Thunderstone New Generation Keypad and Remote: What’s Changing and When to Upgrade
Thunderstone has released a New Generation keypad and remote for Thunder tarp and EZ Flow systems. It changes how replacement parts will work for everyone running the older system. Here is what to know before you need a replacement.
What’s new
- IP69 rated: maximum dust and water protection, resistant to salt water and chemicals
- Extreme temperature tested: -40°F to 140°F
- 1,000+ ft. operating range
- Two-way communication: the remote confirms the system actually responded
- Concurrent operation: multiple systems can run side by side without interference
- Updated design: a tougher remote, a dark gray keypad and a red remote cover
Keypad and remote go together
Legacy and New Generation keypads and remotes are not cross-compatible. A New Generation remote will not work with a legacy keypad, so upgrading means replacing both. The retrofit kits include both:
| System | Kit | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Thunder Tarp | Thunder Tarp Kit (#103817) |
Keypad #103802 + Remote #103811
|
| EZ Flow | EZ Flow Kit (#103816) |
Keypad #104230 + Remote #103811
|
When will you need to upgrade?
- If your current system works, you don’t need to change anything today.
- Legacy replacement keypads and remotes are still available in limited quantities while supplies last.
- Once they are gone, New Generation will be the only option. A replacement at that point means upgrading both the keypad and the remote with the matching kit.
What an upgrade involves
- Confirm your system. Check whether it is Thunder Tarp or EZ Flow so you order the right kit.
- Install the new keypad in place of the old one. Don’t exceed 75 in-lbs on the ¼"-20 stainless mounting bolts, and don’t weld with the system connected to the trailer.
- Install batteries in the remote. Thunderstone recommends lithium AAA batteries, such as Energizer L92.
-
Pair the remote to the keypad. The process is different from the legacy system:
- Put the keypad in pairing mode by holding power + OPEN for 3 seconds (power + FRONT OPEN on an EZ Flow keypad). The status light blinks orange.
- Put the remote in pairing mode by holding TARP OPEN + TARP CLOSE for 3 seconds.
- When pairing succeeds, the status light on both turns green for 3 seconds.
- Only one keypad should be in pairing mode at a time. A solid orange light means the pairing slots are full and need to be cleared first.
- Test the system before the trailer goes back on the road. Keep the remote’s flip lid closed when it’s not in use.
A keypad can be paired with up to 5 remotes. A remote can be paired with one Thunder tarp keypad and one EZ Flow keypad.
Need help picking a kit?
Call us at 419-692-5881 or send your trailer make, model year and tarp or door system, and we’ll point you to the right one.
[Shop the Thunder Tarp Kit] · [Shop the New Generation Remote]