If you work in logistics, construction, or cold-chain transport, you know how important it is to keep trailers operating. 

Trailer maintenance has traditionally been reactive: fix things as they break and try to maintain a regular service schedule. 

But now, proactive trailer maintenance is a reality, thanks to one versatile technology, GPS.

If you only associate GPS with navigation or location tracking, you may be surprised at what else it can do. 

GPS technology can track mileage and analyze usage patterns to help identify potential trailer health issues before they become real problems. 

Deploying GPS for your trailers can reduce downtime, improve performance, and extend lifespan. 

How can one technology do all this? Here's how GPS helps monitor trailer maintenance needs.

Features of GPS for Maintenance Tracking

Most people are familiar with GPS trackers' core features, like pinpointing the location of tracked equipment. 

But the technology provides a wealth of granular data you can use to make decisions about trailer maintenance. 

Here are some of the top features of GPS for maintenance tracking:

Mileage and Usage Tracking

GPS location data can be used for more than navigation. It can also accurately log the distance your trailers travel and record their operational hours. 

Looking over this data, you can proactively schedule routine maintenance. 

For example, knowing how many miles a trailer has covered helps you know exactly when to replace tires, based on the manufacturer's recommendations or your fleet's specific wear patterns. 

Similarly, tracking usage hours helps determine when components like brakes or axles are due for inspection and servicing.

Predictive Maintenance Alerts

The more advanced GPS trackers on the market today utilize AI and machine learning to identify subtle anomalies in the continuous stream of data generated by the device. 

By putting the algorithms to work on key information like mileage and usage patterns, these GPS devices can flag potential issues before they lead to costly breakdowns. 

This is known as predictive maintenance. 

Alerts based on intelligent analytics empower you to schedule proactive interventions. 

As you address issues ahead of time, downtime decreases and trailer availability increases.

Integration with Maintenance Platforms

Many GPS trackers offer seamless integration with existing fleet management software and maintenance platforms to streamline the maintenance workflow. 

This connectivity enables the automatic transfer of critical data, such as mileage and usage, directly into your management system. 

Service reminders can be automatically generated based on predefined schedules or AI-driven predictions.

Temperature Monitoring

Maintaining precise temperature control is a must for industries such as cold-chain transport. 

Some GPS trackers are equipped with integrated temperature sensors. 

If deviations occur outside the acceptable range, alerts for temperature-sensitive goods can go out. 

With this real-time temperature monitoring, you can prevent spoilage and ensure compliance with customer requirements.

Battery Visibility and Safety Monitoring

Advanced GPS trackers, like those from LandAirSea, can show the voltage level of the trailer’s breakaway battery when the tracker is wired to the trailer. 

A breakaway battery triggers the trailer brakes if it detaches from a vehicle. 

Therefore, low voltage in a breakaway battery can be a serious safety issue. 

But with real-time insights into battery health, you can replace aging batteries well before problems arise.

Benefits of Using GPS for Trailer Maintenance

Here’s a quick overview of some of the top benefits of using GPS for trailer maintenance:

• Minimized downtime: Switching to proactive, predictive maintenance helps you identify potential issues before they lead to problems on the road.

• Cost efficiency: GPS-based alerts enable you to address minor problems early, before they escalate into far more expensive repairs or complete replacements.

• Extended trailer lifespan: Consistent, data-driven maintenance helps extend the lifespan of trailers, resulting in maximum ROI.

• Enhanced safety: Mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, can lead to serious accidents. However, data from GPS trackers helps you address safety issues like low breakaway battery voltage.

Applications of GPS Maintenance Tracking Across Industries

GPS tracking data is incredibly versatile, as it can be used for trailer maintenance tracking in nearly any industry. Consider these applications:

Small Business Owners

Scheduling routine maintenance based on accurate mileage or usage data has a few advantages. 

For one, small businesses can proactively address potential issues ahead of time. 

Second, this proactive approach significantly reduces the risk of unexpected downtime. This helps avoid the burden of costly emergency repairs that can heavily impact their bottom line.

Trailer Rental Companies

Trailer rental companies face the challenge of managing a fleet with wildly varying usage patterns. 

Each rental customer has their own uses, but GPS systems offer a powerful solution by tracking precisely how frequently each trailer is used. 

Rental companies can use this data to automate maintenance schedules based on actual wear and tear, instead of fixed timelines or mileage figures.

Logistics Companies

Logistics companies managing large fleets of trailers can significantly streamline their maintenance operations with GPS tracking data. 

After gaining real-time visibility into trailer usage, mileage accumulation, and potential issues, logistics providers can optimize maintenance workflows and ensure their trailers remain in peak operating condition.

Agriculture Trailers

In agriculture, trailers often face harsh conditions and rough terrain. 

But whether your trailers haul heavy equipment, livestock, or produce, GPS maintenance tracking provides insightful information about the stress they're under. 

Farmers can better plan the maintenance that enables such heavy-duty work by observing usage patterns and mileage in these demanding environments.

Event and Equipment Transport

Businesses that provide equipment for events, construction sites, or other specialized locations must have reliable trailers. GPS-based maintenance tracking provides a new approach to trailer upkeep for these businesses. 

It monitors mileage and operating hours and identifies potential problems from frequent loading/unloading.  

Timely maintenance significantly lowers the chance of costly operational breakdowns.

Future Trends in GPS Maintenance Technology

Investing in GPS maintenance technology will reap benefits for years to come as the technology continues to evolve. 

So, what does the future hold?

You can expect to see the further integration of AI and other technologies like Internet of Things (IoT) devices. 

For example, IoT-enabled GPS systems will connect trailers seamlessly to broader logistics networks. 

AI will help analyze data from various sensors and network sources to provide a more holistic view of trailer health and operational status. 

GPS trackers will be the hub for more detailed maintenance analytics as global data becomes more interconnected.

Check Out LandAirSea’s Tracking Devices for Your Trailer

GPS has evolved from a simple tracking tool to a robust system offering critical insights into the maintenance trailers actually need. 

By providing detailed data on mileage, usage, temperature, and even battery status, GPS empowers trailer owners and businesses alike to build maintenance strategies on real-world data instead of standardized timelines.

If you want to join the proactive trailer maintenance revolution, the most important thing you can do is find a reliable GPS provider. 

LandAirSea is one of the most respected names in the world of GPS, with a catalog of rugged and durable tracking devices. 

Visit the LandAirSea website today to learn about our collection of GPS solutions for trailer owners.