Roadside Assistance Towing vs Actual Assistance??

[stugpanzer]

I have Good Sam Roadside Assistance and I also have Roadside Assistance from my auto insurance.

I had an incident where a clamp broke on the Intercooler to the Turbo on my diesel truck. If I would have had a spare clamp I could have fixed the issue within 30 minutes or less.

I called both of my roadside assistance numbers and asked them if they could just put me in contact with a mechanic or someone to get a clamp to my location and both said they only can dispatch a tow. It was a Sunday and so I didn't think any shops would be open so I had to go with a tow. I was just over 400 miles from my destination and so after waiting about two and a half hours the tow arrived. We asked to be towed to a Ford Dealer as my truck is a Ford F250 and I figured if I couldn't fix it then we might have to leave it there. There was an Autozone nearby and I was able get my truck running with some clamps I found there.

My question is; is there a roadside assistance whereby you can get someone that can help you repair your issue? I know they are available for big rigs but perhaps its too cost prohibitive for just the average person. Does AAA offer such a service?

After this incident it occurred to me that I could have called Autozone or any other nearby car parts store and asked if they would deliver a part and will keep that in mind if I ever have to deal with something similar.

I did capture the incident with my dashcam. The following video does have some cussing so consider yourself warned!

Ford Power Stroke 6.0L Intercool Boot Clamp Failure

[stugpanzer]

Kayteg1 wrote:
I just read on this forum few days ago how one of the members drove with intercooler pipe disconnected and towing horse trailer.
Engine will have less HP, but it will run just fine.
I doubt you will find roadside assistance that actually will try to fix the car.
Mercedes is having free roadside assistance for life for MB owners, yet those guys don't even carry OBD scanners. They carry fuel, will give you a jump, install YOUR spare or replace the battery, but next step is towing.

Yea I thought about doing the same but was concerned for the turbo to spin too fast and possibly get damaged. I was probably too cautious.

[Kayteg1]

I just read on this forum few days ago how one of the members drove with intercooler pipe disconnected and towing horse trailer.
Engine will have less HP, but it will run just fine.
I doubt you will find roadside assistance that actually will try to fix the car.
Mercedes is having free roadside assistance for life for MB owners, yet those guys don't even carry OBD scanners. They carry fuel, will give you a jump, install YOUR spare or replace the battery, but next step is towing.