Tow Truck GPS Tracker – Buying Guide 2023
When it comes to vehicle management solutions that offer intuitive tow truck tracking software there are a lot of options on the market today. But what are the best tracking systems to help tow truck businesses with fuel efficiency, theft recovery, and overall management of fleet activity? This article tackles the question of what is the best GPS fleet tracking solution for tow truck companies and provides the top 5 real time GPS trackers every towing company should know about!
1. Connect OBD2 GPS For Tow Trucks
Our pick as the best asset tracking device for tow truck drivers in 2023, Connect GPS really is the perfect fleet management tool for small trucking businesses. Features that make the Connect vehicle tracker stand above Linxup live GPS and Verizon’s vehicle tracking system include unlimited updates every 3 seconds, US-based technical support for free, and the best online tracking software in the towing industry. If you want automated alerts when a driver goes too fast, data to enhance preventative maintenance, and the quickest live GPS tracking on the market today (3 seconds) then this is the GPS tow truck solution for you. And let’s not forget Connect fleet tracking systems also have no monthly fees for an entire year!
| Dimensions | 1.8″ wide; 2.18″ long; 1.08″ deep |
| Operating Temperature | -30°C to 75°C (-22°F to 158°F) |
| Power Source | 9-17 volt (OBD-II Port) |
| Typical full-power current | 70mAh at 12 volts DC |
| GSM Channels | 850/1900 (United States) 900/1800 (Europe, Australia, Asia and the Middle East) |
| Communication Protocol | GPRS (UDP), SMS |
| Update Frequency | Unlimited Updates Every 3 Seconds For One Full Year |
| Historical Playback | Lifetime Access To Historical Real Time GPS Data |
| Reporting | Individual vehicle report, enhanced vehicle report, start/stop report, mileage and more |
| Diagnostics | Blinking LED, SMS or TCP diagnostic messages |
Related Article: Best GPS Trackers With Long Battery Life
2. Linxup Asset GPS Vehicle Tracking
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Linxup has a catalog of vehicle tracking devices designed to cut fuel costs, shape driving behaviors, and provide real time tracking for tow trucks. Of all the tracking products offered by Linxup the one that is our personal favorite is the wired solution. First of all, GPS vehicle tracker is very affordable at $29.95 per month and there are no contracts for data service. That means you can improve fleet performance without worrying about any long-term commitments. The Linxup GPS tracker is also very covert given it needs to be hard-wired to the 12-volt system of the tow truck and can even alert you when the boom is up/down! Although the company does not have the best mobile app (2.1 stars according to the Apple Store) and the update rate is very slow, Linxup still has a solid reputation and makes quality GPS vehicle tracking devices.
| Dimensions: | 2.4″ x 1.8″ x .07″ |
| Weight: | 4 ounces |
| Case: | IP66 waterproof casing |
| Internal Battery: | Rechargeable (wiring harness additional) |
| Lifespan: | 3 months between charges |
| Operating Temp: | -22°F to +167°F / (-30°C to +75°C) |
| Data: | 4G cellular |
| Real Time GPS Updates: | Every 10 mins when moving. Once a day when on battery. |
According to Amazon reviews, the average rating for the Linxup GPS fleet tracker is 3.8 out of 5 stars. This rating is far less than fleet management system solutions on Amazon, suggesting the GPS asset tracking device has room for improvement.
3. US Fleet Tracking Fuel Card
When most people think of managing fleet data for their companies they rarely think of fuel cards, but the reality is fuel cards are an awesome way to record tracking data. Especially, when fuel consumption is your business’s primary concern. With gas prices over $5 a gallon in many states, reducing fuel consumption has never been more important for small businesses. How the fuel card program works to reduce fuel costs is simple:
- A tow truck driver uses the fuel card to fill up their gas tank.
- After the transaction is processed, US Fleet Tracking records the fuel-up location, time, and dollar amount.
- You would then login to your account and run a report to see everywhere your drivers are fueling up and how much they are spending!
Fuel cards might not have all the cool features tow truck GPS tracking devices have, but the technology is simple and helpful for pest control operations, food and beverage companies, tow truck businesses, and any enterprises trying to reduce fuel consumption! And the best part? Your business can save 5% on gasoline purchases with every swipe of the fuel card!
Check this article out to learn more about fuel cards: https://www.tcsfuel.com/blog/how-a-fuel-card-works/
4. GPS Tracker With Starter Disable
If you are worried about your drivers and want a truck tracking device with both realtime GPS and kill switch features then the starter disable GPS from Tracking System Direct is the best solution on the market. Trucks with GPS are proven to be more secure, but what makes this GPS truck security solution stand above other products on this list is the device’s ability to remotely disable the vehicle by activating the kill switch. Other awesome features include real time GPS updates every 10 seconds, month-to-month subscription plans, and the ability to see if a tow truck boom is in use.
5. Verizon Fleet Dash Cam
If your business is looking to invest in tow truck fleet tracking solutions to shape driver behavior in a positive way, better record maintenance schedules, and give you a comprehensive view of what your drivers are really doing then we recommend the Verizon dash camera. Verizon is a reputable brand that is actually a newcomer in the asset monitoring industry, but its tracking products already have become top sellers. And the GPS tracking system that businesses prefer most is the Verizon dash cam. Track fuel consumption and driver behaviors, while capturing detailed footage of any automobile accidents with the Verizon dash camera. However, one negative is the lack of transparency with pricing and the lengthy service contract you are required to sign in order to access personal GPS data. Buyer beware that there are heavy termination fees for anyone wanting
ELD devices are required now for truck drivers and below is a review by a truck driver who had a negative experience with Verizon. We would encourage you to hear his opinion on the live GPS trackers with video recording.
Testing Truck GPS Systems – How We Evaluate Products
At GPS Tracking Review, we take testing truck GPS trackers very seriously. Our team of experts thoroughly examines each device for accuracy, reliability, and overall performance. We begin by conducting a series of tests on the product, including cold start time, signal acquisition, and signal retention. We also evaluate the device’s ability to maintain a consistent connection and accurately report location data.
We go also beyond technical tests by evaluating each product under real-world conditions. This includes installing the GPS tracker on a truck and taking it on a variety of routes, including both urban and rural areas. We also test the device’s ability to handle various weather conditions and road conditions. Our team also evaluates the device’s user interface and overall ease of use. We also test the device’s ability to integrate with other systems like fleet management software. We also check the device’s battery life and durability.
For more information on our testing process, please visit our methodology page.
Tow Truck GPS FAQ: All You Need to Know
Can A GPS Tracker Monitor A Tow Truck Hydraulic Winch?
Yes, a GPS vehicle tracker can monitor a tow truck’s hydraulic winch. Not only will the geofencing GPS let you know every time the hydraulic winch is activated on your tow truck fleet, but it will also track mileage, real time location, and potential malfunctions.
How Much Does A Truck Tracker Cost?
Most GPS truck tracking companies require you to sign an annual contract for data service in order for you to secretly track your vehicle. The average monthly data cost is $29.95 for unlimited updates every minute, and this does not include the cost of the tracker itself. Therefore, tow truck companies should expect to invest on average $359.40 per year in subscription fees and $29-$99 in hardware costs. This is the reason why the Connect truck tracking device is our top pick because the truck GPS is $299.00 and also includes a full year of service and satellite tracking updates every 3 seconds!
Do Tow Trucks Have GPS Tracking?
Many tow trucks are equipped with a portable GPS tracker, OBD2 port GPS, or dash cam with GPS tracking. This GPS technology allows dispatch teams to track the truck’s location in real-time and gives customers an accurate estimate of when help will arrive. This can be very reassuring to customers stranded at night in unfamiliar locations. However, not all tow truck companies use GPS tracking, so it’s something you might want to consider asking a towing business before asking them for roadside assistance.
What Is A Good GPS For Truck Drivers?
This really depends on your goal. For example, if you want to know where your tow trucks are located 24/7 then the best option is a GPS tracking solution that plugs into the OBD2 port such as the Connect GPS. However, if your company wants a more sophisticated telematics platform with a dash cam that provides live GPS tracking and video feed, then we would recommend the Secure Car Camera by Tracking System Direct. Lastly, if want a GPS asset tracker with real-time traffic conditions that meet ELD mandate standards, you would probably be best investing in the Verizon fleet tracker. However, online reviews do state the Verizon GPS asset tracker has sub-satisfactory customer service so please know that going into the investment.
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