What Would Cause the Lights Inside My RV to Go Dim?

An RV with dimming lights has a trouble spot in the power system.

The electrical system in an RV is complex, with the ability to operate with either 12-volt or 100-amp service. Inspection of the batteries and converter may help solve the answer of dimming lights.

The Battery

If you are operating off battery power when your lights go dim, start with your battery. It is possible that your battery is getting low and needs to be recharged. A bad battery will no longer hold a charge, and a battery with dirty or corroded terminals will not perform correctly.

The Converter

Disconnect the battery with your RV plugged into a power source. If the lights go dim, then there is an issue with the converter. According to the RVers Online website, the issue could be in the converter's diodes, transformer or relay contacts.

Final Diagnosis and Repair

Because of the complex nature of the converter and RV wiring system, if the problem lies within these two systems, it is best to take your RV to a qualified technician for diagnosis and repair. Attempting to fix these problems without sufficient electrical knowledge could cause damage to your RV's electrical system.

References

• RVers Online: All about RV Converters
• Everything About RVing: Why Are All The Lights Inside My Travel Trailer Going Dim?