How to choose a truck GPS device in Saudi Arabia
Most first-time buyers of a tracking system compare on price, then discover months later that the difference lay in things they never asked about. This guide is those questions.
We will not recommend a model in this article, because the right model depends on your truck. But the questions below work with any supplier, ourselves included.
1. Start from the problem, not the device
Write in one line what you want solved: "I do not know when trucks actually arrive", or "fuel does not match distance", or "a customer disputes delivery time", or "my activity requires electronic linkage".
That line decides half the choice. A solution for "I do not know where the truck is" differs from one for "I suspect diesel theft" — the second needs a fuel solution, not a location tracker. Anyone selling you one device for all of those did not hear your question.
2. Questions about the device itself
- What is the model name? If the quote does not state it, you are buying an unidentified box. Ask for it in writing.
- What voltage range does it tolerate? And does it suit your specific truck class?
- Does it read vehicle data (CAN/OBD) on my truck model? Support differs between truck models and cannot be generalised.
- Does it have a backup battery? And how does it behave on power disconnection — stop, or alert?
- Does it store data when the network drops? And what is the storage capacity?
- What is the ingress protection rating? It matters if the mounting position is exposed.
3. Questions about installation — where most problems happen
- Who installs? The supplier's own technician, a contracted workshop, or do they ship you the devices to fit yourself?
- Where does installation happen? At my site or their workshop, and who moves the truck?
- How many trucks per day? So the schedule does not stop your operation.
- Is the installation tested before handover? And tested for what exactly: position, transmission, platform visibility, alerts?
- Do I get an installation report listing device serial numbers against each vehicle? That protects you at service time or if you change supplier.
- How does installation affect the truck's warranty? Ask the dealer too, not only the supplier.
4. Questions about subscription, platform and warranty
- What do the SIM and subscription cost, and when do they renew? Does the quoted price cover only the first year?
- What happens when the subscription lapses? The correct answer: transmission and vehicle visibility stop. Anyone saying "nothing" did not understand the question.
- How long is trip history retained? A specific number on the quoted plan, not "a long time".
- Is the account in my company's name or the supplier's? And what happens to my data if I leave?
- What is the warranty period and what does it cover? Device only, or installation too? And who pays for refitting when a faulty device is replaced?
- Who do I call when something breaks, and during which hours? And what response time is written in the quote?
5. Phrases that should make you stop
They do not necessarily mean a supplier is not serious, but each one deserves a follow-up question answered in writing.
| The phrase | The question to ask |
|---|---|
| "100% accurate", or a fuel accuracy figure before calibration | Measured on what tank shape? Calibrated by whom, and when? Real accuracy only emerges after calibration on your tank. |
| "Fully approved" or "approved by the authorities" | Approved by exactly which body, for which model, and with what reference or date? Ask for it in writing. |
| "Instant issuance of a card" | What is the document's official name, which body issues it, and which regulation does it rest on? A hardware supplier does not issue official documents. |
| "Unlimited live streaming" | What is the data plan, and what happens when it is exceeded? Streaming consumes data and depends on coverage. |
| "Save 30% on fuel" | On which fleet was that measured, and from what data? Any percentage given before seeing your fleet's data is a guess. |
| "The camera supports ADAS/DMS" at a basic camera price | What is the model name, and are the intelligent features listed in its own specification? Recording is not intelligent analysis. |
6. Compare quotes on the same basis
The most common comparison error is comparing a device price against a complete solution price. Make every quote state the same five items: the device (by model), installation, SIM and subscription with term, the platform and its plan, and the warranty.
Then calculate the three-year cost, not the first year. A quote that is cheaper on hardware and dearer on subscription may be the most expensive over the period you will actually use it.
Finally, ask for everything agreed verbally to appear in the written quote. Not because the supplier is dishonest, but because the person you spoke to may not be there in a year.
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- Phone & WhatsApp +966 54 204 3869
- Email sales@solid-tracking.com
- Business hours Saturday – Thursday, 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Coverage Installation and field service in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam, with installation arranged in other cities depending on the request and fleet size.