Self-Monitored Surveillance Trailers (Hardware-Only)
If you already operate your own security operations center, guard force, or monitoring platform, you do not need to pay for monitoring twice. Hawk Surveillance provides self monitored surveillance trailers as a hardware-only option, so you can plug mobile units into the systems and teams you already trust.
You get rugged mobile surveillance platforms, power and connectivity, and field-proven camera configurations—while your internal teams handle live monitoring, alarm review, and response.
When Self-Monitored Makes Sense
Self-monitored deployments are designed for organizations that are already serious about security and have resources in place to watch and respond to cameras.
It’s usually the right fit when:
- You operate a central monitoring room or SOC.
Your team already watches video, manages alarms, and executes incident response across multiple sites. - You have on-site guards who can watch streams.
Guards or rovers use tablets, monitors, or a control room to keep an eye on critical areas. - You need trailers to extend an existing camera network.
You’re adding mobile units to fill blind spots or cover temporary risk, but want feeds in the same platform as your fixed cameras.
In these scenarios, hardware only surveillance trailers give you the flexibility of mobile surveillance without duplicating monitoring costs.
If you prefer a fully managed service—with operators watching your sites and handling voice-down and escalations—see our 24/7 Remote Monitoring & Response solution
What’s Included in Hardware-Only Deployments
With a self-monitored program, Hawk Surveillance focuses on delivering integrated, field-ready hardware that your team monitors directly.
Integrations & Platform Compatibility
Self-monitored deployments are built to fit into the platforms you already run—not force you into a new stack.
We support integration with:
- Common VMS and cloud-based video platforms
– Without locking you into a single vendor or proprietary system
– Streams presented in standard formats your platforms can consume - Standard RTSP / ONVIF-type setups
– Configurations aligned with broadly used camera and streaming standards
– Easier onboarding into mixed environments with existing IP cameras - Flexible networking choices
– LTE/5G connectivity when sites lack wired infrastructure
– Ability to leverage site networks where policies and bandwidth allow
For your IT or SOC team, we recommend being ready with:
- Required IP ranges and firewall rules for inbound/outbound video traffic
- Bandwidth expectations per camera and per trailer, based on resolution and frame rates
- Any security policies around encryption, VPNs, or remote access
Responsibilities: What We Handle vs What You Handle
Self-monitored programs work best when everyone knows exactly where responsibilities begin and end.
🟦 Hawk Surveillance Handles
- Trailer design & installation
- Model selection & configuration
- Safe deployment & site compliance
- Camera positioning & basic configuration
- Aiming, zoom, and coverage validation
- Power & connectivity setup
- Reliable power systems
- Network path for your SOC
🟦 You Handle
- Live monitoring & alarm review
- Watching camera feeds in your platform
- Reviewing alerts & events
- Talk-down & dispatch
- Issuing voice-downs (if supported)
- Dispatching guards or law enforcement
- Retention policies & internal procedures
- Video storage duration & access rules
- Incident documentation & reporting
Prefer to outsource monitoring? You can switch to our surveillance trailer monitoring services →
Self-Monitored Options for Rental vs Owned Fleets
Hardware-only deployments can support both rental and owned trailers, depending on how you operate.
Hardware-Only Rentals
For organizations that already run a SOC or guard force, but need temporary coverage:
- Use self monitored mobile security trailers on a short-term or project basis
- Integrate rented trailers into your existing VMS or cloud platform
- Keep control of monitoring and incident response with internal teams
Example:
A large contractor uses self-monitored rentals for a 9-month project, streaming video back to their central security center, then returns the units once the work is complete
Hardware-Only Owned Fleets
For long-term programs, hardware-only is most common with purchased or lease-to-own fleets:
- Trailers become part of your permanent security infrastructure
- Your SOC or guard team monitors trailers the same way they monitor fixed cameras
- You can add select monitored services later if certain sites need outsourced coverage
Example:
A utility or municipal agency acquires a fleet of self monitored surveillance trailers and integrates them into its existing dispatch center, using its own staff for monitoring.
Industries & Clients Who Choose Hardware-Only
Hardware-only deployments tend to show up where internal security capabilities are already mature.
Organizations with an existing SOC, guard service, or advanced monitoring platform are strong candidates for hardware-only deployments.
Self-Monitored FAQs
What platforms can your trailers stream into?
Our integrated surveillance trailer hardware is designed to work with common video management systems and cloud-based platforms that accept standard IP camera streams (e.g., RTSP/ONVIF-style connections). During scoping, we confirm compatibility with your environment and coordinate any configuration details with your IT/SOC team.
Who configures the cameras and network?
Hawk Surveillance configures the cameras, mast, and basic network settings on the trailer side, then hands off connection details to your team. Your IT/SOC team typically configures the VMS or cloud platform, user permissions, and any internal alerting rules.
Can we switch from self-monitored to monitored later?
Yes. Many clients start with self monitored surveillance trailers and later add fully managed monitoring for certain sites or hours. You can:
- Keep some trailers hardware-only
- Add 24/7 remote video monitoring to others
- Adjust coverage as risk, budgets, or staffing change
Do you provide any health monitoring of the trailer hardware itself?
Depending on your program, we can support basic trailer health monitoring—such as status on power, connectivity, and certain device conditions—so you’re not surprised by outages. Details are defined in your agreement; your team still manages security events, while we help keep the hardware running.
What happens if we lose connectivity?
If connectivity is lost, trailers can continue recording locally (based on configuration and storage), but remote viewing and alerts will be affected until the connection is restored. Your IT or operations team will typically receive alerts or notifications, and we can assist with troubleshooting if connectivity issues relate to the trailer or its hardware.
Can we run a mix of hardware-only and monitored trailers?
Absolutely. Many larger organizations run a hybrid model:
- Self-monitored trailers at sites with strong local security presence
- Fully monitored trailers at remote, high-risk, or understaffed locations
This lets you match cost and capability to the true risk and staffing reality at each site.
Talk to Us About Hardware-Only Deployments
If you already have monitoring staff and tools, self monitored surveillance trailers let you extend your coverage without paying twice for monitoring. Hawk Surveillance delivers rugged, integrated trailer hardware; your teams do what they do best—monitor, respond, and keep your people and assets safe. Tell us about your sites, platforms, and operations, and we’ll design a hardware-only deployment that plugs cleanly into your existing security program.
Tell us about your project, your location, and your timeline. will recommend a practical configuration, explain your options clearly, and handle the heavy lifting from deployment through pickup.