4x4van wrote:
Personally, I'll never be dependent on ERS, when I can change a tire myself IF necessary. Spotty cell coverage, long wait times, high replacement tire prices... Sorry, not for me.
As an example of just the "time" issue; a few years ago, had an electrical issue with a Chevy Suburban, about 2pm. Called AAA for a tow. While we had good cell coverage, we were in Blythe, CA, and there was only limited tow companies available; and AAA wouldn't go off the pavement. Had a local "non-AAA" towtruck get us from where we were located (on the beach along the Colorado River about 150' from the pavement) to a parking lot in town (about 5 miles). Then we waited for AAA. And waited. And waited some more (Keep in mind that it was Sunday afternoon, after a day on the river, tired, ready to head home, AND it was still 115 degrees in the shade!!). AAA's only contracted truck in the area was coming back from a run into Encino (near Los Angeles). After more than 6 hours, he finally showed up, and then his winch caught fire while trying to pull the Suburban onto the flatbed. Waited some more for his shop to come out and fix the winch. Finally got it loaded and hit the road at 10pm, to begin a the trip home to SoCal, arriving home at 2:30am.
No, this has nothing to do with a flat tire. But it DOES have everything to do with time. There is nothing in ANY ERS documentation that guarantees a "timely" response. Did AAA respond? Yes. Did they get my vehicle home? Yes. Would I consider it a successful "transaction"? No, and I'll never rely on them again unless there is NO OTHER CHOICE, PERIOD.
Of course, YMMV.
While your experience was pretty bad, it is far from the worse I have heard. Add, and then the tow company totaled our RV to get up into the top 10 worst stories.
