Key Takeaways:
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Reliable performance and smart fleet tools make Matrack the best overall pick for trailers.
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Hidden inside frame gaps, Family1st proved to be the most discreet choice for trailer tracking.
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Trackhawk’s battery life stretched into years, making it perfect for trailers left idle or stored.
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LandAirSea 54 handled rough weather with ease, while Trakkit cut out monthly fees with WiFi tracking.
Our Top Choices For Trailer Tracking Devices
Matrack |
Family1st |
Trackhawk |
LandAirSea 54 |
Trakkit |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Best Overall | Hidden Trailer Tracker (portable tracker) | Long-Battery Trailer Tracker | Waterproof Trailer Tracker | No-Monthly-Fee Trailer Tracker |
| Price | From $11.95/Month | $29.95 | $139.95 | $29.95 | $149.95 |
| Battery Life | Up to 14 years | Up to 14 days | 7+ years | Up to 30 days | Replaceable AAA (2–3 weeks typical) |
| Mounting Style | Magnetic or screw mount | Requires optional magnetic case | Multi-mount (screws, rivets, ties) | Built-in magnet | Optional waterproof magnetic case |
| Special Trailer Feature | Tractor attach/detach logs + detention tracking | Cross-border LTE coverage (US, Canada, Mexico) | Adaptive movement tracking + recovery mode | Waterproof IP68 with motion activation | WiFi-based tracking with stored route logs |
| JUMP TO PRODUCT | JUMP TO PRODUCT | JUMP TO PRODUCT | JUMP TO PRODUCT | JUMP TO PRODUCT |
Best GPS Trailer Tracking Devices
- Best Overall: Matrack
- Best Hidden Trailer Tracking: Family1st Portable Tracker
- Best Long-Battery Trailer Tracker: Trackhawk GPS
- Best Waterproof Trailer Tracker: LandAirSea 54
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Best No-Monthly-Fee Trailer Tracker: Trakkit GPS
How We Tested GPS Trailer Trackers?
Each tracker was mounted on flatbeds, cargo trailers, and utility trailers to observe performance in both motion and idle storage. Highway runs, rural roads, and yard parking were all part of the testing conditions.
Accuracy was judged by comparing live location updates against actual trailer positions in different environments. Battery endurance was noted by leaving trackers active during long trips and extended parked periods.
Durability checks involved exposure to heavy rain, dust, and constant vibration from loaded trailers. App dashboards were evaluated for clarity, focusing on route history, alerts, and overall trailer management.
What Are The Best GPS Trackers For Trailers In 2025?
Matrack Trailer Tracker - Best Overall
4.8/5
4.6/5
Matrack is the best overall trailer tracker because it stayed accurate in every scenario we tested. Flatbeds on long highways, cargo trailers parked in crowded lots, and utility trailers stored in remote yards all showed uninterrupted live tracking.
Battery strength matched the demands of real trailer use. A trailer left idle for weeks kept transmitting updates without recharge, and active hauls showed no performance drop during continuous movement.
Even though location updates slowed when trailers were kept inside large warehouses, the device switched to triangulation mode and still delivered reliable positioning. This backup, combined with geofence alerts and tractor attach/detach tracking, made every trailer fully traceable.
Pros And Cons
Pros
- Location stayed accurate on highways and remote trailer yards
- Battery held steady during weeks of trailer downtime
- Attach/detach logs showed when tractors swapped trailers
- Geofence alerts triggered exactly at trailer yard boundaries
Cons
- Location refresh slowed inside large warehouses
- First setup required more steps compared to others
Product Highlights
Key Features
- Integrated maintenance monitor with color-coded mapping
- Dispatch platform for assigning trailer jobs
- In-house hardware with 24/7 customer support
- Fleet management system integration
Alerts
- Detention time alerts for billing disputes
- Attach/detach status alerts for trailers and tractors
- Scheduled yard-check notifications
- Movement alerts in aggressive tracking mode
Family1st Portable Tracker - Best Hidden GPS Tracker For Trailer
4/5
4.2/5
We placed the Family1st Portable Tracker inside a cargo trailer and the device stayed hidden through weeks of use without detection. Its compact size fit securely in tight frame gaps, which made it effective for discreet trailer tracking.
During testing, the 14-day battery provided uninterrupted location data across regional trips. The app displayed movement history in detail, giving us a complete record of each trailer route.
The device required an additional magnetic case for direct mounting on the trailer body, and we used that accessory to keep it secure during rough drives. Once mounted, it stayed firmly in place and continued to deliver stable tracking.
Pros And Cons
Pros
- Small enough to hide in frame gaps of utility trailers
- Two-week battery fit short-haul trailer schedules
- App displayed every route clearly for regional moves
- Multi-country coverage supported trailers crossing borders
Cons
- Needed extra magnetic case to mount directly on steel
- Accuracy dropped when trailers were parked under heavy roofs
Product Highlights
Key Features
- Durable body designed for outdoor exposure
- Lightweight build under 4 ounces
- Subscription-free tracking options
- Route storage available in mobile and desktop apps
Alerts
- Geofence entry/exit alerts for trailer security
- Custom boundary notifications for restricted zones
- Speed alerts tied to trailer towing conditions
- App push notifications for battery level changes
Trackhawk GPS - Best Trailer Tracker With Long Battery Life
4.4/5
3.4/5
We ran Trackhawk GPS on flatbed and dry van trailers where long idle storage is common, and the 7+ year battery changed the way tracking worked. Unlike shorter-cycle trackers, it stayed active season after season without maintenance or recharging.
The rugged IP68 casing held up while trailers sat through storms and dust-heavy yards. Even after weeks of inactivity, the device reactivated instantly when trailers were moved, keeping logs precise.
In testing, the battery’s long life came with slower ping intervals, meaning rapid trailer movements weren’t always shown in real time. For long-term security and recovery, though, the endurance outweighed the delay.
Pros And Cons
Pros
- Seven-year battery made sense for stored trailers
- Logs stayed intact even when trailers lost signal
- Casing resisted dust and rain through seasonal use
- Warranty covered rough trailer conditions
Cons
- Short ping settings drained the long battery faster
- Update speed lagged when trailers sat in metal yards
Product Highlights
Key Features
- Adaptive movement tracking to balance pings and power
- CAT-M1 band connectivity for stronger uptime
- Military-grade AES-256 encryption for data security
- Multi-mount installation with screws, rivets, or ties
Alerts
- Impact alerts for theft or damage events
- Preventive maintenance reminders based on mileage
- Battery low and battery critical notifications
- Recovery mode alerts when asset is flagged as stolen
LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker - Best Waterproof GPS Trailer Tracker
4.2/5
4.1/5
LandAirSea 54 proved its strength on equipment trailers exposed to heavy rain and slush, with the waterproof housing keeping the tracker sealed. Its compact build tucked easily into trailer frames, making it difficult to detect.
Idle trailers triggered the motion-activated sleep mode, extending usable battery life. As soon as movement started, the tracker refreshed in seconds and mapped routes with precision in the SilverCloud app.
Battery levels dropped faster when trailers were set to constant three-second updates, which limited endurance on long trips. Despite this, the waterproof durability and discreet size gave trailers consistent protection in harsh conditions.
Pros And Cons
Pros
- Waterproof shell stayed sealed in heavy rain and mud
- Small design tucked into hidden trailer spots
- Motion-based activation saved battery when trailers idled
- Rapid refresh mode tracked active trailers with detail
Cons
- Battery life shortened quickly on fastest update mode
- Magnet slipped slightly on trailers over rough terrain
Product Highlights
Key Features
- SilverCloud app for 12-month playback history
- Internal antennas for concealed installation
- Rechargeable battery with USB charging cord
- Extra rubber gaskets for long-term waterproofing
Alerts
- Customizable geofence notifications per trailer zone
- Motion-activated alerts when trailer starts moving
- Location history playback alerts for auditing use
- Subscription plan notifications for renewals
Trakkit GPS - Best GPS Tracker For Trailer No Monthly Fee
Trakkit GPS removed subscription costs entirely, making it one of the few trackers suited for trailers without ongoing fees. On storage trailers kept near depots, it connected to available WiFi and uploaded travel logs automatically.
The tracker ran on replaceable AAA lithium batteries, which made power simple to manage. Each time a trailer came back within WiFi range, the movement history appeared instantly in the app.
Testing showed the limitation clearly when trailers were stored far from any WiFi source, as live updates stopped until reconnection. Using the magnetic waterproof case kept the device safe outdoors, making it a practical option for subscription-free trailer tracking.
Pros And Cons
Pros
- No subscription made long-term trailer use cheaper
- WiFi uploads synced trailer logs without extra cost
- Replaceable batteries made power easy to manage
- Multiple trackers linked under one account
Cons
- Remote trailers couldn’t update until back in WiFi range
- Not waterproof unless placed in the add-on case
Product Highlights
Key Features
- Compact 2.25-inch body under 1.5 ounces
- Works on 2.4 GHz WiFi without SIM card
- Data retention expandable with additional storage
- USA-made with direct manufacturer ownership
Alerts
- WiFi reconnection alerts when trailers re-enter coverage
- Data upload complete notifications for stored logs
- Shared access alerts for multiple user accounts
- Power source change alerts when batteries are replaced
Who Needs Which Trailer Tracker?
Matrack GPS Tracker
Perfect for fleets moving trailers daily. The long battery and detailed logs give managers a clear picture of every trailer’s use.
Family1st Portable Tracker
A good fit for anyone worried about theft. Its small size hides easily inside a trailer frame while still covering long routes.
Trackhawk GPS
Best for trailers that sit idle for long stretches. The multi-year battery keeps tracking active without constant checks.
LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker
Made for trailers working in tough conditions. Rain, snow, or mud didn’t stop this tracker from sending location updates.
Trakkit GPS
Right for owners who don’t want subscription costs. It works through WiFi, logging trailer movement and uploading data when back in range.
GPS Trailer Tracking Devices Buying Guide
Battery Life and Trailer Usage
Some trailers move every day, while others stay parked for months at a time. A tracker with a shorter battery cycle works for frequent hauls, but idle trailers need a multi-year battery to stay traceable without constant maintenance.
Mounting and Placement
Trailers take constant bumps, vibration, and weather exposure. Magnetic mounts make sense for quick hidden placement, while screw-in or tie-down options are better for trailers facing rough terrain.
Connectivity and Coverage
LTE trackers are the best choice for real-time updates on the road. WiFi-based options are more practical for trailers that return to depots, since they cut out subscription fees and still log routes.
Alerts and Notifications
Tracking goes beyond showing where the trailer is parked. Geofence warnings, attach and detach updates, and detention logs help owners spot theft, misuse, and billing disputes in real time.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Trailers face rain, mud, and dust in daily use. A rugged waterproof tracker ensures location updates continue even when the trailer is exposed to harsh outdoor conditions.
FAQs on GPS Trailer Tracking Devices
1. What is the best GPS tracker for trailers?
The best GPS tracker for trailers is Matrack, as it offers reliable real-time tracking, long battery life, and advanced fleet features.
2. How do GPS trailer trackers work?
GPS trailer trackers use satellites and networks like LTE or WiFi to send location data, allowing owners to monitor trailers in real time or review route history.
3. Do I need a subscription for a trailer GPS tracker?
Some trackers like Matrack and LandAirSea require a subscription for real-time tracking, while Trakkit works on WiFi and has no monthly fees.
4. Which trailer GPS tracker has the longest battery life?
Trackhawk GPS has the longest battery life, lasting over 7 years, making it ideal for trailers kept idle or stored long-term.
5. Can I hide a GPS tracker on my trailer?
Yes, compact devices like Family1st Portable GPS Tracker are designed to be discreet and can be hidden in trailer frames or compartments.
6. Are trailer GPS trackers waterproof?
Certain trackers such as LandAirSea 54 are waterproof and can withstand rain, mud, and snow, making them reliable for outdoor trailers.
7. How accurate are GPS trailer trackers?
Most GPS trailer trackers provide accuracy within a few feet, with real-time updates as fast as every three seconds depending on settings.
8. Can a GPS tracker help prevent trailer theft?
Yes, GPS trackers provide instant movement alerts and geofence notifications that warn owners if a trailer is moved without authorization.
9. What is the cheapest way to track a trailer?
The cheapest option for tracking trailers is Trakkit GPS, as it avoids subscription fees by using WiFi to upload stored data.
10. How do I install a GPS tracker on a trailer?
Most GPS trackers attach magnetically or with screws, with installation usually taking less than five minutes and requiring no wiring.
Why Trust Us?
At GPSTracker247, every tracker was tested on real trailers, not just reviewed from spec sheets. Devices were mounted on flatbeds, utility trailers, and cargo units to see how they performed.
Testing focused on the details that matter to trailer owners, including location accuracy, battery performance, and durability in harsh conditions. App dashboards were checked for how well they showed routes, alerts, and trailer history.
The results highlight what each tracker does best and where it falls short. This gives you a clear picture before investing in a GPS solution for your trailers.
Final Verdict
Trailer tracking is no longer just about knowing where equipment is parked. The right device can save money, prevent theft, and make trailer management far less stressful.
Matrack covers most needs with its balance of features, while Family1st works best when discreet placement is important. Trackhawk is built for the long haul, LandAirSea handles tough weather, and Trakkit keeps things simple with no ongoing fees.
The choice comes down to how trailers are used day to day. Match the tracker to those needs, and you’ll get more than location updates, you’ll gain control over your trailers.
