Choosing a 4WD GPS Tracker for Remote Australian Touring

Four-wheel drives are some of the most popular vehicles in Australia, and unfortunately also some of the most targeted by thieves. A good 4WD GPS tracker protects the vehicle at home, in a car park and while you're touring. But remote travel brings its own questions about coverage and power.

Here's what to consider. You can see suitable options in our 4WD GPS tracker range.

Understand how the tracker connects

A 4G GPS tracker works out its position from satellites, then reports it over the mobile network. That means live tracking works wherever there is mobile coverage. GPSBob trackers include a multi-network SIM that can use more than one Australian network, which is an advantage on long trips through patchy areas.

It's important to be realistic: a mobile-network tracker is not a satellite communicator. On remote tracks with no mobile coverage at all, it cannot report live until it reconnects. If you regularly travel far off the grid, a tracker is for security, not emergency communication. Carry a PLB or satellite messenger for safety.

Where 4WDs are actually stolen

Most vehicle thefts happen where vehicles spend most of their time: driveways, streets, shopping centres and work car parks. Those are exactly the places with good mobile coverage, which is where a tracker does its most important job.

Choose a power setup that suits touring

A hardwired Two-Wire tracker runs from the vehicle's constant power and never needs charging. It's the best choice for most 4WDs. If you run a dual-battery system, talk to your auto electrician about the best connection point. Many owners keep the tracker on the main battery so it stays powered while the camper or fridge system is isolated.

Towing a camper trailer or caravan as well? A battery-powered tracker from the GPSBob Long Life range can protect the trailer independently, even when it's unhitched and stored.

Hide it well

4WDs offer plenty of hiding places behind trim, under the dash and inside consoles. Keep the tracker away from metal plates that could block the signal, and away from heat and water crossings. Avoid obvious spots that a thief would check first.

Set up the right alerts

• Movement alerts for when the vehicle is parked at home or in a car park.
• Geofences around your home, work or storage yard.
• Power disconnection alerts, so you know if someone tampers with the wiring.

Turn movement alerts off while you're driving and back on when you park, so you only get notifications when they matter.

Consider immobilisation

Popular 4WD models are often targeted by organised thieves. An immobilisation tracker adds the ability to stop the engine being restarted remotely, and a CAN-bus immobiliser can add another layer of protection.

4WD tracker checklist

• Choose a 4G tracker with a multi-network SIM.
• Hardwire it to constant power, or use a long-life battery tracker for trailers.
• Hide it away from metal, heat and water.
• Set up movement, geofence and power alerts.
• Keep a separate satellite device for remote safety.
• Check your insurer's requirements. Our insurance recognised trackers are a good starting point.