RV Converter VS Inverter What’s the difference between a converter and inverter in an RV? All RVs have a convertor. In simple terms, it allows your RV batteries to stay charged so the appliances in your RV work. If the converter broke, you’ll start having issues with your lights and any appliance that uses your batteries to operate like the slides, fridge and air conditioner. Inverters are an upgrade and turns stored 12v battery power into 120V electricity. Your RV uses this stored battery power