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Asset Gateway Mini Installation for Reefer Trailers

Fleets can install a cable-powered Asset Gateway Mini on reefer trailers. Existing AG Mini cable-powered installations provide minute-by-minute tracking when the device is receiving external power and fall back to scheduled battery-powered pings when external power is not available. 

Note: These installation methods are useful for customers who need to track temperature or door status in their reefer trailers and intend to use the Motive Environmental Sensor (ES-2) and Door and Environmental Sensor (DES-2).

This article provides step-by-step instructions for installing an Asset Gateway Mini on a reefer trailer.

For alternative configurations: 

Power sources for reefer trailer installations

  • Use a 3-wire cable to connect to the Reefer battery: For most reefer trailer installations, Motive recommends using the 3-wire cable and connecting it to the reefer battery. This is the recommended option because it provides the most reliable and consistent power source for the Asset Gateway Mini on reefer trailers, allowing continued monitoring of the asset even when the reefer is off. 
Note: If the Asset Gateway Mini is directly plugged into the Reefer battery, and the asset is not regularly used, there is a risk of draining the Reefer battery. 
  • Use a 3-wire cable to connect to the Reefer ignition line: Alternatively, connect the 3-wire cable to the reefer ignition line so that the AG is only powered on when the reefer is running. This is an acceptable alternative installation if asset tracking and temperature monitoring are only needed when the reefer is running. This installation will help preserve the reefer battery when the reefer is not in use. However, this installation can also lead to gaps in data reporting because every time the reefer is turned off, the Asset Gateway stops sending minute-level data. 
  • Use ABS cable as an alternative connection method: Use the ABS cable as an alternative if the trailer supports it. Note that with this option the AG Mini will only be powered when the trailer is connected, so it is not the default recommendation for fleets that need continuous trailer visibility or door and environmental sensor connectivity. 

What’s in the box?

  • Asset Gateway Mini device
  • Self-tapping screws
  • Wood screws
  • Pinhole reset tool

Sold separately and required for this installation

  • CABLE-AG-31.2-3WR for the recommended 3-wire installation
  • CABLE-AG-31.2-YABS for the ABS installation

Tools

  • Power drill
  • Drill bits
  • Screwdriver set including a Torx-10 screwdriver
  • Wire strippers
  • Wire cutters
  • Wire crimpers
  • Butt splices
  • Ring terminals
  • Pinhole reset tool

3-wire cable components

  • Blue connector end: Plugs into Asset Gateway Mini
  • Voltage regulator: Located about 1 foot from the blue connector
  • Red wire: Power 
  • Black wire: Ground
  • Green wire: AUX Line 1

Installing an Asset Gateway Mini on a reefer trailer

Assigning an Asset Gateway to an asset

  1. Locate the device serial number on the label on the front of the device or the craft box.
  2. Use either the Fleet App or the Fleet Dashboard to assign the Asset Gateway to your asset.
    • Assigning Asset Gateway through the Fleet App: Go to More > Devices and tap Install Asset Gateway. Proceed with the steps to assign the Asset Gateway to your asset.
    • Assigning Asset Gateway through the Fleet Dashboard: Create an asset profile and assign an Asset Gateway on the Fleet Dashboard.

Selecting a location for the Asset Gateway

Follow this guidance for positioning the device:

  1. Find a flat mounting location.
  2. Ensure a clear sky view for optimal performance.
  3. Select a vertical position if possible, although horizontal or vertical are both acceptable.
  4. If mounted vertically, ensure the Motive logo faces upward for best LTE and GPS performance.

Verifying GPS and LTE

  1. Before mounting the device, hold it in the desired location and press the pinhole using the provided reset tool.
  2. When the LED flashes blue, it means the device is activated and attempting to send its first location.
  3. Wait about 1 minute and then check the asset profile in the Fleet App or Fleet Dashboard for a location update.
  4. If a location update does not arrive after about 2 minutes, move the device to a different position and try again.
  5. Once the device has successfully reported a location, proceed to mount it.

Note: If the LED shows a different color, follow these instructions for each LED state:

  • Solid white: Device is booting up or updating. Wait before continuing.
  • Solid orange: Device has overheated. Allow it to cool down before continuing.
  • Solid red: Device has a low battery. Use a different device if available.

Mounting the device

  • Use the provided screws and securely fasten the device to the surface with a power drill.

Preparing the Asset Gateway for cable power and connecting it

  1. Remove the side panel with a screwdriver.
  2. Unscrew the blue cap inside.
  3. Align the white arrow on the cable end with the white arrow on the device.
  4. Plug in the blue connector firmly.
  5. Tighten the blue cap to secure the cable.
  6. Replace the side panel and tighten the screws.

Recommended 3-wire cable installation

Connect the 3-wire cable to the reefer battery

Note: If the Asset Gateway Mini is directly plugged into the Reefer battery, and the asset is not regularly used, there is a risk of draining the Reefer battery. 

For reefer trailers, Motive recommends connecting the 3-wire cable directly to the reefer battery by following these steps:

  1. Connect the black wire to ground or the negative battery terminal.
  2. Connect the red wire to the positive battery terminal on the reefer battery.
  3. Secure and protect the cable routing along the frame.
  4. Secure the cable at regular intervals and avoid pinch points or moving sections of the trailer frame. Trailer cable routing should avoid areas where trailer movement can damage the harness.

Optional green wire connection to the asset’s ignition line 

The green wire monitors engine hours whenever ignition is on. 

  1. Locate the ignition-switched power source.
  2. Connect the green wire using a butt splice or a ring terminal.
  3. Verify: Power present only when the key is on

Optional power verification

  • After wiring is complete, verify that the Asset Gateway Mini is receiving external power.
  • If the device is behaving correctly, it will update its location in the Motive Fleet App and Fleet Dashboard every 1 minute when cable power is flowing.

Alternative installation with an ABS cable

Connect the ABS cable

  • Identify the connection point and connect the ABS cable
  • Locate the ABS module harness. It will usually be near the tandem axles.
  • Unplug the existing ABS harness connectors. 
  • Install the Motive ABS breakout cable between the connectors.

Major limitation

  • This option only works when the trailer is connected.
  • If the trailer is not connected, the Asset Gateway Mini will not receive power through this path.
  • Because of this limitation, Motive recommends the 3-wire reefer battery installation as the default installation method for reefer trailers.

Operating behavior

  • When externally powered, Asset Gateway Mini provides minute-by-minute real-time tracking.
  • When external power is not available, Asset Gateway Mini automatically switches to its internal battery and returns to its scheduled GPS ping intervals.
  • Door status and temperature sensor data are only reported by the cable-powered Asset Gateway Mini devices. Battery-powered Asset Gateway Mini does not provide this data.
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