Forum Discussion

Campinghoss's avatar
Campinghoss
Explorer II
Sep 29, 2015

Extended service plans

I have searched the forums and found many negs and positive for a lot of the plans available.
We recently purchased a 2007 Monaco Cayman. The dealer has been great on going thru the coach with us and doing all the necessary touch ups including replacing the trailing arms and going thru any recalls on the interior appliances. I feel good about driving off the lot. However with only 34 k miles on it and we travel around quite a bit I am thinking of putting an esp on it.
Anyone feel strongly on Good Sam vs xtraride or others? It is a dp.
  • Of all the extended service plans I've reviewed, I've found it best to focus on what is NOT covered rather than what is. Read the contract carefully. Look at the major components around your MH and ask yourself, "Is this covered? What is the deductible? What is the maximum (if any) amount the policy pays on _____________?" Does the policy cover towing? If so, how far? What road conditions will they tolerate to come and pick you up? Does the policy cover lodging? If so, For how long? How much? Be aware and you'll be a lot happier if you ever need to file a claim.

    ESP's can provide a lot of piece of mind, but be aware that the company/salesperson who sells you the policy is trying to make money, which is expected. If your claims exceed the policy price, all the glad handing and smiles go away . . . . fast.


    As a side note: Several years ago I stayed at Chaco Canyon in NM. My neighbor had transmission problems with his 40' DP rig. The towing company that his ESP provider uses would not pick up the rig because it was 20 miles off the paved highway. It's a well graded dirt road approx. 20 miles long from the highway to the park. I don't know what they eventually did but I'm sure it was $,$$$.$$'s just to get back to the asphalt.

    I only like surprises on my birthday and Christmas.

    Chum lee
  • Thanks to all who responded. I am currently working with the dealer on Xtraride. I know I will probably go for a year until I get a few miles under my belt.
  • Just read and understand the actual contract, not the brochure. The brochure is a sales tool, the contract is the governing document.
  • Only the dealer can provide you with the Xtraride policy. They've stopped selling to the retail customer. They are an excellent firm. Ask the dealer to split the cost with you or give it to you as a house warming gift. During your research, also check with Wholesale Warranties. Ask for Jeff Shelton. He's the owner and well respected. He'll walk you thru all the policies and get you the one that's best for you. After my Xtraride policy expired, I bought my current service policy thru him...both my policies paid for themselves, including replacing the cooling unit on my Norcold..my policy includes tires, seals and all plumbing lines......good luck with your decision....Dennis

    One caveat should you decide to buy a policy...know the PROCEDURE for filing a claim, and follow that procedure to the word. Most want you to call them BEFORE having any repairs done. We had an A/C unit fail in Florida last year and called a mobile guy out for a fix. He called the insurance company, got authorization and replaced it in the CG. I did have to pay for expedited shipping, as that was my choice to ensure prompt delivery time. Other than my deductible, everything was covered with no questions. Another time we had a blowout. Called CoachNet and the insurance company. Tire was changed on the side of the road. I paid the bill, $743 and emailed the receipt to the ins co. Within a week, I had a $743 check in my hand. Again, no questions and zero deductible on tires........D
  • I felt with buying a used DP that I would buy an ESP The dealer I purchased from sold Interstate "INDS". Purchased, felt good until required, want to do everything over the phone, no written trail, denied claim, cancelled policy, 9 months and still waiting for refund. Certainly would not recommend this company to anyone.
  • I purchased an Xtra ride policy two years ago, it is a 5 year policy. They have been great and have used it many times. In the past two years I am about half way towards getting back what I paid in the policy for repairs.

    I felt it was well worth the peace of mind when buying a used coach. Many will say put money away and use that however if you have one major disaster or many minor ones it will pay for itself. If I had to do it over I would do the same and buy one. It sure takes a lot of stress away from buying used.

    Read the policy carefully and go into it educated. By the way if you do not know you can get as many things that are covered fixed with one visit and one deductible. I recently had about 7 things fixed on one visit to a repair shop, all on one deductible.

    At my most recent visit to a repair place just had two mcd electric shades replaced for $500 per shade. I was sure glad I had the policy. Now I will be heading to get my air leveling system looked at as it has a leak.
  • Watch the fine print.

    Had a neighbor whose Aqua Hot pex line in the coach was pinched and leaking coolant into the coach. Took a while to fine the source of the leak which means $$ of labor.

    His $4800 plan did not cover hoses and pipes so he paid the whole bill.

    Trainer
  • There have been many posts on this subject recently. What you're going to hear won't help you decide. If you're the worrying type, it might be for you. If they were so great the service providers would be out of business. That should tell you its quite profitable because most people never use it.
  • Have a friend that bought a preowned coach and because he had no history with it he purchased the good Sam extended service plan (or whatever it is called His intention was to only purchase it for the first year of ownership to see what how things went and to build confidence that all was well with the coach. Worked out fine for him. Kind of like buying your own warranty policy. Other wise I would never buy any such policy. Put the same amount of money in the bank and pay for items as / if they come up and be money ahead.