How to Keep Camper Running Lights on While Using 120V in the Park

RVs have several different systems for power. When the engine is running and the RV is driving down the road, the main source of power is coming off the RV batteries and from the recycling charge provided by the RV engine. Most often, when you have RV running lights on during drives, the lights are drawing power from the engine-battery combo. If you want to leave the running lights on in a campground or area where the RV is plugged into external power sources such as 120v, most RVs have a bypass switch to allow the lights to draw power from the external electricity.

Instructions

    • 1

      Park and secure the RV at the park camping spot. Connect the park's electric connection into your RVs hook up plugs.

    • 2

      Go to your RV's power control panel, typically found near a door or exit. Look for the switch that controls power source and flip it to the external source setting (different RVs use different readouts. If unsure about what you have, consult your user manual or call your RV dealer for clarification on your particular model).

    • 3

      Turn on electric items like lights (inside the RV) or a radio or TV to test the connection. Check the panel to make sure you do not have the switch on generator or engine power.

    • 4

      Turn on your RV running lights after you confirm that the connection is good and the switch is on the proper setting.