Top 5 GPS Trackers For Tow Truck Companies
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01
OBD2 trackers give you live location, speed, and trip history with no installation
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02
AI dash cams supply video evidence and reduce dispute and insurance risk
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03
Hardwired trackers with remote disable improve vehicle security and theft control
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04
Accurate GPS mileage tracking supports billing and tax record accuracy
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05
Real-time ETAs improve customer communication and service reliability
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5 Best Tow Truck Trackers For Fleets
If you're considering a tow truck tracker for your fleet, you're in the right place. In this guide, we'll introduce you to five of the best GPS tracking devices for tow trucks. These trackers have been selected based on their reliability, useful features, and overall value, helping you find the right fit for your business.
By the end of this article, you'll know:
Which trackers offer the best battery life and coverage
How real-time tracking boosts efficiency and response times
Key features like starter disable and AI dash cams
Options that fit a range of budgets, from high-end to affordable
Let's dive into the five best tow truck GPS trackers that can strengthen your fleet management.
OBD2 port
The standard 16-pin diagnostic socket under the dash of every vehicle sold in the US since 1996. A tracker that plugs into it draws power from the truck and needs no wiring, which is why OBD2 units install in seconds while hardwired ones need a shop visit.
| Tracker | Best for | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
Top pick
Konnect OBD2
|
Plug-and-play fleet tracking with no install | $39.95 + $8.95/mo | Buy Now |
AI Dash Cam
|
Video evidence on disputed jobs | $399.00 | Buy Now |
Tracki
|
The tightest hardware budget | $19.00 plus subscription | Check on Amazon |
LandAirSea Overdrive
|
Long runs between charges | $199.00 | Check on Amazon |
Hardwired GPS with starter disable
|
Theft prevention and recovery | $229.00 | Buy Now |
Disclaimer for our readers
With over 15 years of hands-on experience serving tow truck businesses, we know your unique needs. We understand that each GPS tracker serves varied requirements for different tow truck companies. We sell three of the five products mentioned here: Konnect, the AI Dash Cam (via Fleet1st), and the hardwired GPS with starter disable (via gpstrackershop.com). Transparency matters to us, so we're disclosing this upfront to ensure there's no perceived bias. At Konnect GPS, we've curated this list as a vital resource. Our aim is to guide your tow truck business in taking the next decisive step in fleet management.
Ryan Horban with one of the trackers covered in this guide.
A short clip from our hands-on time with these units. Every tracker in this guide is one we have handled ourselves rather than only read about.
Konnect – Top OBD2 Tow Truck GPS Tracker
Buy Now takes an additional $10 off.
Key features
- Real-time tracking of speed, location, and trip history
- Accurate mileage data for billing and tax documentation
- Tamper alerts the moment the tracker is unplugged
- Speed alerts at a threshold you set
- Plugs into the OBD2 port, no tools or install
- Lifetime manufacturer's warranty
- Location updates every 3 seconds on the unlimited plan
- $39.95 per device, $8.95/month unlimited data
Pros & cons
Pros
- Fastest setup of anything on this list: plug it in and it works
- Moves between trucks in seconds, so one unit can cover a spare
- Mileage records built for billing and tax season
- Draws power from the port, so nothing to recharge
- Cheapest monthly plan on this list at $8.95 unlimited
Cons
- Needs a working OBD2 port, so it won't suit a trailer or towed unit
- No video, so it can't settle a damage dispute on its own
- No starter disable, unlike the hardwired unit further down
- The port takes one device at a time, so it competes with any other dongle
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The Konnect OBD2 tracker in hand.
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Another look at the Konnect unit.
The Konnect OBD2 tracker provides everything your tow truck business would need, showing you exactly where each truck is, how fast your drivers are traveling throughout the day, and where they've been. With this information, you can find out if drivers are taking longer routes than necessary, wasting time while on the clock, or simply not being as efficient as they should be. When it comes to OBD2 trackers for tow trucks, Konnect is one of the best in the market. With this device, you can monitor your vehicle's movements and review trip history in real time.
Konnect can help you reduce wasted mileage by providing insight into routes and stop times, and its speed alerts flag drivers going faster than the threshold you set. This data can help you optimize your fleet's performance and reduce costs.
Another significant advantage of Konnect is its ability to provide you with accurate mileage data. With this data, you can ensure that you're billing your customers correctly and have accurate records for tax purposes.
Price: $39.95 via KonnectGPS.com, plus an $8.95/month unlimited data plan
AI Dash Cam – Top Overall Tow Truck Fleet Management System
Key features
- Precise job footage for resolving customer disputes
- Recorded evidence against unverified claims
- Lane departure warnings
- Forward collision alerts
- Front and rear camera coverage
Pros & cons
Pros
- Only option here that produces video evidence of a job
- Safety alerts work while the driver is on the road, not after the fact
- Footage protects you against claims you can't otherwise disprove
Cons
- Most expensive option on this list
- Needs mounting and wiring, unlike a plug-in or magnetic tracker
- No starter disable, so it doesn't stop a truck being driven off
AI-powered dash cams are a valuable addition for tow truck businesses, with a wide range of benefits that can help you manage your fleet more effectively. With advanced features, dash cams can provide valuable insights into your drivers' behavior and help you optimize your operations. This can help you identify and reduce risk, improving safety on the road.
The benefits of AI-powered dash cameras don't stop there. These devices can also help you improve customer service by providing accurate footage of every job. This can help resolve any disputes that may arise and ensure that your customers are satisfied with your service. Footage of what actually happened is also the evidence that answers a false claim.
Another advantage of AI-powered dash cams is their ability to detect and alert you to potential safety hazards. With features like lane departure warnings and forward collision alerts, you can help your drivers avoid accidents and reduce the risk of injury. In addition, front and rear dash cams can provide evidence in case of an accident, helping you determine fault and protect your business.
Price: $399.00 via Fleet1st.io
Tracki – Cheapest Portable GPS Tracker On Amazon
Key features
- Worldwide coverage on 4G with 3G backup
- Compact and light enough to carry anywhere
- SOS, geofence, speed, and low-battery alerts
- Magnetic mount, no installation
- Mini GPS tracker under $20
- Top seller on Amazon.com
Pros & cons
Pros
- Cheapest hardware here by a wide margin
- Magnetic and portable, so it goes on a trailer or a towed vehicle
- Geofence and SOS alerts come standard
Cons
- Needs recharging every few days in real-time mode
- Subscription is required on top of the hardware price
- No engine or OBD data, so no mileage or diagnostics for billing
- A charging routine across a whole fleet is real work
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The Tracki tracker in hand.
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Another look at the Tracki unit.
As a tow truck business owner, staying connected with your drivers is crucial. If you're working with a tight budget, the Tracki GPS tracker might be just the solution you need. The hardware sits under $20, though a monthly subscription is required on top, which makes it an affordable way to keep an eye on your team around the clock.
Now, Tracki has its limitations. Being a portable battery unit, it doesn't read anything from the engine, so there's no mileage or diagnostic data for billing. Battery life is the other catch: Tracki's own figures put it at roughly two to five days in real-time mode, stretching to weeks only if you drop it into a battery-save mode that checks in once a day. Across a yard full of trucks, that's a recharging routine somebody has to own. But if you just need basic real-time tracking, geofencing, and SOS alerts, Tracki can still help you stay on top of your tow truck fleet's movements without breaking the bank.
Customer feedback from places like Amazon and Best Buy has been mostly positive. While some reviews mention the limited battery life and coverage area, Tracki has earned solid ratings for reliability in essential tracking. If you're looking for a straightforward, cost-effective GPS vehicle tracker, Tracki could be worth a try.
Price: $19.00 via amazon.com, plus a required monthly subscription
As of 10/17/23, Tracki has a 3.2 out of 5-star rating according to customers on the Apple App Store
LandAirSea Overdrive – Top Tow Truck GPS Tracking Device With Long Battery
Key features
- 4240 mAh battery, 3-4 times the runtime of the LandAirSea 54
- Motion-activated sleep when the vehicle is parked
- IP67 waterproof with a strong internal magnet
- Historical playback going back up to a year
- Location updates as fast as every 3 seconds
- US-based support and an unconditional lifetime warranty
Pros & cons
Pros
- Longest battery of any portable unit here
- Magnet and waterproof housing suit outdoor equipment, not just cabs
- A year of history is enough to settle an old billing question
- Lifetime warranty on manufacturing defects
Cons
- Still a battery unit, so it comes off the truck to charge
- Runtime drops sharply at the fastest update intervals
- Subscription required, and the fastest updates cost the most
- No engine data and no starter disable
The LandAirSea Overdrive is a solid real-time GPS for tow truck tracking, especially for businesses needing a portable GPS with long-lasting power. Built to handle tough conditions, this device is IP67 waterproof and includes a magnetic mount, making installation on metal surfaces quick and easy. The standout is the battery: at 4240 mAh it runs three to four times as long as LandAirSea's own 54, and motion-activated sleep stretches that further on trucks that sit parked between jobs.
The other useful piece is the update rate. LandAirSea rates the Overdrive at location updates as fast as every 3 seconds on its top plan, which is close enough to a live feed to actually dispatch against, and historical playback reaches back up to a year.
Price: $199.00 via landairsea.com
Verified Purchase Amazon Review 1/29/23
Every tow operator I talk to wants the same two things. Know where the truck is right now, and be able to prove where it was last Tuesday.
GPS With Starter Disable
Key features
- Real-time truck monitoring
- Anti-theft and unauthorized-use prevention
- Remote starter disable
- Hardwired to the truck, so nothing to recharge
Pros & cons
Pros
- Only unit here that can stop a truck being driven off
- Hardwired power means no charging and nothing to unplug
- Harder for a driver or a thief to find and remove
Cons
- Wiring install, so it isn't a five-minute job like a plug-in
- Stays with one truck rather than moving around the fleet
- No video, so disputes still come down to the location record
Responding quickly to emergencies is crucial in the towing business. But what if you could respond even faster? Imagine tracking your tow trucks in real time and always knowing their exact locations. With this hardwired GPS system, you can have that.
This hard-wired GPS tracker goes beyond basic tracking, letting you improve response times, monitor driver activity, and prevent theft or unauthorized use of your trucks. No more sleepless nights worrying about security. Investing in a GPS device like this not only protects your fleet but also boosts your business by letting you focus on what matters: getting to your customers fast and keeping your trucks secure.
Price: $229.00 via gpstrackershop.com
Why We Picked These 5 Tow Truck Tracking Devices
Selecting the right GPS tracker is crucial for your tow truck operation. That is why we focused on diverse needs when curating our list.
If top-tier safety and monitoring resonate with you, consider the AI Dash Cam. Tight on funds? The Tracki GPS can be purchased for under $20. For simple, reliable OBD2 tracking, Konnect is a standout at $39.95 a truck plus $8.95 a month. If longevity matters to you, the LandAirSea Overdrive has the longest battery here. And finally, for theft prevention, the hardwired GPS with starter disable is the one that can actually stop a truck moving.
Each of these options is designed to serve unique aspects of tow truck businesses, ensuring you secure the best fit for your fleet.
5 Key Reasons Why Tow Businesses Invest In GPS Tracking
GPS fleet tracking
GPS vehicle tracking devices provide real-time location data, allowing you to monitor your tow trucks more efficiently. This information can help you optimize routes, reduce fuel costs, and increase tow driver safety.
Reduced maintenance costs
Fleet tracking systems can also help you keep track of your maintenance schedule, ensuring that your vehicles are serviced regularly and minimizing the risk of costly breakdowns.
Enhanced security
With real-time GPS trackers you can monitor your tow trucks and ensure that they are being operated safely and securely. Some tow truck GPS tracking solutions even offer driver behavior monitoring and starter disable.
Better customer service
GPS systems can help you provide better customer service by providing accurate ETAs and real-time updates on the location of the tow truck. This can help you build trust with your customers and improve your reputation.
Competitive advantage
By investing in GPS navigation and tracking devices, you can gain a competitive advantage over other tow truck companies that do not have these tools. You can offer more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective services, which can help you attract more customers and grow your business.
Start with the truck you can fit today
Konnect plugs into the OBD2 port on each truck in seconds, then reports live location, speed alerts, and trip history to your phone, refreshing every 3 seconds. $39.95 a device and $8.95 a month unlimited, with no wiring, no charging rota, and a lifetime manufacturer's warranty behind it.
Get the Konnect OBD2 TrackerFrequently Asked Questions
What is the best GPS tracker for a tow truck fleet?
There isn't one answer for every yard, which is why this guide covers five. For most operators the plug-in OBD2 tracker is the right starting point, because it installs in seconds and moves between trucks. Choose the AI dash cam if disputed jobs are your problem, the hardwired unit with starter disable if theft is, and a portable magnetic tracker if you need to cover trailers or towed vehicles that have no port to plug into.
Do GPS trackers for tow trucks require a monthly subscription?
Every real-time tracker does, because the device reports over a cellular network and that data has to be paid for. What varies is the price and how much it changes with update frequency: faster updates generally cost more. Read the plan alongside the hardware price rather than comparing device prices on their own.
Can a GPS tracker stop someone stealing a tow truck?
Tracking on its own doesn't prevent a theft, it shortens the recovery. The hardwired unit in this guide goes a step further with remote starter disable, which stops the truck being started again once it's parked. That combination, a live location plus the ability to immobilize, is why theft-focused fleets tend to pick hardwired over portable.
Will a plug-in tracker work on a trailer or a towed vehicle?
No. An OBD2 tracker needs a diagnostic port and its power, which trailers and most towed equipment don't have. For those, use a battery-powered magnetic tracker or a hardwired unit tied into whatever power source is available.
Do I have to tell my drivers the trucks are tracked?
Tracking company-owned vehicles is legal in all 50 states, but several require advance written notice to employees rather than consent, including Connecticut, Delaware, New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island. Notice is also the better operational choice: drivers who know the trucks report their location argue about the data far less than drivers who find out later. Check your own state's rules with an employment attorney before rolling anything out.
Before you fit trackers to a working fleet
GPS tracking on company-owned vehicles is legal in all 50 states, but several states require advance WRITTEN NOTICE to employees rather than their consent. Connecticut, Delaware, New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island all have advance-notice rules, and New York's is the most prescriptive: notice at hiring, acknowledged by the employee, and posted. Where drivers take trucks home or use them off the clock, written consent is the defensible standard everywhere. This is general information rather than legal advice, so check your own state with an employment attorney before rollout.
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