Garage door opener range

[R1nZX]

This is not Ram-specific, but I suspect someone out there is having similar problems so I thought I'd share my experience.

When I picked up my new Ram and programmed the HomeLink unit I was unable to open my garage door until I was literally about 20 feet away. I prefer to open it much sooner so I don't have to wait for the door before I pull in. My previous vehicles have had no trouble in this regard. I'm not sure if this unit uses lower power, or if the antenna is inefficient, or perhaps I just have a bad unit.

In any case, I adjusted the antenna on the back of the opener itself hoping to get a bit more signal strength. Mine uses stiff wire, and I straightened it for optimum reception. No noticeable difference. Then I realized the antenna in the truck must be horizontal, so I changed the orientation on the opener to horizontal as well. I'm now able to open it from 40-50 feet away, nearly doubling the previous range.

I hope this is useful to someone.

 

[troutspinner]

This is not Ram-specific, but I suspect someone out there is having similar problems so I thought I'd share my experience.

When I picked up my new Ram and programmed the HomeLink unit I was unable to open my garage door until I was literally about 20 feet away. I prefer to open it much sooner so I don't have to wait for the door before I pull in. My previous vehicles have had no trouble in this regard. I'm not sure if this unit uses lower power, or if the antenna is inefficient, or perhaps I just have a bad unit.

In any case, I adjusted the antenna on the back of the opener itself hoping to get a bit more signal strength. Mine uses stiff wire, and I straightened it for optimum reception. No noticeable difference. Then I realized the antenna in the truck must be horizontal, so I changed the orientation on the opener to horizontal as well. I'm now able to open it from 40-50 feet away, nearly doubling the previous range.

I hope this is useful to someone.

What do you mean you changed the opener to horizontal? Do you just put your visor down?

I don’t have any issues but just curious. I actually just replaced my opener with one of the Ryobi 2HP units as I found it for $100 off around New Years and I knew mine needed replacement soon. Nice opener, simple install. I highly recommend it for the accessories alone.

 

[MADDOG]

He's referring to the door opener antenna attached to the garage door motor casing inside the garage.

Antenna orientation at the receiving end is important. I did a similar thing. I extended mine and configured it into an upside down "T", much like a dipole radio antenna. It increased my range substantially.

 

[Ram19 Owner]

Hmmm I’ll have to try mine. I park outside so haven’t tried other than right in front of it as we can’t get both my wife’s Cherokee and my new baby in together. I know with hers and my previous car(outback) I can/could open the door from over 100 feet easily.