Choose PayPal Checkout in the Shopping Cart. It’s Safe. It’s Free. It’s Smart!


What You Should Know About Rand McNally ELDs

 Which Rand McNally ELD - Should You Choose: TND765? TND740? TND750 with DC200S? ELD-50? DC200?


Part 1. Introduction



For those Truckers who might not be familiar with the ELD, take a look at RoadTrucker's article, "What you need to know about Electronic Logs (EOBR)", on the RoadTrucker Forum. This article, "What You Should Know About Rand McNally ELDs" is for determining which Rand McNally ELD to consider and why.

To say, that Rand McNally's ability to deliver ELDs in a timely manner, is less than stellar would be an understatement. At times, it's as bad as bad can get. As many know, Rand has had an awful time getting enough stock to satisfy all of their customers, which has put them in a dilemma, as to how to handle it. Unfortunately, but somewhat understandable, when it comes to the TND765, Rand has decided to throw it's Retailers, as well as it's smaller Trucking companies (those under 25 trucks) under the bus, so to speak.

Any TND765s, that Rand is capable of getting now goes to the Fleet division. Rand's answer for the rest of us is the ELD-50, DC200 and the DC200S. Part of understanding the difference is to understand the BackOffice part of the requirement or Rand's Web Portals. This is the area where your data is stored. Rand McNally has 2 different Web Portals, which are not connected, so if you have 1 truck on one and another truck on the other, your data cannot be synthesized or data mined together.

Rand McNally's web portal for the TND765 was created by a another company. In addition, Rand created their own web portal, that they call, Driver Connect. The ELD-50, DC200 and the DC200S all use the Driver Connect portal for uploading Hours of Service and other Truck data, depending on the Service plan you choose. So which Rand ELD should you purchase?





Part 2. RoadTrucker Recommendations


Rand McNally TND765

TND765 Elog Device

TND765 (New): For those who have already purchased TND760s or TND765s through Rand's Fleet Management division, or for those who have 25 Trucks or more, RoadTrucker recommends, that you contact Fleet management at (800) 789-6277. The caveat is that we do not have a clue as to how many TND765s the Fleet division actually has available, nor how well they can provide replacements.


TND765 (Refurbished): For those who have 1 or more trucks already using the TND760 or TND765, RoadTrucker recommends the Refurbished TND765, if you can get them, so that all of you truck data is on one web portal. RoadTrucker did obtain permission to sell Class A Refurbished TND765s, but has since lost that permission and can no longer obtain the Refurbished TND765. These are units, that come back in pristine condition, are re-flashed with new software, tested and boxed with all new accessories in a non-retail box and come with a new product warrantee and may still be available through Fleet management at (800) 789-6277.

Note: RoadTrucker does not recommend the Refurbished TND765 for those who have no trucks using the TND760 or TND765.



Rand McNally Dc200 and DC210

DC200 / DC210 Elog Device


DC200: For those who do NOT use a TND740 or TND750 GPS, but who need a good ELD with an Internal Cellular Modem that continuously transmits data to the Rand McNally Driver Connect web portal, RoadTrucker recommends the DC200. Note: The DC200 will work with any GPS because it actually uses an app that can be downloaded to your cellphone or tablet. The app will use your cell phone or tablet's modem to send data to the web portal.


DC210 (New): Whether it’s used on dashboard or as part of a single device solution, the DC 210 accesses the JBUS port via a single cable. With improved thermal resistance and lower power consumption than the first-generation hardware, the DC 210 is built for the long term. Not only does the expanded memory and improved performance allow for future features, the 4G-LTE network provides universal coverage across the U.S. and Canada.

DC200S: For those who Own a Rand McNally TND740 or TND750 GPS and who need a good ELD with an Internal Cellular Modem that continuously transmits data to the Rand McNally Driver Connect web portal.

The DC200S & DC210 both come stock with a Black 9-pin Deutsch Connector, that plugs into the Truck's JBUS diagnostic port, located under the dash to the left side of the steering wheel. This cable will normally fit most 1998 to present Class 4-8 heavy-duty Trucks. Rand McNally offers optional cabling for those truck's that do not come with the 9-pin connector.


Both the DC200 and the DC200S work the same. They communicate via the Rand McNally Driver Connect App, which is already installed on the TND740 & TND750 GPS. For Tablets and cell phones, the Driver Connect App is available for Free Download for both Android and IOS devices.

This devices have the same functionality, with the exception that, when attached to the back of the GPS, the DC200S & DC210 have an added benefit of creating a single device and single cable solution for the TND740 and TND750 owners, respectively.


The only difference between the DC200 and the DC200S is, that the DC200S was made to conveniently quick attach to the TND740 or TND750 GPS, making it a single unit very similar to the TND765, with the exception, that it uses the Driver Connect Portal.


Rand McNally Dc200 and DC200S

ELD-50 Elog Device

ELD-50 (New): For those who are on a tight budget, with or without a TND740 or TND750, RoadTrucker Recommends the ELD-50. The ELD-50 works with Tablets, cell phones, the TND740 & the TND750 GPS.


 The ELD-50 conveniently plugs directly in to the Diagnostic port (Electronic Control Module) of the truck and communicates with the Rand McNally Driver Connect Portal by way of the Internet.


Similar to the DC200, you will need to download the Rand McNally Driver Connect App to your phone or tablet. The App comes in 2 flavors. One for Android devices and the other for IOS devises.


The main difference between the ELD-50 and the DC200/Dc200S, is that the ELD-50 does not contain an Internal Cellular Modem. It communicate via a Wi-Fi connection, so it does not offer the same convenience, that the DC200 & the DC200S offers.





Part 3. ELD Connection to the Truck's Diagnostic Port (Electronic Control Module)


Diagnoistic Port Connectors

Diagnostic Port Connectors

Connector Colors are the Key: Arguably the most confusing aspect of installing an ELD is the variety if connectors that the Truck's diagnostic Port connects with.

Thankfully the majority will be 1 of 3 Round Color Coded Duetsch Connectors. Black, Gray and Green. A 4th, you might see, is the 16-Pin ODBII Connector found on some Volvo and Mac Trucks with Volvo engines.

  1. Black 9-Pin - This uses the lower 250 kbs speed J1939 Protocol and is mostly found on 2015 and older trucks. The lower speed is fine since these trucks have only a few ECM units.

  2. Grey 6-Pin - This also uses the lower 250 kbs speed J1939 Protocol and is mostly found on 2005/2006 older trucks. The lower speed is fine since these trucks have only a few ECM units

  3. Green Type II 9-Pin - This uses the newer high speed 500 kbs speed J1939 Protocol and is mostly found on 2016 and newer trucks. The higher speed allows these trucks to communicate with many ECM units. You need not worry about plugging in an older cable with the newer protocol since the pin at the top center is larger in the older type connector, they will not mate.

  4. ODBII 16-Pin - This connector is found on Volvo and Mac Trucks that have Volvo engines. It is also common on Light and Medium Duty Trucks, Vans and other vehicles.

Note: All Rand McNally Elog devices come standard with the Round Black 9-pin Deutsch connector?

If your Truck has a different connector than the standard Black 6-Pin Deutsch connector, you will need to purchase an adaptor cable from Rand McNally.