No Power in Your RV? Troubleshoot Electrical Issues at the Campground
- Mar 4
- 3 min read
Arriving at a campground only to find your RV has no power can be frustrating. Is the issue with the campground’s electricity or something inside your RV? Whether you're dealing with flickering lights, a non-working AC, or wondering if you can safely use an adapter, understanding your RV’s electrical system is key. I’ll walk you through step-by-step troubleshooting to figure out what’s wrong, what you can fix, and when it’s time to call for help. This guide covers the most common campground electrical issues, how to troubleshoot them, and the steps to ensure you have safe, reliable power.
Properly Plugging into a Campground Pedestal
Before connecting your RV to shore power, follow these steps to prevent electrical issues:
Inspect the Power Pedestal: Check for signs of melting, discoloration, or damage. If anything looks off, notify the campground and don’t plug in.
Turn Off the Breakers: Always switch off all breakers before plugging in to prevent surges.
Use a Surge Protector: A smart surge protector can detect faulty wiring and shut off power if unsafe conditions are present.
Secure Your Connections: Make sure all plugs are firmly inserted—loose connections can cause overheating and power loss.
What to Do If Your RV Has No Power
If you’ve plugged in and still don’t have power inside your RV, here’s what to check:
Surge Protector Status: If your surge protector displays an error code, there may be an issue with the campground’s wiring.
LED Indicator on Your Power Cord: Many power cords have small LED lights that confirm power is flowing.
Circuit Breakers: Check your RV’s main breaker panel and reset any tripped breakers by turning them off and back on.
GFCI Outlets: A tripped GFCI outlet (usually found in the kitchen or bathroom) can cut power to multiple outlets—press the reset button.
30 Amp vs. 50 Amp Power: What You Need to Know
Many RV owners wonder if they can use an adapter to get more power inside their RV. Here’s what you should know:
30 Amp to 50 Amp Adapter: Using an adapter does not increase power. Your RV is still limited to 30 amps, and misusing adapters can create fire hazards.
50 Amp to 30 Amp Service: If a 50-amp RV plugs into a 30-amp outlet with a dog bone adapter, power availability is reduced, limiting the number of appliances you can run at once.
Understanding Wattage: A 50-amp RV has up to 12,000 watts available, while a 30-amp RV is limited to 3,600 watts. Managing your power usage helps prevent tripping breakers.
Troubleshooting Common RV Electrical Issues
Electrical issues don’t always come from the campground. Here’s what to look for inside your RV:
Dim or Flickering Lights: Usually caused by a weak battery, faulty converter, or bad wiring connection.
Outlets Not Working: Could be a tripped GFCI outlet, a faulty breaker, or an issue with shore power.
CO/LP Detector Beeping: Often caused by low voltage, an expired detector (5-year lifespan), or an actual propane or carbon monoxide leak.
Air Conditioner Won’t Turn On: Check for a tripped breaker, low battery, or a faulty thermostat.
Final Takeaways
Always inspect and test the power pedestal before plugging in.
Use a smart surge protector to prevent electrical damage.
Know how to troubleshoot common RV electrical issues.
Understand the limitations of your RV’s power system.
Call an certified RV technician if the fix is beyond your skill level. Looking for more troubleshooting tips? Check out our YouTube Channel. Join our private Facebook group or sign up for our weekly emails for expert guidance delivered straight to your inbox.
About Us
Mobile RV Tech Services specializes in onsite RV repair, maintenance, and inspections. We service your RV at your home, campground, or storage unit in Iosco county in Michigan from April 15 - December 15, and Houston, Texas, from January 1 - April 1.
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