Roadside Assistance

[Road_Runners]

I have had Good Sam Roadside Assistance for the past four years. In that time, I have called them for assistance twice. Once was to change a flat tire in the hot summer sun. The other instance was when we were in the need of a tow. Both times, things occurred that ended in our not getting Good Sam's assistance.

During the flat tire incident we were in Georgia on I-95 and in sight of exit 42. I called and told the Good Sam representative that we were southbound and stopped on the shoulder of I-95 in Georgia. I told them we were just north of exit 42. After a looong wait and several phone calls we found that the assistance vehicle was at exit 42 in South Carolina. I was so frustrated I canceled the request and changed the tire myself.

The next instance when I called Good Sam we were on US HWY 280 in Alabama. We were about five miles southeast of Alexander City, AL. We needed a tow as the engine would not start. We wanted a tow to the Ford garage in Alexander City. We were told that it would be a couple of hours for the tow truck to arrive and they would tow us to a Pep Boys, which was some 50 miles away. They would not tow us to the Ford garage five miles down the road. We opted to get our own tow to the Ford garage.

That is our experience with Good Sam Assistance. I am now wrestling with whether or not to renew it.

Does anyone have a recommendation for other companies who offer such roadside service? Or, perhaps enlighten me on how to summon help with tire changes and towing in some other manner. I used to change tires myself, but now that I am 77 I would rather pay for such things.

[blkdodge]

. I have GS, broke down 35 miles south of flagstaff Az, 33 miles back was a small Indian Reservation town called Cameron. GS wanted to tow me to Cameron because it was closer. Problem was you would have to 6 miles south to get another exit then 6 miles back..now I'm no math wizz but that's 10 miles farther. It cost me $214.00 to go where I wanted. Tow driver also stated GS is pretty slow in paying the tow bills. Next time getting ready to pull out DW notices Truck tire going down. I call GS, we will send someone right out.. 1 hr passes, he's on his way.. 2 hr passes he's still on his way.. 3 hr passed (you guess it) still not here.

Finally after 3hr 19 min. He calls and wants me to measure between the top of the tire and the fenderwell..I won't bore you with all the conversation. But this idiot shows up with no jack, only a 4-way lug wrench. By now I'm well into hour #4 and have had more than enough. I words I can't use here, (which would make for a better story) I kicked them out because they could not do the job. Then GS calls and says "so we hear you refused service". It's now 10:30 pm, and I lost it. I used the words that I can't on here and had the lady on the other end speechless. In the end I apologized to her because it was not her fault. She understood and said she would put them on the don't call list..

There was a lot more that went on between me and the idiot they sent out..I think back and have to laugh.

[the1adman]

My experience with Good Sam has not been favorable either. I will not be renewing with them. They spelled my name wrong even though its 5 letters is spelled like it sounds and I spelled it out for them. The bigger problem is I have called them 5 times and emailed 3 times and been assured they would fix it each time. I have even spoken with a supervisor twice. Yet everything I get in the mail from them (a lot by the way) including my membership renewals has my wrong name. I feel as though if they can't even handle something as simple as this, I have low confidence one of their employees will get a tow truck to me in the middle of no where. The more I read reviews about Good Sam road side service on here the less confidence I have in them.

[pyoung47]

I have had AARP for many years. I had never had a claim until I ruined a tire on my truck, and if decided to let them change it. After about four hours of wrangling, they were unable to find a provider. This was in my driveway, ten miles from the MO state capital. I did it myself. Now the next time I have a problem, and they fail to respond, it is my fault, since I didn't cancel their sorry xxx.

[Dave_H_M]

Have you considered your parent ins company. I have always used USAA, only needed a tow once, but service was excellent.

[MO_Trout_Bum]

We used GS about three weeks ago, out in rural southwestern Missouri to replace two blowouts. Wait was 90 minutes or so, and they eventually got the job done. We were more than a bit surprised when a guy with an old pickup showed up to do the job. Dismounted/mounted two tires on our fifth wheel rims BY HAND using tire irons and other hand tools. It was pitch dark out and he only had a little light on the side of his truck to help caution other drivers. Very scary situation, however I have to say his skills were pretty impressive, and you couldn't ask for a nicer guy. Still wonder if this is a "typical" scenario though.

[gdweb]

haven't seen anyone mention aarp roadside. i've had it for 6 years, never used it though. do have the rv add on also, is aarp thru allstate (if i remember right) a bad one that i should get away from?

[nohurry]

I don't bother with any of the ERS companies. I have ERS, and towing on my insurance policy for truck, and TT. Very reasonably priced add-ons. Thankfully, we've never needed it yet. But If I ever do, I must be prepared to summon help on my own, pay out of pocket, and then get reimbursed. Hmm...sounds familiar. maybe we're not so bad off after all.

[dshizzel]

In 2009, we were about 15 miles eastbound out of Albuquerque when the RAM's fuel sensor failed, causing complete failure. AAA towed us first to the campground we'd left where we unhitched the 5'er, and then, to a local diesel shop (it was on a Sunday, so they were closed), and then gave me a ride back to the CG.

I was so happy, I tipped the driver $20. I'll always keep my AAA RV coverage.

[PawPaw_n_Gram]

As a campground host at a couple remote locations - I've seen good and bad from both CoachNet and Good Sam and AAA. All three used the same towing companies/ operators.

Here in Texas - remote locations have gotten more difficult because the state of Texas requirements on tow operations - not because of the Roadside Assistance company.

I've also become well educated in the different levels of roadside assistance from GS, CoachNet and AAA.

For a towable - you really need the Platinum, Premium level of service from the roadside assistance company. And I would highly recommend that top level also for coaches.

I've seen two tow trucks come into the campground within an hour of each other.

One to change a tire on a 5th wheel. He found damage to the brakes from the blowout. He was dispatched by CoachNet - and would not work on the brakes or tow. The person had CoachNet Standard/ lowest cost - level of Roadside Assistance.

The other tow truck was to deal with a blowout on a TT - GS Platinum+ - he offered the owner two options - he could arrange for a flatbed to tow the TT to a service location - 78 miles away - or he could arrange through GS to send a RV tech out from 30 miles away to work on the brakes.

BTW the tow trucks/ drivers were from the same towing company.

We had a Class A get a windshield cracked after some kids threw some rocks. Had the standard level CoachNet which came with the new Class A. Their best help was the RV tech recommended not try to drive the Class A and to call their insurance company.

They also tried to sell him the higher level of coverage/ service - but it would not include coverage for the already reported event.

Saying Good Sam or CoachNet is good or bad doesn't really tell the story. Need to say which level of plan you have.

Coach-Net Towable Plans

Coach-Net Motorized Plans

GoodSam Plans

Also be aware of who really provides the roadside assistance service

Good Sam -

Benefits and services provided by Americas Road & Travel Club, Inc. for Members residing in Alaska, Alabama, Utah and Virginia; and by Affinity Road & Travel Club, LLC for Members residing in all other States.

Coach-Net -

Benefits and services provided by National Motor Club-RV, Inc. except in California where benefits and services are provided by National Motor Club of California, Inc. and in Massachusetts where benefits and services are provided by National Motor Club-Group Services, Inc.

[Justaguy]

I'll give my two cents worth. We needed GS twice last Summer. I mean we REALLY needed them. Both times the operator gave me a list of what she couldn't do for us. After hearing this I had her cancel my request for help and called around for assistance. In that instance I submitted my bill and GS ERS reimbursed me the full amount. In the other instance we were stranded on the side of I-25 in WY and the intercooler hose blew on my truck. Same operator -- same non caring list of what GS couldn't do. Again, I told her never mind (which she was very happy to hear) and got out there with duct tape. 45 minutes later we were limping down I -25 for a couple of hours until we got into a Ford dealership. I am thankful we were not traveling at night or after the business hours. So, GS ERS, good or bad? You be the judge.

[8ntw8tn]

I have CoachNet. I've used them three times so far, twice for changing a tire and once for a tow. Though I wanted to be towed to the next town on our route they explained (correctly) that they towed to the nearest repair facility. That happened to be a town we'd already traveled through. Still, it was a 45 mile tow with both the truck and 5er, and CoachNet covered the entire bill; nearly $600. Each time I've called them they've advised me about when the assistance would be arriving, and have called back to make sure it did arrive on time. One thing that struck me as I was researching tow services was that CN claims that service providers must pass certain knowledge and equipment requirements in order to be placed on their list of providers. It appears that CN develops a qualified list of providers they can contact when a client reports a given problem. This includes technicians who are available for over-the-phone assistance on appliances, etc. So far, I've not used this service. GS may have the same requirements but it did not show up when I was doing my research about 4 years ago. I have had no experience with Good Sam ERS. Hope this helps.

[john_bet]

We have used GS twice. Once for a non RV tow and once for an RV tow 25 miles west of Glendive,MT. Both were accomplished. My membership is still active.

[C-Bears]

My full timers through Progressive has "road service & towing" added. My F350 has it included. We also added it through our insurance coverage to our other vehicles. Some of those coverages are free.

If you really feel the need to get some type of special RV Roadside Assistance package just make sure you are not buying something that you may actually already be covered for.

[jmtandem]

Reply is partially correct, but also *incorrect*.

Correct:
Many tow operators contract with several Motor Clubs, whether they are located in rural or urban areas.
So - no matter which one you have you may get the same contract operator for your ERS.

The service you receive -*anywhere*- is also dependent on the work load of the contract tow service at the time, other contracts the operator may have, etc.


Incorrect:
If your ERS does *not* have a contract with a towing company in the area where you need service, you may be in for a long wait - or you may need to find your own provider - - and pay "upfront" - which can be expensive!.
That specifically applies to AAA in some parts of the USA.
(It's not a national network)

Depending on how your ERS handles that situation, you may have to furnish receipts -and be patient- for reimbursement.

Note:
GS, CN, etc. are "Motor Clubs".
Their "product" (the ERS) is *underwritten* by the two or three national major road service providers.
That's not "secret" stuff - you can easily acquire that info, although it really doesn't make any difference.

Always be prepared with your membership in the "Dead Presidents" Motor Club or a CC.
Every tow operator is happy to accept those for towing or road service..

.

In some rural places there are not tow companies to choose from. That is all I was saying and if the same truck and often driver shows up what is the big difference if the truck can carry the tow vehicle that is somehow disabled and also tow a trailer? CC's are often good to carry with higher limits to get you to where you can get stuff fixed or spend the night in your RV somewhere not alongside the road. Then the fight begins to get reimbursed. And that is when we get to learn about the 'fine print'.