We dropped AAA roadside service when they refused to change my tire in a parking lot on my RAM 2500. At my age I cannot break the nuts loose. They showed up and left without comment. Repeated calls to AAA finally resulted in my being told I needed an RV plan. They left me hanging at 2 in the morning. So I switched to Goodsam for our 5500 truck and camper, 2500, and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Ultimate plan, five years, paid in full. Fast forward to today. Called and had to answer lots of questions from a computer. Lots. Then asked which vehicle: “1. (null) or 2 (null)”. We have three. Then transferred to an agent with fair English. She asked the same questions! Really? Why waste my time? We told her several times the address and the destination. Then she said we had a $30 co-pay which is not mentioned anywhere in the Goodsam documents but we paid it. This convo occurred two days ago, towing was scheduled for today at 11. Driver called at 10 that he was available. Did not have the address. Rushed over to the parking lot and it was full. Driver had to park 90 degrees to our Jeep. Wanted to start the Jeep with no oil pressure. Said he could not load it without driving it on. I blew an engine once in the exact same situation and could not start it but the AAA driver was able to get it out and load it. This guy didn’t want to be bothered and threatened to leave so we relented. Anyway, the Jeep was delivered to the mechanic and was again started and driven off the ramp. I cringe at the thought of unnecessary motor damage. Anybody else have these kind of issues? Thinking about canceling Goodsam and trying USAA. I mean. What happens when our Ram 5500 with camper breaks down many miles from the nearest dealer? Thoughts, comments, cheer me up.

Most roadside assistance outfits have good days, and bad. It's not fun, but it happens. I don't do cheering up.

Tow truck drivers, the good, the bad, the ugly. Generally pretty good. But I had one ugly. My truck needed a tow to dealer. I have a side entry garage and my truck was backed up to the garage, 90 degrees to the driveway. Driver said he would have to hook to the front of my truck and drag it sideways to get lined up with driveway! :E. NO, NO, NO. You will not drag my truck sideways. I will put in neutral and push it by hand down the driveway, I said. Yeah, that might work, he said. :S

your right, not all tow truck drivers are #1 guys. most just started on tuesday they were fired from mcdonalds on monday.

You should read my very recent post about AAA ERS FAIL in the I think General forum and there were others who commented on recent poor AAA service. Just click on my name and look for my fairly recent comments/post. They also said I had to have a spare fully aired up and of course they do no mount tires or bring another tire of same size/type. All they want to do is TOW, TOW, TOW. Salute from a hot LZ.

You are describing two different issues: - What is covered by your roadside plan. - What is the quality of the tow truck driver.For the most part, roadside plans don't own or in any way control the tow companies. They mostly just call the nearest tow company and if it qualifies reimburse them.

Is this normal? | Good Sam Community

MDKMDK
Explorer
Jul 15, 2023
Most roadside assistance outfits have good days, and bad. It's not fun, but it happens. I don't do cheering up.
BB_TX
Nomad
Jul 15, 2023
Tow truck drivers, the good, the bad, the ugly. Generally pretty good. But I had one ugly.

My truck needed a tow to dealer. I have a side entry garage and my truck was backed up to the garage, 90 degrees to the driveway. Driver said he would have to hook to the front of my truck and drag it sideways to get lined up with driveway! :E. NO, NO, NO. You will not drag my truck sideways. I will put in neutral and push it by hand down the driveway, I said. Yeah, that might work, he said. :S
midnightsadie
Explorer II
Jul 15, 2023
your right, not all tow truck drivers are #1 guys. most just started on tuesday they were fired from mcdonalds on monday.
NamMedevac_70
Explorer II
Jul 15, 2023
You should read my very recent post about AAA ERS FAIL in the I think General forum and there were others who commented on recent poor AAA service. Just click on my name and look for my fairly recent comments/post. They also said I had to have a spare fully aired up and of course they do no mount tires or bring another tire of same size/type. All they want to do is TOW, TOW, TOW. Salute from a hot LZ.
valhalla360
Navigator
Jul 15, 2023
You are describing two different issues:
- What is covered by your roadside plan.
- What is the quality of the tow truck driver.

For the most part, roadside plans don't own or in any way control the tow companies. They mostly just call the nearest tow company and if it qualifies reimburse them.
KD4UPL
Explorer
Jul 15, 2023
All I ever hear are horror stories about any of these so called roadside assistance plans. I've never had one, never will. I would rather call a local tow company or repair service myself if I ever needed one. That eliminates all the problems with going thru multiple people and agencies.
I would guess that these big companies like AAA have contracts with tow operators for set amounts, thus not a very high profit potential for the tow company. The tow company probably give them rather low priority. I'd rather explain my situation to the tow company directly, then we can together decide on a cost vs. importance scale for my situation.
As for changing a tire, what you need is a cordless impact wrench. I carry a Milwaukee M18 1/2" drive wrench that will bust loose any lug nuts. I change my own tires. The last time I had to I think it took all of about 20 minutes and I was on my way again. There's no way I'd sit around with my family on the side of the road waiting on some company I'd never heard of to maybe show up.
NamMedevac_70
Explorer II
Jul 15, 2023
You have a narrow view of things sport as many folks and RVers are elderly and/or have health issues such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, Arthritis, and cannot handle a heavy tire and rim or crawl under the rear of a truck for the spare on hot road service or in winter severe weather conditions, and on and on. Some are even in wheel chairs believe or not. Surprise surprise.

Did I say Arthritis and many folks develop it at a young age. But I am sure you are aware 0f this now sport. Your education is complete. Also excuses for poor tow truck and road side service contracts are a cheap cop out macho ones.
haste_maker
Explorer II
Jul 15, 2023
Feel your pain about AAA...they left me broke down on I70 in CO. for 2 hours before I was able to get off the interstate on my own, the called me back 6 hours later & ask" Do you still need help"...I had my home/all my cars/trucks/RV with AAA...but not after this.
MDKMDK
Explorer
Jul 16, 2023
As a follow up, I've always had good luck with Good Sam ERS, over 15 years, whether I'm local or on the road when the problem arises. Locally, they use one of the best towing outfits in Ontario, Canada. Preferred Towing in Sarnia, and they're the same company that appears on the TV show "Heavy Rescue 401". I've used them here twice for dead battery need a boost situations, and both times Collin (owner's son) was the driver. Quick response, friendly service, and no hassles.
ScottG
Nomad
Jul 16, 2023
I have needed RA once in my life, 33 years ago - and it cost me $200. I carry no coverage at all now, except with my auto ins. I'd rather take a chance at having to pay something than pay for decades and not need it. Even more to the point, I can call any tow co. in the book and they will show up and do the job. I prefer this kind of strategy to having to deal with the bureaucracy of RA co's.

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