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What This Usually Means

RV lights run on the 12-volt battery system.

Outlets run on the 120-volt AC system from shore power or a generator.

So when the lights work but the outlets don't, the RV usually still has battery power but something interrupted the AC power circuit.

Most Common Causes
  • Tripped GFCI outlet
  • Tripped breaker in the RV panel
  • Tripped breaker at the campground pedestal
  • Loose neutral connection
  • Failed outlet or GFCI
  • Converter or transfer switch issue
Step-by-Step Things To Check
  1. Check the campground power pedestal breaker.
  2. Check your RV breaker panel for a tripped breaker.
  3. Find the GFCI outlet in the RV and press RESET.
  4. Check all outlets to see if power returns.
  5. If nothing resets, inspect the first outlet in the circuit for loose wiring.
Technician Tip

In many RVs, the GFCI outlet is hidden in a bathroom cabinet, behind a kitchen appliance, or outside.

If the GFCI trips, every outlet downstream will lose power even though the lights still work.

Less Common Problems

If breakers and GFCI outlets are not the issue, the problem may be:

• Loose neutral connection
• Burned outlet
• Transfer switch failure
• Power cord or shore inlet damage

Related Problems
  • RV GFCI Keeps Tripping
  • RV Battery Not Charging
  • RV Microwave Not Working
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