Trailer GPS Tracker: How to Keep Your Assets Safe 24/7
If you're searching for a trailer GPS tracker, you're likely looking to prevent theft, monitor location in real-time, and protect valuable cargo. Whether you’re a contractor hauling heavy equipment, a racing enthusiast with a car hauler, or managing a small fleet of utility trailers, security and visibility are non-negotiable. A reliable trailer GPS tracker gives you peace of mind, real-time alerts, and theft recovery tools that work anywhere, anytime.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know: how trailer trackers work, what features to look for, and how they help real people protect real investments, based on my 20+ years in the security industry and feedback from thousands of BrickHouse customers.
Who Needs a Trailer GPS Tracker?
If you own or manage a trailer, whether for personal, recreational, or commercial use, chances are you’ve already thought about security, visibility, and how to prevent loss. A GPS tracker for trailer isn’t just a high-tech gadget, it’s a practical, cost-effective way to monitor trailers, protect valuable assets, and stay in control no matter where your trailer is.
Audience:
This guide is built for individual trailer owners and small business operators who rely on trailers for work or recreation. That includes:
- Utility trailers used by landscapers, plumbers, and construction crews
- Enclosed cargo trailers carrying tools, merchandise, or equipment
- Boat trailers used seasonally or for long-distance towing
- Car haulers for race cars, vintage vehicles, or deliveries
- Equipment trailers for heavy-duty jobsites and machinery transport
- Camper or RV trailers for weekend warriors and full-time travelers
Whether you're tracking a single unit or managing a trailer fleet, the need for accurate tracking and reliable trailer trackers has never been greater.
Your Goals as a Trailer Owner:
As someone responsible for tracking vehicles, assets, or gear, here’s what you’re likely looking for in a GPS tracking device:
- Prevent trailer theft: Stolen trailers often vanish without a trace, especially in remote or unmonitored areas. A hidden GPS device provides the security backbone you need.
- Track your trailer’s location 24/7: Get real time location tracking with pinpoint accuracy, even when your trailer is parked across the state.
- Get instant alerts if your trailer moves: Motion detection and geofence alerts warn you of any unauthorized movements in seconds.
- Easily recover stolen trailers: GPS coordinates help law enforcement locate and return your trailer, fast.
- Protect high-value cargo and equipment: Whether it’s heavy equipment, tools, or consumer goods, your trailer carries more than steel, it carries your livelihood.
For contractors, RV travelers, small business owners, and fleet managers, a trailer GPS tracking device delivers peace of mind, enhanced security, and better control over daily operations.
With theft on the rise and trailers often left offline or unmonitored for hours, having a GPS tracking unit in place is one of the smartest ways to protect your investment and ensure continuous tracking.
Why You Need a GPS Tracker for Your Trailer in 2025
If you’re hauling valuable gear, tools, or equipment, a GPS trailer tracker is no longer optional—it’s essential. The risk of trailer theft continues to rise, and without real-time tracking in place, recovery can be next to impossible.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), equipment thefts have surged more than 30% since 2022, with recovery rates remaining frustratingly low when trailers aren't protected with GPS technology.
Here’s what you’re up against in today’s world of trailer theft:
- Trailers are often unpowered, which means traditional vehicle GPS trackers that rely on an engine or OBD-II port won’t work.
- Thieves see trailers as soft targets, they're easy to hook up and drive away, especially at night or in isolated areas.
- Many trailers are left unattended for long periods on jobsites, storage lots, or even roadside parking areas, making them prime targets for unauthorized movements.
How a Trailer GPS Tracker Changes the Game
When you equip your trailer with a dedicated trailer tracking device, you unlock real time visibility and continuous monitoring that makes a major difference, before, during, and after an attempted theft.
With a GPS trailer tracker installed, you can:
- Track your trailer’s exact location 24/7 using accurate tracking data powered by GPS and 4G LTE networks.
- Receive instant alerts via SMS, email, or app notification the moment your trailer is moved or disturbed.
- Access a detailed tracking history, allowing you to share exact location data with law enforcement for faster recovery of stolen trailers.
- Create custom geofence alerts to monitor when your trailer enters or exits predefined zones like your yard, jobsite, or depot.
- Improve operational efficiency by using real time location tracking to assist with route planning, scheduling, and dispatch.
Why This Matters in 2025
In today's economy, trailers are used for more than just transport, they carry the tools of your trade, personal belongings, heavy equipment, and valuable assets that are expensive to replace and hard to track once stolen.
Plus, with innovations in battery life, waterproof design, and low-power GPS devices, today’s GPS trailer trackers are:
- Easier to install
- More durable (even in extreme temperatures)
- Better suited for long-term deployment on large trailers, shipping containers, and equipment trailers
- More cost-effective than ever before
Whether you're managing a fleet or protecting a single trailer, a reliable tracking device is one of the smartest investments you can make in 2025 to enhance security, increase data visibility, and reduce losses.
Real-World Service Benefits
At BrickHouse Security, we’ve helped thousands of customers track and recover stolen trailers using our most trusted GPS tracking devices. And with positive feedback across all industries, from construction to mobile businesses—we know what works in the field.
If you want to protect your assets, reduce downtime, and monitor your trailer’s location from anywhere in the world, a modern GPS solution is your answer.
What to Look for in the Best Trailer GPS Tracker
Not all GPS tracking devices are built for the unique demands of trailer security. Trailers come in many forms large, unpowered, exposed to the elements, and that means your trailer GPS tracker needs to be more than just accurate. It must be durable, long-lasting, and built to deliver reliable tracking under real-world conditions.
After years of testing products personally and listening to feedback from thousands of customers, here’s exactly what I recommend looking for when choosing a GPS trailer tracker in 2025:
1. Long Battery Life
Most trailers don't have an onboard power supply, so you'll need a gps tracking device with long battery life to ensure continuous tracking without interruption.
- Look for trackers with internal rechargeable batteries or external battery pack options that last 2–4 weeks per charge, even in extreme temperatures.
- Our Spark Nano Overdrive offers exceptional battery performance, ideal for long-term deployments in trailers, shipping containers, or remote locations.
Longer battery = less maintenance, more security.
2. Real-Time GPS Tracking
Real time location tracking is critical for preventing theft, monitoring routes, and knowing your trailer’s location at all times.
- Choose a trailer tracking device with 4G LTE connectivity, which allows for real time tracking updates every 5 to 10 seconds.
- Look for features like route history, live map viewing, and the ability to track offline data when in low-signal areas.
Real-time tracking = instant visibility + faster recovery.
3. Weatherproof and Durable Design
Your trailer tracker will likely be installed outdoors, so it needs to withstand the elements.
- Make sure it’s dustproof, water-resistant (look for IP65 or higher), and built with a rugged housing that resists damage from road vibration, impact, or even tampering.
- Ideal for trailers in harsh environments, from rainstorms to jobsite dust to sub-zero winters.
Your tracker should handle what your trailer handles, no exceptions.
4. Magnetic or Hidden Mounting Options
The best asset trackers don’t look like trackers. Discreet placement protects the device from tampering or theft.
- Use strong magnetic mounts or bolt-on enclosures to secure the tracker under the frame, in a wheel well, or inside a storage box.
- Small size is a plus for hidden installation in tight spaces on large trailers, car haulers, or equipment trailers.
Hidden = harder to find, harder to defeat.
5. Instant Motion & Tamper Alerts
You shouldn’t have to babysit your trailer. The right GPS solution sends real time alerts the moment something unusual happens.
- Get instant alerts via SMS, email, or app notification if your trailer is moved, bumped, or tampered with.
- Customize geofence alerts to notify you of unauthorized movements, for example, if your trailer leaves a jobsite without approval.
Alerts put you in control, even when you’re not around.
Smart Features to Boost Operational Efficiency
Many fleet managers and contractors also use their GPS trailer trackers for more than just theft prevention:
- Track routes for delivery trailers or mobile service units
- Improve route planning to reduce fuel costs and delays
- Track maintenance schedules or service intervals using location and mileage
- Use location data analytics to optimize fleet management decisions
Whether you're monitoring one trailer or managing a dozen across multiple states, the right tracking solution can improve your operational efficiency, reduce downtime, and help you protect your assets.
Real-World Example: Customer Story
“My trailer was stolen from a job site overnight. Because I had the Spark Nano installed in a magnetic case under the frame, I got an alert the second it moved. I gave the police the GPS coordinates, and they found it two towns over, with all my tools still inside.”
— James R., Contractor in Ohio
Best GPS for Trailer Tracking
Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of tracking trailers with GPS devices, let’s review five of the top solutions available today.
(Note: All of the options below are rated as waterproof GPS trackers for trailers, which is a feature you should demand regardless of the provider you choose. Trailers tend to spend more time outdoors, exposed to the elements, than the trucks that haul them. You don’t want a GPS tracker that can’t transmit its mission-critical data because it encounters bad weather.
[New Launched] EON Odyssey
EON Odyssey is a simple-to-deploy, long-life asset tracker built for maximum versatility. It reports to the BrickHouse Security tracking platform via nationwide 4G cellular, so you can remain confident it won't lose service. A built-in high-power magnet provides for simple deployment on steel boxes and cargo containers - just slap and track - or use the integrated strap loops for a more secure installation. The EON Odyssey's tamper detector can generate an alert if it is removed from whatever you're monitoring.
The EON Odyssey takes advantage of all the best features of BrickHouse GPS.
- Set motion alerts to receive a text or email when your device moves unexpectedly.
- Set up geofences and get notified if your device leaves a specified boundary.
- Tamper alerts if the Odyssey is removed or its battery compartment is opened.
- View current and historical location data with custom reporting.
- 4G cellular service across North America. International tracking is available–call for details.
1. EON X-Ray Long-Life Asset Tracker
EON X-Ray Long-Life Asset Tracker is a popular GPS trailer tracker from BrickHouse Security. It is easy to use and flexible. It can deliver data over both GPS and WiFi signals, allowing you to receive updates whether your trailer is stationary or on the move, indoors or outdoors. The easy-to-install device also comes with batteries that can last for more than half a decade.
2. Livewire Dash GPS Vehicle Tracker
Livewire Dahs GPS tracker offers extensive coverage across North America, spanning the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, all on a reliable 4G network. It provides updates every 60 seconds, ensuring detailed, remote monitoring of your vehicle's location at all times. Designed for convenience and constant readiness, the tracker is directly wired into the vehicle's power source, which means you never have to worry about the battery running out. This setup guarantees that your tracking capabilities are always active, providing peace of mind and enhanced security for your vehicle.
3. Orbcomm ST 9100
Another solid choice for GPS trailer tracking is the ST 9100 from Orbcomm. This tracking solution can alternative between satellite and cellular service (although not Wi-Fi) based on need and cost-effective. It is also an easy-to-install device that has a long battery life, so it won't need to be removed often.
4. GEOTAB GO9
Considered one of the most user-friendly GPS trailer trackers, the GO9 from GEOTAB is a rugged and reliable device for monitoring assets on the move. Also, whereas most of the other best-in-class trailer trackers offer only satellite and cellular signals, the GO9 (and the BrickHouse Security EON X-Ray) can also offer Wi-Fi data transmission when applicable.
5. Verizon Connect
Verizon Connects asset trackers are considered by some the best choice for enterprise fleets, largely because they benefit from Verizon's telecom network infrastructure and can be counted on to deliver data reliably. The key drawback of the company's GPS trailer trackers, however, is that they do require a long-term subscription and many business customers have complained that this membership is difficult to terminate.
6. CalAmp TTU-730
The CalAmp TTU-730 is another viable choice for your GPS trailer tracking solution. These devices provide a long battery life, can alternate between satellite and cellular data transmission as needed, and offer a ruggedized and weatherproof package that can keep the data flowing even through rain, dust, and other unfriendly atmospheric conditions.
How to Install a GPS Tracker on Your Trailer
Installing a trailer GPS tracker doesn’t require special tools or a professional installer. In fact, most trailer tracking devices are designed for easy install and can be up and running in under 15 minutes.
Whether you're tracking utility trailers, car haulers, shipping containers, or equipment trailers, a proper installation ensures your GPS device delivers accurate tracking, reliable service, and full real time visibility, right from day one.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting it done right:
1. Charge the Device Fully
Before mounting your tracker, plug it in and charge it to 100%.
A full charge ensures long battery life and prevents early shutdowns—especially critical if your trailer will sit unattended for long periods.
Many GPS trailer trackers, like the Spark Nano, can last 2–4 weeks per charge depending on tracking frequency and signal strength.
2. Activate the Device via the App or Website
Once charged, activate your GPS tracking device by following the setup instructions provided.
- Register the device with your tracking platform (mobile app or desktop site).
- Choose your update frequency, faster updates offer better real time tracking, while slower updates preserve battery.
- Enable features like geofence alerts, instant motion notifications, or offline mode (if supported).
This is where the magic happens, your trailer is now visible on your screen, anywhere in the world.
3. Choose a Discreet Location on the Trailer
To protect the tracker from tampering or theft, mount it in a hidden, weather-resistant location. Popular spots include:
- Inside the trailer frame
- Under the tongue or axle
- Behind a wheel well
- Inside a metal toolbox or storage bay
- Mounted on the underside using a magnetic case
If thieves can't see it, they can’t remove it. Hidden trackers also help you monitor trailers more securely and increase your odds of recovering stolen trailers.
4. Secure It Using a Magnetic Case or Zip Ties
To ensure your tracker stays put, even on rough roads, use:
- A waterproof magnetic case (ideal for metal surfaces)
- Heavy-duty zip ties or adhesive mounts (for plastic or non-magnetic areas)
- Optional: Use tamper-evident seals or brackets for added security
- Rugged mounting protects your unit from road spray, vibration, and extreme temperatures.
5. Test It Before Leaving the Trailer Unattended
After installation, walk a few feet or tow the trailer slightly to:
- Confirm the GPS tracker sends a real time alert
- Check tracking updates inside the app
- Ensure your geofence and motion settings are working properly
- Review battery status and signal strength
Installation Tips for Fleet Managers
If you're managing a trailer fleet, here are a few extra tips to ensure smooth operation across multiple units:
- Use unique naming or labeling in the app for each tracker (e.g. “Trailer #4 - Jobsite East”)
- Schedule periodic battery checks or replacements
- Assign trackers to specific vehicles or drivers for route planning and maintenance tracking
- Use data analytics for better fleet management decisions
What Happens If My Trailer Is Stolen?
It only takes minutes for a thief to hitch your trailer and drive away. Without a tracking solution in place, you may never see it, or your valuable assets, again. Unfortunately, most trailers are unpowered, unmonitored, and left in remote or unsecured locations, making them prime targets.
But if you’ve installed a reliable trailer GPS tracker, the story changes completely.
With a GPS Tracking Device Installed:
- You’ll get an instant motion alert: As soon as the tracker detects unauthorized movement, you’ll receive a real time alert via text, push notification, or email, no matter where you are. This early warning gives you the critical time to act before the trailer disappears.
- You can track the trailer live in the app: Using the real time location tracking feature, you can monitor your trailer’s location as it moves, every turn, every stop, every mile. This level of visibility helps recover stolen trailers fast and gives law enforcement real-time data they can act on.
- You can share GPS location data with police: With one tap, you can send accurate location data, route history, and timestamped movement records directly to law enforcement. Officers can use this info to intercept the thief and recover your trailer, often before the cargo is even touched.
Conclusion: The Best Way to Protect Your Trailer Investment
If your trailer holds valuable cargo, tools, gear, vehicles, or equipment, a trailer GPS tracker isn’t just a convenience. It’s a critical layer of protection that gives you control, visibility, and peace of mind 24/7.
We’ve tested hundreds of devices to bring you only the most reliable, user-friendly, and durable GPS trackers on the market.
FAQs: Trailer GPS Tracker Questions Answered
1. How does a trailer GPS tracker work?
A trailer GPS tracker uses global positioning satellites (GPS) to determine the exact location of your trailer. It then transmits that location data to your smartphone or computer via a cellular network. This enables real time location tracking, motion alerts, and route history, all visible through a mobile app or web dashboard.
2. Do GPS trackers work without power?
Yes. Many trailer trackers are designed with internal batteries, so they don’t require a connection to your trailer’s electrical system.
3. Are trailer GPS trackers waterproof?
Most high-quality GPS trailer trackers are weatherproof or IP65-rated when paired with a waterproof magnetic case. This makes them safe for outdoor installation, even in extreme temperatures or harsh conditions.
4. Can I track my trailer from my phone?
Absolutely. Most GPS tracking devices include an app that gives you full real time visibility into your trailer’s movement, location, and status, right from your smartphone or tablet.
5. How long do GPS tracker batteries last on trailers?
Battery life depends on the tracker model and how frequently it sends updates. Some BrickHouse models can last:
- Up to 4 weeks on standard mode
- Several months on low-power or “sleep” mode
- Longer durations with external power banks
6. Will I get alerts if someone moves my trailer?
Yes. Nearly all modern trailer GPS trackers include motion sensors and tamper detection. You’ll receive real time alerts by text or email the moment your trailer is moved, bumped, or leaves a designated zone.
7. What’s the best hidden spot to install a GPS tracker on a trailer?
Here are the most effective hiding spots for a GPS trailer tracker:
- Inside the metal frame
- Under the trailer tongue
- Behind the wheel well
- Inside a toolbox or utility compartment
- Mounted with a magnetic waterproof case under the bed
8. Can a GPS tracker help with trailer insurance?
Yes. Some insurance companies offer policy discounts if your trailer is equipped with a GPS tracking device or anti-theft technology.
Ready to secure your trailer?
Explore our top-rated trailer GPS trackers here.
Posted by Todd Morris on Sep 26th 2025