A common issue faced by trailer owners is this – RV no power from battery. So why does this happen?
You have your camper parked securely at the site, then you have it plugged into a shore power outlet. Yet, for some reason, nothing is happening. All electrical units inside your vehicle are still off, which only means one thing – there is no power in your RV.
If this clearly illustrates your issue, don’t fret! We have some solutions for you if there’s no power to RV when plugged in. Let’s investigate and find out what you need to do to get your RV up and running once more.
RV No Power From Battery – Practical Tips To Do
No power in RV?! This is a disaster, especially if you are planning on staying where you are for a few days or so.
It is definitely an inconvenience, which is why we have the following troubleshooting tips to help you out.
1. Quick Checklist Of What To Do
So you’ve got the RV batteries plugged in but no power, and you worry it’s a serious issue. Before you panic, let’s give you a quick rundown of the things you need to inspect that can help address the problem.
- Make sure the batteries are not damaged
- Disconnect the power pedestal from the power outlet, then do a quick reset of the breaker.
- Check if a reset to the main GFCI is needed (especially if it’s tripped)
- Observe the inverter when you have disconnected the batteries
- Inspect all diagnostic lights to check if the surge protector still has power
- Test the power cord/transfer switch, inverter/converter, and charger/inverter and make sure these have power
- The wires should be hooked up to the breaker, as well as to the outlets
With all these things in mind, you should be ready to go deeper into the specifics.
2. Do A Reset Of the GFCI
The Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter or GFCI could be the culprit as to why there’s no power in your RV even when plugged in.
Typically, this component is found in the bathroom of your vehicle, although it can also vary from one RV to another.
Once you have located it, check your manual to determine how to reset this component. More often than not, a reset should easily fix the problem. So, it is best to start with this step.
3. Inspect The Batteries
If there’s no power in your RV, yet the batteries are supposed to be charging now that you got your vehicle plugged into the power outlet, the problem could be with your batteries.
Do you notice a leak? Or perhaps some signs of damage.
It is typical for batteries to really take a hard beating, especially during harsh climates. This is why you need to take good care of them, during the winter when they are susceptible to freezing.
In case you notice damage signs, then you need to conduct some procedures to get them fixed. However, safety protection is a must when handling damaged batteries. The battery fluid is very dangerous to the skin due to burns and other potential side effects it can cause to your skin.
4. Do A Reset To Your Main Circuit Breakers
While this seems rather simple to do, we highly advise that you check your manual before you perform this process.
This is particularly true if you have not done this before, hence it may lead to even greater problems. If you are not certain how to go about this process, it would be better to let a licensed RV expert carry out this task for you.
5. Check the Shore Power
Supposing you have special tools needed for this task, you can go ahead and check the shore power. Perhaps, there is no power coming out of it, which is why the batteries are not charging.
Thus, you need your test light or voltmeter to check the outlet’s power. First, you need to disconnect the power cord from your power pedestal. Then, you can do a reset to the breaker and check the outlet’s power supply.
If it seems to be working well, then you can also check the shore cord connecting to your RV. In case there is no power, then that’s your culprit!
6. Make Sure The Surge Protector Is Working Fine
Another possible reason behind a lack of power in your RV even when plugged in is an issue with the surge protector.
Faulty surge protectors could mean the power does not go through. A replacement is needed to get it to work well again.
7. All Connections And Components Should Be Functioning
Lastly, check the wiring and connections involved in the flow of power from the battery to your RV. Signs of damages, loose connections, and even debris accumulated in these areas can impact the proper performance of your trailer.
Final Words
An RV offers you the comfort of being in a cozy space away from home.
But this is, of course, if all the moving pieces are working as they should.
However, if there is no power from battery, it can be quite inconvenient being in your RV. So, make it a point to conduct these simple troubleshooting tips to get it working once more.
Then, you can have a more comfortable time in your RV while making sure that there are serious issues with your vehicle. I also recommend these Lithium Trolling Motor Battery for best performance.
