We plan to go from Northern Ohio to CT (just a little NE of Hartford) in a few weeks. Google maps shows a 20 minute difference between the northern route through NY or the southern route through PA. Has anyone driven either or both of these roads recently to advise as to their condition? We plan to pull our 26' tt. I know there are tolls through NY, but sometimes it's worth that if the PA road is bad enough. Gas buddy shows the fuel cost is basically the same either route.TIA

OK K, You don't tell us where you are starting, but you want to stay clear of NYC at all cost. I-80 was rough as hell the last time we drove it, but it you run it to I-81 and take that to Scranton then you can run I-84 to Hartford. No tolls except the bridge. Be sure to check the toll rates before even considering the NYTW. They see you coming and they love it.If you want a nice ride, the southern tier is nice. That takes you a bit out of the way. Matt

Matt, thanks for responding. Google maps actually does take 81 to 84 and in. We have taken that in the past (several years ago and found it to be rough enough to make the I-90 tolls through NY worthwhile. But it's been a few years since we've taken I-90 as well, and I wondered if it has deteriorated since. We are kind of in the middle of nowhere, but think Ashland, OH for a starting point. When you say southern tier, are you thinking I-76? That has tolls as well. Which ever decision I end up making, it will be the wrong one, I'm sure. I just thought I'd hedge my bets with other people's recent experiences.Thanks again.

I'd go with I-80 or I-86 (southern tier). The Thruway in NY is total extortion even for a passenger car.

Bob806 wrote:I'd go with I-80 or I-86 (southern tier). The Thruway in NY is total extortion even for a passenger car.Yikes- I checked their webpage for toll cost- over $120. I-80 is looking better all the time.

I-90 is actually the better ride. A lot less truck traffic. Truckers avoid the tolls and stay on I-80 when it splits in Ohio. Plus the road tends to be in better shape (probably because of less traffic).I have not been on 90 in the past couple months. I got roped into a Scranton run last week... 80 in PA has numerous single lane construction zones that back up. NOTHING NEW.I avoid the east coast. So I can't say what is being destructed beyond Scranton.

OH to CT- I-80 or I-90? | Good Sam Community

K_and_I
Explorer
Sep 16, 2022
Yes, I was aware, but a reminder is always good. Thanks.
mkc
Explorer
Sep 16, 2022
K_and_I wrote:
Matt, thanks for responding. Google maps actually does take 81 to 84 and in. We have taken that in the past (several years ago and found it to be rough enough to make the I-90 tolls through NY worthwhile. But it's been a few years since we've taken I-90 as well, and I wondered if it has deteriorated since.

You mention you have done this trip before, so you likely are aware, but RVers shouldn't use Google Maps for routing in the Hudson Valley/NYC/LI area without paying close attention to the route. Google Maps can route you on a parkway, and RVs are not allowed on them in NY and CT.
K_and_I
Explorer
Sep 14, 2022
OK, thanks for the clarification. I was looking at I-79 North out of Washington and the 2 lane 68 up to I-80. This makes much more sense. Google says it adds over 2 hours compared to I-80 or I-90, but it may be worth it.
afidel
Explorer II
Sep 14, 2022
No, those are all 4 lane interstates. Basically go under Pittsburgh and across WV and Maryland and then up 81 on a diagonal to 84. It's 60 miles longer than the Google route but better roads and lower gas taxes.
K_and_I
Explorer
Sep 14, 2022
afidel wrote:
77 to 70 to 79 to 68 to 81 to 84, we did basically the reverse of that when coming home from NYC to NE Ohio a few years ago and it was a very pleasant drive and I was able to fill up in WV avoiding the high gas taxes in PA, you'd probably need to add a fill-up in Maryland as well unless you've got a really big tank.

That looks like a lot of 2 lane driving through some hilly country. It's probably scenic, but we have some time constraints getting to CT. Did you leave out a long stretch on I-80 in your directions, or am I missing something?
I do appreciate all responses.
K_and_I
Explorer
Sep 14, 2022
mdcamping wrote:
I80,Pa to I287 to I684 to I84 I take once per year, worse part of the trip is I84 in western CT. Lots of construction in Western Ct combined with heavy commuting from NY. (watch for the cutting cars) It's still doable but gets worse every year.

as mentioned I90 thru NY and MA is a much easier commute plus easy on/off service plazas

Mike

Too close to NYC for my taste, but thanks.
afidel
Explorer II
Sep 14, 2022
77 to 70 to 79 to 68 to 81 to 84, we did basically the reverse of that when coming home from NYC to NE Ohio a few years ago and it was a very pleasant drive and I was able to fill up in WV avoiding the high gas taxes in PA, you'd probably need to add a fill-up in Maryland as well unless you've got a really big tank.
mdcamping
Explorer
Sep 14, 2022
I80,Pa to I287 to I684 to I84 I take once per year, worse part of the trip is I84 in western CT. Lots of construction in Western Ct combined with heavy commuting from NY. (watch for the cutting cars) It's still doable but gets worse every year.

as mentioned I90 thru NY and MA is a much easier commute plus easy on/off service plazas

Mike
K_and_I
Explorer
Sep 13, 2022
cbshoestring wrote:
I-90 is actually the better ride. A lot less truck traffic. Truckers avoid the tolls and stay on I-80 when it splits in Ohio. Plus the road tends to be in better shape (probably because of less traffic).

I have not been on 90 in the past couple months. I got roped into a Scranton run last week... 80 in PA has numerous single lane construction zones that back up. NOTHING NEW.

I avoid the east coast. So I can't say what is being destructed beyond Scranton.

Is I-90 worth the $120 plus (for 4 axles) over I-80?
cbshoestring
Explorer II
Sep 13, 2022
I-90 is actually the better ride. A lot less truck traffic. Truckers avoid the tolls and stay on I-80 when it splits in Ohio. Plus the road tends to be in better shape (probably because of less traffic).

I have not been on 90 in the past couple months. I got roped into a Scranton run last week... 80 in PA has numerous single lane construction zones that back up. NOTHING NEW.

I avoid the east coast. So I can't say what is being destructed beyond Scranton.

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OH to CT- I-80 or I-90?

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