BCAA RV roadside assistance?

[ac_bill1]

Howdy, Figured there might be some members from British Columbia that could answer a question for me. New to RV'ing, and although I have had BCAA coverage for my daily driver, I've never had to use it when in the US. I just added the RV Plus coverage, since I recently bought a motorhome.
If you have the BCAA-RV coverage, and you have a break down, while travelling in the USA, I gather AAA will look after you, as part of the BCAA plan. Does AAA provide good, and reasonably quick service to BCAA members, as they would their own members? Do they try and stick you for extra costs that would normally be covered under your BCAA plan, or anything else I should be forewarned about?

Thanks

[Lindsay_C]

We ran in to the AAA RV coverage problem in Maryland. They sent out two different tow trucks, neither of which was equipped to either install a spare on a 4-wheel Class B, or to haul it. By that time, the truck tire service place was closed. We limped to a PEP Boys where two guys got creative to lift it and repair the leaky valve stem. When I complained to AAA, I also was given a years membership. We were told that their RV coverage varies by district, and only covers 4-wheel vehicles. Ha! The other tidbit, calls for both my home AAA district, and the one we were in, were handled by a third district. Lots of time on hold during transfers. I'm now depending on GS Roadside for the 6-wheel B. Can't be worse.

[AlCar]

moisheh wrote:
There are many states where they do not provide coverage for an RV. There are really only 2 road service companies that can handle RV's anywhere in Canada and the USA: Good Sam and Coach Net. Does your road service give you unlimited mileage. If the nearest facility is 200 miles away will they tow you?

Moisheh

As far as AAA coverage is concerned, I had it and Good Sam at the same time. Did a little research and found that you would have to be extremely lucky to get a AAA Truck that knew how to deal with a RV (mine is a 30 ft Class A) when it came to towing, changing tires, etc. So, when renewal time came last month for AAA I cancelled the AAA RV coverage and continued my Good Sam coverage, thereby saving money. Many RVer's I know have had AAA and cancelled it because of these issues.

[bsinmich]

The problem is that AAA varies from one state to the next. Not all states offer the same RV coverage. My AAA sales person/friend warned me of this and suggested Coach-Net or GS.

[garyhaupt]

Thanks for your input moisheh...I like my BCAA and have had no service complaints. Now, I have never had a problem in the US but I remain confident in my providers ability to service me.

As far as unlimited tow coverage for CN or GS...I am not so sure. And..I would also ask about what kind of roads that coverage would apply to. Only paved or...? BCAA Premier RV is 320k's on any road as long as the driver can do 50kmh. I did my research before buying. There is no free lunch eh...and each provider does things differently. I am covered...not the vehicle. So, I can call for help for you, as long as I am present.


Gary Haupt

[moisheh]

One other thing to consider. Coach net costs $159.00 per year. This covers you and your spouse. I think GS may be a little cheaper. Coverage is for unlimited miles of towing. They will put a tech on the phone to try and help you. Or they can send a mobile mechanic. Also will make a service appointment for you. Both services have a list of suitable facilities. If you need a Cummins facility they know where to tow you. If you blew a tire they will send a tire service truck with a suitable tire ( you pay for the tire). All of you vehicles are covered including tow dollies. You and your wife are both covered. Mexico service is also provided. BCAA or any other province with CAA costs about $163.20 for the RV plus. To cover your wife she also needs the same coverage so the total is $326.40. Tow dollies are not covered. The online information for CAA is a little ambiguous. But you can go to the website and see some of the limitations. The double membership eliminates any potential savings.

Moisheh

[moisheh]

No matter what BC tells you if the AAA in a particular state does not provide RV coverage you will be SOL. Trying to save a few$$ will result in frustration. I did not check to see what type of RV the OP has but anyone with a large coach and a toad will have nothing but trouble. They will send some puny tow truck who will tell you he cannot do the job. Large class A's need a HDT with a wheel lift and a pro operator. Both Good Sam and Coach net have a large network of service providers with the correct equipment. If necessary they will even send a flatdeck semi if required. Do a search on he whole forum for AAA towing and read the results. There is no free lunch.

Moisheh

[ac_bill1]

Grenntreena, that is not good news..
AAA should seriously consider removing those towing companies from their roster, if they refuse service. Nice you got the years membership for free from BCAA, but still, it could cost you much more than that in certain circumstances.

[Greentreena]

I have BCAA plus RV, blew an RV tire in Western Washington. AAA tried to get a tow company to help but they all refused to attend. After some significant effort I got the tire changed. Once I got home to BC I called BCAA, they had no explaination and stated I should have got help. They ended up giving me the next years membership free. That was decent at least. I have added a few items to the RV in case I get stuck like this again.

[Community Alumni]

Gary, you got that right, Merry Christmas :C

... Eric

[garyhaupt]

PackerBacker wrote:
Call me paranoid but I carry two different emergency roadside coverage services. One is the coverage that comes as part of my regular rv insurance and the other is Good Sam's.

You get called LOTS of things on here....and paranoid is likely one of the politer ones.


Gary Haupt

[Community Alumni]

Call me paranoid but I carry two different emergency roadside coverage services. One is the coverage that comes as part of my regular rv insurance and the other is Good Sam's.

[garyhaupt]

moisheh wrote:
There are many states where they do not provide coverage for an RV. There are really only 2 road service companies that can handle RV's anywhere in Canada and the USA: Good Sam and Coach Net. Does your road service give you unlimited mileage. If the nearest facility is 200 miles away will they tow you?

Moisheh

Well, THAT put the fear into me, so I called BCAA. The coverage is ALL of North America. Period. If I am 200 miles from a service centre, that is where I am..they are still coming. And yes, they will tow me because I have 2 tows each @320 k's.


Gary Haupt

[moisheh]

There are many states where they do not provide coverage for an RV. There are really only 2 road service companies that can handle RV's anywhere in Canada and the USA: Good Sam and Coach Net. Does your road service give you unlimited mileage. If the nearest facility is 200 miles away will they tow you?

Moisheh

[garyhaupt]

ac bill wrote:
Thanks for the replies.
Great, sounds like I will be good to go, when travelling in the US. I was hoping that I wouldn't need to supplement it with another roadside assistance plan, just for trips down south.

Nice that you responded. Many do not. A further note about BCAA Premium, you can also get free passport pics. You need those for passage into the US, eh.


Gary Haupt