Community Forums

jim_bob · 09-30-2016, 06:22 PM

I just discovered that the Ohio Turnpike charges a higher toll for a pickup truck towing a fifth wheel trailer than for a pickup truck towing a travel trailer. From one side of the state to the other the toll is $42.25 vs $35.75. Yes, both are too high. This doesn't seem right. Has anyone else noticed this?

The higher toll is not because of length or weight. I'm calling the Turnpike Commission of Monday to see who I can b*tch at.

JohnBoyToo · 09-30-2016, 06:28 PM

don't go on that road and go another way ?

jim_bob · 09-30-2016, 06:39 PM

There are other roads in the area but they're full of towns and traffic lights. The turnpike is faster. I don't like the toll but I really don't like the toll difference.

bokobird · 09-30-2016, 06:44 PM

Same number of axles?

jim_bob · 09-30-2016, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bokobird

Same number of axles?

Yes, 4 axles total. 2 for truck, 2 for trailer.

bokobird · 09-30-2016, 06:50 PM

Sounds like a valid reason to complain then. Seems odd.

baraff · 09-30-2016, 07:20 PM

If I had to guess I would guess the difference is because fifth wheels are viewed by the tollway as tractor trailer type rigs, they weigh considerably more than a travel trailer. Not saying it's right, but it's all in how they classify things.

We have traveled US30 across Ohio and it's not too bad. It can get a bit snaky near the OH/PA line but all in all it added just a couple hours to our trip.

jim_bob · 09-30-2016, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baraff

If I had to guess I would guess the difference is because fifth wheels are viewed by the tollway as tractor trailer type rigs, they weigh considerably more than a travel trailer. Not saying it's right, but it's all in how they classify things...

Good guess but a 5'er lighter than a travel trailer can be be accessed a higher toll.

I found the reason. It's not weight. The OT has "low vehicle" and "high vehicle". The cutoff is 7'6". "Low vehicle" is class 3. "High vehicle" is class 4. The height is measured above the 2nd axle. It seems our front cap is maybe 1" too far forward.

My mission is to find if the OT intended to push 5'ers into a higher class or if they just screwed up with their definitions.

I'm retired. I have time to complain!

JDT · 09-30-2016, 07:56 PM

We traveled from Boston to Buffalo a couple of years ago on our way to Niagara Falls. The New York stretch of the turnpike was about $60. We were told it was based on our height so Ohio is not the only state with that method. In Oklahoma it is strictly based on number of axles.

jim_bob · 09-30-2016, 08:08 PM

I guess each state is different. PA Turnpike charges by weight + axle count. They charge $20 for the first 30 miles eastbound from Ohio.

My gripe is how Ohio measures the height and what their intentions are. That and I don't like Ohio.

Geocritter · 09-30-2016, 08:08 PM

Just remember when you go through Illinois, back in the 1950's when they floated the bonds to build the tollways they promised to turn them into freeways when the bonds were paid off in the 1980's. They're still tollways, can you imagine that. I mean they promised, if you can't trust your elected politicians who can you trust. Especially an Illinois elected official.

Steve

Duoglide1 · 09-30-2016, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geocritter

Just remember when you go through Illinois, back in the 1950's when they floated the bonds to build the tollways they promised to turn them into freeways when the bonds were paid off in the 1980's. They're still tollways, can you imagine that. I mean they promised, if you can't trust your elected politicians who can you trust. Especially an Illinois elected official.

Steve

Yes, especially the ones who are not in prison now.

2012 NuWay HitchHiker 363RSBDA, 2016 Ford F-350 Dually 6.7