Upgrading your Anti-Aircraft (AA) Trailer in GTA 5 is crucial for dominating aerial threats and maximizing its effectiveness. Unfortunately, you can’t directly upgrade the AA Trailer in the traditional sense like vehicles in Los Santos Customs. Instead, you enhance its capabilities by purchasing specific weaponry and modifications from the Mobile Operations Center (MOC).
Acquiring the Necessities: The MOC and AA Trailer
Before even considering “upgrading” your AA Trailer, you need two essential prerequisites: the Mobile Operations Center (MOC) and the Anti-Aircraft Trailer itself.
Purchasing the Mobile Operations Center (MOC)
The MOC is a mobile command center purchased from Warstock Cache & Carry. Its price varies depending on the chosen customizations, but it’s a hefty investment. Consider these points before buying:
- Purpose: The MOC serves as your base for completing weapon research and applying modifications to weaponized vehicles and, importantly, the AA Trailer.
- Customization: You can equip the MOC with various modules, including a Command Center, Living Quarters, and a Vehicle Workshop. The Vehicle Workshop is essential for upgrading your AA Trailer.
- Storage: The MOC can store one personal vehicle in its Vehicle Workshop and has bays for vehicles like the AA Trailer.
Obtaining the Anti-Aircraft Trailer
The Anti-Aircraft Trailer is also available for purchase on Warstock Cache & Carry. Once acquired, it’s stored inside your MOC, ready for deployment. Remember that it’s a trailer, so you’ll need a compatible vehicle (like a truck or the MOC itself) to tow it around Los Santos.
“Upgrading” the AA Trailer: Focusing on Functionality
While you can’t slap on chrome rims or change the paint job, the key to improving your AA Trailer lies in unlocking and applying performance-enhancing modifications through the MOC’s Vehicle Workshop. This process is somewhat indirect, requiring you to perform research projects within the MOC.
The Research Process: Unlocking Enhanced Capabilities
The MOC’s research feature is the core of the upgrade system. You’ll need to assign technicians and spend time (or money to fast-track the process) researching various modifications. These are random, so be prepared to invest time and resources to unlock the specific upgrades you desire. Crucially, you need the Research Module installed in your MOC.
- Research Module: Enables research projects.
- Technicians: Assign staff to expedite research. More technicians speed up the process.
- Research Projects: Randomly unlock upgrades for various weapons and vehicles, including AA Trailer modifications.
- Funding: Research projects can be funded to speed them up, which costs in-game money.
Key Upgrades to Aim For
The primary upgrades you want to unlock through research and then apply to your AA Trailer involve enhanced weaponry.
- Quad 20mm Flak Cannons: This is the ultimate upgrade. The stock cannon is useful, but the quad flak cannons significantly increase the AA Trailer’s firepower and effectiveness against aircraft. The sheer volume of fire they output can quickly shred enemy helicopters and jets.
- Proximity Mines: A valuable addition. These mines can be deployed behind the AA Trailer as it moves, providing a deterrent against pursuing vehicles.
- Armor Plating: While not a direct firepower upgrade, enhanced armor improves the AA Trailer’s survivability, making it harder to destroy. This is crucial in heated battles.
Tactical Deployment and Usage
Once you’ve “upgraded” your AA Trailer, learning to use it effectively is essential.
- Strategic Positioning: Place the AA Trailer in locations with clear visibility of the airspace. High ground and open fields are ideal.
- Mobility: Use a fast and powerful vehicle to tow the AA Trailer to different locations as needed.
- Defensive Measures: The AA Trailer is vulnerable to ground attacks. Always have support vehicles and players nearby to defend it.
- Countermeasures: Be aware of the countermeasures employed by aircraft, such as flares and chaff. Adjust your firing accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the Anti-Aircraft Trailer and its usage:
Q1: Can I sell the Anti-Aircraft Trailer?
No, unfortunately, you cannot sell the Anti-Aircraft Trailer back to the game for cash. Once purchased, it’s yours to keep.
Q2: Does the MOC have to be fully upgraded to unlock all AA Trailer upgrades?
No, you don’t need to fully upgrade the MOC itself to unlock AA Trailer upgrades. The crucial module is the Research Module. However, a well-equipped MOC with improved defenses and customization options will enhance your overall experience.
Q3: How long does it take to research all the AA Trailer upgrades?
Research is randomized and time-consuming. It can take several real-world days, even weeks, to unlock everything, especially if you don’t fund the research. Fast-tracking projects with in-game money will significantly reduce the time required.
Q4: What’s the best vehicle to tow the AA Trailer?
Powerful trucks like the Nightshark, Insurgent, or Half-Track are excellent choices. The MOC itself can also tow the AA Trailer.
Q5: Can I use the AA Trailer in Heists?
No, the AA Trailer cannot be used directly in Heists. However, its existence can act as a deterrent to other players who might try to interfere with your operations during free-roam setups.
Q6: How effective is the AA Trailer against jets?
With the Quad 20mm Flak Cannons, the AA Trailer is incredibly effective against jets, especially those that aren’t paying attention. A skilled pilot can evade the fire, but even then, they’ll take significant damage.
Q7: Can other players use my AA Trailer?
Yes, if you are in a Crew or Organization, your crew members and associates can use your AA Trailer with your permission. Be careful who you trust!
Q8: Can the AA Trailer be destroyed easily?
The AA Trailer is relatively vulnerable to explosives. Enhanced armor plating can improve its survivability, but it’s still important to protect it from ground attacks.
Q9: What’s the best strategy for using the AA Trailer in a public lobby?
Position the AA Trailer strategically, preferably with support from other players. Focus on shooting down aircraft that pose a threat to you or your allies. Be aware of other players trying to flank you with ground vehicles.
Q10: Are there any glitches or exploits to quickly unlock AA Trailer upgrades?
While glitches and exploits may exist from time to time, they are often patched by Rockstar Games. It’s generally best to avoid using them, as they can lead to penalties or account suspensions.
Q11: Does the AA Trailer have unlimited ammunition?
No, the AA Trailer has limited ammunition. Be mindful of your ammo count, especially when engaging multiple targets. You’ll need to return to the MOC to resupply.
Q12: Is the Anti-Aircraft Trailer worth the investment?
For players heavily involved in Freemode activities, especially those facing constant aerial threats, the Anti-Aircraft Trailer, when “upgraded” with quad cannons, is absolutely worth the investment. It provides unmatched anti-air capabilities and can significantly improve your survivability in a chaotic online environment.
By understanding the MOC’s role, prioritizing research, and mastering tactical deployment, you can effectively “upgrade” your Anti-Aircraft Trailer and become a force to be reckoned with in the skies of Los Santos.