Installing a GPS tracker can be as simple as plugging your device into your vehicle’s OBD port, or as involved as connecting it to your vehicle’s wiring harness, incorporating additional sensors for enhanced tracking capabilities. The installation process for each type of GPS tracker may vary, but all of them provide a reliable means of monitoring your assets and ensuring their security.
On this page, you will find detailed GPS tracker installation instructions for various types of trackers, such as OBD, magnetic, battery-powered, and wired options. These trackers offer a variety of installation approaches, so you can select the one that best suits your needs, whether for personal use or fleet management.
Install Types
There are multiple types of GPS trackers available, each offering unique installation methods to meet different tracking requirements. Below, we’ll explore the most common types and their installation processes, all of which are generally easy to execute with minimal tools or technical expertise.
- Plug and Play
- Devices that can be easily plugged into your vehicle’s OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) port. These trackers don’t require any technical skills and are designed to work out of the box with minimal setup.
- Hardwired
- Wired devices that require being connected to your vehicle’s wiring system. Typically, this involves either cutting into the wiring or piggybacking from the fuse holder using a special fuse for easy integration.
- Placement
- These trackers are typically battery, magnetic, or solar-powered types that can be easily placed in or on top of a vehicle or asset. They offer quick installation without the need for direct connection to the vehicle’s electrical system.
Installation Instructions
Installing a GPYes Pulse Hardwired GPS Tracker
Installing a Magnetic GPS Tracker
Installing the GPYes Tracket OBD GPS Tracker
Ease of Install
Rated from simple to the most difficult, here are the brief notes surrounding installing a GPS tracker.
- OBD Trackers
- Plugs directly into your vehicle’s OBD port. No wiring is required, making it the easiest installation method.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Battery
- Battery-powered trackers that do not feature solar or magnetic options. These are easy to install and generally require minimal effort.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Magnetic
- Battery-powered trackers with a magnetic base but no solar panel. These are convenient for quick installation and repositioning as needed.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Solar
- Battery-powered trackers that feature a magnet and solar charging capability. These trackers provide extended usage without needing to replace batteries frequently.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Wired
- A wired device commonly requires between 9v-24v, the voltage typically provided by most vehicles. Wired trackers offer deeper integration with the vehicle’s electrical system and can be used to monitor other parameters such as temperature, fuel consumption, and more.
- Difficulty: Intermediate
Conclusion
If you want an easy device to track your vehicle, a plug-and-play GPS tracking device is the most suitable choice. It offers hassle-free installation with no complex setup needed, making it perfect for users looking for a simple solution.
For those who want greater control over their vehicle, such as connecting external temperature gauges, sensors, or having the ability to cut power to the vehicle, a wired GPS tracker is a better option. While the installation process may be slightly more complex, the added functionality and reliability are worth the effort.