ez pass/toll pass placement on class A

cptqueeg wrote:

Tvov wrote:

Romer1 wrote:
My I-Pass automatically refills when my balance hits $10, so I never worry about running out.

Same here. My EZPass is connected to my credit card, just automatically maintains whatever need to be maintained. There is no running out or refilling.

I thought all toll passes were setup like this.

You're dead wrong about not running out. I can assure you it's possible and has happened. The computer systems of ezpass update in the overnight hours so if you're traveling through tolls and your low balance triggers a replenishment from your CC it's not posted until overnight. The low balance can be below zero quickly and you're going to get penalized.

It may be possible, but I've been using I-Pass since 1997 and have yet to be charged for going below zero. I have 3 transponders and when towing, the transponder in the toad is wrapped in aluminum foil so it doesn't register. I know I exceed the $40 balance when towing from Il thru IN, OH and NY every year and have yet to be penalized. Last year I had a $56.30 toll in PA June 30th (and a negative $42.14 balance) and I-pass replenished my account on 7/2 with no penalty.

Tvov wrote:

Romer1 wrote:
My I-Pass automatically refills when my balance hits $10, so I never worry about running out.

Same here. My EZPass is connected to my credit card, just automatically maintains whatever need to be maintained. There is no running out or refilling.

I thought all toll passes were setup like this.

You're dead wrong about not running out. I can assure you it's possible and has happened. The computer systems of ezpass update in the overnight hours so if you're traveling through tolls and your low balance triggers a replenishment from your CC it's not posted until overnight. The low balance can be below zero quickly and you're going to get penalized.

^^In the old days we went through toll lanes w booths sensors were in place to detect trailers and number of axles and billed accordingly. Now that many tolls are taken from overhead sensors/cameras at full speed the old system of counting on the sensors to bill for a trailer correctly isn't always viable and it appears to vary by state as well, like in MA, where MA ezpass holders can use express lanes users of other states passes must use a manned toll booth to insure proper billing.

Like Dutch states the most fool proof method is to have a transponder for each configuration that you use on toll roads.

Dutch_12078 wrote:
We have two NYS issued E-ZPass transponders for our motorhome, one coded for just the motorhome, and one coded for when we're towing our toad. Other E-ZPass states have never had a problem reading the currently used transponder, and the NYS Thruway charges us passenger car per axle rates under their "Motorhome Plan" instead of the higher "tall vehicle" per axle rates.

I need to check, but with my New Jersey EZPass my pickup truck is listed as might be towing, or something like that. As far as I can tell the EZPass charges me for the TT if I am towing, and charges me as a regular vehicle if not towing.

What seems really odd to me is the other poster who said the toad has to be accounted for differently than a trailer, since it has a motor or something? If you are towing a vehicle, than it should just be considered a "trailer" (or towed object?). But then there would probably be less fees by doing that...

Romer1 wrote:
My I-Pass automatically refills when my balance hits $10, so I never worry about running out.

Same here. My EZPass is connected to my credit card, just automatically maintains whatever need to be maintained. There is no running out or refilling.

I thought all toll passes were setup like this.

Dutch_12078 wrote:
We have two NYS issued E-ZPass transponders for our motorhome, one coded for just the motorhome, and one coded for when we're towing our toad. Other E-ZPass states have never had a problem reading the currently used transponder, and the NYS Thruway charges us passenger car per axle rates under their "Motorhome Plan" instead of the higher "tall vehicle" per axle rates.

QFT

We have two NYS issued E-ZPass transponders for our motorhome, one coded for just the motorhome, and one coded for when we're towing our toad. Other E-ZPass states have never had a problem reading the currently used transponder, and the NYS Thruway charges us passenger car per axle rates under their "Motorhome Plan" instead of the higher "tall vehicle" per axle rates.

Don and Eileen wrote:
cptqueeg, We're originally from MA where the tolls were throwing a quarter in the bucket to get across the NH border on 95 or the .10 tolls in NJ when we traveled down that way. (Not counting the Tapenzee Bridge or Newburgh, etc. It's been a while since we've been back in our motorhome and discovering that some (many?) toll booths require a pass and if we didn't have one there's no recourse. I can't imagine how many folks from out here in the west don't realize that.

They call it the Mario Cuomo Bridge these days after they replaced the Tapan Zee Bridge about 4 years ago. I think for those w/out ez pass they bill you based on your plate number, at least that's the way it works crossing the Hudson.

My family is from Braintree btw.

Don and Eileen wrote:
cptqueeg, I hear what you're saying about inconsistent answers, but what I've garnered is that when folks ask about more than one transponder while using an RV they're often asking about towing a trailer or fifth wheel. She explained to me that if the vehicle is drivable, it needs its own transponder. I'd rather pay the (relatively) small cost of getting a second one to alleviate any anxiety. We ordered it today from Amazon.

I understand, and I like to follow directions myself and want to trust the person that's telling me something to. But too often especially in a case they don't face often they'll try to answer as best they can(w/out experience or training) and try to get you off the phone asap. I don't fault you for using a transponder in each vehicle it's relatively little money to have that peace of mind.

cptqueeg, We're originally from MA where the tolls were throwing a quarter in the bucket to get across the NH border on 95 or the .10 tolls in NJ when we traveled down that way. (Not counting the Tapenzee Bridge or Newburgh, etc. It's been a while since we've been back in our motorhome and discovering that some (many?) toll booths require a pass and if we didn't have one there's no recourse. I can't imagine how many folks from out here in the west don't realize that.