Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Keystone RV Forums > Keystone Tech Forums > Keystone Questions
Click Here to Login

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 04-14-2022, 11:35 AM   #1
Todd F
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2022
Location: Little river
Posts: 3
InCommand Systems, user feedback ?

I was supposed to purchase a "New to me" 2020 Keystone Cougar last week and it was rescheduled due to a defective In Command system. The Touchpanel has been replaced and now they are replacing other components. It is at a reputable dealer in the area. They admitted they have little information on how to fix or troubleshoot these systems. I am not looking for trouble shooting help, but feedback on reliability.
This has made me a little concerned. Are these InCommand systems having issues out there?
Feedback from experience would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Todd
Todd F is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2022, 11:55 AM   #2
RollaMo
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2022
Location: Rolla, MO
Posts: 342
I think there are quite a few people out there that absolutely hate the InCommand system.
I have read lots of internet posts about people having issues.

But what you don't hear or read about, are all those users that haven't had any issues.

We have that system in our new 2022 Cougar 5th wheel.
Of course it could give us issues tomorrow, but so far we haven't had any issues at all with it.
In fact I really like it so far, and I was one that really didn't want it to begin with.

We haven't had the trailer long enough yet to make any long term projections, but our first two camping trips went well.
__________________
2022 Cougar Half Ton 24RDS
2019 GMC 2500HD (gas)
RollaMo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2022, 12:47 PM   #3
JRTJH
Site Team
 
JRTJH's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Gaylord
Posts: 26,849
I won't buy an RV with the In-Command system. There are alternatives, both from competitors and from within the Keystone lines. My concern is not so much the "potential for problems" as the system, when it's working, is fairly reliable, but my concern is when it breaks, nobody knows enough about it's "complicated interfaces" to troubleshoot it and repair it. What they tend to do is start throwing replacement parts at it until it starts working again.

My "fear" is what happens when, in 4 or 5 years, there are no more "parts available to throw at it".... What then??? With no "wiring or schematics available from Keystone and certainly not from ASA Electronics, how do you even start to convert the system to a manually controlled RV ???

Buying a used RV with In-Command without a warranty ???? That's like going to Las Vegas with your entire life savings and planning to either "become a millionaire or a welfare recipient..... Remember who pays the electricity bill on all the casinos... It ain't the winners walking out of the casino.....
__________________
John



2015 F250 6.7l 4x4
2014 Cougar X Lite 27RKS
JRTJH is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2022, 06:45 PM   #4
M&M2
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: Gulfport
Posts: 58
We have the InCommand system and have had minimal problems. I took the time to read various manuals/guides from ASA, reviewed all of the wiring and developed an accurate schematic of the BCM. ASA has provided excellent technical support to answer questions. I also worked with them on a custom floor plan to hide unused functions and name things so it’s easier to know what function you are using. Example is renamed grey 1 grey 2 to grey kitchen grey bathroom. Another plus for me is controlling through the iPhone.

I’m comfortable with technology so I’m a iN·Command fan.
__________________
2021 Montana 3231CK, Legacy, Super Solar Flex, Dual Pane Windows, Slide-out Awnings
2021 Dodge RAM 3500 4x4 Limited 6.7 HO DRW, Trailer TPMS, B&W Companion Hitch
M&M2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2022, 07:19 PM   #5
LHaven
Senior Member
 
LHaven's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Wickenburg
Posts: 3,271
I'm a technology and networking guy, so I love mine. Have I had problems with it? Yeah, one big one that everybody on my model had [link]. It turned out not to be the inCommand unit at all, but the Dometic interface Keystone paired with it. (It would have failed the same way with a manual thermostat, it just wasn't shipped with any of the manual thermostat models).

I do have a recurring problem with it crashing during long periods of non-use (never on actual trips), and not rebooting until someone goes inside and punches a button. But I consider it minor. The HVAC system runs at the set temperatures even if inCommand crashes, so I know my animals are safe, etc.

My greatest concern is that replacement parts might be needed years down the road and not be available, as John mentions. Given that ASA has been around since 1977 and is now 50% owned by Audiovox/Jensen, hopefully they shouldn't be going plotz anytime soon, and since all their equipment is in the auto/RV/marine market, hopefully they will follow industry tradition on spares availability.
__________________
2019 Cougar 26RBSWE
2019 Ford F-250
LHaven is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2022, 07:23 PM   #6
Old Mustanger
Senior Member
 
Old Mustanger's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Rockett, TX
Posts: 480
We have only had trouble 1 time when the awning wouldn't retract, (can't even remember what I did to get it to connect but had it working in about 5 minutes). I feel lucky that mine does not include the HVAC controls and using the phone app is easier than using the control screen.

All that being said I don't hate it but if I ever do buy another trailer (which I doubt) it will have switches instead of the In Command.
__________________
Jerry & Debbie
with Fur Babies Sasha & Sam
2018 Alpine 3401RS
2019 Ford F350 SRW
Old Mustanger is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-15-2022, 04:59 AM   #7
ChuckS
Senior Member
 
ChuckS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Mountain Home, Idaho
Posts: 2,978
In Command system is Junk just as is Lipperts One Control… These new gadgets are nice until you have issues . And you will

When the older version generations of In Command start having BCM issues or Display tablet issues how long will these two items be available?

The Pro, Pro Plus, and Global Connect are the latest versions and there are two other prior to this.. Try and find a BCM for the Gen 1.0 or Gen Lite .. you might but the BCM alone is gonna cost over 1K

With the latest versions of In Command having HVAC control tied into the system when something doesn’t work right..and it’s occurring A LOT.. try and find someone that has a clue about CANBUS control, floor plan issues, calibrating BCM holding tank resistance values, etc..

I personally passed on the In command equipped Alpine in 2014 and bought the Alpine with NO In Command. I will not ever own an RV with this system

And can I trouble shoot the system? Yes.. I can …
__________________


2007 GMC Classic club cab 4x4 Duramax LBZ
2014 Alpine 3010 RE. 34 foot fifth wheel
ChuckS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-15-2022, 05:11 AM   #8
jasin1
Senior Member
 
jasin1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Upper Chesapeake Bay
Posts: 4,804
I might be missing something here so correct me if I’m wrong but doesn’t all the wiring for the slides and sensors and ac all terminate right inside the bcm module in the basement?

I would think (again maybe I’m wrong ) that in the future you could just wire in switches for the slides…add new sensors for the hvac controls if needed (reusing the wires) and run tstats independently to each of the ac units and furnace in the rv?
Even if you mounted the slide switches in the basement..although it wouldn’t take much to run a switch leg up to the nearest wall by the converter near the stairs on fifth wheels. The light switches already have manual switches as well as iN·Command.
And who needs tank sensors anyway

By the time the incommand is no longer available I’m pretty sure most of these rigs will be long in the tooth and mods like this will be acceptable

Your talking maybe $300 in parts and material to make it manual switches…you can already operate the slides from the bcm manually

We have cars and trucks with all kind of electronics that periodically fail in later years and we make do with mods because replacements are either not available or cost prohibitive

Yes I would not buy it knowing what I know now but it’s not the end of the world that I have one…most high end and lower units have some form of touchscreen control
__________________
2020 Cougar 315 RLS
2020 Ram 3500 6.7HO 4.10 Dually Aisin
jasin1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-15-2022, 05:57 AM   #9
Todd F
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2022
Location: Little river
Posts: 3
Thank you for the feedback. I appreciate you sharing your experience.
Todd F is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-15-2022, 06:33 AM   #10
ChuckS
Senior Member
 
ChuckS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Mountain Home, Idaho
Posts: 2,978
Quote:
Originally Posted by jasin1 View Post
I might be missing something here so correct me if I’m wrong but doesn’t all the wiring for the slides and sensors and ac all terminate right inside the bcm module in the basement?

I would think (again maybe I’m wrong ) that in the future you could just wire in switches for the slides…add new sensors for the hvac controls if needed (reusing the wires) and run tstats independently to each of the ac units and furnace in the rv?
Even if you mounted the slide switches in the basement..although it wouldn’t take much to run a switch leg up to the nearest wall by the converter near the stairs on fifth wheels. The light switches already have manual switches as well as iN·Command.
And who needs tank sensors anyway

By the time the incommand is no longer available I’m pretty sure most of these rigs will be long in the tooth and mods like this will be acceptable

Your talking maybe $300 in parts and material to make it manual switches…you can already operate the slides from the bcm manually

We have cars and trucks with all kind of electronics that periodically fail in later years and we make do with mods because replacements are either not available or cost prohibitive

Yes I would not buy it knowing what I know now but it’s not the end of the world that I have one…most high end and lower units have some form of touchscreen control
Its not as simple as it sounds.. Can the HVAC control be moved away from the BCM and Display tablet? Yes.. but it is beyond the scope of the average RV owner... Most don't even know what type of AC unit they have on the roof..

There are NO manual switches what so ever for ANY HYDRAULIC slide out on any Keystone RV with In Command.. There are manual switches for the electric slides.. which I would not own one with a Schwintek In Wall electric slide..

Automobile electronics versus the junk that is installed in these RVs is heads and tales above the RV electronics...

Currently when an OP has issues with an In Command system, be it the on going HVAC problems related to crappy gateway interfaces, glitchy software, etc trying to get the issues resolved is often a royal PITA...

If a Display dies ( and I have seen several posts on all versions having this issue ) then the OP has no HVAC, No hot water, no water pump, maybe no interior lighting and NO Hydraulic slide out control ( other than manual overide with a cordless drill and allen bit and allen wrench )

The system concept is great but the implementation of it is less than stellar.. The assembly at the factory ( wiring in everything to the BCM ) was done by Billy Bob and hos merry band of misfits...
__________________


2007 GMC Classic club cab 4x4 Duramax LBZ
2014 Alpine 3010 RE. 34 foot fifth wheel
ChuckS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-15-2022, 06:35 AM   #11
Javi
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Waco, Tx
Posts: 5,456
The In Command system is the only reason I bought an Avalanche in stead of an Alpine..

Yep... the Avalanche didn't have the In Command system
__________________
2015 Ford F350 DRW 6.7 Diesel XL
2020 Avalanche 313 RS
Javi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-15-2022, 06:52 AM   #12
sourdough
Site Team
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: W. Texas
Posts: 17,601
Same here; I looked for an RV with certain criteria, a primary one was that it had to come without InCommand.
__________________
Danny and Susan, wife of 56 years
2019 Ram 3500 Laramie CC SWB SB 6.4 4x4 4.10
2020 Montana High Country 331RL
sourdough is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-15-2022, 09:35 AM   #13
jasin1
Senior Member
 
jasin1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Upper Chesapeake Bay
Posts: 4,804
I agree with everyone as far as IF I have a choice between two units …I would probably go for the simpler switches and thermostats.

I just wouldn’t lose too much sleep over it if I have iN·Command ( I do).

If a person owns an rv they should figure out how to work on them or just like boats they will be paying a premium for any repair….at least find someone they trust to do repairs.

My sons autopilot on his boat was acting up…EBAY is your friend in cases like this. His autopilot is several generations old and not in production anymore.
I bought two computer boards on ebay out of Florida and all is good.( one for backup)

I don’t plan on keeping this fifth wheel for very long so it’s not a big concern for me.

If you have it and are really really worried about parts not being available in the future then buy the screen and bcm now…keep them tucked away and if you don’t use it then from reading these posts it will bring a profit one day selling them to someone who needs it.( I never try to profit from someone’s misfortune….bad juju )
__________________
2020 Cougar 315 RLS
2020 Ram 3500 6.7HO 4.10 Dually Aisin
jasin1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-15-2022, 09:59 AM   #14
Mikendebbie
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Austin
Posts: 360
I have had one problem with InCommand. Our unit did not move for 20 months during covid. I noticed when I would turn on Living Room lights - they would flutter for a minute or so, then turn on. Researched the forums for a solution. It turned out to be a bad relay. I swapped out the relay with another on the circuit board and problem was solved.

Our 2018 model does not interface with AC or heater system and I have been thankful for that as I seem to read lots of forum threads describing trouble. I installed the firmware update several months ago. Everything works great.
__________________
'19 Chevy 3500 High Country DRW
'18 Montana 3921FB Aggie ‘77
('17 Laredo 330RL previous RV)
In the sticks near Austin TX
Aussie Gus+Texas Heeler Jimmy
Mikendebbie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-20-2022, 03:37 AM   #15
pasayten
Member
 
pasayten's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: WINTHROP
Posts: 80
Have the InCommand in our 2021 Cougar 26RBS... Love it!!! But I am a 74 y/o computer geek... I did read the manual and also became familiar with the manual overrides in the main command center just in case any issues ever arise... We have had no issues so far. :-)
__________________
pasayten

2022 GMC 2500HD Sierra Denali Crew Cab Gas
2021 Cougar R26RBS
pasayten is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-20-2022, 04:10 AM   #16
wrvond
Senior Member
 
wrvond's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Leon, WV
Posts: 469
Quote:
Originally Posted by Todd F View Post
I was supposed to purchase a "New to me" 2020 Keystone Cougar last week and it was rescheduled due to a defective In Command system. The Touchpanel has been replaced and now they are replacing other components. It is at a reputable dealer in the area. They admitted they have little information on how to fix or troubleshoot these systems. I am not looking for trouble shooting help, but feedback on reliability.
This has made me a little concerned. Are these InCommand systems having issues out there?
Feedback from experience would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Todd
I've had no issues and I use it multiple times a day. In fact, I woke up this morning to 29°F and freeze warnings. I was able to turn on the heater from inside the house - how cool is that?!
I use my phone more than I use the control panel. It's great to be able to watch for myself when I extend the slides or turn the lights on or off without having to go into the camper.
The only "problem" I've got is my InCommand thinks my camper has a Jensen radio when it actually has a Furrion unit and I haven't figured out how to change that.
Having said all that, I do have the Global Connect version, your older version may not have the same functionality.
__________________
2022 Cougar Half Ton 24RDS
2017 F350 DRW 6.7L


wrvond is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-20-2022, 04:49 AM   #17
ChuckS
Senior Member
 
ChuckS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Mountain Home, Idaho
Posts: 2,978
Those that are "Loving" their In Command systems ... thats great..,. I would also think ahead of when the BCM or DC dies and you find out that your version is NLA...

Then you have some expensive choices to make.. The average RVer cant even figure out how to TS simple furnace issues and with the latest versions of In Command tying the HVAC into the In Command display and BCM trying to TS is beyond the scope of most folks..

It is all controlled via CANBUS... which in itself is a simple system provided you understand what it is and how to TS...

Now you add in the troublesome glitchy gateways used to interface the In Command system to the roof AC control board and your TS just became more tedious...

If you have a lighting issue, electric slide issue, WH issue, you now also have to remember the relays on the BCM that direct the 12 volts power from the power center BUS panel to each of these items...

Many folks would not be able to TS... and I would hate to see how many hours of labor one would pay for at an RV service center if the repair tech wasn't up to speed on these systems and knew how to TS... Some are quite good at what they do and others have not yet got up to speed with some of the new control technology..

And Yup.. I am quite Tech savy, a computer geek, retired aircraft mechanic and have worked on RVs for decades and could TS all of this... I choose the older technology in my Alpine and would not buy a new Alpine if they wanted to sell to me for any price\
__________________


2007 GMC Classic club cab 4x4 Duramax LBZ
2014 Alpine 3010 RE. 34 foot fifth wheel
ChuckS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-20-2022, 05:03 AM   #18
markcee
Senior Member
 
markcee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Sun City West
Posts: 907
Quote:
Originally Posted by ChuckS View Post
Those that are "Loving" their In Command systems ... thats great..,. I would also think ahead of when the BCM or DC dies and you find out that your version is NLA...

Then you have some expensive choices to make.. The average RVer cant even figure out how to TS simple furnace issues and with the latest versions of In Command tying the HVAC into the In Command display and BCM trying to TS is beyond the scope of most folks..

It is all controlled via CANBUS... which in itself is a simple system provided you understand what it is and how to TS...

Now you add in the troublesome glitchy gateways used to interface the In Command system to the roof AC control board and your TS just became more tedious...

If you have a lighting issue, electric slide issue, WH issue, you now also have to remember the relays on the BCM that direct the 12 volts power from the power center BUS panel to each of these items...

Many folks would not be able to TS... and I would hate to see how many hours of labor one would pay for at an RV service center if the repair tech wasn't up to speed on these systems and knew how to TS... Some are quite good at what they do and others have not yet got up to speed with some of the new control technology..

And Yup.. I am quite Tech savy, a computer geek, retired aircraft mechanic and have worked on RVs for decades and could TS all of this... I choose the older technology in my Alpine and would not buy a new Alpine if they wanted to sell to me for any price\
The problem is I think there's going to be no choice but to 'love it', as it seems we won't be able to 'leave it'.

I definitely understand your points, but seems like it's going to be pretty hard to get a 'modern' trailer without some iteration of an InCommand type system.

For the record though - I'm (so far at least) fine with the system. More trouble with KeyTV than with InCommand..lol
__________________
2022 Rockwood Signature 8324SB
2019 F350, SRW, 6.2L, 4.30 gears
Sold: 2020 Keystone Cougar '1/2 ton' TT, 29RLKWE
markcee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-20-2022, 05:38 AM   #19
RollaMo
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2022
Location: Rolla, MO
Posts: 342
Quote:
Originally Posted by wrvond View Post
I've had no issues and I use it multiple times a day. In fact, I woke up this morning to 29°F and freeze warnings. I was able to turn on the heater from inside the house - how cool is that?!
I use my phone more than I use the control panel. It's great to be able to watch for myself when I extend the slides or turn the lights on or off without having to go into the camper.


We were also under a freeze warning earlier this week.

I used the "schedule" in the InCommand system.

55 is the lowest you can set the temp for, and I didn't need the furnace to run more than actually needed.
It wasn't going to be below 30 until sometime after 3:30 AM.
So, I had the schedule set up to have the furnace come on at 3:30 (set at 55 degrees), and then go off at 6:30 AM.
I got up about 7:00 AM and went out to check the trailer. It was 29 degrees outside, but 54 degrees inside and the HVAC schedule had completed.
Within an hour the outside temps were up above freezing.

I've done that twice now since I de-winterized the trailer.
Not sure if getting down to 29 for a few hours is enough to cause any damage, but didn't want to take any chances.
__________________
2022 Cougar Half Ton 24RDS
2019 GMC 2500HD (gas)
RollaMo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-20-2022, 05:46 AM   #20
wrvond
Senior Member
 
wrvond's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Leon, WV
Posts: 469
Quote:
Originally Posted by RollaMo View Post


We were also under a freeze warning earlier this week.

I used the "schedule" in the InCommand system.

55 is the lowest you can set the temp for, and I didn't need the furnace to run more than actually needed.
It wasn't going to be below 30 until sometime after 3:30 AM.
So, I had the schedule set up to have the furnace come on at 3:30 (set at 55 degrees), and then go off at 6:30 AM.
I got up about 7:00 AM and went out to check the trailer. It was 29 degrees outside, but 54 degrees inside and the HVAC schedule had completed.
Within an hour the outside temps were up above freezing.

I've done that twice now since I de-winterized the trailer.
Not sure if getting down to 29 for a few hours is enough to cause any damage, but didn't want to take any chances.
Very smart!
I was taken completely by surprise - one of the few times I neglected to check the forecast.
I doubt I would have thought to use the schedule function though. I'll remember that next time!
__________________
2022 Cougar Half Ton 24RDS
2017 F350 DRW 6.7L


wrvond is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
incommand

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Keystone RV Company or any of its affiliates in any way. Keystone RV® is a registered trademark of the Keystone RV Company.


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 07:50 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.