12V Outlet Issue (Bunk Light/Fan Combo Plug-In Not Working)

[WoohooRoo]

We recently brought home our 2022 Roo. We previously owned a 2006 Forest River Rockwood Rhino HW pop-up camper, and we put all of our cooking supplies and camping gear in totes when we got rid of it. As we brought the totes into the new camper and started unpacking, we decided to test out the Bunk Light/Fan combos that we brought with us from the OLD camper. BAD MISTAKE. I don't know anything about electrical, but from what I understand, the old Bunk Light/Fan combos had a "male" plug, whereas the new ones that came with our 2022 Roo have "female" plugs. Therefore, when my mom went to plug in the old fan to the NEW outlet, she saw sparks. She instantly stopped trying to plug it in (for obvious reasons), but when we let it cool down for a few minutes and then tried to plug the CORRECT fan in, it did not work.

There are 3 of the bunk light/fan outlets in our camper. The other 2 work just fine.

I'm looking for help on how I can fix the outlet.

**I uploaded a picture for context. This is not my photo, but my camper is the same layout and design**

Thanks in advance and happy camping.

[Rover Podder]

It might be helpful if you posted a picture of the actual outlet and fan you are trying to use.

[WoohooRoo]

I have the correct fan. My concern is that we somehow burnt up the outlet The outlet is the standard factory-installed receptacle that comes in 2022 FR models.

[MR.M]

probably just blew a fuse . check all your fuses first

[TacomaJoe]

First guess is a blown fuse. Not sure about the male sex thing. I thought all of the fan/lights had male plugs on the cord. It's could be possible to get one in at an angle and maybe short something out. I replaced the lamps in mine and found that the LED had to be installed the correct way because of polarity.

[Rhumblefish]

Sounds like she shorted the front outlet (hard to imagine, but anything is possible) using an old plug in a new/different receptacle and simply crossed the 12v right then and there.

For starters, put the old fans aside for a moment (eg, hide them in a box in the basement marked TARANTULAS), and tell Mom to pop out for a beer.

If the NEW fans work in the OTHER outlets but not the FRONT outlet, then your problem is from the contacts of the front outlet back to the power distribution center.

I can't imagine the front fan has its own circuit and fuse. If there are other 12v items not working up front/near the fan (lights, USB plugs, etc), it's likely a fuse. That's easy to see at your power center.

If ALL the 12v nearby works, then I'm going to say its most likely that the outlet itself has been shorted (the outlets are pretty cheap and flimsy. A dedicated mom trying to push an old plug into a differently shaped receptacle could easily damage something).

Power your trailer down, take the shorted outlet apart, and look for a short. Alt: you can test for power at the contacts of the outlet with a multitester AND THEN test for power in the line leading from the converter (the smart thing do to), or you can try moving an outlet from one of the other locations to the front (not as smart, but can help ID the problem).

If you don't mind dealing with tarantulas, you may very well be able to graft a NEW style 12v plug onto the OLD fans. Amazon has plenty.

[WoohooRoo]

Thank you! This makes sense for someone who knows nothing about electrical components. I do have a multimeter though so I will try to better diagnose tomorrow!

[Chuck_S]

By definition and anatomy plugs are male and go into sockets which are female. Interesting to explain to grade schoolers though.

-- Chuck

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by Chuck_S

By definition and anatomy plugs are male and go into sockets which are female. Interesting to explain to grade schoolers though.

-- Chuck

Yes, plugs do go into sockets (or receptacles).

I was trying to explain to a militant feminist why we could not eliminate the anatomical references--because she kept referring to the in-wall fixtures in her house as "plugs". That term has become indefinite, forcing continued use of the anatomy references.

[Chuck_S]

Google wall plugs and outlets show up.

I've heard outlets referred to as plugs as well. Perhaps it's regional? Maybe not 'cuz I just pointed to an outlet in my PhD wife's office and her instant answer was "that's a plug (pause) I mean outlet.

-- Chuck

[RussPastuch]

"By definition and anatomy plugs are male and go into sockets which are female. Interesting to explain to grade schoolers though."

As you are not allowed to teach sex ed to anyone under 65, this is the best explanation one can have. One have prongs and one has holes :-)

[ArthurUSCG]

If you haven't fixed the issue by now, unscrew the outlet and make sure the wiring is tightly fastened to the outlet. Mine had loose splice connectors and eventually burned up the metal.