Found out difference in Roadside Assistance providers

[timberloft]

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.

[Alfred622]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[skipnchar]

Why are you carrying spare tires that can't be used :H

[rode2nowhere]

Honestly I am surprised coachnet mounted the new tire without a fee, interesting though.