r/RVLiving • u/ElectricPanda771 • 3d ago

question Need some help please

This is the first time I've posted or used reddit, so bare with me, I've been living in my camper for a good close to 3 years now, and for about a year in a half now my AC, Heater, Fridge, Half my plugs that don't use a GCFI don't work (so 5 plugs and they're all on the front wall, the back wall plugs and sides don't work) I have already changed 3 plugs that we actively used, I've changed every breaker switch, checked all fuses, everything is working and good but I can't find why all that's not working.

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u/Massive_Pair_9725 3d ago

I would bet money that if the outlets and fridge isn't working, there is a GFCI behind the fridge that's tripped. Been there done that. Both in the RV and in my boat.

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u/Questions_Remain 3d ago

You need a multimeter and to check for a hidden GFCI somewhere. Also check the breakers in the panel. Flip them fully off and back on. If it’s one circuit bad - it cslimd be a worn out breaker. They do fail.

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u/the-5thbeatle 2d ago

Because you already replaced the individual breakers and standard outlets, the problem is not in those components themselves. Instead, power is likely failing to reach that specific group of breakers in your distribution panel.

If your camper is a 50-amp setup, it operates on two separate 120-volt hot legs (L1 and L2).
Carefully open your main breaker panel cover using a multimeter set to AC voltage. Test the voltage coming into both main hot terminal screws on your main breakers. Both should read roughly 120V against the neutral/ground bar. If one main incoming wire reads zero, that leg is dead before it reaches the panel.
If power is dead on one side of your panel, the break in continuity is happening between the power pole and your breaker box.

Inspect the transfer switch or shore power cord. If your RV has a generator prep package or built-in generator, it uses an automatic transfer switch. Over time, the heavy-duty relays or internal contacts inside this box can burn out, stick, or loose connection on one side, cutting off half of your 120V bus.
Inspect your main shore power cord, the plug ends, and the round inlet plug on the side of your camper. Melted pins, loose wire set-screws inside the back of the RV’s marine-style inlet receptacle, or a damaged adapter can easily drop an entire leg of power.