Keyless entry? What, another pricey option? Why would someone need keyless entry on their motor home? I mean, it’s not like a car that we get in and out of a million times in parking lots, on city streets, etc. Why would I need a keyless entry on my RV, so there can be another thing that can go wrong?
Well, you are quite right that the application is vastly different than that of your daily driver, but there is a big up-side for these devices when employed on a motor home. Typically, your RV destination finds you at a resort-like park with swimming pool or beach, sports activities and local site seeing venues in the area. So you and your spouse head down to the pool for a cool splash. Don’t forget that ball of keys, and maybe you should each take one. After all, if one of you wander off for a short walk on the beach, the other might wish to go back and change and get a drink. Hmmmmm….. Okay, that might support having a coded entry.
What about on the way down to this resort. Perhaps a few short stops for a sandwich or a great scenic view. Maybe you are going to run in the rest stop washroom after lunch, Oh, the poor spouse is now waiting for you again as the door is locked. This instead of a quick touch of the keypad. Hmmmm……… Interesting!
Well, I could go on and on, but basically the keyless entry is the cat’s pajamas. It increases your security, safety and convenience. It allows all your family, and friends if you wish, instant entry while maintaining a safe secure environment.
So then, what about the “more to go wrong” angle? Well, of course anything can fail. But, keyless entry fobs and the like for automobiles rarely have issues. But here is a valuable tip. Hide a key somewhere, perhaps in your towed vehicle or in a magnetic key box somewhere conveniently attached to the under frame or engine compartment. Also, every couple of years, polish the four spring loaded contacts located in the forward part of the door jam. This should be done with emery cloth or similar material to remove any build up of surface oxygenizing.
There are also many isolated cases that support having an electronic entry option. One such case was a couple that have left their dog in their motor home while they had gone to a nearby city. That afternoon, husband became ill and had to be hospitalized. Being that the surroundings were new and somewhat frightening to them, in addition to being over one and a half hours back to the camp, the wife elected to stay with her spouse in the hospital. Thanks to the ability of the coded entry, the lady was able to call the camp owners and arranged to have their dog let out and fed. This was a great relief and allowed them time. He was released later that night to return to their motor home and faithful family pet.
So, I give it thumbs up! It’s not that costly compared to what it offers.
Unlocking More Thoughts – Lug_Nut – Peter Mercer
1/2 canadian
I use our keyless pad most often when I am outside and realize our storage bays are locked, and I need something out of one of them; my keys are inside the coach, but rather than climb back in after them (esp. if my shoes are muddy or something), I just hit the code key on the pad for unlocking the bays.
Usually, the Mrs. doesn’t take her set of keys when we leave the rig, but if the wife has the keys for some reason, but I don’t, and she’s elsewhere at the moment, I can still enter the rig.
The only problem we’ve had is that if the keypad gets wet from washing or rain, it sometimes activates on its own. Technicians replaced the pad, but the problem still occurs occasionally, even though it appears well-sealed. It doesn’t unlock on its own, but can lock by itself when wet. Then the keypad won’t unlock until drier, so we have to use the keyfob instead to get in. Fortunately the problem hasn’t yet occured when we didn’t have the keyfob. We’ll have techs recheck the keyless pad.
Other than that, we’ve grown to like the keyless convenience. I use the keyless entry that came on our tow car so I can leave the doors locked with the key in the ignition while hitched to the coach for towing. We can stop on the road and go in a restaurant or walk/tour a museum or other attraction, and leave the coach and toad locked without having to remove the toad’s ignition key (which would mean resetting the car’s neutral tow switch before we drove away from the site). Nor do we need to carry a spare toad key. Keyless entry pads are OK in my book.
Lug_Nut
Great tip Patch. There is nothing worse than being stuck outside your own coach with no way of entering without damaging something. Thanks for your input.
Patch
Make sure and take a key anyway, as mentioned above. We have had two CC’s with keyless, and more than once it failed to work … most likely an electrial glitch.
Lug_Nut
Hi John, Yes, it seems once you’ve had keyless entry, you don’t really want to give it up. No, I don’t believe there are any security issues in regards to there use. These are similar to all the cars and SUV’s that use them with no loss in security.
John
Hi Lug_Nut,
I also have seen the light as far as the value of keyless entry is concerned.
Many good suggestions above. It is always a good idea to have a backup key stashed in a safe place in the event of an electrical malfunction than can render the keyless entry system inoperable.
Are there any security concerns regarding wireless remotes that are used on these systems?
Cheers,
John
Lug_Nut
Carol, Thanks for your input. It seems the “In favor” crowd is out numbering those not seeing the value.
Lug_Nut
Rich D., I totally agree. Once you have had it, you will not want to go without it. Great comment, thank you.
Lug_Nut
Barbara, Good point regarding the “Panic Button”. This feature is also available with some security systems, which happens to be one the upcoming topics I will be writing on. Thank you for your input.
Carol
I most definitely agree on the keyless entry!!! That’s the only thing I don’t like about my camper. When I was tent camping, didn’t have to worry about keeping up with keys.
I bought something similar to a real estate lockbox that hangs on a handle on my camper and keep the keys in there, just so I don’t have to worry about who has the keys.
Rich D.
Key-less entry systems are one of those things that are used every day, many times per day. If you never had one you may not miss it but once you do you certainly would not want to not have it again. The option of not having to carry keys makes the keypad type worthwhile. Adding an optional remote is handy for quick entry in the rain, etc. as the door can be unlocked from inside your car. You can have it turn on your outside lights too.
Barbara Schneider
Another good feature of the keyless entry is the panic button. If you ever feel threatened by someone trying to get in or spending too much time around your rig, just push the panic button (whether you are inside or outside the rig) and the noise should scare them away or alert other campers.
Lug_Nut
Nick, I fully understand your feelings, however you may not feel that way if you had the option and used it for a few weeks. Like many other things, once our habits change, it’s tough to go back. But, sticking to basics always works. Thank you for your input.
Nick Russell
I’m sorry, I’m still of the “just one more thing to go wrong” camp. I’m perfectly happy using my good old key to unlock the door.