Hills Vs tolls?

You could do a couple week test on the fuel mileage difference and then decide from there. I can't imagine you're spending an extra $50 in fuel on those three or four hills.

 

Well how much extra time does it take and how many miles around the tolls is it . That is the million dollar question

 

There are more than three or four extra hills that way. 87/90 is the longer route but much easier on the truck and the driver. The savings from tolls will possibly be offset by an increase in fuel, and to some extent more wear and tear on the truck since it will be working harder. That and the quality of the road is not nearly as good. It may also add time to the trip. You could have your driver try the route empty first and see what he thinks, if you truly trust his opinion.

 

17 is good road like interstate, but winding and hilly ; google map show 211 miles on 17 / I 81 and 19 miles longer miles , 230 miles I90/I87 . 19 miles meas 3 gallons of diesel @6mpg, , about 10$ plus 50 $toll.
Try one trip, do the math, i believe you'll burn more fuel of shorter route plus truck wearing ,the risk of having problems with the truck max weight over hills, ice snow this time of the year is more dangerous on hills, and the interstate hwy are cleaned first.
I would avoid hills , it's safer with max load.

Google Maps

 

If it’s snowing, 17 through the Catskills is no joke. DOT does a horrible job of keeping that stretch clear. I would take 90-87

 

As a general rule of thumb , I refuse to pay tolls if there's any acceptable alternative. I just take it on a case by case basis ... road conditions, traffic etc.

 

I to am a cronic toll jumper. But i always factor in atleast an extra hour or so to get around it

 

I ran a similar route one winter, only difference was it was Bridgeport CT to Syracuse. I always ran 17/81 because the company didn't wanna pay the tolls. Never had an issue on either route. I wish I could tell you the difference in cost, but I've no answer on that.

Try it for a week or so, compare the cost and how grumpy your driver is at the end of the week.