Good Sam has informed me that they do not provide emergency roadside service (ERS) via test messaging; one has to call via voice.;I am seeking an ERS provider that can provide ERS if I contact them via text/SMS. Anyone aware of one? The only one I've heard of is an add-on service with the SPOT messenger, and I haven't been able to determine if they do RVs.I am interested because there are devices like the DeLorme Explorer that do two way text messaging via satellite, so you would have the ability to contact ERS if you were stuck on say some NV road far from cellular range. Texting is also more efficient than voice, and can sometimes have better success than a voice call in a marginal area. And you can send pictures, maps, GPS coordinates, etc. Indeed, I think the Explorer sends GPS automatically.So far DeLorme only has towing services for boats via a partnership with USBoating. Maybe they'll partner with ERS for RVs; be nice.Meanwhile, anyone aware of a service you can text to?

I've seen State Farm ads with some pretty good technology in their apps. Most all major carriers have ERS. I recently needed ERS from Geico, and their app was a poc. (piece of cake). I would expect GS to be about the last place you'd find cutting-edge ( or even dull edge) technology.Text would be a blessing, especially in marginal service areas. And with voice you get to suffer thru the hold music, road noise and "could you repeat that"? And not having to tell someone where you are.. how cool is that?good luck!

i don't see it happening anytime soonnot until, people quit using txt shrthnd when sending messagesit would be a night mare, the responder on a PC typing full clear messagesand the member needing help.. sending from a phone and trying to describe the situation while using txt shrthnd..boy what a confusion that would bebesides txt doesn't give the responding service a GPS fixthat they get with a voice phone call..when you call ingiven the speeling errors i see on this forum, including my ownvoice is much better process at this timetext is NO better about waiting..if the operators are busy.. they are busyimagine the confusion when the service provider decidesONE operator can handle several texting calls at the same time

MrWizard wrote:i don't see it happening anytime soonnot until, people quit using txt shrthnd when sending messagesit would be a night mare, the responder on a PC typing full clear messagesThat's not how it works. You'll be presented a screen with choices, location verification.. just button pushes, not typing out long sentences. When I requested ERS with Geico, the app verified (from my phone number) that I did not have that service. No talking at all.It's not simply text replacing voice. However, most smart phones have a voice to text feature.. which ain't all that great either!That said, I'm not sure if this is the OP's intention.

i'm sorry .. but thats NOT textingthats Via web page input... not at all ..what the OP said/requested

I am not familiar with one that will work through text only. I would expect there would be too much room for error with just sending texts back and forth. Knowing how many questions AAA asks me when I call for service, going back and forth with text messages would be a major hassle.AAA does offer an App that you can use to request road side assistance. I've only ever called. I have the App, but I've never used it for road side assistance.-Michael

Provider of emergency roadside services via text?

2oldman
Explorer II
Jun 20, 2014
Grit dog wrote:
2004 called and wants their flip phone back!
hehe
TPUC
Explorer
Jun 20, 2014
Coach net has an App that you can send for help with. I have not had to use it yet.
Dog_Trainer
Explorer
Jun 20, 2014
Before I looked for a company that had text capability I would make sure I was working with a company that provided the ERS services that I might need.Some of the companies mentioned here do not have a great reputation for ERS with our large units. I had occasion to use my coach net ERS last year and I am glad I had it. I do not have any idea as to whether they have text capability.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Jun 20, 2014
MrWizard wrote:
i don't see it happening anytime soon
not until, people quit using txt shrthnd when sending messages
it would be a night mare, the responder on a PC typing full clear messages
and the member needing help.. sending from a phone and trying to describe the situation while using txt shrthnd..
boy what a confusion that would be
besides txt doesn't give the responding service a GPS fix
that they get with a voice phone call..when you call in

given the speeling errors i see on this forum, including my own
voice is much better process at this time

text is NO better about waiting..
if the operators are busy.. they are busy
imagine the confusion when the service provider decides
ONE operator can handle several texting calls at the same time

I'm sending this from my phone. Same phone that I text on. Shorthand is so 10 years ago. You can type a dissertation on your smartphone pretty quickly!
2004 called and wants their flip phone back!
Like the OP said, it's a very efficient way to communicate in marginal cell service area.
kalynzoo
Explorer
Jun 20, 2014
My thoughts: First, the investment in new technologies by the call centers would probably result in a significant increase in annual costs to the consumer. Second, I really want to know I am speaking with a person who understands my immediate problem, in English, and I am not receiving a computer generated reply. JMHO
robsouth
Explorer II
Jun 20, 2014
About a gazillion people use cell phone that never "text". I would much rather speak to someone than depend on text messages.
BarneyS
Explorer III
Jun 20, 2014
What about this GS Roadside Assistance App.? I have it on my phone but have never used it so don't know exactly how it works. I don't think it involves texting though.
Barney
mgirardo
Explorer
Jun 20, 2014
I am not familiar with one that will work through text only. I would expect there would be too much room for error with just sending texts back and forth. Knowing how many questions AAA asks me when I call for service, going back and forth with text messages would be a major hassle.

AAA does offer an App that you can use to request road side assistance. I've only ever called. I have the App, but I've never used it for road side assistance.

-Michael
MrWizard
Moderator
Jun 19, 2014
i'm sorry .. but thats NOT texting

thats Via web page input...

not at all ..what the OP said/requested
2oldman
Explorer II
Jun 19, 2014
MrWizard wrote:
i don't see it happening anytime soon
not until, people quit using txt shrthnd when sending messages
it would be a night mare, the responder on a PC typing full clear messages
That's not how it works. You'll be presented a screen with choices, location verification.. just button pushes, not typing out long sentences.

When I requested ERS with Geico, the app verified (from my phone number) that I did not have that service. No talking at all.

It's not simply text replacing voice. However, most smart phones have a voice to text feature.. which ain't all that great either!

That said, I'm not sure if this is the OP's intention.