Community Forums

moldmkr · 04-21-2009, 09:20 AM

Hi All, I am looking at getting an E-Z Pass for the MH and I have a few questions hopefully someone can answer for me.

1. Will it work on a 40' MH
2. Do you need another transponder for the toad
3. How do they determine the charges for a MH
4. Can you transfer the transponder from MH to toad if you are using the toad

Thanks for your help

Hans & Judy

Daddy's truck · 04-21-2009, 09:28 AM

Here in NJ, I have a separate one for the MH (mounted on the top of the license plate) than for my toad. If you are in tow, try and remember to remove the one in the toad so you don't get double charged (I ALWAYS forget

).

Joe-K · 04-21-2009, 10:03 AM

There are slight variations in the way that each state runs it's EZ-Pass system, but I've been using the system successfully for several years.

I have 3 transponders which I keep in each of my 3 passenger vehicles. I also have a mount inside the motorhome that whenever I tow a vehicle, I move the transponder from the vehicle I'm towing to the motorhome.

Because the vehicles are connected, a single transponder is all that is required so you do not want a separate transponder in the MH as well as the toad. In most states including Pennsylvania (my home state) the toll is calculated based upon the weight of the vehicle and the number of axles it has as it rolls across a scale going through the toll booth area. In this way, I am charged the correct toll even though my transponder is registered to the passenger vehicle. I've never had any issue in any location with the transponder not charging the correct amount.

The only area where I do receive a warning light at the toll booth, is in New York and it is triggered by the fact that I have 5 axles compared to the two that are registered with the transponder. The toll is still calculated properly and I'm charged the right amount, but the system knows that it's not the correct transponder for the MH. Since I don't travel there often, I've never been concerned with the warning however.

A final word of caution, if you use an inside the windshield mount transponder be sure not to mount it too close underneath an overhead TV. In our earlier Winnebago product, the metal TV mount located right by the transponder prevented the overhead antenna some locations use from picking up the signal. Simply lowering the transponder solved the problem. Our current rig doesn't have the overhead TV and the system works flawlessly.

Wayne M · 04-21-2009, 08:38 PM

I have EZ Tag in Texas for both my MH and TOAD. On the TOAD the tag is placed on the right side, top, center of windshield (Center is just next to any other obstructions. On the MH it is placed in the center, bottom of the windshield, next to the dash board. There is an imbedded chip as the transponder in each tag. I am charge the standard rate for four axles when I am towing, and standard rate for two axles when I'm not towing.

depchief · 04-21-2009, 08:59 PM

I use the EZ Pass system for 3 vehicles and each is listed with the system. The MH tag is mounted about half way up the windshield. I also have one in the toad that must be placed in the aluminum bag while being towed. System works well and is very accurate. The only place I have had any issues is the PA Turnpike with missed signals, got a few free rides.
Worked well around the Chicago area also.
I also have the Florida Sun Pass for the MH and Toad, this tag beeps when the toll is paid and I like that feature over the EZ Pass tag. The automatic replenishment is also a nice feature

Bill1374 · 04-22-2009, 07:14 PM

1. yes, no problem. For NY the transponder is mounted at the bottom center of the windshield.
2. no.
3. IN NY its based on size plus the number of axles.
4. In NY, you'll get 3 transponders, one for the MH alone, one for the MH while pulling the toad, and one for running the toad alone.

porscheracer · 04-26-2009, 12:31 PM

We have an OK Pike Pass for the MH. OK only counts axles, so the unit programmed for 4 axles works with all of our configurations - either MH with toad or MH with trailer. Their recommendation for placement is the bottom center of the windshield - and we have had zero problems with that location.

RVDude · 04-26-2009, 01:06 PM

I have 1 EZPass that I switch between the toad and RV. Read this whole thread before you respond to that statement. joe-k has it the easy way as well.

The 1 EZPass I have is registered to the toad. When I switch it to the RV I ALWAYS use the attended lanes and the "correct" the toll amount is adjusted by the attendant on the fly at the booth (be it for weight or total axles). Having only 1 tag I always know which tag I am using (I only have the one), it works on the toad alone in fully automated mode, works on the RV alone or the RV w/toad (using the attended lanes) and makes your life a snap. KISS is my operating approach.

I have used it this way in VA, PA, MD, IL, NY, NJ, ME, DE, WV, IN on a couple hundred tolls thus far without one single issue. If you switch a "car registered" tag to the RV I always use the attended lanes. When used in the car alone (no RV) use the automated lanes.

Yes, I know that the detailed regs on the pass will say this is not legal. I also know that you will get a different answer for every EZPass desk clerk (in any state) you ask about this - if you don't confuse the daylights out of them with the question itself. I also know that after 4 years of doing this and a couple hundred or so tolls in the various configurations in ALL of the states w/EZPass I have NEVER even had a question or eyebrow raise. But, I always use the attended lanes ONLY when the tag is in the RV. Use the automated lanes when the car is by itself.

I drive a 45footer w/toad, making it up to 5 axles, 51,000 total lbs. All with the one EZPass.

Keep it Simple...