I have Good Sam Roadside Assistance and I also have Roadside Assistance from my auto insurance. I had an incident where a clamp broke on the Intercooler to the Turbo on my diesel truck. If I would have had a spare clamp I could have fixed the issue within 30 minutes or less.I called both of my roadside assistance numbers and asked them if they could just put me in contact with a mechanic or someone to get a clamp to my location and both said they only can dispatch a tow. It was a Sunday and so I didn't think any shops would be open so I had to go with a tow. I was just over 400 miles from my destination and so after waiting about two and a half hours the tow arrived. We asked to be towed to a Ford Dealer as my truck is a Ford F250 and I figured if I couldn't fix it then we might have to leave it there. There was an Autozone nearby and I was able get my truck running with some clamps I found there.My question is; is there a roadside assistance whereby you can get someone that can help you repair your issue? I know they are available for big rigs but perhaps its too cost prohibitive for just the average person. Does AAA offer such a service?After this incident it occurred to me that I could have called Autozone or any other nearby car parts store and asked if they would deliver a part and will keep that in mind if I ever have to deal with something similar.I did capture the incident with my dashcam. The following video does have some cussing so consider yourself warned!Ford Power Stroke 6.0L Intercool Boot Clamp Failure

I just read on this forum few days ago how one of the members drove with intercooler pipe disconnected and towing horse trailer. Engine will have less HP, but it will run just fine. I doubt you will find roadside assistance that actually will try to fix the car. Mercedes is having free roadside assistance for life for MB owners, yet those guys don't even carry OBD scanners. They carry fuel, will give you a jump, install YOUR spare or replace the battery, but next step is towing.

Kayteg1 wrote:I just read on this forum few days ago how one of the members drove with intercooler pipe disconnected and towing horse trailer. Engine will have less HP, but it will run just fine. I doubt you will find roadside assistance that actually will try to fix the car. Mercedes is having free roadside assistance for life for MB owners, yet those guys don't even carry OBD scanners. They carry fuel, will give you a jump, install YOUR spare or replace the battery, but next step is towing.Yea I thought about doing the same but was concerned for the turbo to spin too fast and possibly get damaged. I was probably too cautious.

Twice I've been in your position, both times the local NAPA dealer delivered. Of course when you are 300 miles out there are going to be charges.

Maybe 5-6 years ago, when I had Good Sams roadside assistance, I had a serpentine belt break. GS sent out a mechanic who evaluated the situation, went after a belt, and replaced it on my coach. I paid for the belt and his time but not for the initial response to my problem. Perhaps things have changed at GS but back when I had a belt problem there never was any talk about towing me somewhere to get it fixed. I would think that replacing a missing clamp would get the same response, which is fix it where it sits.

I have coach net and they will tow me, or send tech assist for any vehicle I'm in. Couple months ago I had occasion to call coach net, ended up talking with a tech. He sorted out problem and dispatched a mechanic with the correct part, which he installed and I was on my way in about an hour.I paid for the part and $20 for the labor install.

Roadside Assistance Towing vs Actual Assistance??

Kayteg1
Explorer II
Nov 16, 2016
I just read on this forum few days ago how one of the members drove with intercooler pipe disconnected and towing horse trailer.
Engine will have less HP, but it will run just fine.
I doubt you will find roadside assistance that actually will try to fix the car.
Mercedes is having free roadside assistance for life for MB owners, yet those guys don't even carry OBD scanners. They carry fuel, will give you a jump, install YOUR spare or replace the battery, but next step is towing.
stugpanzer
Explorer
Nov 16, 2016
Kayteg1 wrote:
I just read on this forum few days ago how one of the members drove with intercooler pipe disconnected and towing horse trailer.
Engine will have less HP, but it will run just fine.
I doubt you will find roadside assistance that actually will try to fix the car.
Mercedes is having free roadside assistance for life for MB owners, yet those guys don't even carry OBD scanners. They carry fuel, will give you a jump, install YOUR spare or replace the battery, but next step is towing.

Yea I thought about doing the same but was concerned for the turbo to spin too fast and possibly get damaged. I was probably too cautious.
Tom_Barb
Explorer
Nov 16, 2016
Twice I've been in your position, both times the local NAPA dealer delivered. Of course when you are 300 miles out there are going to be charges.
rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Nov 16, 2016
Maybe 5-6 years ago, when I had Good Sams roadside assistance, I had a serpentine belt break. GS sent out a mechanic who evaluated the situation, went after a belt, and replaced it on my coach. I paid for the belt and his time but not for the initial response to my problem.
Perhaps things have changed at GS but back when I had a belt problem there never was any talk about towing me somewhere to get it fixed. I would think that replacing a missing clamp would get the same response, which is fix it where it sits.
imgoin4it
Explorer
Nov 16, 2016
I have coach net and they will tow me, or send tech assist for any vehicle I'm in. Couple months ago I had occasion to call coach net, ended up talking with a tech. He sorted out problem and dispatched a mechanic with the correct part, which he installed and I was on my way in about an hour.I paid for the part and $20 for the labor install.
Not_a_Clue
Explorer
Nov 16, 2016
GS dispatched a mobile mechanic to a campground in Las Vegas when my starter went out. Came out verified bad starter, went and got a new one and replaced same day. Maybe it depends on the availability of a mobile mechanic.
MrWizard
Moderator
Nov 16, 2016
The only advice I can offer
Is get on the internet and look/ask for mobile diesel mechanic
You are looking for a repair service,
Roadside assistance does not offer this
darsben1
Explorer
Nov 16, 2016
MrWizard wrote:
The only advice I can offer
Is get on the internet and look/ask for mobile diesel mechanic
You are looking for a repair service,
Roadside assistance does not offer this

GSRA IS supposed to offer mobile mechanic service IF AVAILABLE. You pay for mechanics time on job.
see and read the brochure.

https://images.goodsam.com/goodsamroadside.com/pdf/gra31138.pdf

Page 9 states;

rv roadside
Mechanical repairs
If necessary and whenever possible, depending on the RV disable-
ment, there may be a local mobile mechanic available that can
perform minor repairs or adjustments to your RV. In these situa-
tions, we’ll attempt to bring a mobile mechanic to your location as
an alternative to towing your vehicle. You are responsible for the
cost of parts and labor.

Good Sam may have failed you and it should be investigated.
RoadsideGuy
Explorer
Nov 16, 2016
Thanks darsben1 for the clarification. Good Sam Roadside Assistance DOES provide mobile mechanic services whenever possible for situations that can be resolved in this manner. MrWizard, could you please send me a private message with the specifics of the situation you encountered if appropriate. Thanks again
stugpanzer
Explorer
Nov 16, 2016
This is all great information! I too was looking in the area where I was towed and there was a mobile mechanic in the same town. Now that I know this it is something I would call on as needed. I have never used my roadside assistance so now I am more knowledgeable! Thanks!