GPS Vehicle Tracker recommendations

[BroncoHauler]

Originally Posted by Jack K

I also have the Spot Trace. $225 annual subscription, GPS tracking, AAA battery operated. Batteries have lasted a couple of months, with a message when they get low. The unit is small, 2"X2"X1", easily hidden. I get a kick tracking their test drives after dropping the van off at the dealer for repair. It works! Between that and a Ravelco, it is an 'insurance' cost that is worth the amount to try to prevent loss of a valued asset. YMMV.

I like this option, if for no other reason than it is not dependent on cell phone signals.


One question, how is your annual subscription fee $225? Looking at the Service Plan page, it seems that one year should run you $119.40.
https://www.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=129




Herb

[Jack K]

Herb,

What the Spot website doesn't state is that the $119.40 is an introductory rate; the following year the cost goes up. I like the product and the capability, their marketing method not so much.

[BroncoHauler]

Originally Posted by Jack K

Herb,

What the Spot website doesn't state is that the $119.40 is an introductory rate; the following year the cost goes up. I like the product and the capability, their marketing method not so much.

Gotcha (no pun intended). Thanks for clarifying.




Herb

[Jack K]

[Gotcha (no pun intended).]

Right. :~)

Caveat Emptor.

[arctictraveller]

I might have found a reasonable system that has no monthly charges for 2 years, and only costs $119. I need to do further research, but I may get one of these.

https://gpsandtrack.com/car-gps-tracking-system/

[Twoxentrix]

Originally Posted by arctictraveller

I might have found a reasonable system that has no monthly charges for 2 years, and only costs $119. I need to do further research, but I may get one of these.

https://gpsandtrack.com/car-gps-tracking-system/

Good find - Really like the fact it offers the "starter disable" feature. I'd be interested to hear what you find out.
***also curious what the rates are after 2 years.

[arctictraveller]

The tracker arrived, and instillation consisted of connecting three wires, positive and negative to a constant 12v source and one wire to a source thats only hot when the ignition is on. Once installed, the unit lit up, blinked a few times while it looked for a cell signal and then showed two steady lights. Next I opened the email they sent, clicked on the link, changed my password and I was in to the tracking site. I spent about an hour figuring it all out and setting up a geo fence that will alert me if the van moves out of my driveway. Now, I can log on to the site, check the box next to my tracker and the van's location instantly shows up on Goggle maps. Cost was $119, although I later saw ones for less, but buying from the manufacture seemed like a better idea. I did need to call for tech support though because, as I later discovered the app only works on Android and I have an Apple phone. I set it up using my laptop, and my wife's android works fine. The nice lady told me I could use Safari on my Iphone to log in, but I haven't tried yet. All in all, it was an easy install, inexpensive and they seem like nice people to deal with. The first two years service is included, then it's $20 a year to renew, with no contracts. I'll be giving Safari a try soon, since if the van was stolen and I was tracking it down, using my phone would be the easiest way.

[Twoxentrix]

With your purchase, does the system also have the starter disable feature I read about? From your description above, seems your install didn't involve any connection that would/could run interference on the starter.

[arctictraveller]

Originally Posted by Twoxentrix

With your purchase, does the system also have the starter disable feature I read about? From your description above, seems your install didn't involve any connection that would/could run interference on the starter.

It comes with a relay that you can trigger remotely and that can be wired into the starter circuit. I chose not to hook it up for now, as I intend to use the relay output for a different purpose, but I want to test it out for a bit first. The company seems to market these units mainly to folks who sell and finance cars, and want the ability to know where the car is if a payment is missed. There is another output that will sound a buzzer in the car, called a payment reminder. I can only imagine it's pretty annoying, but may not convince someone behind in payments to pay up. I assume, after a couple warnings, they activate the starter disrupt, and send in the repo guys. Killing the starter would be safer than killing the engine if the car was being driven.
I'll connect the relay to either the alarm system or possibly a 120db siren mounted inside the van. If I trigger it, it should blow someone right out the door.