davisenvy wrote:
Thank you Lantley for your kind words. They are so helpful AFTER the situation. I believe it's called Monday morning quarterbacking. The following is straight from the GSRA Platinum website. It doesn't say anything about not carrying a spare being a money losing proposition for them or it being too difficult to help.
Emergency Roadside Assistance Whenever You Need It
When you need help, one quick call takes care of everything whether you need a tow, or roadside service, such as a battery jumpstart or fuel delivery.
Members receive:
Access to over 40,000 independent towing specialists and service providers
Coverage in all of North America, including in Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands
Flat Tire Service to Keep You Rolling
Don't worry about the next time you get a flat tire. Let our network of service technicians change it for you. Or, if needed, they will tow your vehicle to the nearest service center.
A Spare When You Need It
Fewer than 5% of motorhomes carry a spare. If you get a flat and don't have a spare, Good Sam Roadside Assistance will help you purchase an RV tire and deliver it on the spot. You just pay for the tire, parts and labor.
Battery Service to Keep You Charging Ahead
A dead battery doesn't have to ruin your trip. Our network of service technicians will give you a jumpstart at the campground or in your driveway.
Emergency Fuel and Fluids Delivery-So You Never Run Dry
Running out of gas is a hassle. To keep you moving, we will deliver up to 5 gallons of fuel to get you to the nearest gas station. We will also bring other essential fluids if needed.
Trip Interruption Assistance for When Accidents Happen
If you have an accident more than 100 miles from home, we will reimburse you up to $1,500 for all eligible expenses, such as, meals, lodging and car rental while you're your vehicle is getting repaired.
Lost Key and Lock Out Assistance to Open Your Doors
Even the most careful members sometimes lock themselves out of their car. If it happens to you, we'll pay for a locksmith to come and get you back in your vehicle. You only have to pay for parts and labor.
Emergency Medical Referral Service to Take the Pain Away
Getting sick away from your own doctor or medical team can be scary, but we'll help. When you need assistance with a medical or personal emergency while traveling, we'll be on call with medical, dental, or legal referrals and more.
Have more roadside service questions?
Visit the FAQ, view the Platinum Roadside Assistance brochure or call 1-800-601-2850.
Glad to see you can quote the marketing jargon. But that's all it is is jargon.
I won't bore you discussing marketing literature. I stick to the point you had a flat and did not have a spare. Despite the markeying claims you were SOL.
Most motorhomes don't carry spares because there are tire services that cater to 18 wheelers and motorhomes because there is a market for large truck tires.
On the other hand most RV trailers come with spare tires because obtaining a spare after the fact can be a huge problem. Particularly of you are in a remote area.
GS does not own the tow trucks. They farm the work out.
Most tow operators are not interested in tracking down weird sized trailer tires. Despite what the literature says it's simply not what they routinely do.
For the record I do have roadside assistance and I also travel with a spare tire. I have experienced a few ST tire flats before I wised up to LT tires.
I never called roadside assistance(even though I pay for it) to assist with the flats because in each case I knew I could change the flat faster myself.
For me I do not see the situation as Monday morning quarterbacking. I see it more as being prepared. Prior Planning means having a spare.
Reality is there are not many tow companies stocking tires, relying on GS or anyone else to bring you a tire is wishful thinking.
I imagine someone would have eventually shown up with a tire but expecting the situation to be resolved promptly is also wishful thinking.
As mentioned I have roadside assistance for more severe problems that I can't resolve with a mere spare tire. There may be a day when I need the entire rig haul off the highway due to a major breakdown.
In the end canceling your roadside assistance over this episode seems like a bit of an overreaction to me.
Consider yourself lucky you were able to resolve the situation yourself.
It is called "Emergency" roadside assistance for a reason a flat does not constitute an emergency especially if you have a spare!
When you have a real roadside emergency in a truly remote area you will want all the resources available including a roadside assistance plan.
I have no delusions of fast,prompt or immediate service. I understand each call is based on my location,time of day,day of the week, my requirements and the equipment available at the time.
I know better than to trust the marketing hype.
What I really expect in the case of a major breakdown is a prepaid tow to a service facility that won't cost me $1000.00 to 15000.00.
Waiting for that tow truck is all part of the process
