Going from Danbury CT to Berlin Maryland (Castaways CG). One friend who frequents North Carolina (and Mapquest) is directing me to the GW Bridge....another friend is recommending the Tappan Zee Bridge because the roads at the GW will beat up our camper. I don't mind losing a little time to keep the camper healthy. Both say just follow GPS after crossing the bridge. Any real life experience or input appreciated:h

I would strongly suggest the Tappan Zee bridge and then I-287 around. I don't know about keeping the camper healthier, aside from the obvious difficulties if you get on the wrong road and go through an underpass that's not as tall as your RV, but I rather doubt you'd actually lose any appreciable amount of time that way, even if it looks longer on paper. Of course that part does depend somewhat on the time of day.

Either way is fine if you leave early( at bridge at 6:00 am or before) You are closer to Tappan Zee. I live in Milford CT. so I take I95 over GWB. Check Waze before heading out in the morning. Returning to CT I take 84 over Newburg bridge to avoid GWB toll. No toll leaving Ct only on return trip. 84 takes you right to Danbury.

Thanks. We plan on hitting the road by 3:30am. Pulling a decent size Pop Up, so overpass is not an issue, just looking for the smoothest route without having to deal with outrageous traffic.....I'm use to dealing with the Tappan Zee.....old stomping grounds....not much of a city person:)

The Newburgh Beacon Bridge might be better for you.

My first choice would be the Newburg bridge, second would be the TapanZee. 684 is a little beat up right now.

GW Bridge or Tappan Zee ? | Good Sam Community

DrewE
Explorer II
May 30, 2017
I would strongly suggest the Tappan Zee bridge and then I-287 around. I don't know about keeping the camper healthier, aside from the obvious difficulties if you get on the wrong road and go through an underpass that's not as tall as your RV, but I rather doubt you'd actually lose any appreciable amount of time that way, even if it looks longer on paper. Of course that part does depend somewhat on the time of day.
Gjac
Explorer III
May 30, 2017
Either way is fine if you leave early( at bridge at 6:00 am or before) You are closer to Tappan Zee. I live in Milford CT. so I take I95 over GWB. Check Waze before heading out in the morning. Returning to CT I take 84 over Newburg bridge to avoid GWB toll. No toll leaving Ct only on return trip. 84 takes you right to Danbury.
Beer_Belly
Explorer
May 30, 2017
Thanks. We plan on hitting the road by 3:30am. Pulling a decent size Pop Up, so overpass is not an issue, just looking for the smoothest route without having to deal with outrageous traffic.....I'm use to dealing with the Tappan Zee.....old stomping grounds....not much of a city person:)
Ed_C
Explorer
May 30, 2017
The Newburgh Beacon Bridge might be better for you.
K_Charles
Explorer
May 30, 2017
My first choice would be the Newburg bridge, second would be the TapanZee. 684 is a little beat up right now.
Beer_Belly
Explorer
May 30, 2017
Hmmm....never thought of the Newburgh Beacon Bridge :h
jplante4
Explorer II
May 30, 2017
Newburgh is out of the way from Danbury. I'd do I-684 to I-287 to the Tappan Zee.

We did Assateague 2 weeks ago. Did I-95 to I-287 over the TZ, then the Garden State Parkway to Woodbridge, I-95 to I-195 to I-295 over the Del Mem Bridge to US13 south. Mid day Sunday, no real jam ups.

Skip the first service area on the GSP and hit the second one 20 miles further south.
dcason
Explorer
May 30, 2017
You are very wise to do your route in the wee hours...consider even bobbing that back to
3 am...you will not regret it. You want to totally miss rush hour and enjoy the driving experience.
Tappan zee...not gw but check for any construction along your way as well.
Crowe
Explorer
May 30, 2017
Tappan Zee.
Beer_Belly
Explorer
May 30, 2017
jplante4 wrote:
Newburgh is out of the way from Danbury. I'd do I-684 to I-287 to the Tappan Zee.

We did Assateague 2 weeks ago. Did I-95 to I-287 over the TZ, then the Garden State Parkway to Woodbridge, I-95 to I-195 to I-295 over the Del Mem Bridge to US13 south. Mid day Sunday, no real jam ups.

Skip the first service area on the GSP and hit the second one 20 miles further south.
Everyone is telling me Jersey Turnpike, is the Garden State much better ?