What Is a Remote Surveillance Trailer?
A remote surveillance trailer is a self-contained, solar-powered mobile surveillance platform that operates autonomously in the field — no operator on-site, no utility power required, and no local recording infrastructure needed. An agency deploys the trailer, aims the camera, and walks away. Everything is monitored and controlled remotely from any internet-connected browser or mobile app.
CTS remote solar surveillance trailers are purpose-built for law enforcement, emergency management, and military applications where power infrastructure doesn't exist, where long-term unattended operation is required, and where NDAA/TAA compliance is mandatory.
Every CTS trailer ships with a 256 GB SD card for edge storage — upgradable to 1 TB — and 12 months of cloud storage with 30-day rolling retention, scalable to 60 or 90 days. ACS Edge VMS is included at no charge. Your agency owns the asset.
Why "Remote"? The Cloud-First Difference.
Deploy once. Monitor from anywhere. No infrastructure required.
No Network Video Recorder
Footage is recorded locally to an onboard SD card and simultaneously to the cloud — no NVR required. Your agency accesses live and recorded video from any browser or app without any dedicated recording hardware on-site or at headquarters.
No Camera Server
No dedicated camera server to configure, license, or maintain. The cloud handles every function a server would — storage, access control, remote streaming, and VMS. IT doesn't need to be involved at any point in the deployment.
Scalable Storage
Every trailer ships with a 256 GB SD card for local edge storage — upgradable to 1 TB. Cloud storage starts at 30-day rolling retention and scales to 60 or 90 days based on your agency's evidentiary or operational requirements.
What Every CTS Trailer Includes
✓ 256 GB SD card (edge storage, upgradable to 1 TB)
✓ 12 months cloud storage — 30-day retention
✓ ACS Edge VMS — free, browser & app access
✓ ONVIF open ecosystem — works with any VMS/RTCC
✓ LiFePO4 lithium battery bank — 48V DC
✓ NDAA/TAA compliant camera (multiple makes available)
✓ No on-site server or computer required
✓ Built in Tennessee
The Product Line
Three Models. One Platform.
Every CTS trailer shares the same cloud-first architecture, NDAA-compliant camera stack, and LiFePO4 battery system. The difference is mast type, solar capacity, and platform size.
FST-44
Field-Swappable Solar Trailer
The bridge between your RATT system and long-duration autonomous deployment. Uses the same patented field-swappable mast as the RQ621 tower — move your existing mast and camera directly to this trailer for multi-week unattended deployments, then bring it back.
View FST-44 →Key Specs
| Solar | 640W |
| Battery | LiFePO4 48V DC |
| Mast | Field-Swappable |
| Max Payload | 77 lbs |
| Remote Monitoring | No |
| Cloud Storage | 30 days |
Starting From
$49,995
No subscription · No NVR · No camera server
FXT-44
Autonomous Solar Trailer — Fixed Mast
The pure long-duration workhorse. A heavy-duty 18-foot fixed mast permanently bolted to the frame, rated for 150-pound device payloads. Set-and-forget remote surveillance with maximum stability for permanent or semi-permanent deployments.
View FXT-44 →Key Specs
| Solar | 640W |
| Battery | LiFePO4 48V DC |
| Mast | Fixed 18 ft |
| Max Payload | 150 lbs |
| Remote Monitoring | Yes |
| Cloud Storage | 30 days |
Starting From
$59,995
No subscription · No NVR · No camera server
FXT-46
Flagship Solar Trailer — Generator Ready
The most capable CTS trailer. A 4×6-foot platform rated for 1,000 watts of solar and up to 6 cameras simultaneously. Generator-ready for extended overcast conditions or high-draw device configurations. Built for command post, multi-camera perimeter, and high-priority long-term missions.
View FXT-46 →Key Specs
| Solar | 1,000W |
| Battery | LiFePO4 48V DC |
| Platform | 4×6 ft |
| Cameras | Up to 6 |
| Generator | Optional |
| Remote Monitoring | Yes |
| Cloud Storage | 30 days |
Starting From
$69,995
No subscription · No NVR · No camera server
Applications
Where Remote Surveillance Trailers Work Best
Criminal Deterrence
High-visibility deployment at crime hot spots, big-box retail parking lots, and recurring problem locations. The trailer's presence alone reduces incident rates. Remote monitoring means no officer overtime.
Camera Blind Spot Coverage
Fill permanent or temporary surveillance gaps where running fiber or utility power isn't feasible. Off-grid solar power means the trailer covers locations no fixed infrastructure can reach.
Multi-Day Special Events
County fairs, festivals, sporting events, outdoor concerts. Deploy on Day 1 and monitor from the command post or remotely. No generator fuel runs. No on-site babysitting.
RTCC Integration
Open ONVIF ecosystem integrates directly with Fusus, Motorola Solutions, Genetec, Milestone, and any RTCC or VMS platform. Feeds live into your existing command infrastructure without new hardware.
LPR & Multi-Device
The 2×2" rear hitch receiver and wide platform deck support LPR cameras, mobile sign boards, lighting arrays, and RF equipment. One trailer, multiple mission roles.
Off-Grid Surveillance
Border areas, rural jurisdictions, construction sites, and utility corridors with no power access. LiFePO4 batteries and solar panels deliver continuous operation with zero grid dependency.
In the Field · Gulf Shores, AL
6 Firearms Seized.
18+ Arrests Made.
Spring Break 2026.
Gulf Shores Police Department deployed the CTS FXT-44 autonomous solar trailer during Spring Break 2026. Equipped with an Axis Q6325-LE PTZ camera — 31× optical zoom, 820-foot IR range — and bonded 5G connectivity via Peplink SpeedFusion, the trailer operated continuously for the duration of the event with no operator on-site.
The same agency also deployed the RATT RQ621 on a rooftop via tripod legs at the Hangout Music Festival — showing how CTS covers both short-duration events and long-duration autonomous operations within one unified platform.
Read the Full Customer Story →6
Firearms Seized
18+
Arrests Made
820 ft
Axis IR Range
$0
Monthly Fee
Equipment: FXT-44 Solar Trailer · Axis Q6325-LE PTZ · 1 TB SD · Peplink SpeedFusion 5G · ACS Edge VMS
Not Sure Which Platform Is Right?
Do You Need a Trailer — or a RATT Tower?
Many agencies searching for a remote surveillance trailer actually need a RATT RQ621 mobile surveillance tower at $24,995 — a rapid-deploy platform that mounts to any hitch-equipped vehicle in under 10 minutes. For short-duration events and multi-location simultaneous coverage, a fleet of four RATTs covers four locations for the same budget as a single trailer. If your mission is long-duration autonomous and fully unattended, a trailer is the right answer. Take the decision guide to find out in under two minutes.
5 questions · Instant recommendation
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes CTS trailers "remote" surveillance trailers?
CTS trailers are cloud-native by design. Every camera ships with 256 GB of onboard edge storage and 12 months of cloud storage with 30-day rolling retention. ACS Edge VMS is included free. Command staff, detectives, and RTCC operators access live and recorded footage from any iOS, Android, Windows, or browser-based device — from anywhere, at any time. No NVR, no camera server, no on-site computer required.
Are CTS solar surveillance trailers NDAA compliant?
Yes. All CTS trailers are built with NDAA and TAA compliant cameras. CTS holds TIPS Contract #230105, making CTS equipment accessible through cooperative purchasing vehicles that simplify procurement for state, local, and federal agencies.
What is the difference between the FST-44 and FXT-44?
The FST-44 uses a field-swappable mast — the same patented system used in the RATT RQ621 tower. Agencies that already own a RATT can move their existing mast and camera to the FST-44 for longer autonomous deployments, then pull it back. The FXT-44 uses a heavy-duty fixed 18-foot mast permanently bolted to the frame, rated for up to 150-pound device payloads. Both are cloud-native with LiFePO4 batteries and a 2×2-inch rear hitch receiver.
Is there a monthly subscription fee?
No. Every trailer ships with 12 months of cloud storage at no additional charge. After the first year, your agency can take over the cloud license directly or CTS will continue to manage it. ACS Edge VMS is included free. There is no subscription required — ever. This contrasts directly with subscription-based tower services that charge monthly fees indefinitely with no agency ownership of the asset.
Will a CTS solar trailer integrate with our existing RTCC or VMS?
Yes. All CTS trailers use cameras that support the ONVIF open standard. This means direct integration with Fusus, Motorola Solutions CommandCentral, Genetec, Milestone, Avigilon, and virtually any other VMS or RTCC platform. Your existing infrastructure receives the camera feed without proprietary lock-in or additional hardware.
Are CTS trailers grant eligible?
Yes. CTS trailers are eligible for Homeland Security grants, ARPA funding, and other federal and state grant programs commonly used by law enforcement and emergency management agencies. CTS holds TIPS Contract #230105, a cooperative purchasing vehicle that can simplify the grant procurement process. Contact CTS for documentation to support your grant application.
How long do CTS solar trailers run without sunlight?
CTS trailers use LiFePO4 lithium iron phosphate battery banks at 48V DC. Runtime without solar input depends on the camera and connectivity configuration. The FXT-46 flagship adds an optional generator for operations in extended overcast conditions or high-draw device configurations. Contact CTS for battery runtime estimates based on your specific setup.
Ready to Deploy
Get a Quote on Your Remote Surveillance Trailer
CTS builds every trailer to order in Knoxville, Tennessee. Our team works with law enforcement, emergency management, and military agencies to configure the right platform for your mission, budget, and device requirements.
NDAA / TAA Compliant · TIPS Contract #230105 · Grant Eligible · Tennessee Built