Which is a better route around NY City area for a 42ft motorhome and towing.I've never driven our rig (or a car for that matter) anywhere near northeast United States and need some help. Which route is better for a big rig: Allentown, PA to Portsmouth, NH.A) From Allentown: I-78 East to I-287 North then I-87 North to Newburgh, NY then East on I-84 then East on I-90 to I-495 North to I-95 North.B) From Allentown: I-476 North to Lehighton then East on 209 to Stroudsburg continue on 209 northeast to Milford near I-84. Then east on I-84 to I-90 East then I-495 North to I-95 North.I'm also wondering: Where are any halfway decent/good rv parks along either route?

You won't have issues with bridge or tunnel heights on the Interstate Routes. Once off the interstate system I would carefully plan the route to avoid low clearance issues and maybe find a trucker or RVer atlas or website to help you navigate to where you want to go.

Having lived in the area of Milford for years We would take 78 thru Allentown the take 33 north to Route 209 on to rt 80 (209) east then 209 along the Delaware River. This part of 209 is single lane and takes you thru the National Rec area. It is a beautiful ride and gives you a break from the interstates. When you get to Milford go straigth thru the traffic light (rt6) up to rt 84 then east toward Port Jervis New York. It will take you straight to Newburg and no tolls except for the bridge across the Hudson and not the constant commuter traffic. Enjoy your trip

B) has way less traffic so during the week I would go that way..When you get to Stroudsburg you will find 209 closed to all commercial traffic. This is not a weight restriction but an esthetics closure.See route 209 here about half way down the page.

Take the A route. You will white knuckle it through the Rt 209 route due to keeping it between the lines on the many turns. Alot of stop and go traffic in some areas.I used to live across the river. It is a very beautiful area, but you wont see too much in a 42 footer with a toad. JMO

The good thing about driving anywhere near NYC, is that there's so much traffic, you crawl along. Makes driving the bus a lot easier, as long as you plan your lane changes well in advance.

I'm a first time northeast driver and I'm uneasy..

29 Replies

gbopp
Explorer
Nov 04, 2013
I don't know where you are starting from in Penna. but, did you consider I-81 notrh to Scranton PA and then I-84 East?
schlep1967
Nomad
Nov 04, 2013
I'm with the B route. Just take your time on 209. If I recall it is 45mph through the park. At that speed keeping it between the lines should not be that difficult. I did the trip both ways on a motorcycle. If you like being stopped on the "thruway" while idiots stop to let everyone coming on the ramp have the right of way, travel your A route.
ford_truck_guy
Nomad
Nov 04, 2013
weathershak wrote:
Take the A route. You will white knuckle it through the Rt 209 route due to keeping it between the lines on the many turns. Alot of stop and go traffic in some areas.I used to live across the river. It is a very beautiful area, but you wont see too much in a 42 footer with a toad. JMO

A FOR SURE >>> I travel to Hartford every 4 weeks and avoid anything even close to the city! 287 North is a good road as is 84 east.. It has been a few years since I was on 209 , but would rather 78-287-84 hands down ! 3 years ago we went to Portsmouth and took 287-84-90-495-around Boston to 95.... all nice roads except rush hour... Joe
GENECOP
Explorer II
Nov 04, 2013
Avoid going anywhere near NY, not sure of your beginning and end points but if heading north of Ny from the south put Newburgh Ny into your navigator, Newburgh will take you west of the mess, trust me I have been driving in the area for 30 years. We move our MH from CT to SC every year and back again.......avoid the tristate area.....I 95, GW Bridge, it's all a mess....
paulcardoza
Explorer
Nov 04, 2013
The good thing about driving anywhere near NYC, is that there's so much traffic, you crawl along. Makes driving the bus a lot easier, as long as you plan your lane changes well in advance.
weathershak
Explorer
Nov 04, 2013
Take the A route. You will white knuckle it through the Rt 209 route due to keeping it between the lines on the many turns. Alot of stop and go traffic in some areas.I used to live across the river. It is a very beautiful area, but you wont see too much in a 42 footer with a toad. JMO
darsben
Explorer II
Nov 04, 2013
B) has way less traffic so during the week I would go that way..

When you get to Stroudsburg you will find 209 closed to all commercial traffic. This is not a weight restriction but an esthetics closure.

See route 209 here about half way down the page.
Wally_Walleye
Explorer
Nov 04, 2013
Having lived in the area of Milford for years We would take 78 thru Allentown the take 33 north to Route 209 on to rt 80 (209) east then 209 along the Delaware River. This part of 209 is single lane and takes you thru the National Rec area. It is a beautiful ride and gives you a break from the interstates. When you get to Milford go straigth thru the traffic light (rt6) up to rt 84 then east toward Port Jervis New York. It will take you straight to Newburg and no tolls except for the bridge across the Hudson and not the constant commuter traffic. Enjoy your trip
jmtandem
Explorer II
Nov 04, 2013
You won't have issues with bridge or tunnel heights on the Interstate Routes. Once off the interstate system I would carefully plan the route to avoid low clearance issues and maybe find a trucker or RVer atlas or website to help you navigate to where you want to go.

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I'm a first time northeast driver and I'm uneasy..

29 Replies

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