Log In | Register
Skip to main content
Topic: Chasing (following behind an RV) and San Francisco Bay Area Bridge Tolls (Read 694 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 4 Guests are viewing this topic.
Chasing (following behind an RV) and San Francisco Bay Area Bridge Tolls
Hi Everyone, we own our 27 MB two years now and are so glad we waited that long one year for delivery, couldn’t be happier. We spend 3 months in Florida to escape the NY winter, my wife drives the Kia Soul while I drive the LD. Presently working way backup and discussing what will be our choice to travel about eq, tow,dolly or chase or maybe rent. Realize already chasing, she’s a faster driver😂😂, seems to be working out well for us so far. Any other chasers out there, your experience?
2017 MB
Re: Chasing
Reply #1 –
Quote from: Molly101  - 
Any other chasers out there, your experience?

If you don't get along with your wife, this is an ideal setup. Unfortunately, we can flat tow our Jeep.

A tow dolly is not easy to deal with, a pain to load and what do you do with it once you have arrive at your campsite or home, it needs to be parked some where. Consequently, you see very few of them.
We have known people who chased for few trips and then gave up and bought a towable car.
Kia Souls, with a manual transmission can, be flat towed.

If you mostly camp near cities, Enterprise and other car rentals agencies will bring a car to you, something we did when owning an old LD that lacked the power to pull a toad.

Having an easy to tow vehicle has enhanced our RV traveling experience significantly. There may be times you actually wish to travel with your wife.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Chasing
Reply #2 –
We tow a Honda Fit, and I once calculated whether driving the car separately, assuming average of 40 mpg, was more economical than towing, with a loss of 1 mpg (11mpg down to 10 mpg). It was cheaper to tow. It is expensive (or a lot of DIY work) to set up for towing, but if one driver is tired or sick, among other reasons, it is a huge advantage. A manual Soul can be flat towed, I believe.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Chasing
Reply #3 –
I can attest to the fact that a KIA Soul (with manual transmission) can be flat towed without any problems.  We also can tow my wife's Honda CRV (automatic 2012 year), which is before Honda switched to CVT transmissions.  The advantages of the Soul over the Honda is that it weighs less than the Honda CRV and you don't have to stop and exercise the Honda automatic transmission.  I set my Soul up with the Blue Ox baseplate, same as my Honda CRV.  Hope that helps.

Gary
2007 30' TB
Re: Chasing
Reply #4 –
"Any other chasers out there, your experience? "

Have been a "chaser" since 1991 - have NEVER towed a vehicle.  I have always driven our secondary vehicle behind our motorhome.  It has worked out perfectly for us, but I don't see many RV'ers who agree with this mode.

We did this with a 22-foot Lazy Daze TK; a 40-foot Mountain Aire; and now - a 26.5-foot Lazy Daze RB.  The tagalong  vehicle for most of this time has been, and still is, a 1998 Sportsmobile - a nifty little number that provides everything for a pleasant and comfortable day trip away from the main rig.  It has everything that a Lazy Daze has, only in miniature.

I can't say for sure that I would feel this same positive way about driving just a regulation passenger car, but then my only experience with this was twenty years ago, and it was on one very abbreviated sojourn to Carlsbad Caverns, and one other significantly longer trip to Southern California.

From my experience with driving the Sportsmobile separately, I definitely have been happy with this situation.  We make judicious use of two or three sets of family radios to keep in close touch.  Others who are less nervous about towing will probably find this to be an absurd way to travel, but it has worked for us for decades!

Especially when we had the 40-footer, it was convenient for me to be able to block traffic to allow DH to merge into a lane of traffic easily.  I did the math one time, and the combined MPG (using 8 for either the Lazy Daze or the Mountain Aire, and 16 for the Sportsmobile) for this situation is ~5.5.  But then, many large Class A gas vehicles get about that same amount, so it all seemed fine to us. 

One caveat:  We do not put a lot of miles in during any given day, and we tend to stay put for days/weeks/months at a time, so the time actually spent in this activity is low.  This may be why it has worked out so well for us; others' experiences may be entirely more onerous and untenable.

Virtual hugs,

Judie  <-- Sierra Vista, Arizona
Adventures of Dorrie Anne | Photographing the West

Today:  Fancy Pants Chili con Carne
*************************************
Re: Chasing
Reply #5 –
"I have always driven our secondary vehicle behind our motorhome."

I can see this as an advantage under certain limited conditions!

Here in the Greater Bay Area of San Francisco where we have many toll bridges the Bridge Authorities have seen fit to charge by the axle. Drive your two axle LD over a bridge and pay $6. Drive your secondary vehicle over the same bridge and pay $6. But, if you commit the cardinal sin of towing your secondary vehicle behind your LD you are charged the sum of $20. How is that for logic?   :o   >:(
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Chasing
Reply #6 –
Quote from: Lazy Bones  - 
"I have always driven our secondary vehicle behind our motorhome."

I can see this as an advantage under certain limited conditions!

Here in the Greater Bay Area of San Francisco where we have many toll bridges the Bridge Authorities have seen fit to charge by the axle. Drive your two axle LD over a bridge and pay $6. Drive your secondary vehicle over the same bridge and pay $6. But, if you commit the cardinal sin of towing your secondary vehicle behind your LD you are charged the sum of $20. How is that for logic?  :o  >:(
That doesn't seem fair.Wonder what the reason its.  http://goldengatebridge.org/tolls_traffic/documents/multi-axle-vehicle-toll-chart-2018.pdf

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Chasing
Reply #7 –
Steve, please explain what you mean when you say it’s cheaper to chase. If you used your car and LD and the mpg that you say you get, I’m not seeing how driving two cars is cheaper than driving and towing (i.e. on a one thousand mile trip) Are you including the set up costs of towing? What am I missing. Maybe if you broke down the costs my dumb brain could comprehend? Thanks and be well.
Dale from Downey.
Dale from Downey 27’ 2012 RB,”Casa Verde”, 2000 Jeep Wrangler. Formerly1991 RB & 1990 Jeep Wrangler.
Re: Chasing
Reply #8 –
"That doesn't seem fair. Wonder what the reason is?"

Fair, who said anything about fair? The reason is that it can, the State that is).  ::)

Now about the Golden Gate Tolls, that's a separate entity (Bridge District) in and of itself. They have higher aspirations along with higher tolls.  ;)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Chasing
Reply #9 –
Quote from: Lazy Bones  - 
"That doesn't seem fair. Wonder what the reason is?"

Fair, who said anything about fair? The reason is that it can, the State that is).  ::)

Now about the Golden Gate Tolls, that's a separate entity (Bridge District) in and of itself. They have higher aspirations along with higher tolls.  ;)
I noticed you did not use 'fair' and 'Golden Gate (Transportation District)" in the same sentence.  The GG Bridge tolls are going up again because the District wants to build a new ferry boat.
Golden Gate Transportation District
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: Chasing
Reply #10 –
It seems like all the Bay Area bridge tolls are going up. I went over the Richmond bridge last month and the toll is $6 now. What are they proposing for the GG?

Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Chasing
Reply #11 –
"I went over the Richmond bridge..."

There are two (2) bridge authorities in the Bay Area, the State and the Golden Gate! Each has it's own fare structure. Since you paid $6 and the Richmond bridge belongs to the State that was the current toll and you would find the same at the Benicia, Antioch, Dumbarton, Oakland/Bay, etc.. That should be considered a 'new' toll, it having just recently gone into effect. Who knows when they will gouge us again!   >:(
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Chasing
Reply #12 –
Quote from: dollinsdale  - 
Steve, please explain what you mean when you say it’s cheaper to chase. If you used your car and LD and the mpg that you say you get, I’m not seeing how driving two cars is cheaper than driving and towing (i.e. on a one thousand mile trip) Are you including the set up costs of towing? What am I missing. Maybe if you broke down the costs my dumb brain could comprehend? Thanks and be well.
Dale from Downey.
Dale, not sure which Steve you refer to, since you didn't quote. If it was me, I said 'cheaper to tow'.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
 
Re: Chasing
Reply #13 –
Quote from: Lazy Bones  - 
"I went over the Richmond bridge..."
There are two (2) bridge authorities in the Bay Area, the State and the Golden Gate! Each has it's own fare structure. Since you paid $6 and the Richmond bridge belongs to the State that was the current toll and you would find the same at the Benicia, Antioch, Dumbarton, Oakland/Bay, etc.. That should be considered a 'new' toll, it having just recently gone into effect. Who knows when they will gouge us again!  >:(

I got caught last summer in this trap. If I had known, I might've disconnected and had my wife drive the Jeep.
I don't understand the $8 difference.
Looking at the website, I see no mention pf vehicles pulling trailers.
Bay Area Tolls: Richmond-San Rafael Bridge

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Chasing
Reply #14 –
Hmmm...

We don’t necessarily chase and we definitely don’t tow but we do rent and often the LD gets to the CG before friends and family arrive.

The frequency of any of those scenarios is not great. I can count them on one hand. So with that I can see how “chasing” in our limited sense is less expensive.

Chasing every time requires added fuel but cuts on the cost of a rental vehicle upon arrival. Towing requires a usable Toad, tow bar and the added expense of future rear end and transmission repairs if towing is a frequent occurance. These are all $ signs to me.

The kindness of others can make for a bonding experience as was the case for me in Morro Bay. Thanks Joel and Jerry. If I’d had a Toad this may not have happened. I’m glad to have been toadless.

Towing in a National Park does have its perks since the entrance fee is basically a two-for-one. While taking a rental car the additional cost of $50 for the rental is fair it should be noted that if you loose an entrance fee receipt the Park will get an addition $50 when you leave. Ask me how I know. 😖

So with all this I’d say there are pluses and minuses in the tow, chase or solo travel game. For us, it’s cheaper at this point to chase and rent. I get to meet and hang out with new friends and I can usually get into most campgrounds with just the rig. Works for me.

Enjoy the open road. Going toadless to Zion next month with my DW. They have shuttles. Sweet!

Kent

 
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Chasing
Reply #15 –
Steve, my dumb brain did miscomprehend.
Dale from Downey 27’ 2012 RB,”Casa Verde”, 2000 Jeep Wrangler. Formerly1991 RB & 1990 Jeep Wrangler.
Re: Chasing
Reply #16 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
I got caught last summer in this trap. If I had known, I might've disconnected and had my wife drive the Jeep.
I don't understand the $8 difference.
Looking at the website, I see no mention pf vehicles pulling trailers.
Bay Area Tolls: Richmond-San Rafael Bridge

I thought they went by the number of axles?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Chasing
Reply #17 –
Found this in the following website:

Tolls for vehicles with three or more axles also will rise by $1 on Jan. 1, 2019, at all seven of the state-owned toll bridges: to $16 for three axles, $21 for four-axles, $26 for five axles, $31 for six axles, and $36 for combinations with seven or more axles.

Tolls on Seven Bay Area Bridges Set to Rise Next Month | News | Metropolitan...

Bring your wallet if towing.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Chasing
Reply #18 –
Quote from: HiLola  - 
Tolls for vehicles with three or more axles also will rise by $1 on Jan. 1, 2019, at all seven of the state-owned toll bridges: to $16 for three axles, $21 for four-axles, $26 for five axles, $31 for six axles, and $36 for combinations with seven or more axles.

Bring your wallet if towing.

No, avoid the Bay Area all together and go around it, if you can.
Driving there is as bad as in SoCal traffic, worse in some places. We have more freeways.
Charging so much extra for an attached toad, compared to driving the toad separately, doesn't make any sense. The LD and toad, connected together, weight the same and occupies less place than when separated.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Chasing
Reply #19 –
"...avoid the Bay Area all together and go around it..."

Good luck with that! The toll bridges are arranged to collect the fare from outbound traffic. In other words, if you have been captured inside the net you will not be able to get out of the net without shelling out some cash.

I live in the heart of the Beast, in the East Bay (Contra Costa Co.)(The Other Coast) and with few exceptions I cannot avoid the payment. If I want to go east I am faced with the Antioch Bridge. If I want to go north I have to contend with the Benicia-Martinez or the Carquinez Bridge. If I want to go south there are the Dumbarton and the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge. To go west I am faced with the Oakland-Bay Bridge or the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge.

To avoid all tolls I must go out through the San Joaquin Delta on very narrow roads or slip south down the I-680 to connect with I-580 or Hwy 101. It's like trying to find your way out of a maze!   :o
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Chasing
Reply #20 –
Steve, you're retired.  Have you ever thought about moving?   ;D
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Chasing
Reply #21 –
"Have you ever thought about moving?"

Moving? That's a very distasteful word... after 21 years of moving all over this earth with both the Marine Corps and the Air Force I am sick and tired of 'moving'. Were it not for my age and the commitments of family I might be cajoled into moving to Santa Fe. However, I'm well aware that those thoughts are pure fiction and well beyond my physical capabilities.   :'(
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Chasing
Reply #22 –
Kent,

One answer to the NP issue can be  the over-the-hill pass

America The Beautiful Senior Pass

I bought mine for $20, ironically on one of the NP free admission days.

Joel

*****
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: Chasing (following behind an RV) and San Francisco Bay Area Bridge Tolls
Reply #23 –
“Steve, you're retired.  Have you ever thought about moving?”

HiLola,
He's not moving unless I talk him in to moving with me when I retire and move out of state. 😊
Daughter of the first Lazy Bones
Hitting the road on my own and with a friend 🚐 while reporting back to the Lazy Bones at home 🛋

2 Lazy Bones - Home
Re: Chasing (following behind an RV) and San Francisco Bay Area Bridge Tolls
Reply #24 –
I hear you, Cynthia. If it wasn’t for all my relatives here in California, I would probably be somewhere else. Besides, can’t move now as I think my Padres actually have a competitive team this year!  ⚾️
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264