What would you buy?

I have, theyre fine with either inspecting on phone or just emailing from app.

3 years ago a scalehouse asked me to print, but he was training 10 people and crawled all over EVERYTHING, including peeling my tarp up for inspecting the securement

 

So you run pre ELD and use the app like a paper log correct? Just making sure I am on the same page.

 

Motive app can be used like a paper log (just a digital version on a phone or tablet) with nothing attached to the truck, or can be used for full ELD compliance with the box that plugs into the ECM. The box communicates to the phone or tablet via bluetooth and records drive time automatically if you go over 5mph. You choose which one you want/need when you sign up but I think ELD is a monthly paid subscription and you can switch back and forth if say you drive a truck that requires ELD and one that doesn't.

 

This is correct.
While technically this method still requires a printer if the inspector demands it, i doubt i would worry about that.

A printer is however useful for blind bols and permits if you do oversize.

Finally picked me up a cheapo thermal printer for this tiny truck of mine since theres nowhere for my even relatively compact printer

 

Good information to know for people out there in pre emissions trucks. I had a printer in my truck when I first started 4 years ago and only used it one time. When I bought my new truck I never put it in since I never used it.

 

Everything gets derailed. Lol.

Either buy brand new or pre emission. Anything in the middle is asking for trouble unless you really dig into the truck before you purchase it.

Let me amend that statement a little. There are starting to be some 100-150k mile used trucks popping up. The prices are still a little bit high but the sellers probably don’t have the ability to come down much without taking a bath on them.

 

I agree, I would strongly stay away from anything like 2007 to 2016, throw in anything fleet maintained. When it comes to old the prices have come back to somewhat reality, if it's been taken care of and you know what your doing or at least can do some maintenance I would go the pre emissions route

 

There's lots of angles to consider. ELD vs pre-ELD is certainly one of them. A lot of guys obviously can't get away with running old pre-emission/pre ELD stuff, but if you can it's the way to go.