Around NYC

[rmboies]

[QUOTE=Ray Davis;
There doesn't seem to be a RV or bus document (book whatever), which lists things like closed roads, rules for RV's etc.
Ray[/QUOTE]

Ray, good question and maybe one that someone needs to take on board and write that book! I did find this link that has basic information for each state:

http://www.rvadvice.com/rvtravel.html

You have to scroll all the way to the bottom of each state page to find the RV road laws for that state. Here is what is listed for NY. Doesn't sound very helpful to me but it's a start!


RV Road Laws - 2007
Size Limitations: Height, 13'6"; Width, 8'6" (there are some exceptions or restrictions to this); Trailer length, 48'; Motorhome length, 45'; Combined length, 65'. Triple towing is not allowed.

Required Equipment: Safety chain, brakes on trailer over 1,000 pounds unladen, 3,000 pounds laden. Lights/wipers must be on during required conditions.

Riding is permitted in pickup camper and fifth wheels only. Overnight parking in state rest areas is "as posted".

Motorhomes and trailers are NOT permitted on the Taconic State Parkway. Trailers are not permitted on most parkways.

LP gas is prohibited between Manhattan and Jersey City in the Holland Tunnel. Between Manhattan and Fort Lee, New Jersey lower level of the George Washington Bridge (I-95 South) and the George Washington Bridge Expressway between Manhattan and Weehawken, New Jersey: Lincoln Tunnel. LP gas is prohibited between Manhattan and Brooklyn on the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel and between Manhattan and Queens on the Queens Midtown Tunnel.

[rickdesilva]

Ok believe it or not Jersey is pretty easy. We have the New Jersey Turnpike which runs basically East to West and anything can run on it. Then we have The Garden State Parkway which runs north to south. The Parkway does not allow trucks but allows RV's and Busses. The Parkway is the main Route from the north to Atlantic City which the bus companies use. It is a well maintained road however, keep your eyes on your mirrors when you leave your money at our toll plaza's as there is not much room and not all toll plaza's have a wide lane. New York has the Thruway which runs to points North from the top of NJ. As far as the traffic, thats the beauty of an RV, just turn the key off and relax eventually it will go away.

[Ray Davis]

Rick,

I happen to have an EZ-pass because I got one when my son started attending West Point. I use it so far only in rental cars. My question is, can I use it in my bus, or do I need to contact the EZ pass people to get a different transponder? In CA we have some new toll roads, and I drive either my bus or car on the same transponder, with no problems.

I'd like to use the EZ pass when I come to New York, if possible, just to miss the toll plazas.

Current plan is to spend about a month or so in New York area in May of 2009 when my son graduates. I'm gonna take the bus, and have a great time with it. Thus my curiosity about NY and NJ roads and buses.


Ray

[lewpopp]

Ray, you can save big bucks when entering New York by taking the southern route 86 (former 17) and go on down as far as you want and cut thru the hills to West Point. Won't cost you a cent in tolls.

Lew

[rickdesilva]

Ray
All the tolls take EZ pass, so you should be ok. My EZ pass stays in my coach since its registered to the coach, when I requested it I had to pick the RV designation for the transponder. I would get one just for the coach to be safe. I also have one in my towed vehicle, whether EZ pass picks that up when I go thru the tolls, I really never checked my bill.

[Ray Davis]

Thanks Rick,

I'm thinking that's the best avenue, i.e. pick up another transponder for the coach.

I don't know why, but the thought of driving around in New York area semi-terrifies me! I want to be prepared!


Thanks again,
Ray

[lewpopp]

I brought up this subject the other day with a couple New Yorkers on the EZ-Pass and they only have the unit in the coach and not one in the car and nothing has ever come from it as far as a ticket, etc.. No use paying if you don't have to.

[rickdesilva]

Get your fuel in jersey before you cross into NY. Its much more expensive in NY because of taxes.

[bill&jody]

Rick,

My question is, can I use it in my bus, or do I need to contact the EZ pass people to get a different transponder?

Ray

we picked up an additional pass for the bus and had it rated for a 5 axle (because of the trailer) RV. this avoids the tool booth attendant charging us the commercial rate (they can and will) which we found out about on our first trip from VT to FL. make sure your auto EZ pass is in the special pouch or you will be debited again when the car clears the reader.

[Jerry Winchester]

Ray,

I asked about the toad tag when I got the EZ Pass for our coach. The lady said we didn't need one for the tow vehicle as the fee was charged by the axle (how does it know how many?) and it was not an issue.

I didn't argue with her and the alarm never goes off when I am towing my trailer or toad, so I didn't worry any more about it.

They also didn't ask how many axles the coach had when I signed up for the tag. They just asked the make / model / tag number and added it to my account. Go figure.