Where is the best location to mount a GPS tracker?

The ideal location is under the dashboard, close to the windscreen for GPS signal but hidden from view. Avoid mounting near metal surfaces or under metal roof panels, as these block GPS signals. The GPS antenna needs a clear view of the sky. For vehicles with metallic windscreens, an external antenna may be required. Always follow the device manufacturer mounting guidelines for the specific model.

Will a GPS tracker drain my vehicle battery?

A properly installed GPS tracker draws very little power, typically 50 to 200 milliamps when active and much less in sleep mode. If connected to an ignition-switched circuit, the device powers down when the vehicle is off. If connected to constant power, the device enters sleep mode. A quality installation with the correct fuse protection will not drain a healthy battery under normal use.

Does installing a GPS tracker void the vehicle warranty?

Generally, no, provided the installation is done correctly and does not damage the vehicle electrical system. In Australia, the Competition and Consumer Act prevents manufacturers from voiding a warranty solely because aftermarket accessories were fitted. However, if a fault is caused by the installation (for example, a wiring short), that specific damage may not be covered. Using this checklist helps ensure a clean, professional installation.

Is this GPS installation checklist free?

Yes. This GPS tracker installation checklist is completely free to download and use. Open the HTML file in any browser and print to PDF. Use it for any GPS tracking device brand or model. No MapTrack account is required. If you need GPS tracking hardware and a fleet management platform, visit our store.

Free gps tracker installation checklist

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Download a free GPS tracker installation checklist. Step-by-step guide for wiring, mounting and testing GPS devices in fleet vehicles.

Jarrod Milford

Commercial Director

Updated 3 May 2026

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What is a gps tracker installation checklist?

A GPS tracker installation checklist is a structured guide used when installing GPS tracking devices in fleet vehicles. The checklist covers pre-installation checks, power source identification, wiring, device mounting, antenna placement, connectivity testing and post-installation verification. Following a standardised checklist ensures consistent installation quality across all fleet vehicles and reduces the risk of device failure, wiring faults or poor GPS signal.

GPS tracking is a foundational technology for modern fleet management, providing real-time vehicle location, trip history, geofencing alerts and driver behaviour monitoring. However, the value of a GPS system depends entirely on the quality of the installation. A poorly installed device may lose signal, drain the vehicle battery, void the vehicle warranty or create an electrical hazard. This checklist ensures that every installation follows manufacturer recommendations and industry best practice, resulting in reliable tracking data from day one.

Learn more about gps and fleet tracking in MapTrack.

Benefits of using this gps tracker installation checklist

Consistent quality: ensure every GPS device is installed to the same standard across the entire fleet.
Signal reliability: proper antenna placement and mounting maximises GPS signal strength and reduces data gaps.
Electrical safety: the checklist prompts fuse protection, correct wire gauges and secure connections to prevent faults.
Warranty protection: following the checklist ensures installations comply with both vehicle and device manufacturer requirements.
Faster rollout: a standardised process reduces installation time per vehicle when deploying GPS across a large fleet.
Troubleshooting baseline: a completed checklist documents how each device was installed, aiding future diagnosis of issues.

Benefits of digitising forms in MapTrack

When you move your checklists from paper to MapTrack, you get:

Field users can easily scan a QR code to complete a form on mobile. Unlimited users.
Automatically get alerts when faults are identified.
Link every form digitally as a PDF to the relevant asset, location or person.
Receive a digital PDF copy with every submission to your email.
Ability to share forms digitally.
Build conditional logic (show or hide questions based on answers).
Take pictures or attach photos. Not possible with a paper-based form.
Electronic signatures.
Edit forms later without reprinting.
Restrict permissions (who can view, complete or approve).
Build forms with AI (describe what you need and MapTrack suggests the form).
Monitor odometer and service-interval triggers across your entire fleet.
Capture fuel receipts and trip logs alongside vehicle inspection data.
Compare vehicle downtime and repair costs to inform replacement decisions.

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What to include in a gps tracker installation checklist

This gps tracker installation checklist covers 11 key areas:

Vehicle details: registration, fleet number, make/model, year, VIN.
Device details: GPS device model, serial number, SIM card ICCID, firmware version.
Pre-installation checks: confirm device compatibility, power requirements, mounting location options, antenna type.
Power connection: ignition-switched or constant power, wire colour codes, fuse rating, connection point in vehicle.
Wiring: power positive, power negative (ground), ignition sense wire (if applicable), relay connections (if applicable).
Mounting: device location (under dash, behind trim, in engine bay), mounting method (bracket, cable tie, adhesive).
Antenna placement: GPS antenna (clear sky view), cellular antenna (if external), orientation.
Connectivity test: GPS fix confirmed (number of satellites), cellular connection confirmed, data transmitting to platform.
Functional test: ignition on/off detection, trip start/stop, geofence trigger, speed reading accuracy.
Post-installation: all panels and trim refitted, no loose wires, vehicle functions tested (lights, horn, indicators).
Signatures: installer name, date, supervisor verification.

How to use this gps tracker installation checklist

Review the vehicle and device specifications before starting the installation.: Confirm the GPS device is compatible with the vehicle. Identify the power source (ignition-switched or constant), locate a suitable fuse tap point and plan the wiring route. Determine the best mounting location for the device and antenna.
Install the power connection with appropriate fuse protection.: Connect the power positive wire to an ignition-switched circuit via a fuse tap or add-a-fuse. Connect the ground wire to a solid chassis earth point. If the device requires constant power, connect to a battery-direct circuit with an inline fuse. Use the correct wire gauge for the device current draw.
Mount the device and antenna in the planned locations.: Secure the GPS device using the recommended mounting method. Ensure the GPS antenna has a clear view of the sky, typically on the dashboard or under a plastic (not metal) trim panel. Route cables neatly and secure them with cable ties to prevent rattling or chafing.
Test connectivity, GPS fix and all functional features.: Power on the device and confirm it acquires a GPS fix with at least four satellites. Verify the cellular connection is active and data is transmitting to the tracking platform. Test ignition on/off detection, trip recording, speed accuracy and any configured geofences.
Refit all panels, verify vehicle functions and complete the checklist.: Replace all trim panels and ensure no wires are pinched or visible. Test vehicle lights, horn, indicators and any other systems near the installation point. Record all installation details on the checklist, sign off and submit to the fleet manager.

In MapTrack, you can track your fleet with gps and digital pre-starts. Each submission is stored as a timestamped PDF against the asset record.

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How often should you complete this checklist?

This checklist is used once per vehicle at the time of GPS tracker installation. It should also be used when replacing a faulty device, upgrading to a new model or reinstalling a device after vehicle repairs. Keep the completed checklist on file for each vehicle for warranty and troubleshooting purposes.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best location to mount a GPS tracker?: The ideal location is under the dashboard, close to the windscreen for GPS signal but hidden from view. Avoid mounting near metal surfaces or under metal roof panels, as these block GPS signals. The GPS antenna needs a clear view of the sky. For vehicles with metallic windscreens, an external antenna may be required. Always follow the device manufacturer mounting guidelines for the specific model.
Will a GPS tracker drain my vehicle battery?: A properly installed GPS tracker draws very little power, typically 50 to 200 milliamps when active and much less in sleep mode. If connected to an ignition-switched circuit, the device powers down when the vehicle is off. If connected to constant power, the device enters sleep mode. A quality installation with the correct fuse protection will not drain a healthy battery under normal use.
Does installing a GPS tracker void the vehicle warranty?: Generally, no, provided the installation is done correctly and does not damage the vehicle electrical system. In Australia, the Competition and Consumer Act prevents manufacturers from voiding a warranty solely because aftermarket accessories were fitted. However, if a fault is caused by the installation (for example, a wiring short), that specific damage may not be covered. Using this checklist helps ensure a clean, professional installation.
Is this GPS installation checklist free?: Yes. This GPS tracker installation checklist is completely free to download and use. Open the HTML file in any browser and print to PDF. Use it for any GPS tracking device brand or model. No MapTrack account is required. If you need GPS tracking hardware and a fleet management platform, visit our store.

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