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64TrotterAtl · 02-01-2009, 05:51 PM

I am wondering if it would be best to install a device that allows me to track my trailer. I am in the midst of the restoration, but times are tough and trailers are bein stolen. Does anyone out there use such devices and which one is widely used in this industry? Monthly payments? Small weatherproof device to mount under trailer? Anyone with experience with these have any suggestions? I have done some research, but wanted to ask around?

goransons · 02-01-2009, 05:53 PM

Unless we come up with something better here is what we plan to use.

Anti Theft Device for Stolen Vehicle Recovery - Smart Track by Rocky Mountain Tracking

no monthly costs, reasonable up front cost...

64TrotterAtl · 02-01-2009, 06:03 PM

My only concern is that it is tied to cell phone towers and not a satellite. Look at the TMobile coverage in your area, zoom out on the coverage map. I live in Atlanta and anywhere outside of the city in rural areas is tough to get coverage. I was wondering if a device tied to a satellite would be more reliable. Let's see what others suggest?

goransons · 02-01-2009, 06:07 PM

yes it can be more accurate with a satalite, but the cost is much higher. Usually 10 times the initial cost and a monthly fee from what I've found so far. If you find something to the contrary of that please share!!

thecatsandi · 02-01-2009, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 64TrotterAtl

I am wondering if it would be best to install a device that allows me to track my trailer. I am in the midst of the restoration, but times are tough and trailers are bein stolen. Does anyone out there use such devices and which one is widely used in this industry? Monthly payments? Small weatherproof device to mount under trailer? Anyone with experience with these have any suggestions? I have done some research, but wanted to ask around?

Global Tracking with Star-Traxx 2005 (Satellite, GPS, Tracking)
Satt based and you can follow along at home.

Fyrzowt · 02-01-2009, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thecatsandi

Global Tracking with Star-Traxx 2005 (Satellite, GPS, Tracking)
Satt based and you can follow along at home.

That may be the most reliable in terms of coverage VS cell phone based units. But the thief wouldn't know it had a locator on it and would likely drive through metro areas with cell coverage, notifying you of it's location.
It may come down to cost vs benefit.
Dave

thecatsandi · 02-02-2009, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fyrzowt

That may be the most reliable in terms of coverage VS cell phone based units. But the thief wouldn't know it had a locator on it and would likely drive through metro areas with cell coverage, notifying you of it's location.
It may come down to cost vs benefit.
Dave

There are about four "metro" areas in a four state area from Missoula.

64TrotterAtl · 02-02-2009, 08:37 PM

Thanks. Obviously everybody has different opinions. What I would do is more than likely going to be different. But when satellite tracking only costs $10 per month, that is well worth the cost. Especially after I just completely restored a 1964 GT. Something to consider, a theif who likes the woods, would get away with my trailer if I went with a cell phone coverage GPS system, especially TMobile.

thecatsandi · 02-03-2009, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 64TrotterAtl

Thanks. Obviously everybody has different opinions. What I would do is more than likely going to be different. But when satellite tracking only costs $10 per month, that is well worth the cost. Especially after I just completely restored a 1964 GT. Something to consider, a theif who likes the woods, would get away with my trailer if I went with a cell phone coverage GPS system, especially TMobile.

If you look at the various cell phone coverage maps of the US you will find Verizon has the best. especially out west. You will not find a t-mobile or ATT/Cingular store in Missoula.

CrawfordGene · 02-03-2009, 10:39 AM

It is certainly a cost/benefit analysis. If I had a restored trailer, I'd be looking at GPS/sat system because of all the sweat equity in it (that's a big cost). Cell coverage is pretty spotty in a lot of the west and even though a thief may not know about the unit, there's a pretty good chance he'd try to hide it in a rural area.

But with a one year old trailer, I have insurance and a lock on the hitch. I may get another lock for the wheels, maybe not.

Gene

Fyrzowt · 02-03-2009, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thecatsandi

There are about four "metro" areas in a four state area from Missoula.

I suppose "Metro" wasn't the best term...I was just thinking anyplace with cell coverage, as opposed to the boondocks.

It sounds like a moot point however. I had no idea that Sat. coverage was so cheap.

To the OP, let us know what you wind up with.
Dave

SteSpot · 02-04-2009, 03:47 PM

It seems to me that while a satellite GPS tracking system might be the best way to go if you are going to be in places where there might not be any cell phone coverage. But don't those systems alert you by calling you on your cell phone?

Also in researching LoJack, it works in 26 States only where they have agreements with the police departments and it depends upon distribution of police tracking computers......pj

thecatsandi · 02-04-2009, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteSpot

It seems to me that while a satellite GPS tracking system might be the best way to go if you are going to be in places where there might not be any cell phone coverage. But don't those systems alert you by calling you on your cell phone?

Some can if you deviated from a path or location.

64TrotterAtl · 02-07-2009, 03:33 AM

I just wanted to have satellite coverage mainly so that if my trailer is stolen, I can pull out my laptop, go to a coffee house or anywhere with wifi and pull my trailer up on the internet and see where the heck it is.
My choice is satellite with cell phone and internet alerts. I felt so bad to read about a trailer being stolen not too long ago here on the forums and wondered if it is becoming more common. Andrew