EZ Pass Info as of Today

[EA37TS]

There has been considerable discussion on the boards about EZ Pass and specifically EZ Pass on RVs when towing. Today I spent about 3 hours dealing with the EZ Pass folks. This resulted from being issued an incorrect class code 72 (under 7,000 pound) transponder for the RV

Yes, when requesting a transponder you must declare the number of axles and whether the vehicle is under or over 7,000 pounds. In Virginia the RV transponders cannot be issued by retail locations and must come from an EZ Pass service center.

Yes, when going through a toll booth the system will count the numerate of axles.

No, the system will not charge the appropriate toll based on axles if the original EZ Pass is issued to 2 axles and 4 axles go through the lane. The system will instead submit an error for investigation and collection.

The EZ pass customer service center is issuing me 2 transponders. One that I will use when not towing which is issued to class code 459. The second EZ pass will be used when towing and is issued to class code 467.

There are transponders that are issued to heavy trucks that take into consideration whether or not a trailer is being towed etc... Those transponders have additional circuitry and are also read at some weight stations.

This is the info I got from the EZ Pass Virginia Service Center and the person I talked knew what was happening as soon as I mentioned Motorhome.

[Bob Denman]

Thanks for the heads-up on this one.
Here's a "messy" scenario:
What if your Toad is up on a trailer? (single axle)
What will the system count for axles?
2, 3, or maybe 5?

[JamieGeek]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

Thanks for the heads-up on this one.
Here's a "messy" scenario:
What if your Toad is up on a trailer? (single axle)
What will the system count for axles?
2, 3, or maybe 5?

3--the car's axle's on the trailer don't count; tires on the road. (Edit: Unless your trailer has two axle's then 4.)

I always wondered about this as it looked like you needed two different transponders (one for towing and one not) when I signed up with EZ-Pass in Ohio.

[16ACE27]

Too difficult!

The Florida EZpass AKA UNI don't care about anything except the number of axles that go through the toll. Good in 18 EZPASS states. SUNPASS is the same when it is brought into the fold.

MH by itself? 2 or 3 axle toll
MH with toad? 4 or 5 axle toll
Toad by itself? 2 axle toll

Taking the motorcycle for a spin? 2 axle toll.

All these northern states (Yes Virginia, that includes you) that complicate the EZPASS system based on a single vehicle's weight, class, number of axles, etc are just trying to put the screws to your wallet.

[Bob Denman]

Now: my head hurts...

[Mo_Mike]

OK, dumb question here (one of those inquiring mind types) Why cant you have a two (2) axle on the RV and a two (2) axle on the toad. Then, when both go through, the toll authority gets the proper toll paid.

Not arguing, I just always wondered about this, thought maybe someone might know...

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by Mo_Mike

OK, dumb question here (one of those inquiring mind types) Why cant you have a two (2) axle on the RV and a two (2) axle on the toad. Then, when both go through, the toll authority gets the proper toll paid.

Not arguing, I just always wondered about this, thought maybe someone might know...

The axle counters are programmed to determine if a single unit with 2+ axles is going through the toll by the time elapsed between axles. So a single unit may be a 3 axle truck or MH, or a 5 axle 18 wheeler, or any vehicle with a trailer or toad in tow.

They are also programmed to catch toll runners who tailgate the vehicle in front of them hoping their toll will be an "add-on" (trailer) for the transponder in the vehicle in front of them. It's a tricky timing balance. So tricky, that if you have a transponder in your MH and a transponder in your toad your MH toll will be charged for both the MH and toad axles AND your toad transponder will be charged for the toad axles.

If you have a transponder for both you need to put the toad transponder in an electrostatic bag (faraday cage) so it is not "pinged" as you go through the toll.

[Bob Denman]

Thanks for reminding us about bagging the Toad's transponder.

I was ready to forget all about that!

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

Thanks for reminding us about bagging the Toad's transponder.

I was ready to forget all about that!

Easy to forget. I've had to pull over a couple of times before toll booths to run back to the toad and bag the transponder.

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by Mo_Mike

OK, dumb question here (one of those inquiring mind types) Why cant you have a two (2) axle on the RV and a two (2) axle on the toad. Then, when both go through, the toll authority gets the proper toll paid.

Not arguing, I just always wondered about this, thought maybe someone might know...

I asked that very question today. Sometimes the motorhome block the reader from reading the transponder in the toad and the toad gets a nasty picture with ticket in the mail. Has to do with height of RV and length of the tow bar.

[Yaktop]

https://e-zpassiag.com/about-e-zpass/31-map

[Yaktop]

https://www.ezpassva.com/pdfs/reference_codes.pdf

[Mlarrabee]

Yak top. Saw your chart, but doesn’t reflect a code for a 2 axle, 6 wheel RV with a tow dolly and 2 axle auto?

[Yaktop]

Originally Posted by Mlarrabee

Yak top. Saw your chart, but doesn’t reflect a code for a 2 axle, 6 wheel RV with a tow dolly and 2 axle auto?

I have the MA ezpasses. 2 cars, just sprinter, and and sprinter with toad. All the same account.

[gmc]

Originally Posted by Mlarrabee

Yak top. Saw your chart, but doesn’t reflect a code for a 2 axle, 6 wheel RV with a tow dolly and 2 axle auto?

Since EZ Pass cares about axles... the RV 4 axle 10 tire option would seem to fit?

When towing with Sunpass in FL, haven’t had any duplicate charge issues... a Transponder is always in the Jeep (non-removable type affixed to windshield - my preference in a soft top vehicle).
So far EZ Pass can’t read Sunpass, so don’t know how they would deal with it.

[Popfla]

Originally Posted by 16ACE27

The Florida EZpass AKA UNI don't care about anything except the number of axles that go through the toll. Good in 18 EZPASS states.

That's what I have in the MH. I've used it in several states with no problems whatsoever, including Virginia several times, running both solo (2 axles) and with the toad on a dolly (4 axles). Billing has been accurate every time.

[Bob Denman]

Does Florida give you an option to "mask" the Sunpass' presence?

[Wandering]

Talked to the MA EZPASS folks (I live in MI, which has no EZPass, so just picked them based on forum comments). They told me to get three transponders for my motorhome/towed units. I have one for the motorhome when towing, one for the motorhome when not towing, and one for the towed. The towed one is usually kept in it's bag (for EV shielding so as not to incur charges at the booth when it's being towed); and the motorhome usually has only the one for the combination exposed to be read. But I've used the towed's transponder when driving it alone, and can use the MH alone one in case I drive it through toll roads without the towed. The transponders are coded for the exact type of units (axles and weight class) that they are used with, and if not used specifically this way, can generate problems for you. FYI, PA turnpike charges by weight (they weigh in motion at the toll area), not number of axles, so you need to get this close to correct or you'll still have unexplained charges on your bill.

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by Wandering

Talked to the MA EZPASS folks (I live in MI, which has no EZPass, so just picked them based on forum comments). They told me to get three transponders for my motorhome/towed units. I have one for the motorhome when towing, one for the motorhome when not towing, and one for the towed. The towed one is usually kept in it's bag (for EV shielding so as not to incur charges at the booth when it's being towed); and the motorhome usually has only the one for the combination exposed to be read. But I've used the towed's transponder when driving it alone, and can use the MH alone one in case I drive it through toll roads without the towed. The transponders are coded for the exact type of units (axles and weight class) that they are used with, and if not used specifically this way, can generate problems for you. FYI, PA turnpike charges by weight (they weigh in motion at the toll area), not number of axles, so you need to get this close to correct or you'll still have unexplained charges on your bill.

Same as my original post. I got the two blue transponders (over 7000 lbs) For the motorhome a couple days ago.

Amazing what you find out when you take a few minutes to call and get the correct and current info based on asking specific questions.

[BMcGough3]

This post reminds me I have to order an EZ PASS for my MH. Thanks!