Separate Trailer For Cash?

[Laredo Tugger]

Getting ready for a trip to the northeast from south US. Going into Maine back out through NY and back south again.
The RV parks I talk to all mention the need for cash to feed the toll booths on the way and one even mentioned to stay off of state parkways. Evidently RVs are illegal on those ($150 fine).
So question is, how frequent are toll roads and what kind of expense is it to travel in this area?
Will I need a separate trailer for the cash? :confused:
Just kidding, any tips appreciated.
Thanks
RMc

[chuckster57]

In ‘09 when we did our X country trip, it seems like NY was the worst. $300.00 comes to mind, every road seemed to be a toll road, and $36.00 to cross the George Washington bridge. Pennsylvania had a few “self serve” toll gates that you rolled change into a big metal bowl and when it decided you gave it enough the gate would lift. I was using a Garmin Nuvi and don’t recall any no RV warnings, but it may not have been a feature.

Good luck and enjoy the scenery, there is some country up there.

[Laredo Tugger]

Thanks Chuck
The park manager did mention that the GW bridge would be $50. Adjusted for inflation I guess.
They build these roadways with federal funds then turn around and charge you to use them. Might as well name them Moscow motorways. :ermm:
RMc

[Javi]

That's beautiful country up that away.. I saw it in a '57 Chevy some years ago... slept on park benches and the back seat of the car.. back when you could do that sort of thing without going to jail.. Nowadays.. we stay in Texas mostly...

Good luck and enjoy... be safe

[hankpage]

Laredo Tugger, If you are planing to come over the GW bridge and you will be on I95 NJ Turnpike for full length (toll road over $30+) Than bridge toll to Delaware ... Delaware greets you with a turnpike toll also. Maryland only greets you with rolling hills to burn fuel and a trailer ban on tunnel.(take bypass toward Towsend for shortest and best road for towing.) After that it is free sailing all the way south if that is the route you choose. :twocents:
For convenience you may want to consider sending for an EZ-Pass transponder and have all these tolls paid with a credit card and also allows you to use express lanes and not stop for toll booths. The fee is $1 a month and you can cancel and return it at any time.( this is the fee for NJ EZ-Pass that I have ... I do not know about other states that offer it, but they all honor each other's plan.)
You will be doing your part to keep the economy going. Travel safely and your GCVW will be much lighter after the tolls, Hank :rolleyes:

[rhagfo]

BE AWARE of “PARKWAYS” in the Northeast!!!!
The $150 fine will be nothing compared to totaling your 5er on the low (Less than 10’) overpasses!!!

[Ductape]

You will want to avoid 95 like the plague.

No problem though....

Come up 81 to about Scranton, Pa …..
Then take 84E through Ct to the Mass Pike East
It's a toll highway, but you are only going one exit
Take 290E to 495N through Ma.
Take 93N into NH, then @ exit 7
Take 101E to Exit 11, Rt. 33E to 95N

95N into Maine..... it's free until (I think) Exit 3

Get off there and take Rt 1 N or stay on the Maine Tpk and pay the tolls

[captcolour]

Can't tow on the Taconic Parkway in NY. There will be signs to warn you.


If you want a transponder, look at the I-Pass from the Illinois toll system. No monthly free. They charge you a $10 deposit which you would get back if you turned in it. I-Pass works on the EZ-Pass system.

[Tbos]

Never traveled that way with the RV. The tolls get pretty high for cars on some of the toll roads. The Nice bridge from MD to VA charges $6.00 for 2 axles and $18.00 for 4. With that exception we avoid tolls as much as possible.

[SummitPond]

Getting ready for a trip to the northeast from south US. Going into Maine back out through NY and back south again.
The RV parks I talk to all mention the need for cash to feed the toll booths on the way and one even mentioned to stay off of state parkways. Evidently RVs are illegal on those ($150 fine).
So question is, how frequent are toll roads and what kind of expense is it to travel in this area?
Will I need a separate trailer for the cash? :confused:
Just kidding, any tips appreciated.
Thanks
RMc

I concur that NY is the priciest.

I suggest you invest in an E-Z pass and load it up. It can all be done by mail. I got ours from NH as it was the least expensive up-front costs, and it gets you discounts on the toll roads in NH. ME's cost more and the discounts don't kick in until you travel the turnpike umpteen times in a month, which we don't do. Other states may offer discounts for travel on their tollways, too, if you get it from them. If you go into Canada the E-Z pass will also get you a discount.

There are a lot of electronic toll stations now with no humans to pay; they look up your license plate and tack on a (usually ridiculously large) processing fee on top of the toll.

Each state has their own web site for the E-Z pass and you can map out what your tolls will be on the roads you anticipate you will travel.

I'm not sure how the technology works, but you should register the trailer also (indicate number of axles and license tag number); the electronic toll booths seem to know when you are pulling something and make appropriate additions in the fee.

Happy and safe travels.

[fjr vfr]

Where are you coming from? The south us is a very broad area. Are you talking Georgia or maybe Texas?


We are in VA and like Ducktape said, take I81 and I84 and avoid NY city. I don't remember any restrictions, but I didn't take the parkways. Each one has different if any restrictions. I'm sure you could check each on their web sites. The tolls are multiplied by the number of axles.

[Tbos]

I concur that NY is the priciest.



I suggest you invest in an E-Z pass and load it up. It can all be done by mail. I got ours from NH as it was the least expensive up-front costs, and it gets you discounts on the toll roads in NH. ME's cost more and the discounts don't kick in until you travel the turnpike umpteen times in a month, which we don't do. Other states may offer discounts for travel on their tollways, too, if you get it from them. If you go into Canada the E-Z pass will also get you a discount.



There are a lot of electronic toll stations now with no humans to pay; they look up your license plate and tack on a (usually ridiculously large) processing fee on top of the toll.



Each state has their own web site for the E-Z pass and you can map out what your tolls will be on the roads you anticipate you will travel.



I'm not sure how the technology works, but you should register the trailer also (indicate number of axles and license tag number); the electronic toll booths seem to know when you are pulling something and make appropriate additions in the fee.



Happy and safe travels.



How did you set up EzPass to work with your RV. From what I’ve seen I don’t think MD let’s us use them for tow behinds.

[Javi]

How did you set up EzPass to work with your RV. From what I’ve seen I don’t think MD let’s us use them for tow behinds.

https://www.ezpassmd.com/en/faq/vehicles.shtml

Yes. However, you will be charged the full fare rate for the actual number of axles.

[SummitPond]

How did you set up EzPass to work with your RV. From what I’ve seen I don’t think MD let’s us use them for tow behinds.

We've not taken a toll road in MD and have not checked regarding this, so I don't know an answer to that. We have also not taken the trailer into Canada, but we have taken the truck over the border with the E-Z Pass; there is a toll entering Canada from NY.

When we "registered" our unit on-line after it was delivered there is a page where you enter the vehicle type/color/year and tag number (not all information shows on their edit, shown below). There was no explicit entry for a travel trailer but there was an "other" category which I used. Also note there is only a 35 cent difference in just the TV versus the TV with the TT through the NH toll gate.

FL is out of sync with the above system and has their own (the Sun Pass). The Miami, Tampa and Orlando area, as well as the FL Turnpike are the only areas we have hit on extensive toll roads to get you from point A to point B. If needed you can buy one at the visitors' center as you enter the state.

[spade117]

I suggest you invest in an E-Z pass and load it up. It can all be done by mail.

You should be able to load it online as well.

[major bumm]

Getting ready for a trip to the northeast from south US. Going into Maine back out through NY and back south again.


LOL! My sincere condolences, sir. just kidding



I am guessing you are considering driving the interstates most of the way there. Through Washington DC, Baltimore, The NJ turnpike, I-95 and on-wards. This definitely is the "fastest" looking route. But, the beltway around DC was for me always a nightmare with traffic and driver behavior. Maryland is no joke either. Then there is I-95 through NYC. Why there is more fun to be had right there than a barrel of monkeys.


I have not taken the whole route, but many people I spoke to over the years would take Route 15 from western NY on their way to Florida. It passes west of DC and Baltimore. This way is on surface streets (also not toll roads), BUT read up on bridge heights and such if towing and RV or motorhoming it. Also, being that you are from the South, I will mention that Rt 15 passes through Gettysburg. Some of those in the South might find that a "fly in the ointment.


Anyway, in PA you have a choice of going northeast to Scranton PA up Rt 81 (no tolls) to Binghamton, NY. From here, going NE up Rt 88 to Albany/Schenectady NY and East to Troy and then into Vermont.


Alternatively, continue on Rt 15 in PA up to Rt 99 in NY continue on to Horseheads and up Rt14 to Geneva NY. This passes through the Finger Lake region and wine country. When I was there, the wines from Lameroux Landing and Standing Stone were very good. This was over tens years ago though. Also, this route passes through Watkins Glen. North of Geneva, Rt 14 intersects with I-90, a toll road, and drives E to Albany. There is the “north way” near Albany; part of the NY Thruway “northeast extension” (I think that is what it is called). Rt 87 towards Rutland VT.


If not fast, these alternative routes are more scenic and less toll roads.


(I am NOT saying you do or intend to do so, just FYI)
There is another less known detail that you should consider. NY, NJ, MD, MA, CT, RI. These states are not very forgiving when it comes to handguns. A carry permit is probably recognized by Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. NJ, MD and NY have a reputation of being overly zealous about even transporting handguns through their states. This is contrary to Federal Transportation laws, but it is something to be aware of. If you decide to travel with a handgun, please read up on your rights and restriction when traveling.



Have fun!

[bob91yj]

No idea if they still do it, but back in the '80's I took the PA Turnpike from Philly to Harrisburg, when exiting the Turnpike to pay the toll, they tacked $25 onto the toll because I "made it too fast"...essentially I was speeding the whole way (late at night, no one was on the road). The toll tickets are time stamped, so I had no defense (and I was guilty as hell). Thankfully it wasn't a moving violation. No idea if they still do that or not, if they do, I'm sure the fine has gone up.

[Laredo Tugger]

Hey all,
Sorry for not checking in and thanking you all for the helpful tips. A friend of mine lost his business in a fire on Sunday and I have been busy helping with after hours security of his property.
OK, it sounds like the best plan is the EZ Pass and depending on where you "purchase" this service the initial cost varies but the toll charges do not change, meaning a MD pass will pay the same toll rate as any other state pass in another state. Is this correct?
And when I sign up for the pass I must include the 5er? If I do any sight seeing around where I am camped, I guess the best thing to do would be to leave the EZ PAss in the trailer (at campsite) and just pay cash for my TV tolls so I do not pay for extra axles that are left at camp.
As far as routes, I am coming from the gulf coast and while I have not extensively studied the routes yet, a quick look at the maps shows a route that use I 81 (above Knoxville) into I 84 (via a few other interchanges) skirts around major metro areas and does not intersect I 95 until the top of Massachusetts. That all sounds good to me. Tolls along that route? Not sure, but will just have to pony up.
Again, thanks for the tips. Some real good folks on here,I mean that.
RMc

[hankpage]

Hey all,
Sorry for not checking in and thanking you all for the helpful tips. A friend of mine lost his business in a fire on Sunday and I have been busy helping with after hours security of his property.
OK, it sounds like the best plan is the EZ Pass and depending on where you "purchase" this service the initial cost varies but the toll charges do not change, meaning a MD pass will pay the same toll rate as any other state pass in another state. Is this correct?
And when I sign up for the pass I must include the 5er? If I do any sight seeing around where I am camped, I guess the best thing to do would be to leave the EZ PAss in the trailer (at campsite) and just pay cash for my TV tolls so I do not pay for extra axles that are left at camp.
As far as routes, I am coming from the gulf coast and while I have not extensively studied the routes yet, a quick look at the maps shows a route that use I 81 (above Knoxville) into I 84 (via a few other interchanges) skirts around major metro areas and does not intersect I 95 until the top of Massachusetts. That all sounds good to me. Tolls along that route? Not sure, but will just have to pony up.
Again, thanks for the tips. Some real good folks on here,I mean that.
RMc

I don't know about other states, but NJ's plan you register only the TV with no mention of trailer. When going through tolls (including express lane at the speed limit) the machines automatically add the extra axles. We have been using it towing and solo for twenty years and have never had a mistake. It is amazing and a big time and fuel saver. If you have to give them your hard earned cash, they at least can make it less painful.

[SummitPond]

... depending on where you "purchase" this service the initial cost varies but the toll charges do not change, meaning a MD pass will pay the same toll rate as any other state pass in another state. Is this correct? ...
The NH EZ Pass provides discounts for driving their roads. We also got a discount going from NY into Canada but not on the NY tollways. No other discounts in other states that I can think of, but you'll typically pay a little less than a cash customer and a lot less than a someone that has to be billed if there is no human-staffed toll both and they rely on license plates.

It is a good idea to put in your tag number for the trailer as if, for some reason, the auto-sensing equipment doesn't work they look up the tag. If your trailer tag isn't in the records you'll get billed the "look up fee" which can be ridiculously high. If your tag is in the record then you'll get the EZ Pass charge.

... And when I sign up for the pass I must include the 5er? If I do any sight seeing around where I am camped, I guess the best thing to do would be to leave the EZ PAss in the trailer (at campsite) and just pay cash for my TV tolls so I do not pay for extra axles that are left at camp. ...

We leave the EZ Pass in the truck. The equipment senses that the trailer is not on the truck. If, for some reason, you don't wish to use the EZ Pass, they provide you with a bag to put it in that shields the equipment from sensing the Pass; no need to pay twice!

... As far as routes, I am coming from the gulf coast and while I have not extensively studied the routes yet, a quick look at the maps shows a route that use I 81 (above Knoxville) into I 84 (via a few other interchanges) skirts around major metro areas and does not intersect I 95 until the top of Massachusetts. That all sounds good to me. Tolls along that route? Not sure, but will just have to pony up. ...

That is basically how we travel from NE FL to ME: I-95 to I-26 to I-77 to I-81 to I-84 to I-90 to I-95. We sometimes take I-78 off of I-81, then do scenic PA 33/209 until we reconnect with I-84 in Milford, PA. We often stay at River Beach Campground in Milford, but there are plenty of others in the area. Get your gas just over the border in NJ; it can be up to $0.40 less per gallon.

[Ductape]

If you come up 81N to 84E,
to 90E to 290E
to 495N to 95 N into Maine...

It will save you a bundle of money.

Couple dollar toll on 90E
Few dollars on 95 in NH
Handful of dollars on Maine Turnpike depending on how far north you go

As a former commercial driver, that is certainly the route I would take.

[retiredusps69]

NJ.you just list on your account all Cars, Trucks, Trailers RV. By Plate and type of unit. I forgot to add my sons Horse Trailer to the account and later received a fine in the mail.We were able to call and add the trailer and they removed the fine.It also happened in Delaware the transponder was at its experation date, yes there is a 10 year life.Called Delaware and had to send them proof of money in the account at the time of travel. They removed the fine.
George Washington Bridge you have touse upper level follow the Hazmat Route,Second lane from the right. All because of propane tanks, Some idiot put apartments over a Interstate highway and they classify it a tunnel.Years ago I got on lower level with a Gaso;ine Trailer Fine was $500.00 Pay before you get released in Cash or Cert Ck.Ny has alot of Low bridges and roads marked PKY but you can only use a Passenger car. Many Arched Bridges you have to use left lane. If it was me do not use GW Bridge.

[SummitPond]

...
to 90E to 290E
to 495N to 95 N into Maine...
...

I knew something I wrote didn't look right. That's my fault doing it from memory:bfart:

[flybouy]

No idea if they still do it, but back in the '80's I took the PA Turnpike from Philly to Harrisburg, when exiting the Turnpike to pay the toll, they tacked $25 onto the toll because I "made it too fast"...essentially I was speeding the whole way (late at night, no one was on the road). The toll tickets are time stamped, so I had no defense (and I was guilty as hell). Thankfully it wasn't a moving violation. No idea if they still do that or not, if they do, I'm sure the fine has gone up.

I drove the NJ Turnpike for years when they would do that. I'd drive fast and plan my fuel/food stop on the TPK to average the speed down.

To the OP, Maryland now will give you an ezepass free. Definitely get one. Also ALL parkways in NE are truck/trailer no go. Avoid DC and NY City at all costs. Also avoid Boston as it has a tunnel.

[Laredo240MK2015]

For NY, you just have to go through a manned toll station instead of the unmanned ones. The operator will bump up a level as you go through. NY has a weird system for tolls, it is more expensive for a fifth wheel than a TT because they measure the height above the drive axles as well as axles.

[hankpage]

I drove the NJ Turnpike for years when they would do that. I'd drive fast and plan my fuel/food stop on the TPK to average the speed down.

To the OP, Maryland now will give you an ezepass free. Definitely get one. Also ALL parkways in NE are truck/trailer no go. Avoid DC and NY City at all costs. Also avoid Boston as it has a tunnel.

NJ ....... Garden State Parkway allows trailers on the entire length as long as TV has non-commercial tags. Tow vehicles with commercial plates (may be a weight limit, not sure) must exit above Exit # 105 but are allowed south to Exit #1. (Cape May Ferry to Delaware) NY all Parkways no trucks or trailers

[raptor300mpfamily]

I travel from the southern Adirondack’s of NY to the east coast of Florida and Bar Harbor yearly.

Unless there is something you really want to see on the I95 corridor, I would avoid it. As others have suggested, taking 81 to a point north of NYC is the best plan. You have serveral options heading N/B:

81 to 78 (PA) to 287 to 87 (NJ & NY) to 90 to 290 to 495 to 95 (NY, MA & ME) - this route gets you off of 81 before the disaster called Wilkes Barre Scranton on 81 in PA. However, if you are in prime travel hours 78 and 287 can get hectic too. Once you hit 87 N/B you are gold until 290/495 close to Boston

81 to 84 to 87 then same as above - you have to go through WBS in PA - it’s a little hilly and curvy, but would be my preferred route if I was coming up on 78/287 anywhere near rush hour.

81 to 88 to 90 - takes you a little north of where you need to be but less tolls and coming up on a pretty time of year for the route.

Everything north of Florida is EZ pass based. MA has totally eliminated toll booths and just charges your transponder at certain points. I think they’ll also charge to plate but the toll is more expensive.

NH and ME still have toll booths but most have fast lanes so you don’t slow down. They’ll also charge to plate but you only have 14 days to pay on their website I believe.

NY has the least amount of fast lanes for EZ pass, but a previous post re: going to a manned booth is incorrect. Some people chose to since you toll is based on # of axles and the camera occasionally gets it wrong, but mostly with smaller trailers. Stay away from the Taconic parkway. (Pro tip - you can still use EZ pass in manned booths - EZ pass only lanes are often backed up).

If you must travel 95 I would suggest only doing so in the metro areas late night early morning. Otherwise you’re gonna wear your brakes and foot out in bumper to bumper traffic. You also have to be aware of tunnnel restrictions w/ propane tanks, etc. Looking at mileage may seem like you are going way out of your way, but you’ll make up for it in reduced travel time.

TL;DR - get an EZ pass - the convenience will pay for itself. Avoid 95 from Richmond to Boston if at all possible, even if it adds triple digit mileage to your trip.

[packnrat]

all these numbers.
first: as you "approach" at added tax rd. is there any signage so you can get off before getting wacket for a added tax up use public roads?

second. maps showing the open roads ver the added tax roads? as well as size /weight restrictions?

can one travel around said areas and not be forced to use the added tax roadways just to get from point A to point B?

yes i say added tax roads as we have already paid our city, state, and fed road taxes.

[Ccrew]

Never traveled that way with the RV. The tolls get pretty high for cars on some of the toll roads. The Nice bridge from MD to VA charges $6.00 for 2 axles and $18.00 for 4. With that exception we avoid tolls as much as possible.

Woodrow Wilson Bridge is the only bridge on 95 from MD to VA, and there's no toll on that bridge. If you go around the Capitol Beltway to VA the other way then it's the American Legion Bridge, which also has no toll.

[lmf580]

I live in ny. The EZ pass is good.Also it is accepted on the Massachusetts turnpike, there are no toll booths on the mass pike, so the ez pass is a must there.

[Laredo Tugger]

Because we are going to see Dollywood in TN (her choice not mine) it appears my route will be similar to the one raptor300mpfamily posted. I will getting my EZ Pass this week. I also have already made reservations at CGs on this route. Should be good to go.
Thanks
RMc

[Tbos]

The Harry Nice bridge is on Rt 301 from MD to VA and it’s $18.00 for a total of 4 axles.

[Laredo Tugger]

So I have been real busy getting the TV and 5er for an upcoming month (or more?) long trip that we are leaving on this Sunday. I did not get the EZ Pass yet so I thought, oh well I'll just be social and stop at the tolls and pay the cash (like I have a choice?).
I called the PA office that manages their toll system and asked if I could purchase the pass on site at a toll station or similar office. She said yes but I was also able to purchase the EZ Pass at Walmart? Huh?
Anybody heard of this? Not being from that part of the country where they tax you to build a road and then make you pay to use it,again Huh???
I"m not familiar with the purchase options needed to comply here.
Thanks
RMc

[notanlines]

Laredo, we see toll roads/bridges most every state we visit. As a matter of fact, just across your border with Louisiana there is a toll bridge south of Golden Meadow on the way to Grand Isle to fish. One may purchase a pass at the local grocery store if you wish. These days most projects are done on borrowed money and then use the toll to help offset the financing.

[SummitPond]

In Florida you can buy a Sun-Pass (FL's version of EZ-Pass) at grocery stores, but you can't buy the EZ-Pass (it's not valid in the state). Perhaps it's only at WalMarts in PA. Depending on your route, you may need (or want) it before you hit PA. Often the passes are sold at manned toll booths. There are also "service centers" in the various states where one can be purchased (if you don't mind waiting in a long line). I'm certain you can find out from the different states' web sites.

[Javi]

Laredo, we see toll roads/bridges most every state we visit. As a matter of fact, just across your border with Louisiana there is a toll bridge south of Golden Meadow on the way to Grand Isle to fish. One may purchase a pass at the local grocery store if you wish. These days most projects are done on borrowed money and then use the toll to help offset the financing.

Don't let him fool ya'... we got toll roads here to... I was driving on one between Ft Worth and Dallas in the late 60's.. I love toll roads, and take them whenever I can... one trip from DFW to San Antonio on I35 will make you a believer in toll roads.. :D

[Thomasbeau]

I live in CT and got my EZ-Pass from Mass. Because of the weight of my TV and the combination plates they required me to get a commercial account. No fee just a different designation. They sent me two transponders, one for the truck alone and one for the truck and trailer combined. I have to remember to switch them when I tow but no trouble so far. I throw some cash on the account before I travel and no issues.

New York really annoyed me a couple years ago when I paid a crazy toll because my 5th wheel was over 7 ft. There was a height surcharge and the toll on the New York Thruway from the Mass line to Syracuse was almost $50. The booth agent actually apologized because he felt the fee was obscene. At first I thought he was ripping me off but it was on the receipt and legit. New York seems to toll you to death.

[travelin texans]

Our son/grandkids lived in Gig Harbor Washington for a couple years & to get there you drove across the Tacoma narrows bridge, free going north, but paid to go south. We stayed for a month + in Gig Harbor & in that month the bridge toll raised 3 times, for a total of 50% in 1 month.
Along the same lines, on July 1st the rv park we stayed in prices went from $750 + electric per month to $125 per day regardless of the length of stay, that's when we left, not that nice of park to charge that kind of $$. They touted on their website what a wonderful pool they have, the entire time we were there it appeared to be filled with lime jello & was closed, that was mid May & June til July 1st.

[JRTJH]

There are campgrounds in every state that "create legends in their own mind" then charge legendary rates for the privilege of staying with them. The couple in that category in Michigan really think they're "special"... In a southern tradition, I'd tell them, "That's nice".....

Anyway, the same "monthly rate conversion to daily, no options charges" happened with us in Surfside Beach, Texas a few years ago. It was $215 a week until April 1, then it went to $75 a day ($525/wk) with no monthly rate available. Needless to say, we started our "trip back to Michigan" on April 1....

[Laredo Tugger]

I'll answer my own question here. YES !!
After traveling through the northeast corridor (up through the New England states to Maine and back over to West NY) I can honestly say, toll roads suck!!
I do not know how people live free in this area. A trip across state (in NY) can be close to $100 or more. How are supposed to go visit grandma on the other side of the state? Break your piggy bank open and bring your wallet,that's how.
DW talked to a local woman at Wal Mart. She said that the locals find ways around toll booths only to have the state set up new collection stations. Maybe the tags (license and registration) cost are cheaper than most states, i don't know but I will say for the money they collect,these were some of the worst roads I have ever driven on.
Sorry, I don't call this freedom. I'll call what it is (literally) Highway Robbery!!
Nice place to visit but I am never coming back this way again.
RMc

[Ductape]

The toll highways in the northeast definitely do NOT make license and registration less. Fortunately, there are ways around most toll roads that are reasonable time-wise. Unfortunately, in todays society, most aren't willing to take the extra 10 minutes.

For the record.... this is exactly why I said to come up I 81 and not I 95.

[Laredo Tugger]

Ductape, Now you are starting to sound like DW with "I told you so" crap. :)
For your "record" I did use I-81 and I-84 until I had to use I-95 for the last leg to the coast. I suppose I could of gotten around that also? The school i went to taught that "I" meant "interstate". Not the case in your neck of the woods.
The toll on "Thruway" 90 (northern NY) was the highest,close to $50. Whatever the hell a "thruway" is? Has it's own cute little police force too.
"Land of the free" is open for debate in this part of the country.
RMc