Family vehicle tracker recommendations

Sigarms · Nov 27, 2021

Long story short, with two kids driving and a couple of issues that have me come to this point, it's time to use technology and get a vehicle tracking device for the "family" shared vehicle.

Anyone use one? What brand? How do you like it?

Primary reason is for tracking speed.

oosik · Nov 27, 2021

The Taco Wagon came with a GPS activated tracking system. It's made by Garmin.

If I don't know where I am - it will show me where on the digital map display. It can also show others where I am if they have a GPS unit and the appropriate software. All can be supplied by Garmin.

Yes - if it will show my speed as an individual display or on the map display. Will it display my speed to others with appropriate GPS unit and software - I don't know.

It CAN be configured to display any journey with the pickup and speeds during the trip. It's a recording feature that can be called up on the digital display in the truck.

With appropriate GPS unit and software it might even be able to display this information on an external unit. Again - I do not know.

I've really never used it that much. Like on my motorcycle - with plenty of gas in the tank - I'm NEVER lost.

bdhsfz6 · Nov 27, 2021

If you have a smartphone, you could use these Apple Air Tags:

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/mobile-phone-accessories/bluetooth-trackers/pcmcat748301221690.c?id=pcmcat748301221690&qp=brand_facet%3DBrand~Apple&ref=212&loc=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAy4eNBhCaARIsAFDVtI1K3waHu1UpULcP_eZyupLONkd-OEaSZxwIZjJW4kETj1UcfiPLA1oaArVuEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

They are easily hidden and have decent battery life. There are apps available which show position and speed.

Sigarms · Nov 27, 2021

Ossik

Appreciate the feedback, the only issue is I'm looking for an aftermarket GPS tracking system (one that can be monitored remotely when the vehicle is in use). The "family" car for the kids to use is a 20 year old Honda Accord with no factory installed GPS.

Sigarms · Nov 27, 2021

bdhsfz6 said:
If you have a smartphone, you could use these Apple Air Tags:

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/mobile-phone-accessories/bluetooth-trackers/pcmcat748301221690.c?id=pcmcat748301221690&qp=brand_facet%3DBrand~Apple&ref=212&loc=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAy4eNBhCaARIsAFDVtI1K3waHu1UpULcP_eZyupLONkd-OEaSZxwIZjJW4kETj1UcfiPLA1oaArVuEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

They are easily hidden and have decent battery life. There are apps available which show position and speed.

Have you used one yourself, and if yes, how do you use it? My only fear from something that small is how reliable is the information, particularly speed while driving a vehicle.

That said, come to think of it, using waze on my phone is pretty accurate for speed.

Root Cause · Nov 27, 2021

I have a Trackr on my tractor. It seems to be good as far as location but speed was WAY off.
I traveled at 70 mph and it said I was going 117. Sorry I can't help with what works but this is one I would avoid.

jk96 · Nov 27, 2021

Our family uses the life 360 app for our phones including our 3 kids. Free version tracks location and speed and shows a map history for the last few trips including max speed for that trip. A pay version gives you more safety options. Sure they could leave the phone but our stipulation is the phone always goes with you when driving and if you don't answer my calls privileges are lost. Luckily we are blessed with 3 very good kids.

Jeremy

TractorGuy · Nov 27, 2021

My wife and I have location sharing on in Google Maps but it doesn't log speed.

I have dash cameras in my vehicles. The one in my truck logs GPS data and speed. The speed only uses kph but is easily converted. The unit fits neatly around the rear view mirror stem so it isn't real obvious. The brand won't help you much because it was made for the double din head unit I installed.

Just throwing it out there. You might be able to find a dash camera with the features you want and then some. I know Garmin makes a dash camera that logs location and speed but I don't know if it will report either remotely.

I prefer units that hard wire to the vehicle and automatically start when the vehicle does.

Sigarms · Nov 27, 2021

TractorGuy said:
I prefer units that hard wire to the vehicle and automatically start when the vehicle does.

Without doing much investigation as of yet, that would be my preference as well. Although I know for as much driving as I do and using the WAZE ap, it does work remarkably well IMO.

Sigarms · Nov 27, 2021

jk96 said:
Our family uses the life 360 app for our phones including our 3 kids. Free version tracks location and speed and shows a map history for the last few trips including max speed for that trip. A pay version gives you more safety options. Sure they could leave the phone but our stipulation is the phone always goes with you when driving and if you don't answer my calls privileges are lost. Luckily we are blessed with 3 very good kids.

Jeremy

I'll need to look at it, thanks.

The irony on my end is the one we didn't expect is the one who was playing Mario Andretti on the way to work the other day.

In his defense, a couple of months ago I received an email from my home office in NY. Apparently I was doing 80 one morning. I called and apologized and mentioned I honestly didn't remember going that fast, and he laughed and at least said I'm not a problem like some others