Northern Indiana residents and visitors know that I94, IN2, US20 is a good alternative to the toll way, at least as far as Elkhart. I can't vouch for US20 (or US30 further south) heading on into Ohio.
I can see using I94 across Michigan if heading to a Canadian crossing, but don't know if turning south to Ohio is worth the extra miles and navigation steps.
If you want to avoid surprises and navigation mishaps, it may be better to stick with the tollways to Cleveland, and accept the cost. But I've only driven that area in a car. Years ago I did have a small boat trailer in Chicago, but that was in the days when you threw a handful of change at the toll booth.
