Forum Discussion

oregon2's avatar
oregon2
Explorer
Dec 07, 2013

Unravelling the Keyless Entry Mystery

After discovering that my new Class C motorhome that is being built will come with power door locks - but no KEY FOBS to operate them, I posted a "what's up with this?" question. Sorting thru all of the responses to my post, I have boiled this down to what I think is accurate. This is regarding ONLY the driver and passenger doors on the chassis part of the motorhome- not the coach door:

If your new motorhome comes with power door locks, but does not come with the keyless entry FOBS, it is because the unit does not have the required RECEIVER installed in the chassis from the factory. So you have power door locks that can be operated manually, but not with a remote KEY FOB (the TRANSMITTER) - because there is no RECEIVER in the chassis for it to communicate with.

I understand that there might be an aftermarket RECEIVER/KEY FOB available from Viper and possibly others that are cheaper(with unknown quality). Consensus seems to be that installing the RECEIVER in the chassis yourself may be tricky unless you have access to a wiring diagram and have the knowledge to ID the wires you will be working with. Also, it may be possible to have one of these units installed professionally at a place like Best Buy (Geek Squad)if you don't want to tackle it yourself.

So I would like to hear from anyone who has had experience with either a self-install or a professional install....... and of course, if I am off base on any of the above, feel free to comment.

18 Replies

  • dicknellen wrote:
    Question. What rv do you have on order? As you know from previous post my 2006 Class C Winnebago Chalet 24VR on a 2005 E-350 chassis did not come with Key Fob Remotes but did come with cab power door locks and when I ordered Key Fobs from Amazon they programmed into my E-350. So you may want to wait until you rv arrives to see if you can program after market remotes. Dick


    Nexus 23P - they tell me no receiver - $300 option if I want one installed. Was told that so many key fobs were being lost by the motorhome builders when rigs came with the receiver and key fobs, that Ford decided to discontinue ...................:h
  • Question. What rv do you have on order? As you know from previous post my 2006 Class C Winnebago Chalet 24VR on a 2005 E-350 chassis did not come with Key Fob Remotes but did come with cab power door locks and when I ordered Key Fobs from Amazon they programmed into my E-350. So you may want to wait until you rv arrives to see if you can program after market remotes. Dick
  • Bobbo wrote:
    You have it right, with one quibble. The key fob is the transmitter. What is installed on the vehicle is the receiver.

    I know, picky, picky.


    Not picky at all -good catch actually - another senior moment on my part :B
  • Bobbo's avatar
    Bobbo
    Explorer III
    You have it right, with one quibble. The key fob is the transmitter. What is installed on the vehicle is the receiver.

    I know, picky, picky.
  • Hi,

    Almost all remote starter kits include operation of the door locks.
  • We have a viper system on our chevy truck I wanted the remote start since its a diesel and Nebraska tends to get a little cold (-24 in valentine Ne last night). Had it installed in 2003 and it still works great 10+ years later a couple of new batteries. Thats about all I can tell you about quality.
  • My son and I have installed a keyless system into a couple of his cars with no problems. Newer vehicles have a lot more wires in them but the computer should make it easier to do.

    There are car alarm companies that do install keyless systems for you. Some of the systems will even let you start your car remotely so you could warm it up. It is also possible that the vehicle manufacturer can install a system for you although it would probably be more expensive to do. JMT