Designing an RV with RV-C

If you are an RV manufacturer wondering how to get started with RV-C, you've come to the right place.

Why Multiplexing?

Multiplexing simply refers to providing a “party line” for different devices to communicate. A typical RV contains many electronic products—controls for the generator, inverter, refrigerator, air conditioning, and more. Most of these products communicate, but each speaks a different language.

Multiplexing defines a common language for every product, regardless of the manufacturer or function. A single pair of wires connects every element in the network, linking every product together like the phones in a party line. Every component can talk, and every component can hear the conversation.

Just as the telephone transformed communication, multiplexing promises to revolutionize the RV industry. It’s already standard in automotive, and the RV industry is embracing it for three main reasons:

Universal Diagnostics
Embedded Intelligence
Design and User Convenience

Universal Diagnostics

Today’s auto technicians use diagnostic ports to access system data instantly. Multiplexing brings similar capability to RVs. Technicians will be able to plug into a diagnostic port and read system data from all major components. This improves speed, accuracy, and lowers warranty and service costs while enhancing the customer experience.

Embedded Intelligence

Multiplexing makes safety and automation features easier to implement. Adding interlocks (for example, preventing movement when the slide-out is extended) becomes simple. Systems can adapt dynamically—for example, climate control can adjust based on available power. Many complex features become easy software configurations rather than complex wiring challenges.

Design and User Convenience

Multiplexing expands design flexibility. Manufacturers can customize control layouts, combine multiple controls into one panel, and create tailored user experiences. It’s the foundation for smarter, simpler, more connected RVs. Like networked computers, multiplexed RVs are the future—it's not a question of “if,” but “when.”

Why RV-C?

Multiplexing allows devices to communicate on shared wiring; RV-C defines the “language” they use. RV-C is a protocol based on CAN (Controller Area Network), originally developed by Bosch and now used in most vehicles worldwide.

The RV-C specification was developed by the RVIA Technical Subcommittee for Multiplexing Electronics (formed in 2001). The standard builds upon CAN for reliability and affordability while tailoring it to RV applications. The RVIA manages and publishes the RV-C specification, and ANSI will eventually take over its ongoing maintenance.

RV-C offers interoperability and avoids vendor lock-in. Unlike proprietary multiplexing systems, RV-C is open and public. It enables cross-vendor compatibility, standardized diagnostics, and cost-effective implementation. Major component vendors already support RV-C, and more are joining as the standard matures.

The Basics of Installation

Designing an RV-C compliant system involves two key steps:

Properly wire the coach.
Configure and verify component communication.

Wiring follows a “bus topology.” A main trunk line runs through the RV, terminated at both ends with 120-ohm resistors. Components connect via short “drops” (no more than six feet). The twisted-pair cable connects “high” to “high” and “low” to “low.” The total network length can exceed 250 meters using 20-gauge cable such as Raychem 2019E0309.

Each network includes a standardized diagnostic port—typically a 9-pin Amp Circular Plastic Connector located near the service bay for technician access.

Selecting RV-C Components

Although RV-C ensures a common language, products are not plug-and-play. Manufacturers must ensure that all components communicate correctly and meet design needs.

Each component should include an “RV-C Application Guide,” outlining its supported data (“PGNs” or Parameter Group Numbers), dependencies, and configuration requirements. Designers must verify that every required data point is provided by another device and that components are powered and addressed correctly.

Potential issues include:

Missing or duplicate data sources
Conflicting control points
Address conflicts (each device must have a unique Source Address from 0–255)

Thorough planning and documentation prevent integration issues.

The Control Panel

An RV-C system typically features one or more central control panels where users monitor and manage all systems. These can range from small LED panels to large touchscreens or integrated displays.

A good control panel should:

Be configurable for the installed components
Offer a clear, intuitive interface
Reflect the brand’s quality and user experience

Because users interact most with the control panel, it heavily influences customer satisfaction and perceived system quality.

Troubleshooting with RV-C

RV-C brings automotive-style diagnostics to RVs. Technicians can plug into the diagnostic port using a laptop with adapter and software. The tool scans the network, identifies components, and displays diagnostic information. Some tools allow configuration, testing, and data export.

These tools will be developed by private vendors (such as SilverLeaf Electronics). Regardless of vendor, tools will work across all RV-C compliant components.

Electronic diagnostics can greatly reduce service time, misdiagnosis rates, and paperwork—saving hundreds of dollars per coach. Wiring faults, though rare, can be identified easily with standard tools like an ohmmeter due to the simplicity of the bus topology.

RV-C