Forum Discussion

timberloft's avatar
timberloft
Explorer
May 04, 2013

Found out difference in Roadside Assistance providers

For the past few years, we purchased roadside assistance plans from Coachnet. Two years ago, I got the "opportunity" to utilize the service. We had a flat tire on our 5th wheel in Florida. Coachnet promptly dispatched a service provider, and at my request, he brought a new tire to put on the rim rather than use the spare that I was a little concerned about. My cost for this service was the cost of the new tire.

This year, I decided to go with Good Sam rather than continue with Coachnet. Unfortunately, I got a chance to test their service yesterday. We had a blowout on a 2-year old tire that has been properly maintained. The Good Sam agent asked if we had a spare (we do), but I asked about having a new tire brought out to be installed rather than using the spare. What I found out was that I would be responsible for a $130 labor fee for the tire service plus the cost of the tire that I would be buying from Good Sam since they have an agreement with Goodyear. I didn't ask about the cost of the tire since I had already located a replacement tire 1.5 miles away. I had the spare put on, drove to the tire dealer, and was quickly on my way.

Coachnet's plan may have changed since my experience, but I will definitely find out at renewal time. Right now, I am leaning towards Coachnet.
Seeking Advice
  • Alfred622's avatar
    Alfred622
    Explorer
    May 05, 2013
    I've had CoachNet for 8 years. About 3 years in, I needed their help with the RV when I blew a hydraulic line and needed to be towed 80 miles. They were fantastic. Rapid service, excellent telephone-assistance, good followup, and a "free" tow to a factory service center. Then two weeks ago, my CRV slid off the road in an ice storm and I needed to call for a truck to change my tire. Again, they were fantastic. Excellent service both times. I have little desire to switch since they have been good for me twice.
  • timberloft's avatar
    timberloft
    Explorer
    May 05, 2013
    I should have kept Coachnet, but didn't see any obvious difference at the time and thought I could save a few bucks. In fairness to Good Sam, a different set of events could have shown them to be the preferred provider. I was really posting more to tell how the two providers handled these two very similar situations in very different ways.
  • ploiselle's avatar
    ploiselle
    Explorer
    May 04, 2013
    It appears that you had great service with CoachNet two years ago, yet you switched to Good Sam.

    I am curious why you switched?

    Paul
  • UsualSuspect's avatar
    UsualSuspect
    Explorer
    May 04, 2013
    We were out with friends a few weeks ago, they hit something on the road, and used CoachNet. They were charged $675 for a new tire, plus $180 for labor to change it. It also took them 3 hours and 7 phone calls to get to us. I realize we were just outside Coachella off the Highway 86. I have GS, and the service that came out said they do both, so I don't think it matters who you have. They brought out a Michelin and he asked for Goodyear. The guy told him they don't stock Goodyears, only Michelin's, Toyo's, and Hankook's. I think the tire brand is decided on by the provider, not CoachNet or GS.
  • Schertz's avatar
    Schertz
    Explorer
    May 04, 2013
    Good Sam service provides / covers the cost of roadside service.

    The additional charge of $130.00 just to un mount flat and mount the RV owners spare is excessive vs. no charge for a already mounted tire.

    Having said that, I have Good Sam service and plan to keep it unless a more competitive and dependable plan becomes available.
  • imgoin4it's avatar
    imgoin4it
    Explorer
    May 04, 2013
    I had a tire replaced through an emergency call to coach net a couple of years ago. I bought the tire from the responding tire co, I paid for the tire only. coach net paid for everything else.
  • rode2nowhere's avatar
    rode2nowhere
    Explorer
    May 04, 2013
    Honestly I am surprised coachnet mounted the new tire without a fee, interesting though.

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