When it comes to owning an RV, encountering electrical problems is almost inevitable. However, you’d be surprised at the number of repair issues that can be easily resolved by having a better understanding of your RV electrical systems. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of familiarizing yourself with your RV’s electrical setup and creating a cheat sheet for troubleshooting common issues. By following these simple hacks, you can overcome a large number of frustrations when it comes to troubleshooting RV appliances.
Understanding Your RV’s Electrical Systems
To start, it’s essential to know which appliances and components in your RV operate on either 120 volts AC or 12 volts DC. This knowledge is fundamental for troubleshooting. Here’s a breakdown:
1. 120 Volts AC: This power source can be provided by plugging your RV into a campground pedestal (also known as shore power) or by utilizing your generator or inverter if your rig is equipped.
– Appliances and components powered by 120 volts AC include:
– Air conditioner
– Microwave
– Wall receptacles
– Absorption-type or residential-style refrigerators
– Tank water heater (if you have the electric option)
– Washer and dryer
– Converter charger (often overlooked)
2. 12 Volts DC: This power source is provided by your lead-acid, gel, AGM, or lithium coach battery. It powers various essential systems and components inside the RV, including:
– Interior lights
– Water pump
– Appliance control systems (e.g., refrigerator and air conditioner thermostat)
– Slide-out and leveling systems
– DSi igniter on the water heater
– Vent fans
– Furnace blower fan
– Some electronics
Troubleshooting Tips
Now that you understand which appliances run on which power source, here are some troubleshooting tips for common RV electrical issues:
For 12 Volts DC Issues:
1. Check Coach Battery: Ensure your coach battery is in good condition and fully charged. Tighten connections and remove any corrosion that may interfere with performance.
2. Battery Disconnect Switch: Make sure the battery disconnect switch is not engaged.
3. Blade Fuses: Inspect the blade fuses in the panel box to ensure none are blown.
For 120 Volts AC Issues:
1. Campground Pedestal: Check the breaker at the campground pedestal for issues. Sometimes breakers can appear to be in the correct position even when they’ve tripped.
2. Electrical Panel Box: Inspect the breakers in your RV’s electrical panel box for both the main 30-amp or 50-amp service and individual appliances. Ensure none are loose.
3. GFCI Outlets: If outlets are inoperative, check if the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet has tripped. This can often be reset at the receptacle or the breaker panel.
4. Generator Power: If your generator is running but there’s no power at the 120-volt appliances, confirm that the exclusive breaker for the generator in its compartment is turned on.
Creating a Cheat Sheet
To make troubleshooting easier, consider creating an index card with these tips for easy reference. This simple practice can eliminate a surprising number of issues with your RV electrical system.
Understanding your RV’s electrical systems and having a handy cheat sheet for troubleshooting can save you time, money, and frustration on the road. By following these tips, you’ll be better equipped to tackle common electrical problems in your RV. We hope this guide was helpful, and stay tuned for more RV tips in the future!
