GPS tracking

[Brian H]

I have been looking at GPS tracking devices for over 20 years and finally decided to take the plunge and get GPS tracking for our fleet.

We have been testing them and I really like what I can see. The system we are getting even shows when and where the Butler system is engaged and for how long.

The biggest challenge we have now is installing them. For a regular truck without a Butler, the installation takes about 5 minutes total. For the Butler's it takes an additional 30-45 minutes.

Anyone else using the GPS tracking and if so, what has been your experience with them?

 

[Mark Saiger]

With only the 2 of us and 2 vans we don't have gps tracking systems, but have Kenwood stereo systems with Garmin GPS.

We did find out on our Butlers, that the GPS can kick out the Butler to idle mode. When we were trying to figure it out with Butler we couldn't find it right away. It has something to do with the GPS searching for signal, and being wired in line with the ecu box, the signal would draw more current and overpower the Butler speed control and kick it out.

No big deal as for us, it maybe happens about 5 times a year.

Just shut the Butler off, hit restart and all back, but it could panic the techs first time it happens.

Also, always seems to happen when on 2nd or 3rd floor apartment cleaning... Lol.

Had a school Job where it happened 3 times on the same room... We were just in a valley other side of that school and the GPS was struggling for signal. Moved the van 5 feet from school and all good.

Just wanted to mention this in case something similar happens and maybe mention it at a meeting first when introducing them



Maybe with luck, you won't have any of this issue

 

[Lee Stockwell]

I have Life 360 app on my phones. Can easily track each other's location and history.

 

[Nate The Great]

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With only the 2 of us and 2 vans we don't have gps tracking systems, but have Kenwood stereo systems with Garmin GPS.

We did find out on our Butlers, that the GPS can kick out the Butler to idle mode. When we were trying to figure it out with Butler we couldn't find it right away. It has something to do with the GPS searching for signal, and being wired in line with the ecu box, the signal would draw more current and overpower the Butler speed control and kick it out.

No big deal as for us, it maybe happens about 5 times a year.

Just shut the Butler off, hit restart and all back, but it could panic the techs first time it happens.

Also, always seems to happen when on 2nd or 3rd floor apartment cleaning... Lol.

Had a school Job where it happened 3 times on the same room... We were just in a valley other side of that school and the GPS was struggling for signal. Moved the van 5 feet from school and all good.

Just wanted to mention this in case something similar happens and maybe mention it at a meeting first when introducing them



Maybe with luck, you won't have any of this issue

I use GPS on my phone, or a map book...... Map book is easier for me as I like to see the area I'm heading....

@Mark Saiger Is it possible to just turn off the Kenwood deck while doing the job or remove the faceplate? Seems like it shouldn't find GPS? Idk, never had one....

 

[Mark Saiger]

I use GPS on my phone, or a map book...... Map book is easier for me as I like to see the area I'm heading....

@Mark Saiger Is it possible to just turn off the Kenwood deck while doing the job or remove the faceplate? Seems like it shouldn't find GPS? Idk, never had one....

Actually haven't tried shutting it off, but that could work....I will give it a try one of these times...if that weird thing occurs again where it shuts of more than once in the same area....

I was thinking about the gps on phone thing....yesterday, I couldn't get any signal on my phone to plot out a course to one of my jobs....good thing I had the gps in the van for guidance.

 

[Askal]

I have it and feel it is worth it. Most useful when there is a production problem. I use R MT in Greely Colorado.

 

[mirf]

I have it and it helps see where the trucks are saving a phone call. Started to use it because a truck was late for the job start time. The reason was punching in and going to get something to eat as soon as they left shop.

 

[bob vawter]

Dang Mark...i wish i lived closer to you...
i'd shut yor Butler down, then hide behind a bush...
i'd keep doing it till you pullt all yor hair out