Recreational vans are capturing travelers’ attention like never before. They save you from hotel rents and are a perfect solution for backpackers wanting to reduce their traveling costs.
A motorhome allows you to take all the things you need while traveling, including electric appliances. With that out of the way, LED lights are an integral component of any vehicle.
Whether you are traveling to your neighborhood or planning a long camping trip, LED lights ensure utmost safety.
They allow you to see the path clearly in all weather conditions, helping you avoid accidents. They illuminate the roads, allowing you to see all the signs and unexpected obstacles clearly.
Modern motorhomes feature quality LED lights that are highly durable and energy efficient. However, no matter how reliable they are, they may sometimes show you a few problems.
The LED lights flickering is one such problem that you are likely to face while using the RV LED lights. Of course, this could be quite frustrating for you, especially if you are traveling in a remote area.
So, what if the LED lights of your RV start flickering, and why does this problem occur in the first place? In this troubleshooting guide, you will find easy ways to fix the RV LED lights flickering problem.
You can fix this problem yourself if you are handy and have the required tools.
How to Deal With RV LED Lights Flickering
Here are some solutions that you should try in case your RV LED lights start flickering.
1. Check Wirings
Most LED lights stem from faulty wirings, so consider taking a look at the wiring first if the LED lights on your RV start flickering. There could be loose connections that might be causing the LED lights to flicker.
A visual inspection will confirm whether the problem is with wiring or not. If you see any loose wires, consider tightening them up. It is recommended to use needle nose pliers for this purpose. And yes, do not forget to disconnect the power before starting the procedure.
Moreover, make sure that the wires are in good working condition. If you notice any cracks, replacing the wires is your best bet.
Using a voltmeter is an effective way to test your wires. To test the wires with a voltmeter, you will need to take off the light and take readings of its wires on the voltmeter. If the readings are not stable or too low, it indicates that your wirings are damaged.
And yes, voltmeters are readily available in most electrical stores. So, you can purchase one if you don’t have one in your home.
The fluctuating voltage could be another reason for this problem. Unlike the old halogen lights, the LED lights need a stable and clean voltage for smooth functioning. If the input voltage is fluctuating, it may cause the LED lights to flicker.
If that’s the case, you can use a voltage regulator to resolve this issue. It is a tool that generates a constant voltage, so your LED lights can function problem free. It is simple to install, and once installed correctly, the LED lights on your RV will stop flickering.
A loose or blown-out fuse is another reason why your RV LED lights may start flickering. Like all the electric systems in your RV, the LED headlights also come with a fuse.
It is a component that is designed to blow out in case of power surges to protect your LED lights. So, there is a high likelihood that a blown-out fuse is a culprit.
However, locating the fuse can be a challenging task if you have never replaced it before. The user manual can come in handy in this regard. If you have misplaced your user manual, you can also download it online.
Once you have accessed the fuse box, replace the blown-out fuse with a new one. Be mindful that fuses have different amperage ratings. So, make sure to buy the right one.
When done, check to see whether it has fixed the problem or not. If the LED lights are still flickering, the problem could be with the battery.
2. Check Batteries
Sometimes, the problem could be as obvious as a weak battery. Of course, the LED lights on your RV are powered by batteries, and if the battery dies, you may face a flickering issue.
The RV batteries are designed to last 6 to 7 years. However, a few factors, such as extreme weather conditions, may reduce their lifespan.
You can easily test the battery using a multimeter. If the rating is around 12, your battery is in good health. Furthermore, you can also use a load tester to know how much power is left in the battery.
If the battery of your motorhome is dying, replacing it is the only solution. The battery is usually located in a compartment near the rear tires. However, it may vary depending on your model.
So, if you are unsure about its location, consider referring to the operator manual of your RV. Start by removing the nuts using a socket. Once you have removed them, disconnect the wires. It is recommended to disconnect the negative wire first.
If you remove the positive one first, it may result in an electrical short. The red one is the positive wire, and the black one is the negative.
Once you have removed the cables, simply take out the faulty battery and put in the new one. Now, reconnect the positive wire first and then the negative one. Then put on the nuts and tighten them with a socket.
It is important to note that if the battery of your RV is the culprit, all LED lights will be flickering. Moreover, it is advised to wear safety gloves and glasses while replacing the battery.
It is a good idea to keep an eye on the water level; if it is low, consider adding mineral-free distilled water. And yes, make sure that the box is dry, and the terminals are not corroded. Following all these tips will improve the longevity of your battery.
3. Faulty LED Lights
If the battery is not the problem, the chances are that you are dealing with faulty LED lights. Most LED lights have a long lifespan. However, you cannot expect them to run forever, they will eventually die out, and when they do, they will start blinking.
If so, consider hiring a trained professional to replace the LED lights on your RV. It is a complicated and time-consuming process and requires various tools and professional skills that you may not have.
Remember that professionals are called professionals for a reason. It may seem expensive on the surface, but you won’t have to go through any kind of hassle.
The Bottom Line
RV LED headlights flickering is a common problem reported by many RVers. This issue may arise due to various reasons, which we have discussed in this article. If you encounter this problem, examine the wiring first and make sure all the wires are intact.
A blown-out fuse or dying battery can also cause this problem. Make sure that your battery is charged and its box is dry.
