Tolls while traveling across the US

Then there is the occasional toll plaza with a cash/no trailers, a EZ-Pass only and closed lanes. Good place to set up camp.

Just got off the phone with NY EZPass. I was told I need a different tag to use when I am towing, which they are sending out. I also had to ask about placement of the tag on my new vehicle as I cannot put it where it shows on their website. She told me the opposite of what appears on the website, at which point I told her that if that is true, they really need to update the website, and include info on towing a trailer. Rhode Island EZpass says you don't need a different tag. If this system is good in multiple states, they should coordinate the policies.

I always drop down into PA and take 80 west to avoid the NY Thruway. 84-81-80.

80 to 76 to 71 to 30 in Ohio. 224 around Fort Wayne, then 24 till you want to go north towards WI. Gets you past all the tolls and most of the traffic.

Unless you're in a hurry.

MA EZ-passes are free now.

It is almost impossible to not pay some tolls, but with careful planning, the cash drain can be minimized. At some stages this will require a good navigator in the other seat.

I don't know where in Maine you are starting, just don't get on the toll roads you don't have to.

Routes 9 & 20 can get you from eastern MA to Albany. In Albany you can stay with 20 to get to 88. Run 88 to 86 to join 90 near Erie.
Stay with 90 through Cleveland, the trade to 2 for scenic or 20 for shorter. When you make Toledo, decide if you want to go north for 94 or stay with 20 across Ohio.
(If you are going to go north into Michigan, plan a day or two at the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village.)
Either way, you will have to start paying attention again about Michigan City (that is in Indiana).
How you go around Chicago's tolls depends are where in WI you are going.

We have a coach that invites killer tolls, so I have gotten good at this.

Matt

I try to avoid tool roads.... It really angers (angers - is for the pc police) me, as when I buy their fuel,I'm already paying taxes to that particular state!

Go to the following link below and sign up. I think it is still $40 charged to your credit card. Then as tolls add up I think it is at the $10 remaining point they bring the amount of money they have back up to $40. I have used I-PASS almost since it started. There are no extra charges. It is the same as EZPASS. The only state on the east coast that does not recognize either is Florida and that is supposed to change in a year or two.

I did your trip in 2006 using I-PASS towing a TT with no problems.

https://www.getipass.com/

I have used my IPass for 9 years both when towing a PUP and our TT on all our trips with tolls in different states. I use the same transponder all the time, for my daily work commutes also. I have never had a problem nor have I been charged extra for pulling the camper in any state. Tolls are half the cost in Il. when using IPass.

Steve B. wrote:
Your question reminded me that I still don't have a clear answer on whether I need a different transponder when I am towing my camper or not. NYS website doesn't really say. RI website says you don't. I also have a new vehicle and cannot put the transponder where they want it. So, I will be calling the 800 number and try to get a human being to answer those 2 questions. While researching, I discovered that Massachusetts has done away with their toll booths and only have ezpass readers overhead now. If you do not have a pass, you will get a bill in the mail, at substantially higher rates than if you have a pass. I'm glad I discovered this as I'm heading to Maine in August and I usually just leave my pass at home and pay cash. Looks like you'll have to check each state before you go on your trip and see what system they use, if any.

I just made the trip from Maine out to the Midwest. You do not need a special transponder for pulling a trailer. At one time you did, but not anymore.
I checked my account after I got home, and there was only one toll that was mischarge and I had some travel both with the TT and without. Illinois only charged me $. 55 instead of $3.60 at one plaza. I'll let them figure that one out. About $90 in tolls - Interstate 95-90-84-81-80-355-290-90.

There are exterior transponders available, but they do cost more. I have my ez pass through NH. (Inlaws live there)

Our EZPASS (IPASS) is issued from the state of IL. No service fee and you do not have to be a resident of the state you obtain it from. Set up an account on line with a credit card it automatically deducts from your account. When the account reaches a predetermined level, additional fun do will be charged to your credit card. We find that the EZPASS. Works well and does offer a discount on tolls. And we only have to have one transponder and we can switch it between vehicles and have even used it on our motorcycle and a rental car. Some states require multiple transponders so do a little research and pick the EZPASS that is right for you.

Your question reminded me that I still don't have a clear answer on whether I need a different transponder when I am towing my camper or not. NYS website doesn't really say. RI website says you don't. I also have a new vehicle and cannot put the transponder where they want it. So, I will be calling the 800 number and try to get a human being to answer those 2 questions. While researching, I discovered that Massachusetts has done away with their toll booths and only have ezpass readers overhead now. If you do not have a pass, you will get a bill in the mail, at substantially higher rates than if you have a pass. I'm glad I discovered this as I'm heading to Maine in August and I usually just leave my pass at home and pay cash. Looks like you'll have to check each state before you go on your trip and see what system they use, if any.