Possible Locations to Install a GPS Tracker

How To Properly Install A GPS Tracking Device

Installation Guide: How to properly install a GPS Tracking Device on a Vehicle, where to place it and how to wire it.

Unpredictability in today’s world is at its peak. From crimes and thefts to macroeconomic fluctuations, fleet companies worldwide have to tackle these challenges effectively and improve the bottom line. However, this doesn’t just apply to fleet businesses; personal car owners, too, have to ensure that their vehicles are running smoothly without any interruptions.

Hence, many of them are installing GPS in cars. You might want to install a GPS tracking device on your vehicle for various reasons. Two of the main reasons are to improve a vehicle’s security and to be able to locate it 24/7. By installing a tracking device, the chances of recovering a stolen vehicle increase tremendously with the help of real-time location tracking. You can share the location coordinates with law enforcement agencies to track down your car and save it from thieves before the situation worsens.

Apart from anti-theft purposes, businesses use GPS tracking systems to monitor the behaviour of their drivers, fuel usage, and routes taken. GPS installation gives you insights about speeding, harsh braking, cornering, etc., helping you closely monitor reckless driving habits and providing extra coaching to improve driving skills. So, you will instantly come to know the next time your teen kid is overspeeding.

GPS-based applications are also invaluable for businesses such as; car rental companies, ambulance services, distribution services, and plumbing companies.

However, many car owners are sceptical about installing GPS trackers because they think they need the necessary technical knowledge to attach one. Whether you use your GPS tracking device for security or tracking real-time location, car tracker installation is easy, and they work without a hitch.

After GPS tracker installation, tracking devices pick up the signals from the GPS satellites to deliver precise real-time locations. Cloud-based tracking software stores all the essential data sent by the tracking device to display them whenever necessary.

Detailed information such as speed, movement, location, and direction can be accessed anytime. Using the geofence zone feature, you can set up digital zones on the map and opt. in to get notified whenever a vehicle enters or leaves the geofenced area.

Experts recommend seeking the advice of a vehicle electronics professional, especially if you want to install multiple devices in many fleet vehicles. However, if you are planning to install tracker on car, there are certain factors you need to consider before you start the process.

Location of the Tracker

Deciding the location of the device is essential because if you install the tracker in a spot where there is interference or obstacles that block satellite signals, the accuracy of the vehicle tracking device will be lowered.

If you plan to install the tracker on the vehicle’s exterior, you need a waterproof and durable tracking device to withstand harsh weather and environmental conditions.

Possible Locations to Install a GPS Tracker

But many car owners and fleet companies consider installing GPS trackers where drivers cannot see them. Hence, you can place them under your car’s dashboard, where signals can be easily transported. But remember that GPS signals transmit efficiently through surfaces like plastic, wood, glass, fibreglass, etc., and not through metal. So make sure you place the tracker away from any electronic device in the car.

Other than portable, battery-powered tracking devices, there are two types of tracking devices you can install on a vehicle: plug&play trackers that can be inserted into the OBD-II port and hardwired trackers.

OBD-II Port

OBD-II port stands for Onboard Built-in Diagnosis–a vehicle’s diagnostic port, and it can be found on all cars manufactured after 1996. As the name suggests, you must plug in the tracking device and use the tracking software to locate your vehicle. OBD-II port is mainly used by mechanics to check error codes generated by the car computer in the event of a malfunction, and it is a great power source for vehicle tracking devices.

Technicians use the OBD-II port to get updates about the vehicle’s different subsystems. The port functions through a computer-based application, and combined with a GPS tracker, fleets get data about engine health, fuel consumption, speed, etc.

You can find the OBD-II Port near the car’s steering wheel, but some car manufacturers might locate it elsewhere. If you’re considering getting a tracking device for anti-theft purposes, the tracker must be concealed, and it is tough to find. That’s why the installation process must be done properly to prevent your tracker from being discovered.

OBDII Tracking Device Installation Guide

Keep in mind that the tracker should be able to pick up direct satellite signals. Some of the best locations are; inside the plastic rear bumper, under the roof’s top, under the seats, or vehicle using a magnet. After you complete the physical installation, you can locate your vehicle using cloud GPS software on a PC, Tablet, or Smartphone.

Each tracking device has its unique software and installation process. Make sure to follow the manual instructions carefully. After you install the device, you need to check if the tracking device is working correctly and transmitting location data. You can use a mobile app on your smartphone to view the real-time location of your vehicle anytime, anywhere.

You can test the tracker by turning it on and checking your location on the GPS software to see if it’s correct. Installing a GPS tracker on your vehicle will significantly increase your vehicle’s security. Even if your car is stolen, you can track its movements in real-time and alert authorities to recover it safely and as quickly as possible.

Installing Hard Wired GPS Trackers

The experts recommend fitting the wired tracking devices by a vehicle electronics expert, especially if you are looking to hide your tracker or have multiple trackers fitted in a fleet of vehicles.

As for hardwired tracking devices, they need to be connected to the vehicle’s electrical system. If you decide to use a hardwired tracker, just locate a continuous power source that delivers 12v-24vDC. Make sure to check out the user manual. A red wire must be connected to constant power, and the black wire should be connected to the ground.

However, our latest tracking device, DB2 Self-Install GPS Tracker, is an exception to the rule, and it is simple enough to be installed by people without any technological expertise. All you need to do is locate your vehicle’s battery, connect the wires, and place the tracker in your chosen location under the hood. You can start tracking your vehicle immediately in real time.

While this process is easy enough to figure out by yourself, we advise following the instructions on our installation video to ensure that DB2 works flawlessly.

DB2 Installation Guide:

Summing Up
Installing GPS tracker in car is straightforward, and you can refer to this GPS tracker installation guide if you face any difficulty. With precise location details, you know the whereabouts of your loved ones or your drivers, giving maximum peace of mind.

FAQ’s

How to Install GPS Tracker in Car?

Plug-and-play GPS trackers are connected to the OBD-II port of the car. Firstly, you need to find the port, typically near the car’s steering wheel. You need to use a velcro tie strip and attach it above the port connector. The next step is to secure the GPS tracker onto the binding tape and simply plug it into the port connector. It is imperative to fix the tracker firmly, which otherwise will create disturbances and distract drivers.

If you don’t want to place the tracker near the steering wheel, you can still use the plug-and-play tracker by installing it someplace else using an extension cable. You can attach the tracker to a safe place, like below the vehicle’s dashboard, use an extension cable, and connect the tracker to the OBD-II port.

The tracker will work once you start your engine and provide valuable benefits. However, give the tracker 5-10 mins after installation to accumulatevehicle stats.

How to Hardwire GPS Tracker in Car?

If you wish to install a hardwired GPS tracker, first and foremost, ensure that your car’s ignition is off. Two car wires are to be connected to the GPS tracker–ignition and constant power wires. You’ll find these two wires under the steering wheel of the car as these are linked to your vehicle’s ignition switch.

The GPS tracker’s red wire should be connected to the car’s 12-volt power supply, and the white wire to the car’s ignition wire. Finally, connect the black wire of the tracker to the car’s grounding wire. You can refer to the car’s guide to find the cables and check the tracker’s user manual to hardwire the device properly. Our DB2 Self-Install GPS Tracker is very easy to install, and the entire setup can be done within minutes. Here’s a step-by-step guide on installing our DB2 GPS Tracker.

Where to Install a GPS Tracker on a Car?

You can install a GPS tracker on a car in many places but ensure it is not exposed to harsh external conditions. The best place to install a tracker in a vehicle is where signal quality is strong, it cannot be tampered with, and it is out of the driver’s sight–under the dashboard.

Use zip ties or velcro tapes to firmly secure the tracker and keep it away from metal or heat-producing surfaces. Besides the dashboard, you can place the tracker underneath seats but ensure the signal quality is good.

Summary
How to properly install a GPS Tracking Device on a Vehicle
Article Name
How to properly install a GPS Tracking Device on a Vehicle
Description
Installation Guide: How to properly install a GPS Tracking Device on a Vehicle, where to place it and how to wire it.
Author
Publisher Name
Rewire Security
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38 Comments

  1. I have a tracker already fitted to my vehicle which I only discovered after purchasing it 2 years ago. It is a Cobra AT 2216. Can I use your software to track this device rather than pay for a GPS subscription?

  2. Hi, I’m deciding between the DB2 Self Install and DB3 Plug and Play trackers for general personal vehicle tracking and security. I have a 2012 Corsa that I use to travel a short distance to and from work 3 to 4 times a week, and the car is often not used 3 to 4 days in a row on my days off. What would I be looking at in terms of battery drain between the two mentioned trackers when the car is not in use?

    Thanks in advance.

  3. Just bought an mv110, do I need to wire it with a relay or will it work without

  4. Hi, what are the dimensions of the DB1-Lite and how long is the interface cabling? Is the Geofence easily adjustable? IE If i park my motorcycle at work can i change the Geofence location and then change it back to home when i return? Or can more than one Geo fence be set up?
    Thank you

  5. A quick question please. I have a Pro 104 tracker that is wired in. At present it uses its internal aerials. I would like to improve accuracy using the supplied GPS and GSM aerials. Is it just the end parts of those that act as transmitter/receiver or the long cables and end parts combined? So does it matter whether the long cables are run mainly horizontally or vertically? It’s in my motorhome.

    • When using the 104pro with external antennas you will need to switch the antenna switch to EXT. The antennas only receive a signal through the antenna at the end and not the cable. Both external antennas will need to be connected. The GPS antenna needs to be positioned with the plastic dome facing upwards only covered by plastic and glass. The GSM antenna can be positioned either vertically or horizontally but should ideally be positioned at least 10cm away from the GPS antenna again only covered by plastic and glass.

  6. Hi
    I’m thinking of buying a DB2 tracker for my Audi. The car has a power management system which closes down electronics when the car is not in use to preserve the battery so it seems like a good idea not to connect the tracker directly to the battery. If I connect it to one of the 12v power sockets the power to the unit will be cut off when the ignition is off but will be restored when the ignition is turned on. Will this cause any problem for the tracker?

    • Hi Jeremy, Thank you for your question. We recommend wiring the DB2 to a permanent power feed in the vehicle. This means the tracker will be able to detect towing and vibrations when you are away from the vehicle. The DB2 can be wired to an ignition live is this is not possible but this does mean you will loose these features.

  7. Dylan jessica Reinstein
    Dylan jessica Reinstein

    With the spy track plus are you able to stick it to underneath a car without it falling off or getting destroyed?

    • The SpyTrack Plus features a weatherproof casing and high power magnets to keep it attached to your vehicle. A popular location to locate the tracker is behind the rear bumper on the slap bar.

  8. Hi, just joined your good selves, and purchased the Spytrack Nano Portable GPS Tracker with hard wire kit, idea is to put it in our caravan, but it was not until I watched your (very helpful) video that saw it has to be connected to the battery, I fear if they see the wiring wont they find the tracker? I thought when I purchased it, maybe you could wire it in some where discreet on the caravan. What would be the best thing to do?

    • Hi

      The tracker can be wired to any power source in the vehicle. It does not have to be wired directly if you wish the tracker be harder to find.

  9. Hi Dave here I just bought a DB2 tracker fitted it to leisure battery what damage if any will a solar panel do to db2?

    • Hi

      There is no risk of damage to the DB2 tracker, it is able to be powered by voltages of up to 30v DC.
      The problem with the DB2 tracker is that it uses the voltage of the vehicle to detect if the vehicle’s ignition is on or off rather than a dedicated ignition feed like on the DB1-lite and Advanced.

      When a solar panel system has been fitted to a vehicle the voltage of the vehicle’s batteries will go up and down depending on the how much sun the panels are receiving causing the vehicle’s ignition to show as on when it is not.

      If your vehicle has solar panels fitted I would recommend purchasing either the DB1-lite or advanced model.

      • I have a 104-Pro tracker in my motorhome which is not hard wired. It lasts about a month between charges. I would like to hard wire it but without the complexity of the included harness. Is it possible to connect it to the leisure battery with simple wiring, including an inline fuse if necessary? The motorhome’s solar panel and controller would keep the leisure battery topped up to counter any drain by the tracker.

        • Hi Jim,

          You can do a simple just power install using only the Red and Black cables on the wiring loom supplied with the tracker. The Red cable should be fitted with a 3A inline fuse.

          • Thank you. That’s really helpful. The full harness installation was more than I required but getting the tracker on permanent power will be very worthwhile.

            Jim

          • Having now looked at the 104-Pro harness, the white plastic connector to the tracker has several wires: the black and red 12v supply, a yellow wire to the relay and a pair of red/black wires to a panic button. I will cut off the yellow wire as not being required in this case. Despite reading the comprehensive user guide I can find no information on the purpose of the panic button. Does it have any function if the relay is not installed? Should I simply cut the panic button wiring. I’ll insulate all cut wire ends with heat shrink tubing.

            Thank you.

  10. hi

    I got the DB2 a couple of months ago, not fit it yet due to lockdown , had concerns about it running the battery down ?.
    am fitting it in a landrover defender. the battery is located under the passenger seat in a box. if I fitted it there do you think I might have issues with the signal?

    thanks, andy

    • Hi

      The DB2 goes to sleep when stationary to save power. The tracker automatically wakes up when movement, vibrations or a voltage change on the vehicle is detected. Once installed using the GPSlive App you will be able to remotely monitor the voltage of your vehicles battery as well as set up alerts for if power is lost or becomes too low. The DB2 features the latest high gain GNSS GPS module enabling it to pick up a good GPS signal even when the line of sight to the sky is obscured.

  11. Ive swapped out my db2 tracker into another car but I’m getting no signal at all what do I need to do ?

    • Hi John. Please can you give our support team a call on 01174031760. We are open the following hours Mon-Fri 9.15am 5.15pm Sat 11am to 5pm.

  12. Hi,
    I want to fit a DB2 to a Range Rover, but the battery is in the boot. Will the unit still function properly if I connect it directly to the +ve and -ve boost points under the bonnet and fix the unit in the engine bay so that it gets the best gps signal possible ?
    Thank you.

    • Hi Tony, You can connect to either. From my experience, you will actually get a better GPS signal in the boot area of the vehicle when compared to mounting the tracker under the bonnet.

      • Hi, I have a toro mini loader, I’m a little lost as to where the best location on the machine to conceal my tracking device but also concealing the connecting power/ground wires. I’m considering the tk102 but as I look over my mini loader to look for a location there isn’t many options. Im concerned the wires will be found and subsequently the GPS tracker. Can you recommend a location to put the device ? I’m hoping you have helped someone else with this problem.
        Thanks Todd

  13. Hello,
    What is the best Fleet Tracker to get for hired/leased vehicles? Or are they wired to existing parts of the vehicle?
    Many thanks,

    • Hi Alison,

      It’s best to use OBD trackers on leased vehicles that you can easily plug & unplug, such as the Rewire DB3.

  14. Is there any way to hard-wire the Spytrack Plus?

  15. Hi there, I have purchased a TK 102 and a hardwire kit, could you please advise if this kit can be directly wired to the car battery. Regards.

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