Vehicle tracking is increasingly becoming a must-have for car owners. Whether it’s for security, monitoring teen drivers, or simply remembering where you parked, knowing your vehicle’s location can be incredibly useful. Many GPS tracking solutions come with hefty monthly subscription fees, making them less appealing for budget-conscious individuals. If you’re searching for the best OBD2 vehicle tracker with no monthly fee, you might be surprised to learn that the answer isn’t exactly what you expect. While true OBD2 trackers often involve subscriptions, there’s a clever, cost-effective alternative that leverages technology you might already own: the Apple AirTag.
Traditionally, when you think of vehicle trackers, OBD2 devices come to mind. These gadgets plug directly into your car’s OBD2 port, drawing power and often offering detailed vehicle diagnostics alongside GPS tracking. However, the “no monthly fee” aspect is rarely associated with sophisticated OBD2 trackers, as the cellular data for real-time location updates typically necessitates a subscription.
Enter the Apple AirTag. While not an OBD2 device and not specifically designed for vehicle tracking, this small Bluetooth tracker offers a unique solution to the “no monthly fee” dilemma. Initially, I experimented with an AirTag in my truck, inspired by the need for a simple, subscription-free way to keep tabs on my vehicle. After some initial adjustments, including removing the speaker from the AirTag itself, the results have been surprisingly effective and reliable over several months.
The beauty of using an AirTag as a vehicle tracker lies in its simplicity and Apple’s vast “Find My” network. Unlike dedicated GPS trackers, the AirTag utilizes Bluetooth and the millions of Apple devices worldwide to anonymously report the location of your tagged item. There are no service fees beyond the initial purchase price of the AirTag itself. I even managed to snag mine on sale for just $27 on Amazon.
My first real test came when my truck needed extensive repairs at my mechanic’s shop, about 12 miles away. Using my iPhone and the “Find My” app, I could effortlessly monitor the truck’s location at the garage and even when mechanics were road-testing it. It was quite impressive to see the AirTag in action, especially considering I primarily use them for everyday items like keys and my wallet. While it’s true that an AirTag isn’t advertised as being as pinpoint accurate or fast as a professional GPS tracker, in practice, it proved more than adequate for locating my truck and following its movements on the map.
To enhance its stealth and range, I made a couple of modifications. The first step was removing the AirTag’s speaker to prevent any audible alerts. Initially, I had simply placed the AirTag in the map pocket behind the driver’s seat. However, to improve Bluetooth range and reduce signal obstruction from the metal vehicle cab, I relocated it outside the main cabin. Now, I can often locate my truck even in large parking lots, a feature that’s particularly handy when I forget where I parked in a sprawling big-box store parking area. The range can sometimes depend on the proximity of other iPhones to ping the AirTag’s location, but with the ubiquity of iPhones, there’s usually one nearby.
For durability and discreet mounting, I purchased a waterproof case from AliExpress for a mere $3.50. Designed for dog collars, this rugged case with a rubber gasket and secure hex screw closure offered excellent protection. I mounted the encased AirTag inside one of the small compartments within the walls of my truck bed, effectively on the “ceiling” of the compartment, using heavy-duty 3M VHB tape. This location is both secure and inconspicuous, hidden behind a compartment door filled with bungee cords. This external mounting significantly improved the Bluetooth range compared to its previous location inside the cab.
While the Apple AirTag isn’t a direct replacement for a dedicated OBD2 vehicle tracker with all its features, it presents a compelling “Best Obd2 Vehicle Tracker No Monthly Fee” alternative. It forgoes the OBD2 connection and advanced diagnostics, but delivers on the crucial need for no subscription fees and reliable location tracking using the expansive Apple network. If your primary need is to locate your vehicle without ongoing costs, and you are within the Apple ecosystem, a modified and cleverly placed AirTag could be the perfect DIY solution for you.
