Extended Service Plan

Glad to read some of these posts. When we bought our TT in 2010 we purchased the plan with it (6 yr plan). Never had to use it and thankful. We are now trading in the TT for a 2013 Class C. The sales manager mentioned a 7 yr plan. We are debating on it. But we don't have the time or ability to wait tips something happens while we are out. Especially something that would be costly on the checkbook. The peace of mind is making me think of going with it again.

I purchased a service plan when we purchased the RV. Was pricey but was for 7 years coverage. I am not mechanically inclined and so do repairs with the checkbook............

So far I have been covered for a failed alternator, cracked brake calipers (not covered by the WH recall), failed converter and several other smaller items. My deductible has been only $50 per repair. I am well ahead of what I paid for the coverage and I have had seven years of less worry. I also have a good roadside assistance program which saved me from a $2000+ flat bed tow in Alaska years ago!

For me, I need the peace of mind that any major repairs are covered. I understand that for some people it is a bad bet. For me, it has given me peace of mind and protection from unexpected large repair bills. Mine will expire soon and I will be looking closely at Good Sam as a possible replacement coverage.

In 2011, I purchased a 2005 MS and also a 4 year ESP with it at a cost of $500 a year. I had to use the plan twice within the first year for different hydraulic issues, so I have more than paid for the plan within the first year. The only issues I had were not with the ESP, but caused by inexperienced RV service people that do not follow the ESP rules and end up costing me more than my deductible. If you need to schedule service, make sure your RV service center understands that after the troubleshooting, authorization must precede action for service and/or parts and they should call you with each step. If unwilling to do that, go somewhere else that will. I am using these 4 years on ESP to learn how to do my own service and use the ESP for failed appliances and systems.

I have only had my RV for 11 months and have use 1/2 the purchase price of the plan. I have 3 years to go but actually hope I don't need it. When I did need it I was very glad to have it. I purchased it as this was the 1st RV outside of a truck camper I have ever had. I knew I didn't know how to fix many items on it and didn't want to have to worry about it. No different than the roadside assistance. I am making a 4,000 mile trip in a month and didn't want to worry about an issue on the road. My plan was expiring but I renewed it. It is a lot like gambling but you do get a piece of mind by having it. I don't have the time to deal with any issues and I do have the money to buy the insurance. That is my take on it.

Just read the posts on this thread. People post problems because Good Sam turns down requests for repairs for various reasons, many unexplainable, and they hope the folks will go away. If they end up on this site folks like Scott will help them get their problems resolved but my point is why should they have to come here after paying so much money for a warranty?

Stu

Oh yeah, delete this post as you have done some of my others.

The Z Team wrote:
My extended service plan that I bought with my new MH in 2009 expires in two months, It is thru Interstate National Dealers Services, I have never used it yet but you never know.
I been looking at the Good Sams Extended Service Plan. I not sure if I should get another one or not. I see post on here about problems with getting repairs and other post that repairs went great.
Looking for any pro or cons on the service plan. I don't mind spending the money to get it but don't want the problems with getting repairs done.
Any help would be great. I also have the roadside service plan but never had to use that yet either thank god.
Thanks for any help.

Thanks for starting this post, because I was thinking of doing the same. We have never had an extended service plan. Our original coverage from the manufacturer (Prime Time) will be expiring in a couple of months. I did call Good Sam for information regarding coverage. I agree with you....spending the money is one thing, however, I don't want a difficult time getting something repaired or reimbursed. Like you....we also have the roadside assistance...I don't mind paying for that one....and will be happy if I never have to use it!! At this point, I am thinking we will be trying out the extended service plan from Good Sam. I should mention that I am not the best when it comes to repairs. Good luck with your decision..

TravelTracer

I am a beleiver in extended warrenties. Yes all the experts say put some money away to use for repairs. Thats great if you can do that, I am the type of person who can not. Thus the extended warrenty comes into play. I have just finished using my extended warrenty on the 06 3500 ram. To have the 4 ball joints, drive knuckles, 2 drive train gaskets and one engine gasket replaced was the cost of the deductable with GS ($500). Total bill over2500. I have had the insurance for two years at a cost of 650 per year. So doing the math in my case I came out ahead.

I think alot of people end up having problems by not doing things in order. These companys that provide the service are in it to make money also. Its about the odds, you have to work within there frame work to get things done to your satisfaction. I know the shop where I have my truck work done is used to extended warrenty companies and knew what to expect from there side of the house.

Would not travel with out it

The Z Team wrote:
My extended service plan that I bought with my new MH in 2009 expires in two months, It is thru Interstate National Dealers Services, I have never used it yet but you never know.
I been looking at the Good Sams Extended Service Plan. I not sure if I should get another one or not. I see post on here about problems with getting repairs and other post that repairs went great.
Looking for any pro or cons on the service plan. I don't mind spending the money to get it but don't want the problems with getting repairs done.
Any help would be great. I also have the roadside service plan but never had to use that yet either thank god.
Thanks for any help.

Put the money to the side, and when you need it to fix your RV you will have it . With out having to give someone else your hard earn money:B

As a rule of the thumb, about 1/2 of your premium goes to cover claims and the other half to overhead and profit. So, these plans cost about twice what they are "worth", and are "not a good buy".

Only buy a plan if you can't afford to pay for a loss or claim. That's why you have collision insurance on your expensive rig; you can't afford to replace it. But, you don't have a plan on your watch or ball point pen, because you can afford to replace/repair those things.

For me, 7+ years of full-timing and I have never had, needed or wished I had either.