GW Bridge or Tappan Zee ?

[Beer_Belly]

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

[dakasa47]

Also forgot to say on our trip home 3 weeks ago from Virginia Beach we stayed at the Copake KOA where have stayed before. It is really quite beautiful in that area.

[dakasa47]

We have traveled many times from Massachusetts down the Eastern seaboard. We always do the Tappan Zee. The GWB is a NIGHTMARE with a trailer.We have driven many many times to NYC without the camper. It has never been a positive driving experience. And I LOVE NYC. The most exciting place I have had the privilege to visit on many occasion. We drove north once crossing the GWB and will never ever do it again. When crossing the Tappan Zee we have stayed at the Newburgh KOA and Croton on the Hudson County Park.

[The_Painting_Te]

I've done both, and the issue is not the traffic (depending on the time you leave)but the road surface. The one time I used the GWB the road was really chewed up so the RV takes a real beating. Since then it's been the Tappen Zee every time, and I always use the GSP.

[jplante4]

Beer Belly wrote:
Everyone is telling me Jersey Turnpike, is the Garden State much better ?

If you do the GWB, then the Tpke is the best route. From the TZ Bridge, the GSP connects directly with I-287 (fourth exit after the bridge IIRC).

I haven't been on the northern end of the Turnpike for years. The Parkway is fairly smooth. The trip to Assateague, I did the entire length of the Parkway either coming or going and I don't remember any bad sections.

[jarata1]

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

+1

[NY_RVer]

Definitely Tappan Zee, and then Garden State Parkway, or 287 South.

[Beer_Belly]

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 ?

[Crowe]

Tappan Zee.

[dcason]

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.

[jplante4]

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.

[Beer_Belly]

Hmmm....never thought of the Newburgh Beacon Bridge :h

[K_Charles]

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

[Ed_C]

The Newburgh Beacon Bridge might be better for you.

[Beer_Belly]

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:)