A Chamberlain side mount garage door opener installs on the wall beside your door, saving ceiling space and operating very quietly. In fact, Chamberlain’s newest model – the RJO101 – is built for noise-free performance and smart home control. This wall-mounted opener “frees up space in the garage” while its “ultra-quiet design is nearly silent”. It includes built-in Wi‑Fi (via the MyQ app) and a battery backup, so you can monitor and operate your door from anywhere – even during power outages. The RJO101 replaced the earlier RJO70 model and delivers all the modern features of a top-end side mount opener.
Latest Chamberlain Side Mount Garage Door Opener Model
The Chamberlain RJO101 is the latest side-mount (wall-mount) opener from Chamberlain. It replaces the older RJO70 model and carries over key improvements. The RJO101’s official listing highlights a “Wall-mounted design” that reduces noise and vibrations, making it “the quietest in the Chamberlain lines”. According to specifications, this opener can lift doors up to 850 lbs, accommodating standard sectional doors up to 14 feet tall or 18 feet wide. Chamberlain’s product page also notes it is built for smart connectivity: it has built-in Wi-Fi for use with the free MyQ app, plus support for in-garage delivery via Amazon Key and Walmart+.
Older side-mount models like the RJO70MC (now discontinued) had an MSRP around $549. The new RJO101 is currently priced lower: for example, Lowe’s offers it on sale for about $449 (down from $509). That pricing reflects its premium features. (By comparison, the LiftMaster 8500W, which is essentially the same opener under a sister brand, is often listed near $550–$650.) In short, the RJO101 is Chamberlain’s current flagship side-mount opener, combining the latest tech in a compact wall-mounted package.
Chamberlain RJO101 – Key Features and Benefits
The Chamberlain side mount (wall-mount) opener is packed with advanced features. In particular, the RJO101 and similar models include:
- Space-Saving Wall-Mount Design: Mounts on the wall beside the garage door, “freeing up ceiling space” and eliminating the rail and trolley. This is ideal for high-lift or RV garages, vaulted ceilings, or any setup where ceiling clearance is limited.
- Ultra-Quiet Direct-Drive Motor: A brushless DC motor operates very quietly and with minimal vibration, so you hardly hear the door moving. This makes the opener “nearly silent” during use.
- Heavy-Duty Lifting Power: Despite its small size, it can raise doors up to 850 pounds (standard 14×8 ft sectional doors) or up to 18 ft wide (180 ft²) with properly balanced springs.
- Built-In Wi-Fi & Smartphone Control: The RJO101 has built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, so you can use Chamberlain’s free myQ app to monitor and control your door from anywhere. You get real-time alerts if the door is left open, and you can schedule automatic closing or lights on/off.
- Battery Backup: An integrated battery pack lets the opener run even during a power outage. This ensures you can always get in and out, even when the grid is down.
- Remote LED Lighting: Instead of a fixed overhead lamp, the RJO101 includes a wireless LED light you can place anywhere in the garage. It also supports up to 8 separate light pods for full illumination.
- Automatic Security Lock: The opener comes with a deadlocking feature that locks the door automatically after every close, making the door “virtually impenetrable”. It also uses Security+ 2.0 rolling-code encryption on the remotes for secure access.
- Smart Integrations: It works with Amazon Key for in-garage delivery, and can integrate with many smart home platforms via the myQ app. (It does not support Apple HomeKit or Google Assistant natively, however.)
These features combine for convenience and safety. For example, the built-in myQ connectivity lets you remotely check if you left the door open, and even share temporary access with visitors. The automatic lock adds peace of mind against break-ins. And because it’s wall-mounted, there is no long chain or belt spanning the ceiling – the design simply drives the torsion spring shaft directly, which eliminates the maintenance and noise of traditional openers.
Chamberlain Side Mount Garage Door Opener Space-Saving Design
A standout benefit is the space-saving design. Chamberlain’s wall-mount opener bolts to the torsion spring shaft on the garage wall, removing the need for ceiling support rails. This frees up room overhead for storage, lighting, and even room additions above the garage. Homeowners with vaulted ceilings or those who want a cleaner ceiling aesthetic appreciate that side-mount openers keep the ceiling clear. Despite the compact design, Chamberlain still provides a manual release handle and rope kit so you can disengage the door for manual operation if needed.
Chamberlain Side Mount Garage Door Opener Ultra-Quiet Operation
The noise level is another key feature. Chamberlain’s opener uses a direct-drive DC motor that virtually eliminates the rattle and hum of chain or belt drives. This is ideal for garages near living spaces or in-home offices. Users report that the opener runs smoothly with very low vibration. Unlike overhead openers, there’s no heavy rail or trolley clanking against the door – instead, a smooth gearhead drives the shaft. Overall, this makes the side-mount opener extremely quiet in day-to-day operation.
Chamberlain Side Mount Garage Door Opener Smart Connectivity
Modern Chamberlain openers also put smart technology front and center. With integrated Wi-Fi and the myQ app, you can open/close the door via smartphone, receive real-time notifications, and even integrate with other smart home systems. For example, you can program the door to close automatically at a set time, or use voice commands through compatible assistants. The system also offers alerts for “door left open” or low battery on sensors. Chamberlain’s compatibility with Amazon Key and Walmart+ means couriers can deliver packages safely inside the garage when you’re not home, further extending the convenience of this opener.
Installation & Technical Details of Chamberlain Side Mount Openers
Installing a side-mount opener has some special requirements. Chamberlain’s manuals note that you must have a standard 1-inch torsion (spring) tube to attach the unit, and at least 8 inches of side clearance from the spring tube to any obstruction. These openers do not work with roll-up doors (they require sectional doors) or with low-headroom track systems. The torsion spring system must be properly balanced first. In short, the garage must allow room on the wall beside the door. If those conditions are met, the RJO101 (and similar models) bolts directly to the wall-mounted torsion shaft. Chamberlain includes BILT 3D instructions to guide DIY installation, or you can have a pro install it for you.
Additional technical specs (from the RJO101 listing): it is a DC motor opener (no horsepower rating since it’s different from AC motors), with built-in battery backup and a motion-detecting light. It uses Security+ 2.0 rolling-code technology and a yellow/circle learn button. The opener measures roughly 27×12×10 inches and weighs about 36 pounds, so it’s relatively compact and easy to mount. All standard Chamberlain remotes (like the 893MAX 3-button remote included) and keypads can pair with it.
In practice, homeowners find that once installed correctly, the Chamberlain side-mount opener works just like a regular opener but much quieter. It frees up the ceiling and uses a bright LED light pod instead of a ceiling lamp. For example, one user noted that after balancing their door properly, the installation and performance were smooth and they even used the mobile BILT guide instead of paper instructions. With features like an automatic deadbolt, motion sensor lights, and app control, the RJO101 covers all the bases of a modern garage system while staying out of the way.
Pricing and Buying Guide for Chamberlain Side Mount Openers
Chamberlain side mount openers are premium products, and prices reflect their advanced features. The older RJO70MC was listed at $549 MSRP. Today, the new RJO101 is often found for around $500 or less. For instance, Lowe’s currently sells the RJO101 model (part number RJO101MC) for about $449 on sale. Amazon and other retailers sell the LiftMaster/LiftMaster version of this opener (model 8500W or 8500 with battery) in a similar price range (around $500–$600 depending on promotions).
Keep an eye out for sales or bundle deals. Sometimes Chamberlain packages include extra remotes or keypads. Note that the RJO101 unit includes the wall-mount opener head, one smart control panel (wall console), one 3‑button remote (893MAX), safety sensors, a 12V backup battery (485LM), an automatic door lock kit (841LM), and a wireless LED light (827LM) – so you get a complete system.
Where to Buy Chamberlain Side Mount Garage Door Opener
You can purchase the Chamberlain RJO101 side-mount opener from major retailers. For example, it’s available at Lowe’s (online and in-store) – search for “Chamberlain RJO101”. It’s also sold through Amazon and home center stores under the LiftMaster or Chamberlain brand. Make sure to check that you’re getting the model with battery backup (RJO101MC or LiftMaster 8500W-B) if you want backup power. We recommend comparing prices and including any available coupons.
For convenience, here are links to current listings:
- Lowe’s: Chamberlain myQ Wall-Mount Ultra Quiet Opener (RJO101MC) – about $449 on sale.
- Amazon: Chamberlain RJO101MC Ultra-Quiet Wall-Mount Opener (often around $479 with Prime).
Before buying, verify compatibility with your door’s spring system and dimensions. Chamberlain also sells the RJO20MC (no battery backup) and older RJO70 models, but the RJO101 is the most up-to-date. If budget is a concern, the older RJO70 (if still available used) is similar in function. However, for full functionality (smart control + battery), we recommend the RJO101.
User Manual Chamberlain RJO101 side mount garage door opener
Overall, the Chamberlain RJO101 represents the best Chamberlain side mount garage door opener available today. It combines technical innovation (quiet DC motor, Wi-Fi, backup battery) with practical convenience (space-saving design, LED lighting). It is an excellent choice for anyone wanting a high-end opener that stays out of sight yet keeps your garage and deliveries under control.
