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Trailer Tracking Device: Best Options by Use Case

Compare trailer tracking devices—hardwired, battery, solar, and AirTag options—plus real-world gotchas.

Trailer Tracking Device: Best Options by Use Case

Key Benefits

Hardwired vs battery vs solar device tradeoffs

Battery life tied to update frequency

GPS signal limits in metal trailers

Low-cost AirTag coverage for all trailers

Trailer Tracking Device: Best Options by Use Case

Trailer tracking sounds simple until you deal with metal walls, long dwell times, and power constraints. Here is a practical breakdown of device types and what actually works.

Device Types

  • Hardwired GPS: Best for powered trailers and frequent updates
  • Battery GPS: Best for long dwell trailers with periodic movement
  • Solar GPS: Best for outdoor trailers with clear sun exposure
  • AirTag + AirPinpoint: Best for low-cost coverage at scale

Gotchas That Change the Decision

  • Update frequency cuts battery life: More pings = shorter life.
  • Sunlight matters for solar units: Shaded yards or indoor storage reduce charging.
  • GPS needs sky view: Metal trailers and indoor bays block signals.

The Hybrid Strategy That Works

Most fleets track high-value trailers with GPS and cover everything else with AirTags. It reduces monthly spend while still giving you recovery visibility.

Why AirPinpoint Is Different

AirPinpoint is built for non-powered assets and mixed fleets. We combine the Apple Find My network with asset workflows so you get wide coverage, long battery life, and recovery visibility without turning every trailer or tool into a subscription.

Our 12-Month Minimum (Because We Know It Works)

We require a 12-month minimum. The product is purpose-built, the rollout is fast, and the outcomes are clear. If you want short-term trials, most teams start with a small pilot scope inside the 12-month plan.

How Our Technology Works

AirPinpoint uses Apple AirTags via the FindMy network to provide reliable asset tracking without the need for cellular connections.Learn more about how AirTags work →

AirPinpoint Tracking Device

Bluetooth Low Energy

Uses minimal power while maintaining reliable connections to nearby devices in the network.

Long Battery Life

Designed for up to 7+ years of battery life, making it ideal for long-term asset tracking.

Apple FindMy Network

Leverages a vast network of billions of connected Apple devices to locate your assets anywhere.

Precision Location

Get accurate location data and movement history for all your tracked assets.

"We went with GPS on high-value trailers and AirTags on the rest—no more blind spots."

Feature
Our SolutionOur Solution
Geotab GO
Rooster Tag
LandAirSea 54
Samsara Asset Tag
Samsara GPS Tracker
Size31x31 mm111x71x29.5 mm50.8 mm x 19.1 mm~57.8x24 mm~63.5x25.4 mm~108x86x25 mm
Battery Life3-7+ years (live tracking)3 years (1 update/day), 2 weeks (live)Up to 5 years1-3 weeks4 years3 years (2 updates per day), 2 weeks (live)
TechnologyAirTagGPSBluetoothGPSBluetoothGPS (not live)
CoverageWorldwideWorldwideUp to 0.5 miGlobalGateway-dependentWorldwide
DurabilityRugged, waterproofRuggedRuggedizedIP67 waterproofUltra ruggedIP67 waterproof
Gateway RequiredNoNoYesNoYesNo
* Comparison based on publicly available information as of 2/2/2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to start tracking your assets?

Get started today with AirPinpoint's advanced tracking solution and never lose track of your valuable assets again.