12 guides
RV troubleshooting by symptom
Pick the symptom that matches what your rig is doing. Each guide starts with the answer, then walks the diagnostic order a technician would use, cheapest and safest test first.
Electrical and power
12V DC house systems, converters and inverters, shore power, generators and batteries. Most so-called appliance failures are really a voltage problem.
RV generator will not start
The generator cranks without firing, or does nothing when the start switch is held.
Moderate60 min6 likely causesRV converter is not charging the battery
Plugged into shore power, but the house battery drains and 12V loads fade.
Moderate45 min6 likely causesNo 12V power anywhere in the RV
Interior lights, water pump, furnace and fans are all dead at once.
Easy30 min6 likely causes
Water and plumbing
Fresh water pumps and lines, city water, holding tanks and sensors, winterizing and leak tracing.
Heating and cooling
Forced-air propane furnaces, rooftop air conditioners, heat pumps, thermostats and airflow faults.
Appliances
Absorption refrigerators, water heaters, cooktops and ovens, and the propane and 12V feeds behind them.
Chassis and exterior
Slide-outs, leveling jacks, awnings, brakes and running gear, roof and seal maintenance.
RV slide-out will not move in or out
The slide is dead, clicks without moving, or binds and travels unevenly.
Moderate60 min5 likely causesRV leveling jacks will not retract
One or more jacks stay extended and the system will not retract them.
Moderate60 min6 likely causesRV awning will not retract
The electric awning stays extended, stalls part-way, or retracts crookedly.
Easy40 min6 likely causes