Help with GPS tracking for caravans

[KeithB]

I have been researching GPS trackers on the net and each search only makes me more confused.
I'd like to put a GPS tracker on my van that will enable anyone in the family to log onto a website and see where it is on a map. I realise that mobile phone access will be a serious limitation in regional areas.
But does such a thing exist?
Keith

[KathyL]

I have been researching GPS trackers on the net and each search only makes me more confused.
I'd like to put a GPS tracker on my van that will enable anyone in the family to log onto a website and see where it is on a map. I realise that mobile phone access will be a serious limitation in regional areas.
But does such a thing exist?

Yep - sure does!

We've installed a SPOT Trace in our camper trailer so that we can track its movement if it is stolen.  Although the SPOT Trace is battery powered we've hardwired it to the camper batteries so that the internal batteries will only need to be used if it's disconnected from the camper batteries.

Also, we have the option of sharing the online tracking information with family/friends via the SPOT website and/or SpotWalla (on which 'trips' can be configured to store the tracking information indefinitely) while we're travelling so that they can know in almost real-time where we are.

[KeithB]

Thanks Kathy. This unit really looks the business and inexpensive too. I had a brief look at the website. Are there any ongoing fees?
Keith

[Bird]

Is Shane still doing his tracking units?

[macca]

Is Shane still doing his tracking units?

I am pretty sure he is, great bloke to deal with too

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[edz]

Here you go Keith https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1236531473116084&id=119608421475067  Footy shorts Shane from here does them ...   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIWJgeCT8u0

[Jeepers Creepers]

I am pretty sure he is, great bloke to deal with too

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Yeah, he still does them.

Shane, on 0418 194 647.

[Bird]

Shane, on 0418 194 647.

[Jeepers Creepers]

I was talking to him this morning.... he's still as busy as.... but always willing to help out some one.

[KathyL]

Thanks Kathy. This unit really looks the business and inexpensive too. I had a brief look at the website. Are there any ongoing fees?

Yep - unfortunately there is not much that is free anymore (although your insurer may give you a pittance of a discount for having a tracker installed) ...
https://au.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=131

[KathyL]

Here you go Keith https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1236531473116084&id=119608421475067  Footy shorts Shane from here does them ...   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIWJgeCT8u0

AFAIK that device is not strictly a GPS tracker (ie, a tracking device which uses satellites) as it requires mobile telephone reception in order to work ...

The CCA Vehicle Tracker is about the same size as a mobile phone with a high temperature resistant plastic hard body to suit our Australian climate. It works similar to a mobile phone, sending & receiving SMS messages from up to three authorised numbers operating off a $2 pre-paid SIM card. The credit amount can be maintained for as little as $30 per year with no monthly fees or contracts, operating on any Australian SIM card via a GSM, 3G or Telstra Next G networks.

You simply call the device from your mobile phone, let it ring twice & end the call. Within a few seconds a return SMS will be forwarded to your phone with the GPS co-ordinates of the trackers location. Of course your phone & tracker need to be in mobile phone range to talk to each other. If the unit is out of range it will reply when it returns back into coverage, the same as your mobile phone does.

[KeithB]

Yep - unfortunately there is not much that is free anymore (although your insurer may give you a pittance of a discount for having a tracker installed) ...
https://au.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=131

Kathy, Can any number of phones get the info or is it just the subscriber's phone? Part of the attraction for this is so the kids can see where we are. Also, is there a web based option?
Many thanks for your input.
Keith

[macca]

Kathy, Can any number of phones get the info or is it just the subscriber's phone? Part of the attraction for this is so the kids can see where we are. Also, is there a web based option?
Many thanks for your input.
Keith

Keith if your refering to the Footy Shorts Shane's tracker then you can have three phones linked to the tracker, as said you send it an SMS and it responds with a link to its position in google. I like its geo fence function, works really well.

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[KathyL]

Can any number of phones get the info or is it just the subscriber's phone?

You can configure multiple phone numbers and/or email addresses.

Part of the attraction for this is so the kids can see where we are. Also, is there a web based option?

In a word - yes!  See http://www.findmespot.net.au/spot-trace/

• Receive text/email messages when movement is detected
• Satellite technology tracks beyond the reach of traditional cellular coverage
• Monitor assets in near real-time using Google Maps™
• Long battery life, compact & easy to install
• Select from 2½, 5, 10, 30 or 60 minute tracking intervals

Here's a link to a trip my husband and I did with our camper trailer earlier this year that was recorded by our Spot TRACE: https://spotwalla.com/tripViewer.php?id=1b3c15b9f4dae6395b&hoursPast=0&showAll=yes

[KeithB]

Kathy, I can't thank you enough. That definitely looks the business. I like that it's a true GPS unit.
Many thanks once again.
Keith

[achjimmy]

Kieth for what you want the spot will probably be better. For ongoing costs and security Shane's unit is a no brainer, running costs per year are as little as $20 after purchase and you can do other things like apply the electric brakes remotely   

[Fizzie]

Keith

Gutters on here used this one http://www.alwaysinreach.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=45&catid=10 when they did a lap a few years ago http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=46442.0 & had it set-up so that we could all see where they were.

Unfortunately, his maps & so on have now all been taken down & he doesn't appear to be active any more, but a PM may still reach him

[Bird]

... and you can do other things like apply the electric brakes remotely   

That I like!!!!!!

[macca]

That I like!!!!!!

But, as usual, the law dont

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[macca]

Keith

Gutters on here used this one http://www.alwaysinreach.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=45&catid=10 when they did a lap a few years ago http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=46442.0 & had it set-up so that we could all see where they were.

Unfortunately, his maps & so on have now all been taken down & he doesn't appear to be active any more, but a PM may still reach him

I have recently followed a hiker walk from the top of Tassie to the bottom not using any roads  he carried a Garmin Inreach, took him 51 days with no resupply. They are amazing, you can send   and receive messages to him and follow his every move, no matter where he was even deep in the Tassie NP,s

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[Bird]

But, as usual, the law dont

insert <attempting to give a Shit> icon

[edz]

Keith

Gutters on here used this one http://www.alwaysinreach.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=45&catid=10 when they did a lap a few years ago http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=46442.0 & had it set-up so that we could all see where they were.

Unfortunately, his maps & so on have now all been taken down & he doesn't appear to be active any more, but a PM may still reach him

Possibly better to get them on their Blog site https://overlandaustralia.blogspot.com/

[austastar]

Hi,
     Our family use Google Maps 'share your location' option when any of us are on the road.
Our eldest son travels the North West coast for work, and will often drop in to see us where ever we are stopped for the night or having a coffee break in his area.
Who ever we share with can see where we are. Depending on mobile network of course.
Cheers

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[macca]

insert <attempting to give a Shit> icon

My sediments exactly, i know mine is wired to do it if i need to

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