Keyless entry pad problems

[DonnaB]

This is just an FYI for any of you with the keyless entry (ours model was KE-1601) who have had problems with the keypad quitting. Our original one quit working after 1 1/2 years. Went by Newmar who said just have to buy a new keypad ($360) which we did & installed. Well now 1 1/2 years later, that one has also quit. I sent an email to Essex Electronics (keyless.com) who makes these explaining the 2nd had now failed and at the price of the item, a year & a half seemed a might short life and asked for a better solution.

They advised they had had some issues but had "discovered the error of their ways" in November 2009. They have changed their method of assembly and one of the adhesives inside the unit. There is a new model, the AKE-5RH. They sent us a new keypad under warranty and the new unit is warranted for 3 years. Don did the replacement to ours yesterday and it was in general plug & play and the new one works much better than either of the originals did.

So just FYI if you are having issues. I'm hopeful this is the permanent solution.

["007"]

Information on the AKE-5RH KEYPAD is on the Essex Keyless Lock link in Quick Tips.
Downloads and programing links for it.

Thanks DonnaB for the information.

[Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43']

I replaced my 1601 series a year and a half ago with a 1700 series made specifically for motor homes. This was done under warranty as the warranty is 3 years from DOM. I paid around $20.00 to upgrade to the 1700. Essex is a good company to work with.