Troubleshooting
Quick reference for the most common problems. Check here first before calling for help.
No power / electrical issues
Section titled “No power / electrical issues”Nothing works — no lights, no outlets
Section titled “Nothing works — no lights, no outlets”- Check the shore power connection — is the cord plugged in at both ends?
- Check the pedestal breaker — is it on?
- Check the main breaker in the camper’s breaker panel.
- Check the converter — is the indicator light on?
Outlets don’t work but lights do
Section titled “Outlets don’t work but lights do”- Outlets run on 120V shore power; lights run on 12V battery.
- Check the outlet breaker in the breaker panel.
- Check if the GFCI outlet (usually in the bathroom) has tripped — press the RESET button.
A/C trips the breaker
Section titled “A/C trips the breaker”- You may be on a low-amp site or sharing power.
- Turn off other high-draw appliances (microwave, water heater electric element).
- Check if the pedestal is actually 30-amp — some sites have 20-amp outlets.
Battery drains quickly
Section titled “Battery drains quickly”- Check for 12V loads left on (water pump, lights, vent fans).
- The battery may be old and need replacement.
- Check the converter is charging the battery when on shore power.
Water issues
Section titled “Water issues”No water pressure
Section titled “No water pressure”- Is the city water hose connected? Or is the water pump on?
- If using the pump — is the fresh water tank empty?
- Is the pump switch on?
- Check for a kinked hose.
Water pump runs constantly
Section titled “Water pump runs constantly”- There’s a leak somewhere in the system — check all faucets, connections, and under the camper.
- The pump runs to maintain pressure — if it never stops, water is escaping somewhere.
Hot water runs out fast
Section titled “Hot water runs out fast”- The water heater tank is only 6 gallons — take shorter showers.
- Run both propane and electric modes simultaneously for faster recovery.
Water smells bad
Section titled “Water smells bad”- Sanitize the fresh water tank — see Seasonal Maintenance.
- Replace the water filter.
- Check the anode rod in the water heater.
Propane issues
Section titled “Propane issues”Propane appliance won’t light
Section titled “Propane appliance won’t light”- Are the tank valves open (counter-clockwise)?
- Are the tanks empty? Check the gauge.
- Is there air in the lines? Try lighting 2–3 times to purge air.
- Did you just refill? Open a burner to bleed air from the new tank.
Smell gas
Section titled “Smell gas”- Turn off all propane tanks immediately.
- Open all windows and doors.
- Exit the camper.
- Do not use any electrical switches.
- Call for help if the smell persists after ventilating.
Propane detector keeps alarming
Section titled “Propane detector keeps alarming”- The detector is near the floor (propane is heavier than air).
- Check for actual leaks with soapy water on all connections — bubbles = leak.
- The detector may be old and need replacement (replace every 5–7 years).
Refrigerator issues
Section titled “Refrigerator issues”Fridge not cooling
Section titled “Fridge not cooling”- Is it level? Absorption fridges need to be within 3° of level.
- Is the correct mode selected (AC/DC/LP)?
- Is there power/propane for the selected mode?
- Allow 4–8 hours for a warm fridge to reach temperature.
Fridge works on propane but not electric (or vice versa)
Section titled “Fridge works on propane but not electric (or vice versa)”- The heating element for that mode may be faulty.
- Check the breaker for the AC mode.
- Check propane supply for LP mode.
Toilet issues
Section titled “Toilet issues”Toilet won’t flush
Section titled “Toilet won’t flush”- No water pressure — turn on the pump or connect city water.
Toilet odor
Section titled “Toilet odor”- Black tank is full — dump it.
- Blade valve seal is dry — add water to the bowl.
- Add black tank treatment.
Blade valve won’t seal
Section titled “Blade valve won’t seal”- Debris is caught in the valve.
- Flush with extra water and use a tank treatment to break down debris.
Heating / A/C issues
Section titled “Heating / A/C issues”Furnace won’t ignite
Section titled “Furnace won’t ignite”- Check propane — tanks open and not empty?
- Try the thermostat again — set it 5° above current temp.
- Listen for the fan, then the igniter click. If no click, the igniter may need replacement.
A/C not cooling
Section titled “A/C not cooling”- Is shore power connected?
- Check the A/C breaker.
- Clean the A/C filter (rinse with water).
- Give it 10–15 minutes — it takes time to cool the camper.
Towing issues
Section titled “Towing issues”Trailer sways while driving
Section titled “Trailer sways while driving”- Slow down — sway is often caused by speed.
- Check tongue weight — should be 10–15% of trailer weight.
- Add a sway control device.
- Check tire pressure on both tow vehicle and trailer.
Trailer brakes not working
Section titled “Trailer brakes not working”- Check the brake controller in the tow vehicle — is it powered and set correctly?
- Check the 7-pin connector — is it fully plugged in?
- Check the breakaway battery on the trailer — it may be dead.
Emergency contacts
Section titled “Emergency contacts”| Situation | Action |
|---|---|
| Gas leak | Exit camper, call 911 if needed |
| Fire | Exit, call 911, use fire extinguisher only if safe |
| Electrical fire | Cut shore power first, then call 911 |
| Stuck on road | Call roadside assistance (Good Sam, AAA RV) |
| Medical | Call 911 |