GPS tracker devices

[Erbster]

I have had a back 2 you tracker for over a year now and I think it is very good for the money. Like my house alarm, its not "top of the range", but i have the reassurance of knowing that it has not been triggered.

However, I am now finding the the battery only lasts 4-6 weeks and so I am thinking of hard-wiring it in. I have two questions; I don't have much experience with automotive electronics.

1. I guess I should wire it into the leisure battery because that way it will never mean that it will flatten the starter battery. My van is a daily drive, so little risk of running the leisure batteries down.

2. What is the best way to wire it in. I was thinking of connecting the loom provided to the supply for the 12V socket in the kitchen of my Ocean. I don't think I can get the socket out without removing the sink, so I guess the next best thing is to piggy back the + and - wires. Is this the the best method:

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=23&t=975513

I feel that one has to be rather brave attacking the wires with a knife...

Any comments from those that know about such things?

 

[SimonB]

I have had a back 2 you tracker for over a year now and I think it is very good for the money. Like my house alarm, its not "top of the range", but i have the reassurance of knowing that it has not been triggered.

However, I am now finding the the battery only lasts 4-6 weeks and so I am thinking of hard-wiring it in. I have two questions; I don't have much experience with automotive electronics.

1. I guess I should wire it into the leisure battery because that way it will never mean that it will flatten the starter battery. My van is a daily drive, so little risk of running the leisure batteries down.

2. What is the best way to wire it in. I was thinking of connecting the loom provided to the supply for the 12V socket in the kitchen of my Ocean. I don't think I can get the socket out without removing the sink, so I guess the next best thing is to piggy back the + and - wires. Is this the the best method:

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=23&t=975513

I feel that one has to be rather brave attacking the wires with a knife...

Any comments from those that know about such things?

I had the same problem with mine after 18 months to 2 years and I rang up and asked if they offer a replacement battery service. For about £25, I think, they replaced the battery and it now lasts as long as it did in the first place. I prefer it being on a battery as it is easier to hide with no wires to trace. I posted it one day and it was returned a day later.

 

[Taff7996]

I have had a back 2 you tracker for over a year now and I think it is very good for the money. Like my house alarm, its not "top of the range", but i have the reassurance of knowing that it has not been triggered.

However, I am now finding the the battery only lasts 4-6 weeks and so I am thinking of hard-wiring it in. I have two questions; I don't have much experience with automotive electronics.

1. I guess I should wire it into the leisure battery because that way it will never mean that it will flatten the starter battery. My van is a daily drive, so little risk of running the leisure batteries down.

2. What is the best way to wire it in. I was thinking of connecting the loom provided to the supply for the 12V socket in the kitchen of my Ocean. I don't think I can get the socket out without removing the sink, so I guess the next best thing is to piggy back the + and - wires. Is this the the best method:

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=23&t=975513

I feel that one has to be rather brave attacking the wires with a knife...

Any comments from those that know about such things?

No wire cutting required
I've just wired mine directly to the posts of the leisure battery using ring terminals that I've cut a small segment out of (leisure batteries terminal clamps bolts are not ment to be removed)
Don't forget online fuses, I used 2amp fuses on both positive and negative wiries

 

[Erbster]

SimonB - thanks for pointing that out. However, I think I will wire it in anyway, as I am always forgetting to check the battery level and it ends up texting me at an inconvenient time!

Taff - good idea; that seems a lot less intrusive. Is a fuse on both live AND earth necessary?

 

[MattBW]

My tracker is hard wired and I can confirm it draws 0.1amps and under when sleeping.

 

[Loz]

Wire a cigar socket on fly leads to the rear battery then plug in the 12v lead that came with the tracker.

 

[Erbster]

Thanks @MattBW
Good suggestion @Loz

 

[Birty]

Hi Monica. I had a tracker fitted and it did my insurance cheaper. I just wanted to put everything I could in place to stop my Cali from being stolen!

Hi Claire.
can u remember make, costs and on going costs etc.. any info please?

 

[Trebor]

Saw these posters at the Dyskru’n Agricultual show in Norway on Saturday . Made me smile !