Is your Jeep key fob bulky, easily triggering buttons in your pocket, and just generally a pain to carry around? If you’re nodding your head, you’re not alone. Many Jeep owners find the factory key fob less than ideal, especially when it comes to size and accidental button presses. After experiencing these frustrations myself with my Jeep, I decided to look for a solution – and I found one in the form of a Jeep Key Fob Protector, specifically the Threedom Model M key fob housing.
The original Jeep key fob, while functional, has some notable drawbacks. The size is considerable, making it feel cumbersome in pockets. To illustrate just how large the OEM fob is, take a look at this size comparison:
Another common complaint is the design of the key switch blade button. It’s positioned in a way that it can easily be pressed accidentally while in your pocket, causing the key blade to flip out unexpectedly. This isn’t just annoying; it can also potentially damage the key or other items in your pocket.
When searching for a better alternative, I discovered two popular options marketed as Jeep key fob protectors or replacements: the AJT Design key fob cover and the Threedom key fob housing. Both aim to address the shortcomings of the original fob, but they take slightly different approaches. Here’s a side-by-side comparison to give you a visual:
The AJT Design option is a cover that goes over your existing key fob, providing a different look and feel. Threedom, on the other hand, offers a complete housing replacement, allowing you to transfer the internal components of your OEM fob into a brand new, more compact shell.
For me, the priority was minimizing size. That’s why I opted for the Threedom Model M in black with a smooth texture. Threedom offers a range of models, including colored options, to suit different preferences. You can see their full lineup here:
It’s worth noting that only the Threedom Model S+ integrates the door key directly into the fob design. The Model M, which I chose, focuses on extreme size reduction and requires a slightly different approach for the physical door key.
What immediately impressed me about the Threedom Model M is its size. It truly is remarkably smaller than the original Jeep fob. It feels like they’ve maximized space efficiency without altering the essential OEM circuit board. The quality of the fit and finish is also outstanding, and a significant bonus is that these are proudly Made in Minnesota, USA.
Installation requires disassembling the OEM Jeep fob, which is a straightforward process. It involves removing a few T6 screws – Threedom even includes a free T6 driver with their housing, which is a thoughtful touch. The trickiest part of the process is removing the RFID chip from the original fob. This component is held in place quite firmly. I found it necessary to make a few relief cuts to carefully pry it out. Take your time with this step to avoid damaging the RFID chip, which is crucial for your Jeep to start.
Next, I decided to remove the roll pin from the physical key blade and drill a small 3/32 hole through the shank. My intention is to keep the door key separate, tucked safely in my wallet. This small hole allows me to attach the key to my keychain if needed. This is a handy backup plan: if the key fob battery ever dies, I can manually unlock the door with the physical key and then use the RFID chip (held within the Threedom fob) to start the Jeep by holding it near the START button. This is a much better solution than being completely stranded by a dead key fob battery.
With all the components transferred, assembling the new Threedom key fob is a breeze. The RFID chip fits snugly into a designated pocket, and the clam-shell design of the housing is secured with a single screw (included). The precision engineering is evident; it’s clear they’ve thoroughly tested and refined their design. The screw is identical to the OEM screws, so you even end up with spare screws should you ever need them.
While the Threedom housing isn’t advertised as waterproof, a small amount of silicone sealant during assembly could easily address this if desired. Perhaps this is something they could consider incorporating into future designs.
So, how does the Threedom Model M compare to the original Jeep fob in terms of size once assembled? Threedom claims it’s 30% smaller, but in hand, it feels even more significant, especially in thickness. I’d estimate it’s closer to 50% smaller overall.
The in-hand feel is a major improvement. The Model M has a comfortable, ergonomic shape. I particularly appreciate the small indent on the bottom, which provides a natural resting place for your trigger finger. Even with the “smooth” finish, the texture offers ample grip and prevents slippage.
Regarding the separate door key, storing it in my wallet is a convenient solution for everyday carry. If I ever need to use it manually, attaching it to my keychain provides enough leverage to easily unlock the door.
As an added measure, I attached an Apple AirTag to my key fob, along with a Belkin AirTag case and a carbon fiber film on the back for a bit of extra protection and personalization. If you’re an iPhone user, AirTags are incredibly useful for keeping track of your keys and other valuables.
Overall, I am extremely satisfied with the Threedom Model M key fob housing. It effectively addresses the shortcomings of the OEM Jeep fob, offering a significantly smaller, more pocket-friendly, and better-designed Jeep key fob protector and replacement. If you’re tired of the bulk and button sensitivity of your factory Jeep fob, I highly recommend considering the Threedom Model M as an upgrade.
