RV bathroom fans work to remove odors and keep the bathroom dry, thus helping you prevent mold and mildew. However, things can and do go wrong with these fans.
Many users have reported that it stops working sometimes. It is a common problem faced by many RV owners.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, this troubleshooting guide is for you. Today, we will be taking a look at some of the common reasons why the bathroom fan in your RV may stop working sometimes and how to deal with it.
Let’s delve deeper without any further delay!
How to Fix RV Bathroom Fan Not Working?
Below are some effective solutions to try if the bathroom fan in your motorhome stops working.
1. Check the Power Source
Most motorhomes use batteries that provide power to keep the electric appliances running. Like your smartphone battery, the RV battery also depletes as you use the electrical appliances. And, of course, if the battery dies out, the bathroom fan will get no power.
If that’s the case, you can fix the problem easily by simply recharging the RV battery. To recharge it, you will need to plug the power cord of your motorhome into a 120V power outlet.
If you have a generator, you can use it to recharge the battery too. Once you have adequately recharged your battery, the bathroom fan will be back to its normal functioning.
Dealing with a dead battery on your trip can be a huge frustration and can kill all the fun. This is why many RV owners keep a check on the battery, so they know when to recharge it.
If your RV model has a monitor panel, you can check it to determine the current battery level. Before checking the monitor panel, make sure that the RV is not connected to shore power. This step ensures accurate readings.
However, it is pertinent to mention that some models do not come with an inbuilt monitor panel. If yours does not have one, you can purchase it from a nearby superstore and get it installed.
Apart from this panel, there are many battery monitoring systems available on the market that you can use to keep an eye on the battery level.
A voltmeter can also be used to check the condition of the battery in your RV. For this purpose, set it to DC voltage first. The red wire is to be connected to the positive terminal, while the black wire is connected to the negative terminal.
As soon as you connect the wires to the terminal, you will see a reading on the display of the voltmeter. If the reading is fluctuating, there is something wrong with the battery.
If so, it would be a good idea to reach out to a trained professional. If the reading is stable, compare it to the recommended reading mentioned on the user manual of your battery.
- Location of the Battery
Depending on the make and model of your RV, you can find the battery in various locations. It is usually located in the exterior compartment or the engine compartment.
If you do not know where the battery is located in your motorhome, consider reading the user manual of your RV for model-specific information.
Having said that, it must be pointed out that if the battery is dead, no electric appliance will work in your RV until you recharge the battery. If other appliances are working fine but the bathroom fan is not, the battery is certainly not to blame for the problem.
- Maintaining the RV Battery
The RV battery is designed to last 5-8 years. However, you must maintain it properly to help it achieve its average lifespan. Sulfation and overcharging are some of the many factors that can reduce its lifespan
For the uninformed, sulfation is the buildup of the sulfate crystals on the battery and happens when the battery remains perpetually undercharged.
In addition to that, batteries need electrolytes to work. So, see the electrolyte level in the battery, and if the battery has an insufficient electrolyte, consider adding it.
Keep your safety in mind, and wear gloves before adding electrolytes. This is because the solution contains acid, which can harm you if it comes in contact with your skin. Furthermore, make sure to clean the terminals of the battery every now and then.
2. Clean the Fan
Most RV owners clean the bathroom on a regular basis, but the bathroom fan often gets overlooked. If your bathroom fan is dirty, it won’t be able to function properly.
Dust particles from surroundings may build up inside the fan and its cover over time. Not only do they block the airflow, but they may also cause the fan to stop working in severe cases.
Thankfully, cleaning the fan cover is a simple process. Just grab it from the corners and pull it out of the unit. You may need to squeeze the clips to release the cover from the bracket. Now, use a vacuum cleaner to remove all the dust from the cover and the interior part.
If the fan is too noisy, check to see if the components are lubricated. If they are not, consider lubricating them using a special lubricant. Once you have cleaned it thoroughly, put it back in. And yes, make sure to turn off the fan before cleaning it.
3. Defective Fan Motor
A faulty fan motor is another leading cause of this problem in RV bathroom fans. The fan motor is among the most important components of the fan, and for your fan to function properly, the motor must be in good condition.
So, if the fan is not turning on, consider taking a look at its motor.
A fan motor can be easily checked using a multimeter. If found culprit, consider replacing it to bring the bathroom fan back to life.
First, check its model number and get a replacement. Once you have purchased a new motor, attach it to the assembly and reassemble all the parts.
It is a simple process and will hardly take 15 minutes. However, if you are unsure about it, it would be better to call in a professional. If the fan is dirty, consider wearing safety glasses to protect your eyes from dust particles.
The Bottom Line
The bathroom fan rids the air of odors and protects your bathroom from mold and mildew. However, it can stop working at times. A failing bathroom fan could be suffering from a number of failures, which we have discussed in this article.
If it appears dirty, give it a thorough cleaning with a vacuum cleaner and lubricate its components. If you are dealing with a faulty fan motor, replacing it will resolve the issue.
