I think it is generally understood that RVs are complicated machines that can challenge even the best technicians. To combat this, there are some very interesting projects in development and early-stage deployment that will significantly enhance RV ownership. One of these projects, RV-C™, is an engineering and manufacturing protocol, developed by a team of experts from RV manufacturers and suppliers organized by RVIA (Recreational Vehicle Industry Association), that improves problem solving by way of diagnostic analysis.

For many years, the individual components that were installed in trailers and motor homes were analog devices. Through a combination of basic understanding of electrical or mechanical engineering processes, product-specific classroom instruction and adequate hands-on training, most technicians could successfully diagnose a problem and perform the repair.

Following suit with many other industries, the birth and continuous development of the digital age (computers, networking and integration of components) has dramatically changed the way of the RV industry. As manufacturers began to install sophisticated devices into their RVs, it became apparent that the technicians working on them would need to synchronize with the evolving technologies.

In some cases, training the technicians that had previously been experts on analog products was adequate. However, it was quickly recognized that troubleshooting digital technology products was an entirely different ball game and that as time went on, the developments would continue to become more complicated. The time had come to seriously address the impact that this technology whirlwind was having on trailers and motor homes.

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At the turn of the century, RVIA realized that they were going to have to foster meaningful dialogue between and amongst RV manufacturers and suppliers so it assembled a committee of the top engineering minds in the industry. The goal of this committee was to establish a universal protocol that would design a solution network which extended to every nook and cranny of today’s modern and complicated RVs.

Early on in their studies, the committee discovered that RV manufacturers and suppliers were producing individual products and weren’t communicating their technologies with each other. There was no standard to govern the development of these products nor was there a universal protocol requiring disparate manufacturers to communicate with each other [and the consumer] on the impact that the digitally-driven technologies of these sophisticated products were going to have.

Fortunately, they also discovered there was a pre-existing blueprint that could guide this initiative - the core technology mandated by the government for every new car and truck. Most of us are well aware that when we take our car or truck into the dealership today they are going to “hook it up to” a diagnostic computer. The computer performs the initial analysis to locate where the problem is and determine which component is most likely the cause. As a result of this technology, many of us have experienced quicker and more accurate diagnosis and repair of our auto problem as well as enjoyed the lower cost associated with it.

Now, the same technology is revolutionizing RV service with a universal protocol that ties together virtually every part of the modern RV. With RV-C, just two wires connect every electronic component in the network, allowing full communication as well as intelligent interaction between them. In 2006, Country Coach became one of the first RV manufacturers to adopt the RV-C protocol and begin manufacturing their coaches to its new standard, which is currently only a recommended practice. It is not mandatory.

As the implementation of this protocol expands, it will impact how RVs are designed, manufactured, repaired and enjoyed. The technology is not intended to be limited to high-end luxury motor homes; it is for use in all RVs. When all of the component and appliance manufacturers jump on-board and begin producing devices that are compatible with this technology, the RV manufacturers will be able to fully implement the protocol in their entire product line-ups.

In addition to the Country Coach line-up, RV-C technology can be found in all 2008 and newer American Coach models except the Allegiance. As more industry-leading manufacturers adopt the important manufacturing improvement, RV-C is expected to become the standard by which all others are measured. A brochure explaining the RV-C protocol in layman’s terms can be downloaded from www.rv-c.com.

The benefits of RV-C multiplexing:
Universal protocol - Many different devices are monitored and controlled over a single pair of wires that connect everything on the RV network and are defined by a common language.

Improved speed and accuracy of repairs - Universal diagnostics will allow an RV technician to simply plug your RV into a computer that will perform tests, collect data and print reports.

Improved safety - Manufacturers will be able to build in multiple interlocks similar to the ones that prohibit the RV from starting if a slideout is extended.

Readily available - RV-C is not intended for just high-end motorhomes! It has been designed for RV’s of all types and in all price ranges.

(Information above has been sourced from the RV-C web site, rv-c.com)