Symptoms
- Lights, water pump, or fans stop working while plugged into shore power
- AC outlets and appliances still work fine
- Battery drains even when connected to power
Likely causes
- CommonBlown converter fuseA dedicated fuse for the converter's output can blow without affecting the rest of the AC system.
- PossibleConverter itself failed internallyConverters, especially older ones, can fail with age or from a power surge.
- PossibleLoose or corroded wiring at the converter's connectionsPoor connections can cause intermittent or total failure of 12V output.
What to do
- Confirm that AC-powered items (wall outlets, air conditioner) work fine, which tells you shore power itself is reaching the RV.
- Check the fuse panel near the converter, often located in the same compartment, for a blown fuse related to the converter output.
- Inspect visible wiring connections at the converter for looseness or corrosion, with power disconnected first for safety.
- Check for a converter reset button or breaker, present on some models, and reset it if tripped.
- If fuses and connections look fine, the converter's internal circuitry may have failed and typically needs replacement rather than repair.
- In the meantime, some 12V functions may still work directly off the battery even with a dead converter, though the battery won't recharge.
Tools and parts
- Multimeter
- Fuse puller
Replacement RV converter, model-specificSearch: “RV power converter replacement for [your RV brand/model]”
When to call a pro
If the converter itself has failed, have an RV technician replace it, since correct sizing and wiring matter for your RV's electrical system.
Safety
Use caution
Disconnect shore power before inspecting wiring connections at the converter to avoid electric shock.