Email leobay.camping@gmail.com

Call 07899 927467

No Power on Hook-Up?
Here’s What Might Be Wrong

LeoBay Journals

Hooked up but no power in your motorhome?

Here are the most common causes and what to check before calling for help

You’ve arrived, plugged in, and… nothing.

No sockets, no charger, no power where you expect it.

It’s a common issue, especially if you’re new to motorhomes or haven’t used your van in a while. The good news is that in many cases, it’s something simple.

Here’s what to check before assuming the worst.

1. Check the Hook-Up Point First

Start with the basics.

  • Is the campsite bollard switched on?
  • Has the breaker tripped?
  • Is your cable properly connected at both ends?

It sounds obvious, but this is one of the most common causes.

👉 At LeoBay Campsite, all pitches have electric hook-up—but it’s always worth checking the supply first.

Electric Hook Up at Leobay Campsite

2. Your RCD or Breakers May Have Tripped

Inside your van, there will usually be a small consumer unit.

Check:

  • RCD switch (has it tripped?)
  • Individual breakers

 

If something overloaded the system previously, it may just need resetting.

3. Leisure Battery Issues

Even when hooked up, your system still relies on the leisure battery in many setups.

If your battery is:

  • Flat
  • Failing
  • Not charging properly

 

You may not get the power you expect.

4. Charger or Power Unit Fault

Your hook-up should feed into a charger or control unit.

If that’s not working:

  • Battery won’t charge
  • Internal systems may not power correctly

 

This is where things move from “quick check” to “needs a closer look”.

5. Faulty Hook-Up Cable

Cables don’t last forever.

Check for:

  • Visible damage
  • Loose connections
  • Signs of wear

 

If in doubt, try another cable if you have one.

6. 12V vs 240V Confusion

This catches a lot of people out.

Hook-up powers your 240V sockets, but:

  • Lights
  • Water pump
  • Some systems

…run on 12V from the leisure battery

So you might have:

  • Working sockets but no lights
  • Or lights but no usable plug sockets

7. Your Inverter Might Need Switching On

If your van has an inverter, it converts battery power into usable 240V electricity for sockets and appliances.

Some systems don’t activate automatically, which means even when everything is connected properly, you might still have no usable power.

Check:

  • Is the inverter switched on?
  • Is it showing any warning lights or faults?
  • Is it set up correctly for your system?

 

This is an easy one to overlook, especially on your first few trips.

8. It Might Be Something Simple

A switch in the wrong position
A control panel setting
A connection slightly loose

Modern vans can be surprisingly easy to knock out of sync.

9. When to Get It Checked

If you’ve gone through the basics and still have no power, it’s probably time for a proper check.

Electrical issues can be:

  • Hidden
  • Intermittent
  • Or part of a bigger system fault

Need a Hand?

At LeoBay, there’s an on-site motorhome and campervan workshop with over 30 years of experience.

So if something’s not quite right, you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

Book Your Stay