a seasoned RV electrician. They’re the heroes in this story, equipped with the smarts and tools to fix those puzzling electrical woes, ensuring you and your mobile casa stay safe.

Let’s not forget, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Keeping up with regular check-ups and embracing the art of electrical maintenance can save you from future headaches. Think of it as giving your RV a little love so it can keep powering your dreams, mile after mile.

So, as you roll into the sunset, remember this guide is your copilot, guiding you through the highs and lows of RV outlet maintenance. Here’s to smooth sailing and electrifying adventures ahead. May your outlets never falter, and your travels be filled with endless joy and discovery. Safe travels, my fellow road warriors!

About The Author

Karan Riley

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RV Outlets Not Working: Troubleshooting Tips and Precautions

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• Discussions

If you’ve ever encountered a shorted series of electrical outlets on your RV and felt completely stumped for a solution, trust us, you’re not alone. But rest easy, the source of the problem is common, and the fix is simple. In this lesson, RV expert Dave Solberg teaches you what to do when you discover several RV outlets not working.

To help you figure out what’s going on with your faulty RV outlets, Dave walks you through a quick explanation of circuits and standard RV electrical wiring. He introduces an inexpensive tool you should use to detect which outlets are malfunctioning, and demonstrates the proper way to pinpoint the source. You’ll learn why the ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) on your rig might be giving you issues, and discover easy ways to avoid a sensitive GFCI. With Dave’s help, you’ll be up and running again in no time!

Share tips, start a discussion or ask one of our experts or other students a question.

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33 Responses to “RV Outlets Not Working: Troubleshooting Tips and Precautions”

Can you replace the RV GFCI outlet with a "standard" GFCI outlet from a home improvement store, if it will fit in the same space?

have a 2006 Starcraft 28 ft bumper pull . never had a issue . Now only the outlets on do not work but the GFI plug does . Any Suggestions ? Thank you

I had same problem there was a junction box behind wall in storage area wires came loose reason for j-box they were to cheap and lazy to put in a longer piece of wire

The outlet behind my couch, my fireplace's outlet, the outlet under my kitchen table and my hot water heater are all not working. All other outlets are working. Both GFCI outlets have been reset and are working. I have a 2021 Keystone Cougar 25RDSWE. I am plugged in and all other outlets have power (microwave works). I live 3 hours from a dealer, so I can’t easily take it in for a diagnosis, and I have currently been living in the RV for 2 months now. Any tips or help you could provide would be greatly appreciated!

If the GFCI is bad can it be replaced with a regular outlet

I would like to thnkx for the efforts you have put in writing this website. I'm hoping the same high-grade site post from you in the upcoming also. In fact your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own blog now. Actually the blogging is spreading its wings rapidly. Your write up is a good example of it.

Lights work in rv outlets do not work

Thank you, great advice - I had exactly that case, like you said - unplugging from live shore power tripped GFCI plug in the bathroom.

My rv has all these symptoms even with the gfci outlet working. Surge protector reads full power coming into rv. Im lost in this issue.

I have 4 Lower wall Outs not working .The 2 GFI are working. Also the outlet on the exterior next to the water tank isn't working

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Why Won’t My Outlets Work in My RV? Troubleshooting Guide

Encountering electrical issues while you are camping is frustrating. Unfortunately, though, RV electrical systems can be confusing, since outlets can get power from shore power, a generator, or coach batteries in conjunction with an inverter. So many RV owners are often left wondering why won’t my outlets work in my RV?

Here’s what I know from troubleshooting my RV:

The most common causes of RV outlets not working are a tripped GFCI outlet or the power inverter being off when not connected to shore or generator power.

And if it is a GFCI issue, the good news is, those breakers are part of the outlets located near the sinks. So just press the tiny button back in on the outlet you see that is tripped, and everything should kick back on.

And if it’s the inverter, that too is an easy fix as it just requires the power button to be turned on.

However, there can be other issues too such as your coach batteries being dead or not charging. So, if your outlets aren’t working in your RV, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll explore common concerns regarding RV electrical systems.

So let’s get to it.

Do RV outlets work on battery power?

RV outlets won’t work directly on battery power. Outlets in RVs are 120 volts AC. Batteries are 12 volts DC. The only way to power the RV off of batteries is with an inverter that converts 12 volts DC to 120 volts AC, but it’s easy to drain your battery this way.

If you’re going to use an inverter, make sure you have sufficient battery capacity to power your small appliances.

A microwave, hairdryer, or coffee maker can quickly drain your battery. And that is if your battery can even provide the amperage and voltage to power the inverter.

Inverters allow you to use small devices like a TV or hairdryer.

However, they are inefficient and will drain your battery very quickly, usually in just an hour or two. While they will usually sound an alarm when the battery is no longer sufficient to power the unit, they will also switch off quickly after the alarm sounds.

Then, not only do you have power to your outlets, you now have to find a way to charge your depleted 12-volt battery .

Inverters are generally not the most efficient use of your battery power. So unless you are dry camping, you should use shore power or your generator. And using a generator isn’t recommended or allowed in most campgrounds past quiet hours; so it’s not a good solution for the whole night.

But if you are not at a campground and don’t have shore power to connect to, using a generator is a better option than running off an inverter.

If you’re new to camping, you likely know that the term RV stands for “recreational vehicle.” You probably also know the term motorhome.

But did you know that not all RVs are motorhomes?

RVs include non-motorized campers, such as travel trailers and fifth wheels, which are not classified as motorhomes. To learn more about the different kinds of RVs and why the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, head over this recent article .

Just click the link to read it on my site.

How to Add an Electric Outlet to Your RV’s Galley http://t.co/R3ihGtVzu4 pic.twitter.com/0FlmKrgmfo — Chris Andro (@HemlockhillRV) March 27, 2015

How do you fix an RV outlet?

To fix an RV outlet that is not working:

• Ensure you have power either from shore power, generator, or the inverter
• Check all outlets near sinks to make sure the GFCI breaker has not been tripped
• Check the main breaker panel to ensure no breaker has tripped
• Test all outlets in the RV to see if it’s just 1 that is not working
• If only 1 outlet is not working. replace that outlet (cut power 1st)

Broken outlets are relatively common in RVs.

There are a few things you can do to troubleshoot your outlets and fix them. First, you need a couple of tools. A receptacle tester can diagnose problems with the outlet itself.

A multimeter or voltage tester can quickly test the voltage in an outlet. But you really don’t need to get that technical.

First, check the GFCI outlets

If an outlet stops working in your RV, the first thing you should do is check the GFCI outlets. It’s the easiest thing to check and the quickest to fix. Just push the reset button.

Next, check the breakers & inverter

Then, if you have an inverter, check it and make sure the power is on. You only need the inverter if not connected to shore power or a generator . But many RVer’s just leave it on all the time.

And check the shore power or generator breaker, too. If some of your outlets are working, you can skip this step. If the power tripped at the pole or generator, none of the outlets would work.

If you’ve checked all of those things, and all is well, you’ll need to check each outlet.

Use your receptacle tester to see which outlet is the culprit. If you already know which outlet is the problem outlet, you’ll need to open it up to check the wiring.

However, before you do this, make sure you turn off the main breaker and disconnect any power. 

Unscrew the outlet from the wall and check the wiring

Sometimes a wire can come loose due to vibration and cause the outlet to stop working. Check all of the wires to make sure they are secure.

Replace the outlet , if necessary

You should be able to use any household outlet.

Of course, if you are not completely comfortable checking wires and replacing outlets, call a professional. There’s no sense in electrocuting yourself or causing even more electrical problems just to save a couple of dollars.

But with the power off, an outlet can be replaced in under 5 minutes by an average homeowner, and they only costa  few dollars.

Old GFCI outlets can be an electrical hazard. Here’s an example on one we replaced recently. #electricalpros #electrician #electricalsafety pic.twitter.com/F7Fo2PrnaZ — electricalpros (@electricalpros3) December 16, 2020

Why do my RV GFCI electrical outlets keep tripping?

RV GFCI breakers trip most often due to water getting splashed into the outlet. Technically, this means that the GFCI outlet is detecting an imbalance between the hot and neutral conductors. This usually means there is a leakage to the ground on one of the wires.

GFCI outlets are designed to be used next to sinks, so you’ll find them most often in the kitchen and bathroom , and on any outlet outside the RV.

GFCI outlets have built-in circuit breakers. These mini circuit breakers are very sensitive to bad grounds and reverse polarity in electrical systems.  

Of course, if no water is present, and the outlet is still tripping, then you most likely have bad wiring or a defective outlet.

Start by replacing the GFCI outlet that trips (with the power off). If it still trips with the new outlet in, then you have a larger problem that will likely require service at an RV service center.

500 Watt Portable Generator With RV Outlet and 208cc Engine Multi-Featured Control Panel with RV Outlet Includes two GFCI 120V household outlets and one 120V RV outlet to power essentials in your home, or items in your RV when you’re away from home. https://t.co/YySgehmQTX pic.twitter.com/ewd92bmnDT — BANZ Group B.S.C. (c) (@BanzGroup) January 4, 2020

What is the difference between an RV inverter and converter?

The converter ensures that power is properly distributed throughout the RV. They turn AC power into DC power. Inverters turn DC power into AC power.

When you plug your RV into a 30 or 50 amp RV power outlet box, you receive 120-volt AC or alternating current power. RVs need to convert that power into 12-volt direct current, or DC power, to make use of it.

Without a properly working power converter , RV appliances and electrical fixtures won’t run.

The converter ensures that power is properly distributed throughout the RV. 12 volt power is supplied to the DC systems when the RV is plugged-in to shore power or running off a generator.

It also charges the house batteries.  An alternative to a converter is an inverter.

The inverter is needed if you don’t have shore power or the generator on (if you have one). In those cases, basically when you’re dry camping, if you want power in the RV, you have to use the coach batteries.

But coach batteries deliver 12 volts of DC power; that won’t power outlets or appliances.

The inverter takes that and converts it so that your RV has power. Just be aware that using a ton of electricity will deplete your coach batteries somewhat quickly.

You’ll know they are starting to drain when you see lights flicker and dim.

To recharge your coach batteries you can run the generator, hook up to shore power, or in some cases with motorhomes, running the engine will allow the chassis batteries to charge the coach batteries.

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What happens when the RV converter goes bad?

When an RV converter goes bad, the coach batteries will drain even when connected to shore power. It will cause anything inside the RV designed to operate on 12v DC power to not function properly, if at all. You may also notice lights flickering or dimming unexpectedly. 

There are definite warning signs that indicate either a battery problem or a converter problem.

If the cooling fan, internal vents, or interior lights aren’t working properly , that could be a sign that there is something wrong with your converter.

If you see abnormal flickering or dimming of lights on the dashboard or around the RV, it could be caused by converter problems.

Finally, if your RVs onboard batteries can’t hold a charge, the culprit is likely either the battery or the converter.

Below we’ll get into some specific troubleshooting tips for your RV converter.

When you lose power and have to check your electrical box…. RV drama makes for a fun summer! Always cary spare fuses! Not the converter please! pic.twitter.com/OfdHK3DJsy — Annette Steele (@Annette32103419) July 31, 2020

Testing your converter

If you have any of the above-listed issues, or if you just want to check that your RV converter is in working order, there are a few steps you’ll want to take.

First, test your DC batteries. Start by disconnecting all power sources, turn off the inverter, engine, and generator. Test each battery with a digital multimeter. If the battery should hold a charge between 12.3 and 12.9 volts, it is working properly.

Anything less is a bad sign.

Next, test the AC power at the voltage box . You’ll want to use that trusty multimeter again. Make sure it’s delivering power properly.

Finally, test the converter at the DC distribution panel with the multimeter. The meter should be between 12.3 to 12.9 volts. Anything more or less will need to be addressed.

Unfortunately, RV converters can go wrong in several ways.

We’ve included the most common RV converter issues and troubleshooting options on this list. It’s just not possible to address every issue or fix.

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Troubleshooting your converter

• Check the battery

All RV batteries lose power over time. If your RV has been in storage and not connected to power, the problem could be as simple as a dead battery.

• Check the fuses

Blown fuses are cheap and easy to replace. And blown fuses are not uncommon in RVs. Check the fuse box to make sure the problem isn’t just a blown fuse.

• Check the circuit breakers

If your circuit breaker is tripped, it will need to cool down and be reset.

• Check the cooling fan

Your converter may be overheated. Check to make sure the fan is running and that the area is clear. It should be adequately ventilated.

• Check the converter for damage

Finally, check the circuit board for any signs of physical degradation. If it’s old, it may just be time to replace it.

If your converter uses resistors, make sure they are functioning properly. Faulty resistors can cause batteries to malfunction.

You may need to disassemble the converter to access the resistors. This will give you a chance to make sure everything else internally at least looks good.

While you’re in there, look for any signs of burning. You may see charring or even smell electrical burning. It’s possible it was overloaded and burned up. If that’s the case, you’ll definitely have to replace it. Luckily, RV converters really aren’t too complex.

Any issues can usually be fixed.

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What’s the difference between DC Power and AC Power in my RV?

AC power runs typical household electronics; anything plugged into a wall outlet. DC power is the type of power stored in batteries and in an RV includes the electrical system, car charging ports, and USB ports.

Before you can understand what an inverter or converter is, you should familiarize yourself with the difference between DC (direct current), and AC (alternating current) power.

Anything with a battery is using DC power internally.

So, when you are using shore power, you are using AC power. When you are boondocking , you are using DC electricity.

Inverters and converters allow you to switch between the two power sources. In short, converters turn AC power to DC power, and inverters turn DC power to AC power.

The primary function of converters is to charge batteries. And they are often referred to as “chargers.”

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Converters vs. Inverters

Typically, RVs come with built-in converters. They are simple systems that convert 120v AC power to 12v DC power. They slowly charge your battery while powering your RV.

Converters are the best solution if you are frequently connected to shore power. If you want to go boondocking and want to run a laptop, coffee pot, or anything that plugs into a wall socket, you’ll need an inverter. 

The most important thing to be aware of with an inverter is capacity.

Inverters must produce ten times the voltage when inverting from 12V to 120V. As a result, they pull ten times more current from the batteries. For example, if you are watching a TV that requires a 5 Amp AC draw, the inverter is drawing 50 Amps from the batteries.

This can drain your battery very quickly. source

There are a few things to consider when using an inverter. First, they are unable to power large appliances. Things like air-conditioners, refrigerators , and even microwaves can drain the batteries very quickly. If you want to use large appliances, you should be connected to shore power or a generator.

If you are using an inverter, you should also consider incorporating a solar panel array with your inverter system. This will provide for some battery voltage recovery while dry camping.

Converters, on the other hand, charge batteries while connected to shore power or a generator. You’ll also be able to use the wall sockets and large appliances.

Converters distribute power to the different AC and DC circuits.

This means that the converter takes power from the shoreline or generator and distributes it to different branch circuits through individual breaker switches. That’s why there are separate fuse panels for various 12v house systems.

Inverters do not have a distribution system built-in.

So they require separate fuse panels and breaker boxes to be installed. They also don’t typically come built-in in your RV. So if you want one, you’ll have to purchase it aftermarket and either install it yourself or have it professionally installed.

As an RV owner, you know that most motorhomes have a battery for the motor, just like a car battery. These are often called chassis batteries. But they also have a battery, or even multiple batteries, to power the inside of the RV, too.

These are often called coach batteries.

To learn about the differences between the chassis battery and the house battery, check out this recent article . Just click the link to read it on my site.

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Why are my RV outlets not working on the generator?

If the generator is running, any outlet inside the RV that is not working likely has a tripped breaker. For GFCI outlets, check the breaker on the outlet and reset if necessary. Otherwise check the main breaker panel and reset the breaker.

GFCI outlets are typically found in the kitchen area and bathroom areas.

But some RV manufacturers are even installing them in out of the way places, like inside of cabinets. If you aren’t sure exactly where all of your GFCI outlets are, you should check all of your outlets for reset switches. Outside outlets will likely have them too.

Press “reset” on them, if necessary.

Take note of them for later, so you don’t have to check all of your outlets the next time you’re having electrical problems.

Of course, if your generator won’t turn on and you have gas and oil in it, then check the main breaker panel to see if there is a generator breaker that has flipped.

The exact location of the breaker for a generator may vary by year model, but they can also be in the generator compartment.

No, if you have to do this to plug in a generator or any kind of power source to your RV/camper it was built VERY wrong, it should have a connector like this. pic.twitter.com/sZLYlkE1Ov — MyButteredMarsBar (@mybrothersmario) December 6, 2020

What does it mean when my RV electrical outlets are not working, but the breaker is not tripped?

When your RV electrical outlets are not working, but the breaker is not tripped, it will likely be an issue with your shore power, generator, inverter, or converter.

It’s not uncommon for new RVers to trip breakers.

Every once in a while, you may not have power, even if the inside breakers haven’t tripped. Understanding the basic electrical working of your rig can make it easier to troubleshoot issues .

If you are plugged into campground power, check the breaker on the post.

Every post will have its own breaker. If your power goes out, and the inside breakers haven’t tripped, check the outside breaker.

Of course, if you do have power for other things other than the outlets, that probably isn’t the issue.

Just like in your home, most RVs have GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets. These can be found in places that get wet, like the bathroom or the kitchen.

Unlike standard outlets, GFCI outlets have buttons labeled “test” and “reset.”

These outlets are meant to protect you from getting shocked or electrocuted. They have an internal switch that shuts off electricity to the outlet when a ground fault is sensed.

Try pressing the reset button on the GFCI outlet. If it were tripped, the “test” button would pop back out, and the power will be restored to the outlet.

If you’ve checked the RV breakers, the campground power pole breaker, and the GFCI outlets, and you still don’t have power, what do you do?

The last thing you can do if you still don’t have power is to check the inverter. In theory, if you have the generator on, or are connected to shore power, you don’t need the inverter. But it’s possible it is malfunctioning and creating an issue.

Just like the GFCI outlet, inverters have a reset button. Press it.

If your outlets still don’t work after doing all of this, you may have an electrical issue. It’s a good idea to get a professional to take a look at your wiring. Faulty electrical systems can cause fires.

Did I cover everything you wanted to know about why your RV outlets aren’t working?

If you suddenly don’t have power to your RV outlets, check all of the breakers first. Check the shore power breaker and the RV breakers.

Also, check to make sure none of your GFCI outlets have tripped.

A multimeter is an essential tool to have on hand. Use it to check the battery power as well as your converter and inverter power.

Inverter power is okay if you are boondocking , but be sure to keep an eye on your battery. Otherwise, use shore power or a generator.

Above all, be safe. When in doubt, call an electrician.

Photo which requires attribution:

TROTDE49 IMG_0217~photo by Terry Bone is licensed under CC2.0

Jeff Campbell

Jeff Campbell travels on and off with his 3 daughters in a Newmar Baystar Class A Motorhome. He writes extensively on both RVs, campgrounds, parenting on the road tips, remote learning & schooling, and much more! Click Here to learn more about me. Click Here to learn more about my site. Editorial Policies.

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What to Do When Your RV Outlets Aren’t Working

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It’s not unusual for your RV’s electrical outlets to lose power, in fact it happens quite often. Generally, this type of failure is caused by your RV being in motion while you travel and it usually means it’s as simple as a loose connection on the outlet end of the wire, or less often, the supply line of the electrical run.

Isolate the problem

The first thing to do is to isolate the problem. For example, are all of your outlets without power or is it just one or two on the same wall? If all of the outlets in your RV are without power, then it’s likely that you have what I would refer to as a “global failure”. By this I mean that if all of the 110/120-volt outlets in your rig are without a power supply, then it’s highly likely that the problem is located in your shore power supply or somewhere within the distribution box that delivers that load to those outlets.

On the other hand, if you discover that only a few outlets or light fixtures are missing power, then it’s likely that there is a problem within that load line, and it is ganged from outlet or fixture to the next outlet or fixture. In short, this is where you need to become a detective.

What does “ganged” mean?

110/20-volt outlets have four ports or screws to secure the electrical line into the outlet. If you only have one outlet on electric line, then you would only use two of these ports or screws. However, when you have multiple outlets on a load line you would use the other two ports to continue the load to the next outlet. This is known as ganging.

When you’re dealing with a 12-volt power line, the load is delivered by direct current and any break in the line will cause that line to lose all continuity since the load has to be returned to the power source.

This is not the case when you’re dealing with 110/120-volt power as this uses an alternating current, so the load is returned to the power source by the same line in which it was delivered. If you’ve ever been shocked by 110/120-volt current, you may have noticed the sensation feel like a buzz. That’s because the current is alternating back and forth between you and the power source.

With that said, it’s possible to have a single outlet on a ganged load line that is not working, yet all the other outlets continue to operate normally.

How to check your outlets

The best way to check an outlet if you suspect it’s not working correctly is to use a multi-meter. To do this, you set the multi-meter to the setting that has a single “V” because this is the setting used for checking a 110/120-volt power load. Once your multi-meter is turned on to this setting, you’ll usually see 00.12 or a small number like that. Don’t worry about these numbers because that is just stray voltage that in the air and it’s normal to see these numbers. Now you’re ready to test the outlet.

• Auto-ranging handheld digital multimeter for taking voltage and frequency measurements
• Measuring functions: AC/DCV, DCA, diode/continuity test, and resistance/battery test
• Counts up to 2,000

Last update on 2024-04-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Your multi-meter comes with two leads. One will be black and the other will be red and these will be inserted into your receptacles holes to check its continuity. If you’ve ever noticed, most plugs will have one side wider than the other as will the receptacle. The wider slot is how the power load is delivered and the smaller slot is your neutral line.

Unlike direct current where the red line represents the power supply and a black line is a ground wire, when dealing with alternating current these lines will be black, white and a bare copper wire. Your black line is for delivering the power load, your white line is neutral, and the bare copper line is the ground. To test your outlet, take the black lead on your multi-meter and insert it into the wider slot. Next, insert the red lead into the other slot. Your meter should now read 120, which means that part of the socket is getting power. Repeat this process for the other slots on the receptacle and if it reads 120 too, then that outlet is supplying power.

Possible issues

It’s not unusual in an RV for things to come loose as you travel, and your outlets are no exception either. If you’re not getting power to that outlet, turn the breaker off to that load line and inspect the outlet. Are all the wires in place? If not, this one be the cause of the loss of power, and you can simply re-attach the line to its proper port and you should be back in business again. If you have GFCI outlets (GFCI stands for ground fault circuit interrupter), also check to see if they are tripped, in which case you should just hit the reset button on your GFCI outlet.

Final thoughts

As I have said in various other articles where I give you advice about electrical issues , if you don’t feel comfortable dealing with electricity then you may want to find a qualified professional to do this type of work for you.

As always, my friends, thanks for following and have a safe and happy camping experience.

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Born and raised in Michigan, contributing writer Brian C. Noell is a retired hospitality industry professional that now works remotely as a visual artist, writer and photographer as he travels around the United States in an RV with his dog Lizzy, an eighty pound Appenzeller hound dog.

RV Outlets Not Working (Troubleshooting Tips)

When you head out in the RV you anticipate making a few sacrifices from your everyday life in a fully functioning home. However, you also know that the RV still provides you some everyday luxuries like electricity, a shower, a bed, and maybe even air conditioning if you’re lucky.

All of those things depend on your RV power working like it is intended to. What do you do when your RV outlets are not working?

There is more than one thing that could cause your RV outlets not to work. The problem might be that they simply are not getting enough power from the source or it’s possible that you’ve tripped an outlet as well.

When your RV outlets are not working, there is typically an underlying reason for the problem. The good news is that you can most likely fix the issue but you may need some tools to do so.

Here are some troubleshooting tips if your RV outlets are not working for you.

RV Outlets Not Working on Battery

If you are trying to use your outlets on battery and they are not working, it’s probably because the battery is not giving them enough power, or perhaps it’s not supplying the right kind of power.

RV outlets produce about 15-20 amps of power but they need 100 or 120 volts in order to provide the power they are supposed to.

The problem is that the batteries in your RV are powerful enough to work at least the outlets and a few things within the RV but they are DC power.

If you find that your RV outlets are not working on battery, you most likely need to use an inverter to convert your DC power to AC power.

Give this a try and see if it helps solve your problem!

Outlets Not Working on a Generator

You’ve got everything hooked up to the generator and plenty of power so everything should be working, right? Maybe you even have power to one specific spot in the RV but not to all of the outlets or a certain appliance.

If you are experiencing this issue, the most likely culprit is a tripped breaker. This is the most common issue for outlets not working when a generator is being used.

There are two ways to resolve this and it just depends on where the breaker for the outlet or appliance is located. It is different in various RVs as some use GFCI outlets. In other RVs, you will just need to find your main breaker panel.

• If you have a GFCI outlet that is not working, try resetting the outlet at the outlet to see if that resolves the issue.
• Check the main breaker panel for your RV and reset any breakers that appear to be tripped. If there is no tripped breaker but you know the breaker tied to the outlet, you might reset it to see if that works.

These tips are assuming that your generator is on and working properly so the problem is not the generator. If the problem is your generator, that requires different troubleshooting. You might also check the breakers on the generator to see if something was tripped there.

RV Outlets Not Working on Shore Power

There are a couple of different reasons that your outlets might not be working when you are connected to shore power. The most common culprit has tripped breakers or tripped GFCI outlets that need a reset.

However, sometimes the issue is the adapter or inverter at the shore power level. You might need to make sure you are using the right adapter for the shore power so that it is sourcing the power properly to your outlets.

Check your breakers and GFCI outlets first. Find all of the GFCI outlets and use the reset button on them to be sure nothing is tripped with the outlets.

You should also check your main breaker box to be sure there are no tripped breakers directed to the outlet.

Checking your GFCI and your main breaker are the best place to start because these are simple fixes. They are also the most common culprit for an outlet not working.

If those do not correct the issue, that is when you might check your inverter or adapter connected to shore power. Make sure you are using the right thing

A Single RV Outlet is Not Working

If you are just having problems with one single outlet, this could be a sign that there is something wrong with that outlet. It also could be a sign that there is a wiring issue where that outlet is concerned.

We mentioned this earlier but the most common reason an outlet will not be working is a tripped breaker. The majority of the time this will fix your outlet issues as long as everything is properly connected and set up.

Try these things.

• If just one outlet is affected and you’ve tried all other things, you can replace that single outlet. Be sure to do so safely and turn off all power before making the change.
• Always check the main breaker panel to see if any breakers have been tripped.
• Check all outlets for GFCI setup and reset any outlet that has the option. Sometimes outlets are connected so resetting could fix your issue.
• Make sure you are properly connected to a power source
• Test other outlets to determine if only one outlet is affected.

It’s not uncommon to have an outlet that needs to be replaced. In fact, it’s a good idea to have spare outlets with you. Just be sure you follow safety requirements and know how to properly change them.

STILL Not Working

If you’ve gone through all of these troubleshooting options and you are still experiencing an issue with your power in your RV, chances are that there is a different issue at play.

This could be an issue with the wiring to the outlet or it could potentially be an issue with your power source as well.

Let’s start with the wiring.

RV Wiring Issue

When nothing else seems to be working with your RV outlet troubleshooting, there’s a possibility that there is an issue with the wiring as well. If all of your other outlets seem to be working, the good news is that only the wiring to your problem outlet is affected.

This does happen and usually, it is the grounding wire directly to the outlet. The thing is your RV jostles and moves around, it could loosen the connection on the outlet, therefore rendering the outlet ineffective.

You can fix this on your own. We do want to caution you as messing with electricity should always be done with caution. We certainly don’t want someone to get shocked or injured by electricity.

Here are some steps you can follow to check the wiring.

• Turn off the power to the RV. You don’t want any power running through those wires so go ahead and disconnect from every power source, shut down your main breaker, and unplug from your batteries to be safe.
• Remove the outlet. This will most likely require a screwdriver. You probably cannot just pull the outlet completely away because of the wiring.
• Inspect the backside of the outlet to determine if all wiring is in place and connected properly.
• Check the wires to be sure they are connected. If there are any wires disconnected, go ahead and reconnect them carefully. Do not touch the ends of the wires directly.
• Reattach the outlet.
• Restore power to your RV.
• Test the outlet. It should be working now if a loos connection was the problem.

The other potential problem is that your power source is not properly working.

There are several different power sources so this particular thing will require checking your power source.

Are you using batteries for power? Check out our tips above for the battery. Ultimately, you probably need to be sure you have an inverter and that it is powered on.

Are you using a generator for power? Check our tips above for a generator and see if it applies. Otherwise, the real problem is most likely the generator so you may need to troubleshoot why the generator is not providing the power you are depending on.

Finally, if you are using shore power, the problem might be your adapter to the shore power or there could be something wrong with the shore power itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do outlets work in an rv while driving.

If your RV is a motorhome, then the outlets might work when the RV is powered on. However, the outlets are typically powered off of a different set of batteries so as long as you are connected to those batteries with your inverter, the power will work.

Why Do GFCI Outlets Trip in an RV?

You might notice that your GFCI outlets seem to need to be reset an awful lot. It’s not necessarily that you are doing anything wrong. It could just be the motion of the RV or connecting and then disconnecting and reconnecting power. Most of the time, it’s because water maybe got splashed on the outlet.

The good news is that the GFCI reset makes fixing the problem easy.

If you are experiencing an issue with outlets in your RV, the most likely cause is that it just needs to be reset or you’ve tripped a breaker. There are occasionally other issues but these are the most common problem areas.

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What To Do When Non-GFCI RV Outlets Are Not Working

The Two Kinds of RV Outlets

There are two kinds of outlets in every RV, regular and GFCI.

GFCI outlets are what you find in bathrooms and kitchens. They’re the outlets that have the test and reset buttons in the center of the outlet.

Related Product: It’s a good idea to have a Receptacle Tester (click to view on Amazon) in your RV. You never know when the outlets are going to start acting up. 

GFCI or GFI outlets are made to cut the power when a “current leakage” or power surge is detected.

An example of this is when water gets into an outlet creating a surge of power as electricity flows through the water.

A working GFCI outlet should cut the power to the outlet in this type of situation which is why they are often found in bathrooms, kitchens, basements that are prone to flooding, and outdoor outlets.

Regular non-GFCI RV outlets are the same as the ones you can find in your home.

They are usually 15 amp and will only work when the RV is connected to an AC 110 volt power source.

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Table of Contents show The Two Kinds of RV Outlets How RV Outlets Are Wired Non-GFCI RV Outlet Troubleshooting 1. Make sure the RV is plugged into power. 2. Check for another GFCI outlet. 3. Look in the breaker box. 4. Check the wiring on all the outlets that aren’t working. 5. Check the wiring behind the distribution panel. 6. Replace the GCFI outlet or breaker. 7. Reset the power source the RV is plugged into.

How RV Outlets Are Wired

The outlets in RVs are wired together in groups. So the outlets in the bedroom might be directly connected to the outlets in the slide out or even the ones on the outside of the RV.

If one of the outlets in the circuit is having issues, the rest of the outlets will stop working as well.

It’s very common for the regular RV outlets to be wired to a GFCI outlet.

That’s why if the GFCI outlet in the bathroom is tripped other outlets in the RV will stop working as well.

Sometimes there are GFCI outlets on the outdoor outlets or outlets in the outer storage compartments.

It’s a good idea to look around and locate all of the GFCI outlets so you know where they are.

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Non-GFCI RV Outlet Troubleshooting

Here are a few things you can try if your non-GFCI RV outlets aren’t working.

1. Make sure the RV is plugged into power.

The outlets in an RV will only work when the RV is plugged into power.

Outlets use 110 volt AC power and when an RV is only using DC power from the batteries they won’t work.

Unless you’re using an inverter that turns the 12 volt DC power from the battery into 110 volt power, the RV has to be plugged into a 110 volt power source for the outlets to work.

2. Check for another GFCI outlet.

I know everyone says this but it’s most likely a tripped GFCI outlet that’s causing the regular outlets to not work.

It’s common for regular RV outlets to be wired to a GFCI outlet. So if that outlet trips the entire chain of outlets will go out.

There’s always a GFCI outlet in the bathroom, but there can be one or two in other places.

Sometimes they’re in areas that most people wouldn’t think to look.

Check all of the outlets on the outside of your camper and inside the outside storage compartments.

Sometimes the inside outlets are connected to a GFCI outlet outside.

Note a GFCI outlet needs power to reset. If you are pressing the reset button when the power is disconnected to the entire RV it might not reset.

3. Look in the breaker box.

Not all of the GFCI outlets in an RV have a reset button on them.

Some are connected to an actual breaker switch that can be found in the RV breaker box with the other breakers and fuses.

The GFCI outlets might be connected to a fuse as well, make sure you check both the fuses and the breakers.

Sometimes if you flip off the GFCI outlet breaker and then turn it back on it can reset the system and get the non-GFI outlets working again.

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4. Check the wiring on all the outlets that aren’t working.

RV outlets are often wired together, so if one stops working the rest won’t work either.

It’s very common for the wires behind the outlets to fall out because of bad installation quality and the vibrations from the road making the connection loose.

Make sure you disconnect the entire RV from power before you start removing the outlets to check the wiring.

When you remove an outlet test the wires on each one by pulling them just a little bit.

If a wire is loose and about to fall out it could be what’s causing the issue.

5. Check the wiring behind the distribution panel.

The problem could be coming from the distribution panel the outlets are getting their power from.

Make sure you unplug the entire RV from power and also disconnect the RV batteries before messing around behind the distribution panel/breaker box.

Look behind the unit to see if any wires have started to come out.

If you know which wires are going to the outlets you can also pull them a bit to see if they are loose.

6. Replace the GCFI outlet or breaker.

If a GFCI outlet that has a reset button on it isn’t working even when you press the reset button the outlet may need to be replaced.

The breakers in these kinds of outlets can wear out after having to cut the power a few times, a replacement might get things working again.

The breaker for the GFCI outlets that don’t have a reset button on them could be the problem as well. If you’ve tried everything else replacing the breaker is the next step.

See Also:  Can You Plug in Just the RV Fridge?

7. Reset the power source the RV is plugged into.

If you are plugged into a power pedestal at an RV park or campground that may have been affected by whatever made the RV outlets stop working.

Turn off the breaker to the power pedestal and unplug your RV. Then plug back in the RV and flip the breaker to the power pedestal back on.

You can also try resetting the GFCI outlets again after this to make sure they are properly reset as well.

It sounds crazy but sometimes the power pedestal can be the problem.

Have any questions about resetting non-GFCI RV outlets? Leave a comment below.

2 thoughts on “What To Do When Non-GFCI RV Outlets Are Not Working”

Hi there! I have an old camper a 2006 StarCraft antiqua.. I recent plugged in a heater and it stopped all power to the front and one side of my camper, even the fridge. I looked all over for any breaker box or gfci plug, but haven’t found anything. I’m living in my camper and am trying to avoid having to bring it in. Do you have any suggestions?

Hi Kristen,

It has to be a blown fuse. The breaker/fuse box is can sometimes be hard to find, but it’s somewhere inside the living area of your RV. It’s part of the main power center where the charger is also housed.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

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Travel Consultants and Travel Tips

Why Are RV Outlets Not Working?

September 29, 2022 by Stephanie Lane

Last updated on March 29th, 2023 at 10:20 am

All of our reviews are based on exhaustive research, industry experience and whenever possible, hands-on testing. When you make a purchase using one of our chosen links we’ll get a small percentage of the proceeds. This supports the site and keeps Jeffsetter running. You can read more here .

Your RV outlets are necessary to run appliances like your RV fridge and microwave as well as smaller devices for convenience like a hair drier or television. So, no one wants to get into their RV and get on the road only to realize that their outlets are not functioning properly. That can quickly put a damper on any trip.

Knowing how to troubleshoot electrical problems in your RV is imperative to a smooth camping trip. 

So, why aren’t your RV outlets working? 

A few common reasons your RV outlets might not be working include a tripped GFCI outlet or a breaker that needs to be reset, a faulty power source whether that be an inverter, a converter, a generator, an ashore power, or a fuse or an outlet that needs to be replaced. 

This article will take you through the most common issues you’ll run into with your RV outlets and how to troubleshoot them. 

Why Are Your RV Outlets Not Working?

RV outlets are quite similar to the outlets in your home, but they do have key differences in how they receive their power that can help you understand and troubleshoot why yours might not be working. Since RV outlets can be powered from multiple sources, such as an inverter, generator, battery, or shore power, it can be a bit difficult to know exactly why your outlets aren’t working. 

The two most common causes behind not-working outlets in your RV are a tripped GFCI outlet, or your inverter isn’t powered on and you aren’t connected to shore power. Both of these issues are easy fixes, just clicking the right button, to restore power to your outlets. If it’s a tripped GFCI outlet, typically you can press the ‘reset’ button at the center of the outlet. If it’s the inverter, simply turning it on or making sure you are connected to shore power will fix the problem. 

That being said, there are plenty of other issues that you can come across when it comes to your RV batteries and some of those might not be quite as easy to solve. We’ll get in-depth on troubleshooting and fixing other common issues you might come across when your outlets in your RV are not working. 

RV Outlets Not Working on Battery

Your RV outlets won’t work just from the battery supply of your recreational vehicle. RV outlets run on 120 volts AC, while batteries are 12 volts DC. To run your outlets off the battery you need an inverter that will convert the 12-volt DC power into 120-volt AC power . The problem with inverters is that they drain your battery quickly. 

An inverter might be able to run a small appliance for a couple of hours, but it will soon run out of power after that. A small appliance might be your hairdryer, coffee maker, or your TV. Most have a built-in alarm that will notify you when they are close to running out of power, but they shut off soon after. This leaves you with no way to power your outlets and your 12-volt battery is drained of power and in need of a recharge. 

Because of this, inverters are not considered the most efficient way to run your outlets. 

A better option is to hook up to shore power if you are at a campground and it is available to you. If shore power is not an option, a generator can be a good backup . Keep in mind that some campgrounds don’t allow generators past quiet hours, so even a generator can’t be your only solution to running power to your outlets. 

If you are running on an inverter, shore power, or generator and your outlets are not working, we’ll go over how to troubleshoot and fix some of those problems. As always with electrical work, if you’re not sure what you are doing, consult a professional electrician. If you’re specific enough about your problem, they may even be able to walk you through a solution over the phone. 

What Are The Differences Between an RV Inverter and a Converter?

A converter will change AC power into DC power, while an inverter changes DC power into AC power. 

In your RV, there are some things that will run on DC power and others that will run on AC. AC power is going to run most of your household electronics and anything that is plugged into an outlet. DC power is going to run your RV’s electrical system, charging ports, and USB ports. 

When you have your RV plugged into an RV power outlet box that has 30 or 50 amps, your RV is running on 120-volt AC power. Your RV needs to convert that power into 12-volt DC power for it to work. A converter will do that for you. 

RV’s will often come with a built-in converter . 

Converters ensure that power is being properly distributed throughout your RV and without one, your RV appliances and electrical fixtures will not work. When your RV is plugged into shore power or running off of a generator the converter supplies 12-volt power to the DC systems of your RV. It will also charge your RV’s battery. 

Converters are not immune to problems, and they can stop working properly. A tell-tale sign that your RV converter isn’t working properly is that your coach batteries will drain even when you’re hooked up to shore power. You’ll also notice that items in your RV that operate on 12-volt DC power are not working properly or even not working at all. You might even see flickering or dimming of your lights. 

There are some warning signs that your converter isn’t up to snuff that you should be able to recognize before the issue becomes larger. 

One is if there is a problem with the internal vents, the cooling fan, or the lights inside of your RV. Another is any flickering or dimming of the lights on your RV’s dashboard. And the most obvious indicator is that your RV batteries can’t hold a charge. 

Trouble Shooting Your Converter 

If you’ve noticed some of these issues come up in your RV, you’ll want to check your converter to make sure that it’s in good shape. 

• Start by testing your DC batteries. You’ll want to disconnect all power sources — the inverter, generator, engine, etc. With a digital multimeter , test each battery. If it’s showing lower than 12.3 volts, that is not a good sign. 
• Test the AC power at the voltage box. Again, use your multimeter to make sure it’s delivering power properly 
• Test the converter at the DC distribution panel. Using your multimeter, you should get a reading of 12.3 to 12.9 volts. Less than that and you likely have a problem on your hands. 

After using your multimeter and finding that there is a problem with your converter, you’ll want to try and figure out where the problem is coming from and hopefully it is an easy fix. 

Check your RV’s battery , a dead battery could be the reason behind your converter’s issues. If your RV has been disconnected from power for a while, that could be an easy solution. 

You’ll also want to check the fuses and the circuit breakers. Blown fuses can be common in RVs, so you’ll want to check the fuse box to see if it’s that. A blown fuse is a pretty easy and cheap fix. Your circuit breaker might be tripped and if it is, it likely needs time to cool down and then be reset. 

If everything is in order so far, you should take a look at the cooling fan. The fan should be running with good ventilation or the converter can overheat. 

If none of the above is showing signs of damage or wear, you’ll want to look at the converter itself. If it’s older, you may need to look for a replacement . Your converter may have resistors which you should check to make sure they are working properly. Chances are, you’ll have to disassemble the converter to check the resistors. This will give you the opportunity to make sure everything looks good internally. 

Keep a look out for any sign of burning inside of your converter. You may even smell the burning or see charring. If that’s the case, a replacement is definitely necessary. 

An inverter is an alternative to a converter and can be useful when you are not hooked up to shore power or a generator. An inverter will run off of the RV 12-volt DC battery and convert that into 120-volt AC power which your RV’s outlets run on. 

As I mentioned before, inverters are not ideal because they can drain your battery quite quickly. That being said, if you have no other method of getting power, they’re a great option. 

This video explains some of the differences between your RV’s inverter and converter. 

RV Electrical Outlets Not Working but the Breaker Isn’t Tripped 

Don’t start to panic just because you have found that your outlets are not working but your breaker hasn’t tripped. This is not too big of a deal. Outlets don’t always trip the breaker whenever there is a problem. 

Start by checking the power supply. Breakers don’t always get tripped when there is little or no power. 

If you find that there is no or little power, your batteries could have a few issues. They might be defective, nearly out of charge, or there could be a larger issue with your generator where it’s not producing the amount of power you need. You should check these parts and see if there is anything wrong with them.

If nothing was wrong with those parts, you’ll want to check the GDCI circuit. This can trip without tripping the breaker. This is where you need to reset your GFCI circuit, which is a simple process that we went over earlier in this article. 

There is also a possibility that there is an issue with your shore power, generator, inverter, or converter. Sometimes the inside breakers won’t have tripped, but if you’re plugged into campground power, you will want to check the breaker on the post. If that’s not tripped as well, you’ll want to start by resetting your GFCI outlets. 

If none of this has solved your problem, you might want to check your inverter as well. Even if you’re using a generator or hooked up to shore power if your inverter is on and having problems it can affect your outlets. Similarly to a GFCI outlet, inverters have a convenient ‘reset’ button. Press that and hopefully, you’ll see power restored. 

If you go through the resetting process and there is still a problem, you may have a bigger issue on your hands. It could be bad or poorly done wiring, the outlet itself could be dead, or you could have damaged wires. 

As always, contact a professional if you’re not comfortable doing this work yourself. It’ll always cost less to get a professional in there from the get-go than to need a professional to redo whatever work you’ve tried to do and done wrong. 

Why Won’t my GFCI Outlet Reset In My Camper? 

GCFI outlets are designed to protect you from shock and electrocution. They’re most commonly installed in bathrooms and kitchens, where an outlet is more likely to get wet. Because of their design, they will often trip if they detect any moisture in an effort to keep you safe. 

GFCI outlets will typically have two buttons in the center that are labeled ‘reset’ and ‘test’. 

If you don’t have any power to your outlet, you can try pressing the reset button and if the test button pops back out, then the power should be restored. Before pressing the button, you should check that the outlet is completely dry since moisture is what typically makes the outlet stop working. 

If you find that your GFCI outlet is constantly tripping even without any moisture present, then it might be time to replace that outlet. 

One Side of Camper Not Working 

It’s important to note that in your RV your GFCI outlet might be connected to multiple outlets, so if one trips, you might lose power to more than just that outlet. 

Usually, you’ll find your GFCI outlet in a bathroom or kitchen, but don’t neglect to check your outlets on the outside of your RV. Those will also be GFCI outlets and they could be connected to your interior outlets causing them to shut off as well. 

The other cause for power not running to multiple outlets is that a breaker monitoring several outlets has tripped and no power is getting to those outlets. If this is the case, you’ll want to check your breaker box and reset it. 

If you find that isn’t the case and it is an issue with your GFCI outlets, you can easily solve the problem by hitting that ‘reset’ button. 

You might feel like it’s an inconvenience that many outlets in your RV lose power just because one GFCI outlet got tripped. If you wanted to, you could replace all of your outlets but one from the GFCI chain and install all new GFCI outlets. That way only the affected outlet will trip and the others won’t stop working. 

How To Fix An RV Outlet?

So, you’ve determined that you have an RV outlet that needs fixing. You might understand the cause of your issues from reading this article, but how do you use that knowledge to actually fix it? Follow the steps below in order to troubleshoot that problem and hopefully fix it. 

• Make sure you have power 
• Check your GFCI outlets 
• Check your breaker 
• Test all the outlets
• Replace your outlet if needed 

It might sound silly, but make sure you actually have power running to your outlets. We’ve gone over the different ways you can power your outlets, from an inverter or converter to a generator or shore power. Ensure that at least one of these is on and being used. 

As stated earlier in this article, one tripped GFCI outlet can stop power to multiple outlets. You’ll want to check your GFCI outlet and reset it if needed. 

Check your breaker and inverter. Make sure that the power is on and that the breaker is not tripped. 

If you have some outlets working and others not, you don’t need to check your generator or shore power breakers. If either of those were tripped then none of your outlets would be working. 

If you haven’t found the culprit yet, then you’ll need to check every outlet in your RV. Using a multimeter, you’ll be able to tell which outlet isn’t getting power. 

Once you’ve found the outlet that has a problem, you should check its wiring. Before doing this, turn off the main breaker and disconnect any power to avoid electric shock . 

If the wiring is sound, then you might need to replace the outlet as a whole. The video below details how to do that, and we’ve gone in depth on that process in a previous article . Never attempt electrical work if you are not comfortable doing it. You can always contact a professional who can make these replacements in a few minutes. 

Trouble Shooting Any RV Electrical Problems

Here, I’ll go over a foolproof order of operation for troubleshooting any electrical issue you might come across in your RV. It will include some of the processes we’ve already discussed but will give you a good idea of where to start when you run into an electrical issue in your RV. 

1. Read Your Owner’s Manual

The owner’s manual will get you familiar with your RV’s electrical system. They may even provide you with a list of troubleshooting steps specific to your model. 

2. Check Your GFCI Outlets

As mentioned a few times in this article, this is the most common cause behind your outlets not working in your RV so it’s a good place to start when problems arise. 

3. Reset Your Breakers 

Breakers are usually tripped if there is an overload of power coming from a section of outlets. Your breaker panel’s location will be in your owner’s manual. Once you find it, you will need to find the breaker that is flipped and switch it back to reset it. If this is a continual problem, you might be running too many appliances at once. 

4. Check Your Fuse Box 

A blown fuse is common and easy to fix. You’ll need to locate the bad fuse and replace it with a fuse of the same voltage. It’s not a bad idea to keep some extra fuses around in order to make this replacement even easier. 

5. Check Your Main Power 

Whatever the main power source you are hooked up to at the time, you’ll want to make sure it’s not an issue with it. This could be an inverter, converter, generator, or shore power. 

6. Look At Your Inverter 

Like GFCI outlets, your inverter can be reset with the push of a button. Your inverter can also run out of power quickly, so make sure to not run too many things off of it if this is your only source of power. Many RVers will leave their inverter on all the time, but your manual might specify otherwise, so consult that before doing so. 

7. Check The Wiring 

During travel, the vibrations of your RV can cause wires to come loose or disconnect. If your RV has been in storage for a while, then you should check to make sure no rodents got in and chewed through any of your wirings. 

8. Replace Outlets 

Finally, if none of the previous steps fixed your problem, then you might need to replace your outlets. 

9. Consult a professional

As always, if you aren’t comfortable during any stage of this process, please give a professional a call. Or if you’ve gone through the troubleshooting steps and are still experiencing issues then you will need a professional to get in there and make any repairs or replacements necessary. 

Following these steps will help you get familiar with your RV’s electrical system, rule out any common issues and ensure that you contact a professional once you’ve tried everything that you can. 

Closing Thoughts

Making sure your RV outlets are working properly before your trip can actually save your trip from turining into a disaster.

If you find out that some or all of your RV outlets are not working then there are a few things at fault here. It could be a tripped GFCI outlet, or perhaps your inverter isn’t powered on and you aren’t connected to shore power. It could also be something as simple as a fuse or an outlet that needs to be replaced.

We’ve got plenty of reasons explaining why your RV outlets might be malfunctioning, and hopefully our troubleshooting guide can help you get them to work again. But remember if you’ve never done this before then it might be best to let a professional fix this issue!

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How to Troubleshoot Common Travel Trailer Electrical Issues

Electrical issues are a common problem for travel trailer owners. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to troubleshoot and resolve some of the most common travel trailer electrical problems.

Table of Contents

Diagnosing and Fixing Travel Trailer Battery Charging Problems

Travel trailer battery charging problems can lead to a dead battery and loss of power. To diagnose and fix battery charging issues:

• Inspect the battery for visible damage, bulging, or leaks.
• Check the battery terminals for corrosion and clean them if necessary.
• Test the battery voltage using a multimeter (Amazon) .
• Ensure the converter is properly charging the battery.
• Replace the battery if it fails to hold a charge.

Understanding and Resolving Travel Trailer Converter Issues

The travel trailer converter is responsible for converting 120V AC shore power into 12V DC power for the trailer’s electrical system. Common converter issues include:

• Overheating
• No output voltage
• Low output voltage
• Intermittent power

To resolve converter issues, check for loose connections, inspect the converter’s fuses, and ensure proper ventilation. If problems persist, consider replacing the converter.

Troubleshooting Travel Trailer Power Inverter Failures

A power inverter converts 12V DC power from the travel trailer’s battery into 120V AC power for appliances and outlets. Inverter issues may include:

To troubleshoot inverter issues, inspect the wiring connections, check the inverter’s fuses, and ensure proper ventilation. If necessary, replace the inverter.

Dealing with Travel Trailer Electrical Shorts and Blown Fuses

Electrical shorts and blown fuses are common travel trailer issues that can result in power loss. To resolve these issues:

• Identify the affected circuit by checking the fuse panel.
• Inspect the wiring for damage, frayed insulation, or loose connections.
• Replace any blown fuses with the correct amperage.
• If the issue persists, consult a professional for further troubleshooting and repair.

How to Identify and Repair Faulty Travel Trailer Wiring Connections

Faulty wiring connections can cause a variety of electrical issues in travel trailers. To identify and repair wiring issues:

• Inspect the wiring for visible damage, fraying, or corrosion.
• Test for continuity using a multimeter.
• Repair or replace damaged wiring and connectors as needed.

Tips for Resolving Travel Trailer Lighting Problems (Interior and Exterior)

Travel trailer lighting problems can range from a single non-functioning light to a complete loss of lighting. To resolve lighting issues:

• Check for blown fuses in the fuse panel.
• Inspect the bulbs for damage or burnout and replace if necessary.
• Test the light switch or fixture for proper voltage using a multimeter.
• Inspect wiring connections and repair or replace as needed.

Diagnosing and Fixing Travel Trailer 12V System Malfunctions

12V system malfunctions can result in loss of power to various travel trailer components. To diagnose and fix 12V system issues:

• Check the battery for proper voltage and charge.
• Inspect the converter for proper output voltage.
• Test fuses and circuit breakers in the 12V system.
• Inspect and repair any damaged wiring or connections.

Troubleshooting Issues with Travel Trailer Solar Panel Systems

Solar panel systems can provide supplemental power for travel trailers. Common issues include:

• Reduced power output
• No power output
• Damaged panels

To troubleshoot solar panel issues, inspect the panels for physical damage, clean the panels to remove dirt and debris, and check the connections between the panels and the charge controller. If necessary, consult a solar panel professional for further assistance.

Take a look at our article on: Installing Solar Panels On Your RV: A Step-By-Step Guide

How to Address Travel Trailer Generator Electrical Problems

Travel trailer generators can develop electrical issues, such as:

• Low power output

To address generator issues, inspect the generator for loose connections, ensure proper fuel levels and quality, and perform routine maintenance according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. If problems persist, consult a generator technician for further assistance.

Understanding and Fixing Travel Trailer GFCI Outlet Failures

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets protect against electrical shocks in wet or damp areas of the travel trailer. GFCI outlet failures can result in a loss of power or potential safety hazards. To fix GFCI outlet issues:

• Press the “Reset” button on the GFCI outlet.
• Test the outlet using a GFCI tester (Amazon) .
• Inspect the outlet wiring and connections.
• Replace the GFCI outlet if it continues to fail.

Travel Trailer Circuit Breaker Tripping: Causes and Solutions

Circuit breakers protect travel trailer electrical systems by tripping when a circuit is overloaded. To resolve circuit breaker issues:

• Identify the affected circuit and unplug any connected devices.
• Reset the circuit breaker by switching it off and then back on.
• Reconnect devices one at a time to identify the cause of the overload.
• If the issue persists, consult a professional for further troubleshooting.

How to Troubleshoot Travel Trailer Appliance Electrical Issues

Travel trailer appliances, such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and microwaves, can develop electrical issues. To troubleshoot appliance issues:

• Check for blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers.
• Inspect the appliance’s power cord and connections for damage.
• Test the appliance’s power source using a multimeter.
• Consult the appliance’s owner’s manual for specific troubleshooting steps.

Identifying and Resolving Travel Trailer Electrical Grounding Problems

Proper electrical grounding is essential for travel trailer safety. Grounding issues can cause:

• Electrical shocks
• Appliance malfunctions
• Power fluctuations

To resolve grounding issues, inspect the travel trailer’s grounding connections for damage or corrosion, and repair or replace as needed.

Tips for Addressing Travel Trailer Slide-Out Electrical Malfunctions

Travel trailer slide-outs can experience electrical malfunctions, such as:

• No power to the slide-out motor
• Stuck or slow-moving slide-outs

To address slide-out electrical issues, check for blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers, inspect the slide-out motor and wiring for damage, and consult the owner’s manual for specific troubleshooting steps.

How to Diagnose and Fix Travel Trailer Power Surge Damage

Power surges can damage travel trailer electrical systems and appliances. To diagnose and fix power surge damage:

• Inspect appliances and electronics for signs of damage.
• Test the affected devices using a multimeter.
• Replace damaged fuses, circuit breakers, or components as needed.
• Consider installing a surge protector (Amazon) to prevent future surge damage.

Troubleshooting Travel Trailer Electrical Issues Related to Water Damage

Water damage can cause a variety of electrical issues in travel trailers, such as:

• Short circuits
• Corrosion of wiring and connections

To troubleshoot water damage-related electrical issues:

• Identify and repair any water leaks or sources of moisture.
• Inspect wiring, connections, and appliances for signs of water damage.
• Replace or repair damaged components as needed.
• Thoroughly dry the affected areas before restoring power.

Dealing with Travel Trailer Power Distribution Panel Problems

The power distribution panel is the central hub for a travel trailer’s electrical system. Common panel issues include:

• Blown fuses
• Tripped circuit breakers
• Loose or damaged wiring connections

To resolve power distribution panel issues, inspect the panel for signs of damage, replace blown fuses or reset tripped circuit breakers, and tighten or repair any loose or damaged wiring connections.

How to Troubleshoot and Repair Travel Trailer Electric Brake Issues

Travel trailer electric brake issues can compromise safety and performance. Common electric brake problems include:

• Weak or inconsistent braking
• No brake activation
• Overheating brakes

To troubleshoot and repair electric brake issues:

• Inspect the brake wiring and connections for damage or wear.
• Test the brake controller for proper function using a brake controller tester (Amazon) .
• Check the brake magnets and replace them if necessary.
• Inspect and adjust the brake shoes and drums as needed.

Understanding and Fixing Travel Trailer Awning Motor Electrical Problems

Electric awning motors can experience electrical issues that prevent the awning from extending or retracting properly. To fix awning motor electrical problems:

• Check for blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers related to the awning motor.
• Inspect the awning motor wiring and connections for damage or wear.
• Test the awning motor switch for proper function using a multimeter.
• Replace the awning motor if it fails to operate correctly.

By understanding and addressing these common travel trailer electrical issues, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the road. Regular maintenance and inspection of your travel trailer’s electrical system will help prevent problems and keep your adventures running smoothly.

Good luck, and happy camping!

Check out our article on: How To Maintain and Repair Your Travel Trailer’s Propane System

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Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it. Henry David Thoreau

RV Outlets Not Working on Battery: How to Fix That?

If you’re an RV owner, there’s nothing more frustrating than having a non-working RV outlet. A non-working RV outlet can cause all sorts of problems – from preventing the use of vital appliances to leaving your camping trip in darkness. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be this way; with a few simple steps and some basic troubleshooting, you can get your RV outlets back in working order. In this article, we’ll look at the most common reasons why RV outlets aren’t working on battery power and how to go about fixing them. We’ll also provide answers to some frequently asked questions as well as useful tips for keeping your RV outlets in good working condition. So let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Do RV outlets work on battery power?

Yes, RV outlets can work on battery power. In most cases, the issue isn’t that RV outlets don’t work on battery power – it’s simply that there is a problem with the connections or wiring. If your RV outlet isn’t working and you’re sure that it’s not an issue with the electrical supply, then it could be due to a bad connection or a fault in the wiring. [3]

What Are The Differences Between an RV Inverter and a Converter?

Troubleshooting your converter.

If your converter is not working, the first thing you should do is check all of its electrical connections. Make sure that there are no loose wires or corroded terminals, and that all the plugs are firmly in place. Additionally, if your RV has a main fuse, make sure to check it too. If everything looks okay with the wiring, you may need to replace the converter or have it serviced by a professional. [2]

Dead Outlets in RV

If you’re a proud owner of an RV, you know the importance of having fully functional outlets. After all, where else will you plug in and power your devices? Unfortunately, sometimes these outlets don’t work properly – or even at all – when running on battery power. But don’t worry! We’ve got some tips to help get your RV outlets up and running again. [1]

RV Outlets Not Working on Generator

If your RV outlets are not working when connected to a generator, the most likely cause is an improper connection or wiring problem. If you have checked all connections and ensured that they are properly wired, then there may be an issue with the generator itself. [1]

RV Outlets Not Working on Shore Power

If your RV outlets are not working on shore power, it can be frustrating. But don’t worry – it’s probably a simple fix that doesn’t require a professional electrician! Here are some tips to help you get your outlets working again in no time.

• Check the circuit breakers first. Your RV has multiple circuit breakers, and one of them may be tripped. To reset it, first turn off the power to your RV by flipping the main switch. Then, locate the circuit breaker panel and look for a switch that’s in the “off” position. Flip it back to “on,” then flip the main power switch back on. This should reset your RV outlets.
• Check for loose wires or damaged outlets. Loose or faulty wiring can prevent electricity from reaching your RV outlets. To fix this, first shut off the power to your RV and inspect all of the wiring. Look for any loose connections or damaged outlets and make sure that they’re properly connected. If you find any issues, then call a professional electrician to repair them.
• Make sure the RV power cord is plugged in properly. This is an easy fix – just unplug the RV power cord from your shore power outlet, make sure that it’s properly connected, and then plug it back in. [1]

A Single RV Outlet is Not Working

If only one RV outlet is not working, you can use a few steps to help you identify and fix the problem.

First, check the circuit breakers in your RV and reset any that may have tripped. After doing this, try plugging something into the non-working outlet again to see if it works. If it still doesn’t work, then the issue may be a loose wiring connection.

To troubleshoot this, start by checking the outlet and switch for power using a voltage tester. If you don’t have access to a voltage tester, you can use a light bulb or other device with two wires connected to it. Connect the wires to each side of the outlet, and if the light bulb lights up then there is power present in the outlet.

RV Outlets Not Working on Battery

Read your owner’s manual.

If your RV outlets aren’t working on battery power, the first thing you should do is read your owner’s manual. It’s possible that the outlets are faulty or disconnected and this can be easily fixed with a little bit of troubleshooting. The manual will provide you with instructions for checking if the circuit breaker is tripped or if the wiring needs to be reset. [2]

Check Your GFCI Outlets

Your RV may be equipped with GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets, which are designed to help protect you from electric shock. If your RV is more than a few years old, the GFCI outlets may have become worn out or need to be replaced. Checking these outlets for any signs of wear and tear can help you diagnose the problem and get your RV outlets working again. [2]

Reset Your Breakers

If your RV outlets aren’t working on battery power, you might need to reset the circuit breakers. Most RVs have their own circuit breaker panel that’s separate from the main power source. To reset the breakers, turn off all of the switches. Then switch them back on slowly and one at a time. If any of the breakers trip, it indicates a problem with the circuit. [2]

Check Your Fuse Box

If your RV outlets are still not working on battery power, check the fuse box. Your fuse box may be located in the engine compartment or beneath the steering wheel. Check each of the fuses and replace any that are burned out. [2]

Check Your Main Power

Make sure that your main power source is functioning properly. Check the battery for any signs of corrosion and make sure it’s been charged recently. If you’re plugged into a generator, check that it is running correctly and that all cables are securely connected. [2]

Look At Your Inverter

If your RV is equipped with an inverter, it could be the reason why your outlets aren’t working on battery power. An inverter converts DC (direct current) to AC (alternating current), which allows you to use devices that require more powerful electricity. Check the settings and make sure they are set correctly. [2]

Check The Wiring

If all else fails, you should check the wiring. Inspect the wires for any signs of damage or loose connections. If you find any, make sure to disconnect them and check them again. If everything looks okay, reconnect the wires and see if that solves the problem. [2]

Replace Outlets

If none of the above steps solve your problem, it may be time to replace the outlets. This can be a tricky job and should only be done by a professional electrician. But replacing the outlets will ensure that your RV has safe and reliable power for years to come. [2]

Consult a professional

If you’re still having trouble with your RV outlets, it’s best to consult a professional. A qualified electrician can inspect your RV and help diagnose any underlying problems that may be causing the malfunction. They will also be able to identify any necessary repairs or replacements and make sure that your RV is up to code. With their help, you can make sure your RV outlets are safe and ready for use. [2]

RV Electrical Outlets Not Working But Breaker Not Tripped

If the RV electrical outlets are not working, but the breaker is not tripped, then it’s time to look at other potential causes. Here are some of the common culprits:

• Corroded/loose wires: Check all wiring and connections to make sure they are clean and properly connected. If corrosion has built up, you may need to replace the wires.
• Blown fuse: To check for blown fuses, first determine where they are located in your RV. Then carefully remove and inspect each one. If a fuse is blown, you will need to replace it with an identical one.
• Loose connections at electrical panel: Make sure all connections are tight at the electrical panel. If not, tighten them up or replace them.
• Poor ground: If you have an RV with a poor ground connection, this can cause the outlets to malfunction. Check the grounds and make sure they are connected properly. [1]

How To Reset GFCI Outlet in RV?

The first thing you should do when your RV outlet isn’t working on battery power is to reset the GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet.

How To Turn on Outlets in RV?

If your RV outlets are not working on battery, the first thing you should do is check the circuit breakers. Most RVs have a main breaker panel and several other circuits within the RV that have their own dedicated breakers. Make sure that none of the breakers in any of those circuits are tripped or off. If they are, simply flip them back to the “on” position.

If all of the breakers are in the “on” position, then check any GFCI outlets you may have installed. GFCI outlets have a test and reset button that must be pressed before they will allow power to pass through them. Find these outlets and press the reset button. [1]

Some Outlets in The Camper Not Working?

If you’ve recently noticed that some of the outlets in your RV are not working, don’t despair! There are a few simple steps you can take to fix them.

The most common issue when RV outlets aren’t working is due to a fuse or circuit breaker that has tripped. To determine if this is what’s causing the issue, locate your RV’s fuse/circuit breaker box and reset the switch. If you’re having trouble locating it, check your owner’s manual or consult a qualified electrician for help. [1]

How do I reset the power on my RV?

To reset the power on your RV, you’ll need to locate and reset the circuit breaker or fuse. This is usually located in the RV’s control panel or near where the electric cable connects to the RV. Once you’ve found it, turn off all power to the RV and then reset the switch by pushing it back into position. You should also inspect the wiring for any damage and replace as necessary.

Why aren’t my outlets working?

There can be several reasons why your outlets aren’t working. The most common cause is a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. If that’s the case, you’ll need to locate and reset the switch as described in the previous answer. Other potential causes could be faulty wiring, an overloaded circuit, or a damaged outlet. To identify and fix the issue, you should inspect and test each of your outlets.

Are RV outlets 12V?

No, RV outlets are not 12V. Most RV outlets run off 110V AC power and require an inverter to convert it from 12V DC power. It’s important to note that not all RV appliances are compatible with the lower voltage, so check the manufacturer specs before plugging anything in. If you’re using a high-powered appliance, you should install an additional circuit to prevent overload.

What runs on battery power in an RV?

There are several appliances and components in an RV that run on battery power. This includes the lights, water pump, furnace, refrigerator, and television. To keep these powered up, you should make sure your batteries are charged and in good condition. Additionally, some RVs come equipped with solar panels or generators to provide additional power.

Do RV outlets work off battery?

No, RV outlets typically do not work off battery power. To get electricity in your RV, you’ll need to connect to a power source like an electrical hookup or generator. Some RVs also have inverters that can convert 12V DC power into 110V AC power, allowing you to use the outlets when there isn’t access to a power source. However, it’s important to note that these inverters can be limited in their capacity and may not be able to provide enough power for certain appliances.

Can you use a battery charger instead of a converter in an RV?

No, you cannot use a battery charger instead of a converter in an RV. Battery chargers are designed to charge up 12V batteries, not convert them into 110V AC power for outlet use. To get electricity in your RV, you’ll need to have either a generator or an inverter installed. If you’re using solar panels, you may also need to install an additional converter to convert the power from 12V DC to 110V AC.

Will driving my RV charge my house batteries?

Yes, driving your RV will charge your house batteries. However, this charging can be limited depending on the type of battery you have and how often you drive. If you’re looking for more consistent charging capabilities, it’s recommended that you install a converter or a generator to provide additional power. Additionally, if you’re using solar panels, they can also provide additional power to your house batteries.

Does RV battery charge when disconnect switch is off?

No, the RV battery will not charge when the disconnect switch is off. The purpose of the disconnect switch is to isolate the house batteries from any power sources when the RV is parked. To charge your RV’s house batteries, you’ll need to connect it to a power source like an electrical hookup or generator. If you’re using solar panels, you may also need to install an additional converter to convert the power from 12V DC to 110V AC.

Useful Video: RV Outlets Not Working: Troubleshooting Tips & Precautions

It is not uncommon to encounter issues with the battery power in your RV. As a responsible owner, it is important that you take some time to check and ensure all outlets are working before taking off on an adventure. The steps outlined above can help identify and fix any faulty wiring or connections related to these outlets. If all else fails, contact a professional for help. With the right knowledge and diligence, you can make sure your RV is running properly and ready to go on all of your road trips. Safe travels!

• https://thecampingadvisor.com/rv-outlets-not-working-on-generator-or-battery/
• https://www.jeffsetter.com/rv-outlets-not-working/
• https://rvparenting.com/why-wont-my-outlets-work-in-my-rv/

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My rv electrical outlets don’t work.

Meet RV Buzz

Have you ever plugged something in to an electrical outlet in your RV and it didn’t work. Nine out of ten times the reason is the Ground Fault Interrupter Circuit (GFCI) tripped and needs to be re-set. This short RV how-to video with Mark Polk of RV Education 101 demonstrates what to do when electrical outlets are not working in your RV.

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RV Outlets Work but Not Lights- What to Do

RV outlets have been known to work even when the lights don’t. This has been a common problem with campers for many years. There are a few ways that you can fix this issue, but it is best to know what the problem is in order to find a permanent solution.

In this blog post, we will explore the different reasons why your RV outlets might be working while your lights aren’t and how to go about fixing them. We will also provide some helpful tips for camping in general. Keep reading!

Reasons why your RV outlets might be working while the lights aren’t

1. faulty wiring.

If your RV outlets are working but the lights aren’t, it is likely due to one of these four reasons. Faulty wiring is the most common reason for this problem. If the wiring in your RV is damaged, it can cause the outlets to work but not the lights. To fix this, you will need to have a professional repair the wiring in your RV.

2. Loose connections

Another common reason for this problem is loose connections. If the wires in your RV are not properly connected, it can cause the outlets to work but not the lights. To fix this, you will need to check all of the connections in your RV and make sure they are tight.

3. Damaged light bulbs

If the light bulbs in your RV are damaged, it can cause the outlets to work but not the lights. To fix this, you will need to replace the damaged light bulbs in your RV.

4. Damaged light fixtures

If the light fixtures in your RV are damaged, it can cause the outlets to work but not the lights. To fix this, you will need to replace the damaged light fixtures in your RV.

5. Fuse blown

If a fuse is blown, it can cause the outlets to work but not the lights. To fix this, you will need to replace the blown fuse in your RV.

6. Electrical issues

If you are having electrical issues in your RV, it can cause the outlets to work but not the lights. To fix this, you will need to have a professional check the electrical system in your RV.

How to fix your RV outlets so that both the outlets and lights work

1. check the wiring.

The first thing you should do if your RV outlets are working but the lights aren’t is to check the wiring. If the wiring is damaged, it can cause the outlets to work but not the lights. To fix this, you will need to have a professional repair the wiring in your RV.

2. Check the connections

If the wires in your RV are not properly connected, it can cause the outlets to work but not the lights. To fix this, you will need to check all of the connections in your RV and make sure they are tight.

3. Replace damaged light bulbs

4. replace damaged light fixtures, 5. replace a blown fuse, 6. have a professional check the electrical system, helpful tips for camping in general, 1. bring a flashlight.

One of the most important things you can do when camping is to bring a flashlight. A flashlight can be used for many different things, including finding your way around in the dark.

2. Bring extra batteries

Another important thing to bring when camping is extra batteries. This will ensure that you have a backup if your flashlight runs out of power.

3. Bring a first-aid kit

A first-aid kit is essential for any camping trip. This will help you be prepared in case of any accidents or injuries.

4. Bring food and water

Of course, you will need to bring food and water with you when camping. Make sure to pack enough for everyone in your group.

5. Follow the rules

When camping, it is important to follow the rules. This will help you stay safe and have a good time.

6. Have fun!

Camping is a great way to spend time with family and friends. Make sure to relax and have fun!

What are some things I can do to conserve power while camping?

There are a few things you can do to conserve power while camping:

1. Use LED light bulbs

2. Turn off lights when you are not using them

3. Unplug appliances when you are not using them

4. Use a power strip so you can easily turn off multiple devices at once

5. Use a solar charger for your devices

If your RV outlets are not working, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the problem. In this blog post, we have outlined six different solutions that may help you get your RV outlets up and running again. We have also provided some helpful tips for camping in general. We hope you find this information useful!

Q: What should I do if my RV outlets stop working?

A: If your RV outlets stop working, you should check the wiring and connections. If everything looks fine, you may need to have a professional check the electrical system in your RV.

We hope you found this blog post helpful. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us. Thanks for reading!

Q: Why are my RV outlets not working?

A: There could be a few different reasons why your RV outlets are not working. It is best to check the wiring and connections first. If everything looks fine, you may need to have a professional check the electrical system in your RV.

Q: Do RV outlets work on battery power?

A: Yes, RV outlets work on both battery power and shore power. However, if you are using battery power, you may not have as much power available as you would if you were plugged into shore power.

Q: When camping, should I use my RV outlets or my generator?

A: It is best to use your RV outlets when camping. However, if you are using high-powered devices, you may need to use your generator.

Hi I’m Joiel Borid Creators of RV Outsider. Wild Life’s first camping was started when I’m 8 years old, at the Home Front Yard. Moto of RV Outsider shares my experience, expertise, and knowledge that I learned, and apprises about my next journey. So stay tuned with RV Outsider.

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RV GFCI Outlet Won’t Reset? Here Are 5 Ways to Troubleshoot

It has been almost a full-time RV life for me for years, and one issue I’ve encountered on multiple occasions is my RV GFCI outlet not resetting. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters may often refuse to reset when an outage, overload, or surge has occurred.

So what do you do when your RV GFCI outlet won’t reset? Several things can be done to try and get it to reset. You can check for a tripped breaker, an overload, or a blown-up fuse, toggle the reset and test button, check the wiring, or even replace the outlet itself if need be.

Here, I’ll go over the steps in more detail, which should help you identify the problem and troubleshoot it accordingly.

What Causes an RV GFCI Outlet Not to Reset? 

First, it’s important to identify the source of the issue. GFCIs detect ground faults and shorts in electricity and shut off as soon as they sense them.

As mentioned, they prevent themselves from resetting when they sense an overload or surge. These occurrences may happen due to a lack of power supply, a tripped breaker, a blown-up fuse, or faulty wiring. 

Sometimes, the reset button may be broken, the installation might be flawed, or you might have an outdated model that’s simply gone bad.

Read Also: Best Way to Replacing RV Tail Lights with LED (Full Guide)

5 Ways to Troubleshoot RV GFCI Outlet Not Resetting

I have encountered this issue multiple times, so I have tried a few of these fixes to get my outlet resetting again. With any luck, one of these methods should provide a solution. 

See if There Are Any Other Dead Outlets

If you have other outlets on the same circuit, look at them to see if they’re working. Turn the lights on and then off. For me, using a voltage tester always simplified the process further.

Also, unplug any devices plugged into dead outlets. This way, you can rule out overloads or shorts from one of those outlets.

I find it really helpful to tape over the dead outlets to make them easier to locate when the power is turned off.

Check for Tripped Circuits or Blown Fuses

Circuit breakers trip when their maximum amperage is exceeded . This can happen due to an overload, a short, or faulty wiring. If the circuit is tripped, flip it off and back on. This should reset the outlet. However, if the outlet still won’t reset, look for a blown-up fuse, and if found, replace it.

Read Also: Why are All the Lights Flashing On LCI Electronic Leveling?

Toggle Reset and Test Buttons

Test and reset buttons are located on every GFCI outlet. Test buttons are typically black, and reset buttons are red. You can toggle them to test if the power is flowing.

For a proper test and reset of the GFCI, turn off all appliances connected to it and unplug them before pushing its reset button. When you press the button, the outlet should start working again if you hear a click.

You should try pressing the reset button a few times if it doesn’t work the first time. It could also happen that one outlet works but not the other. I’ve also observed that it works by toggling both buttons simultaneously until the sound comes.

Check for a Faulty GFCI

Often, when the GFCI doesn’t reset, either the GFCI has no power or the GFCI has failed. Throughout my experience, I have seen several scenarios where this occurs.

So, I recommend looking at these symptoms to assess the issue:

• Maybe you haven’t pushed the button enough to get the current flowing if it doesn’t click, or your GFCI is defective.
• An underlying ground fault may have caused the reset button to pop, or perhaps an incorrectly wired GFCI .
• An incorrectly wired GFCI or a ground fault may cause the reset button not to stay put.
• If your devices work with the not-resetting outlet, your line or load may have reversed. A faulty circuit interrupter can occur rarely.
• GFCIs that do not work even when the reset button is pressed could either be miswired, faulty, or underpowered.

Read Also: 8 Common Causes of a DSI Fault Light and How to Fix Them?

Identify and Reattach Loose or Faulty Connections

This is what happened most in my case. My connectors often get loose or corroded from the moisture. To fix this, I have to turn off the circuit, open the outlet box, and check for any corrosion or loose wires.

Unplug a loose wire if you find one. Strip all the copper wires from the connector and cut all the wires in half or three-fourth-inch lengths. After that, attach the connector to the wire and close the outlet box.

When to Call an Electrician to Fix Your RV GFCI?

In some cases, faulty GFCI outlets may indicate a more severe issue that should be handled by a professional with more knowledge.

For example, I’ve noticed several times that the GFCI trips each time I reset it. And my research revealed that the circuit might contain an electrical leak of harmful current. In that case, you should seek help from an electrician.

Also, if you encounter any kind of sparks in the process, it’s best to turn off the power and call an electrician for help. Calling a professional is your best bet when you identify reversed wiring or similar wiring problems.

Read Also: Dometic WH-6GEA Reset Button | Location & How To Reset

Frequently Asked Questions

Below, I have answered some frequently asked questions about troubleshooting RV GFCI outlets that won’t reset.

What is the difference between a GFCI outlet and a regular outlet?

GFCI outlets are designed to detect electrical imbalance and would shut off the power automatically when it detects any leakage in the power. On the other hand, regular outlets are not as sensitive and don’t protect against electrical shocks.

How much does it cost to fix a GFCI outlet?

The cost of repairing a GFCI outlet depends on the issue’s complexity and location. Generally, a simple wiring repair costs around $75 to $100 per hour in labor costs. Complex wiring repairs may cost more.

Can I replace a GFCI outlet myself?

Yes, replacing a GFCI outlet is relatively easy if you know how to work with electricity. But it’s best to leave the task to a professional electrician if it’s a leakage issue or a complicated wiring repair.

How to fix a stuck GFCI outlet that refuses to reset?

If your GFCI outlet is stuck, you can try pressing the test and reset buttons multiple times or unplugging and reconnecting the wires. Make sure there’s no electrical leak before you reset the outlet. Check for any corrosion or loose wires in the box and ensure all the wiring is intact.

RV GFCI outlets can cause a lot of inconveniences if not reset properly. With the help of this article, I hope you know how to troubleshoot the issue and identify any underlying cause before acting accordingly. 

As you can see, the fix can be as simple as toggling the test and reset buttons or as complex as rewiring. In any case, it pays to be extra cautious and keep safety as your top priority. 

Remember never to attempt an electrical repair yourself if you’re not trained to work with electricity. If in doubt, always call a professional electrician to handle the task for you.

Read Also: How To Maintain TPO RV Roof? [Complete Guide]

Zayan is an accomplished author and a go-to expert for all things RV and camper-related. With a passion for adventure and a knack for problem-solving, he has spent years exploring the open road and fine-tuning his knowledge of recreational vehicles.

Zayan’s writing is a testament to his expertise, offering readers practical solutions to common RV dilemmas. Whether it’s troubleshooting mechanical issues, optimizing space, or planning the perfect road trip, Zayan’s insightful advice and engaging storytelling make him an invaluable resource for both seasoned travelers and newcomers to the world of RVing.

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RV Outlets Work But Not Lights: The Best Solutions

Knowing your RV outlet works but not lights is an excellent indication of an issue with your RV battery. Why? Because your RV lights work on the 12v system from your battery. And if your RV outlets work, your 120V AC electrical system is still working correctly. This post will review the common issues and fix each possible reason your lights are not getting power. Some common reasons your lights are not getting power are:

Weak or Dead Battery

Faulty battery disconnect switch, power converter.

Since your outlet is working and you have a good supply of shore power, let’s start by checking out the battery.

Table of Contents

Final thoughts.

The first sign that your lights are not working is the battery. Your RV lights are powered by 12V DC power, which comes from your battery (or converter, which we will chat about later). Not having your lights is your clue to check out your battery.

First, check you have at least 12V of power in your battery. If you have a weak or dead battery, you will register under 12V. Get a voltage tester and check your voltage directly at the battery terminals. If you have over 12V, let’s continue checking the battery for more potential fixes

Check your RV Battery for a loose connection. This could be as simple as the battery wire is not secured tightly to the terminals. Check those wing nuts or bolts to the battery to make sure they are secure.

Another battery issue is corroded or dirty connections. If you have any signs of corrosion at your battery terminal, this could be causing a bad connection to your battery. Clean your terminals and get that good metal-to-metal connection from your battery to your wire.

For more info on testing your battery and checking connections, visit my RV battery page for more relevant posts.

While you are at your RV battery, checking your battery disconnect switch is a good idea. Your disconnect switch should be close to your batteries and have a wire going to and from the switch itself. Sometimes these disconnect switches do go bad and can cause battery problems.

Check your disconnect switch is in the “ON” position. With the switch on, that connects the wire from the battery to allow power to flow. Even if the switch looks “ON”, I suggest turning it “OFF” and then “ON” again. The disconnect switch can sometimes appear to be fully clicked to “ON”; it is only partially open, and no power flow is going through.  

For more info, visit my post on RV Battery Disconnect Problems.

 Your RV Converter is also essential to your RV battery system and interior lights. The converter takes ac power from your shore power and converts it to dc power. This converter now supplies the dc power needed to provide strength and charge your RV battery. Without a converter, your battery would continue to drain down and not recharge. Even if connected to shore power, your battery would be discharged completely, leaving your interior not working.

Your converter is located in your breaker box. It is usually built into your panels along with your breakers and fuses. Your converter fuse is typically a cluster of two to three bus fuses with the highest amp numbers. They will total anywhere from 60 to 100 plus amps.

For more information, check out my post on RV Converter Fuse Location.

The next common issue is that you have a bad fuse. Your electrical panel will house all of your fuses and breakers. And you may have a bad fuse that has cut the power to your lights. Anytime there is a short or a spike in voltage, your fuse will automatically make that break of power to protect the bulb.

Once a fuse is blown, it is no good anymore and needs to be replaced, unlike a gfci outlet, which can have the breaker switched back on when tripped.

While you are at the converter, now would be a good time also to look at the fuses that supply power to your interior lights. Your fuses and breakers should be labeled and relatively easy to inspect. Pull the fuse to see that it is still intact. If there is any break in the fuse blade, replace it and see if that solves your interior light problem.

A loose wire can occur anywhere from the battery to the breaker box. Any loose connection from a wire that leads from your battery into your break panel can cause an issue with your battery power.

This solution is a bit more challenging as this could be a loose wire that is not easily detectable. You may have a secure connection but maybe just disconnected enough to disrupt the power flow.

Start by checking the wire that leads into the breaker panel. See if there is a good connection and all the screws secure to the wires. If all looks secure, and the other solutions above did not resolve, I suggest you get a professional electrician.

If your outlet and gfci outlet are all working, you have a good source of shore power, and your issue is the RV battery electrical system. Start by checking out your battery for clean and secure connections. Next, check your power converter and the battery disconnect switch are working correctly. Finally, if all else fails, check your fuses and for any loose wiring that is not securing your 12V system power.

Tony is an avid camper and RV traveler. He fell in love with camping on his first RV trip with his wife over 25 years ago. Tony loves sharing lessons learned and tips about RV maintenance and safe traveling.