Roadside assistance?

We use Good Sam. I wouldn't leave my neighborhood without roadside assistance. I'm cheap on a lot of things but, I seriously would not travel in an RV without it.

I agree that it's the luck of the draw if you get help. Have had GS for 13 years and used it once 12 years ago until this week end. I was in a rest area and had a slide problem, needed help to get slide in to continue. Called GS. After 20 minutes of describing my location and the problem, which I clearly stated I needed help to retract the slide, I was put on hold while the clerk "consulted her RV technician". She came back and said "you need a mobile mechanic" however, we don't have any that work week ends. If you call back on Monday, we'll be glad to schedule an appointment for you. So much for 24/7 roadside assistance. I was able to recruit help and did not need to spend a day waiting for GS.

I have had both GS and Coach Net. And CN is by far the more competent. They have service techs available to help over the phone.

GS often doesn't seem to even know the difference between a Teardrop trailer and a 40' Class A.

Neither service is perfect of course but I'll stay with CN after having experience with both.

As far as AAA? I've read so many complaints about them I wouldn't even consider their service. The biggest complaint is spotty service coverage and service times. Leaving motorists stranded overnight for instance.

We have Coach-Net. About a month ago we broke down on the Ohio Turnpike. It took over 4 hours, but we finally got towed to a garage. Tow company wouldn't accept Coach-Net's credit card over the phone for payment (only accept cash, physical credit card or AAA on turnpike). So we had to pay for tow (ouch) and Coach-Net said to send receipt for reimbursment consideration. I spoke to them on the phone today and they received my receipt on 6/8, it's not done processing yet, but when it is done processing I should receive my check 30-45 days after that. The tow truck driver did tell us that they don't accept Coach-Net because Coach-Net does not like to pay. Guess he wasn't wrong about that.

As far as I know, CoachNet is the only one that does provide 24/7 technical advice that may help you correct your own problem without a tow. Sometimes it is a simple thing that can get you going again.

Coke or Pepsi.

They are about the same.

Lay down your money and take your chances.

We have AAA for many years. We have used it without issue. I've asked them about the claims by some on this forum that their coverage isn't complete throughout the USA. They told me their coverage is the whole USA. But that's not to say there might be some service providers that won't take AAA for whatever reasons. There policy does state if they can't provide timely service for whatever reason as long as you call them first you will be reimbursed for whatever fees they normally would pay.

Now I'm the type that believes nobody is perfect ... and think there are some validity to the claims AAA has let some people down. But, I also believe any of the other insurance providers have done and will do the same as some claim here of AAA.

Our solution is to cover our backs. We have 3 policies for towing of all our vehicles. AAA, Coach Net, State Farm. It costs us just under a few hundred dollars each year. Sure maybe over kill, but at least I have a piece of mind that if the situation presents itself I'm not worrying sitting broken down along side the freeway trying to sort things out.

I'm certainly not suggesting this is for everyone. But I think I'm prepared for any roadside assistance needs.

Coach net. They are the only service I know of that will go out of their network and operate 24/7/365 to ensure to get you a responder. Ask me how I know. GS will only stay in network so if you are in an area with no GS responders - too bad and I don't think they keep 24/7/365 hours, and AAA has separate sub networks that often don't play nice with each other. You might belong to an AAA but you may not belong to the areas you're traveling AAA. They are different. Coachnet also covers all your vehicles - not just your RV, any time, anywhere.

Long story short, late on a Sunday near Pittsburg our toad broke down 50 miles from the CG. Coachnet couldn't find any tow in their network available. Did they quit and say sorry? No. They started going through the yellow pages until they found a driver and paid him on the spot, what he charged. Kept me apprised of the situation every few minutes. Tow was free to me and the driver said it's the best coverage he's seen. He said he avoids GS calls because they negotiate his rate down and pay him monthly instead of immediately. Said they are a hassle to deal with. He said he's in the Coachnet network now and favors them over GS or AAA.

mhbell wrote:
We just used Good Sam ERS (Emergency Road Service) when we broke down on the I-84 Off Ramp at Twin Falls Idaho. We had to be towed to the Ford Garage in Twin Falls Idaho. They were very helpful and we only waited about 40 minutes before the wrecker (Tow Truck) showed up and towed us in. Good Sam kept checking with us to make sure we were OK and kept us advised as to what was going on. Kudo's to Good Sam ERS, They have saved my Bacon more than once. We have had them fo 20 plus years.

Us 2.

Been with Coach-Net for many years haven't had to use them yet...