RELIABLE TRAILER TRACKING AND FLEET SECURITY WITH FTx164

During transit, companies usually have full visibility into their trailer's locations. However, once a trailer is disconnected from the truck, maintaining that visibility can become a challenge. Even if a tracking device is installed directly on the trailer, without an external power source, the location reporting may stop. It makes almost impossible to identify where the trailer is, detect unauthorised movement, or respond quickly in the event of theft.

To address these challenges, Teltonika hosted a webinar introducing the new advanced trackers FTC164 and FTM164, developed to improve trailer tracking solutions and enhance fleet security. Built on the new FT platform, these devices offer long autonomous operation through the Power Off sleep mode and a large-capacity 2,600 mAh battery.

During the webinar, we explored the key features of FTx164, discussed trailer tracking challenges and opportunities, and highlighted additional applications where these trackers can provide value, including insurance, construction, agriculture, and machinery rental.

TRAILER TRACKING CHALLENGES: MAINTAINING VISIBILITY

One of the key challenges in trailer tracking is maintaining continuous visibility when trailers are disconnected from trucks. Trailers may remain idle at depots, borders, ports, or customer sites for extended periods. If GPS trackers are installed only in trucks, fleet operators lose visibility of their trailers, increasing security risks and making fleet management more difficult.

Installing a dedicated GPS tracker on each trailer helps to overcome this challenge. However, reliable trailer tracking requires autonomous operation, especially when external power is unavailable. Teltonika’s FTx164 trackers are designed to meet this need, providing location monitoring for up to 150 days without an external power supply. This helps fleet operators detect unauthorised movement, reduce theft risks, improve trailer utilisation, and make faster operational decisions based on actual asset locations.

TRAILER TRACKING OPPORTUNITIES

Europe's ageing trailer fleet presents growing opportunities for GPS tracking solution providers.

In the Netherlands, nearly 40% of trailers are already 10 years old or more, and the average age across Europe may be even higher. As these trailers approach replacement age, demand for new units is expected to increase, creating opportunities to integrate GPS tracking solution into fleet renewal plans. This allows fleet operators to improve trailer visibility, enhance security, and optimise fleet management.

However, the trailer tracking opportunities extend beyond new trailers and the European market. With trailers remaining in service for around 13 years on average, existing fleets also offer significant potential for GPS tracking solution implementation. Equipping these trailers with dedicated trackers allows fleet operators to monitor their locations, identify underutilised assets, and reduce idle time. This supports better trailer utilisation and more informed fleet management decisions.

ADDITIONAL APPLICATIONS FOR FTx164 GPS TRACKERS

Beyond trailer tracking, FTx164 can support a range of applications where extended autonomous operation, reliable location monitoring, and vehicle security are essential.

In insurance and stolen vehicle recovery sectors, the trackers can be certified according to standards set by organisations such as Thatcham Research, and Forsikring & Pension, helping meet strict compliance requirements.

In construction, agriculture, and machinery rental, long autonomous operation and an IP69K-rated casing make FTx164 trackers suitable for monitoring various types of vehicles during prolonged idle periods and in harsh environments. This helps businesses maintain asset visibility, reduce theft risks, and improve equipment utilisation.

Q&A 

At the end of each of our webinars, we host a live Q&A session to address participants’ questions. Below, we share some of the questions from this session, answered by Teltonika product manager, Gvidas Narkevičius and project coordinator, Martynas Juozaitis.

Is the internal battery rechargeable?

Yes, the internal battery automatically recharges whenever the device is connected to an external power source.

Can FTx164 trackers connect to a CAN bus?

No, FTx164 trackers do not support CAN adapters.

How long can FTx164 trackers operate autonomously?

FTx164 trackers can operate autonomously for up to 150 days in Power Off sleep mode when configured to send one record per day. Actual battery life depends on GNSS signal quality, cellular connectivity, and ambient temperature.

Where should FTx164 trackers be connected to a trailer's power supply? Do they support 48V or 90V systems?

The recommended power connection depends on the trailer type. For refrigerated trailers, we typically recommend the fuse box, as it provides a stable and reliable power source. For flatbed or chassis trailers, the ISO 12098 (15-pin) connector is often the preferred option. Some customers also use side marker or tail light circuits for quicker installation.

FTx164 trackers do not support direct connection to 48V or 90V power systems.

How can drivers be identified using FTx164 trackers?

Drivers can be identified using an iButton or RFID reader connected via the 1-Wire interface, or through Bluetooth® beacons.

Do FTx164 trackers support additional Bluetooth® sensors, such as tire pressure and fuel sensors?

FTx164 trackers feature Bluetooth® 5.4, enabling connectivity with external Bluetooth accessories. Currently, the device supports Teltonika BLE accessories. Support for custom BLE sensors, including BLE fuel sensors, is planned for an upcoming base firmware release.

Can we use our existing FMC234 integration with FTC164 trackers?

Yes, the FMB and FT platforms use the same data transmission protocols, allowing clients to reuse existing integrations for standard functionality without additional development. However, new features introduced on the FT platform may require integrational updates. This compatibility is designed to simplify the transition from the FMB platform to the FT platform.

How does the FTx164 record scheduler work? Does it depend on motion detection?

The record scheduler operates independently of motion detection and other record-generation settings. For example, if a tracker is configured to send records every minute while moving, but an additional record is scheduled for 13:00, the device will send that scheduled record regardless of whether it is moving or stationary.

Will the FT platform support MQTT and TLS?

Yes, support for MQTT and TLS is planned for the next base firmware release.