Comparing Coach Net, Good Sam & FMCA Roadside Assistance Coverage

[cwswine]

I currently have FMCA road side but after reading that most of the FMCA members commenting here use other services I will be looking else where also.  I haven't had to use them yet so no comment on th quality of service.  

[kaypsmith]

I have not seen any negative comments on FMCA roadside, hope you never have to use it, but if you do, you can comment on how GOOD or how BAD it is. Actually I had AAA long before even knowing that FMCA existed. I saw the FMCA egg on a fellow camper's coach, didn't even get his name, but seemed to be a fine gentleman, that invited me to join. I did have "Not so Good Sam", and was very disappointed with response that I got from them, I already had AAA for my cars, so I called them for assistance with the current situation and as always got good results. For this reason, I called AAA the next day and upgraded to RV Plus Gold and have been happy with them. The experience that I wrote about with AAA, was not earthshaking, just a misunderstanding with the call center that night, they did keep in touch for several hours with updates. The tinker toy wrecker drivers did report correctly that my rig was a Motorhome, but they were the one that dropped the ball by telling me that would be back within the hour with an adequate tow truck,

[gwatson@capecod.net]

was about 5 yrs ago but CN came to cherry hill cg in md for a lock-out @ 05:00 one day.  i don't know if they still operate in md, but they did then.

[hermanmullins]

Have had Coach Net since we began RVing. Have had good results the few time I have needed them. In my opinion they are all good but each have their bad points. The one bad point that I see is coverage (aka network of providers). Though I have never had AAA, I see them is having the best coverage across the country. Only because they have been around for so long. The first time I called Coach Net due to a blow out they responded very quickly. The problem was that their tire service provider was 45 miles away and it was on Wednesday afternoon before Thanksgiving. He was on the south side of Dallas, we were 35 miles north of Dallas and it was 4:30 PM. He would have been 4 hours minimum. I called and canceled the call and had my local tire shop (3 miles away and a friend) come switch some tires around and I was able to drive to their shop for repair, 45 minutes tops. And Coach Net sent me a check to cover the service. 

As I said they all are good but Coverage is the biggest draw bark.

Hope all had a Safe Labor Day.

Please say a prayer for all the folks effected by Harvey.

Herman

 

[manholt]

Herman.  Amen to that.   X2!

[five]

7 hours ago, hermanmullins said:

.... Though I have never had AAA, I see them is having the best coverage across the country. Only because they have been around for so long....

Please say a prayer for all the folks effected by Harvey.

Herman

 

AAA is a good company and they might have the best coverage, but there are quite a few instances of them sending a truck way too small to tow a DP and/or a driver who does not know how to prep the drive shaft for towing.

[dneeld52]

I've had Coach Net for about 5 years and unfortunately have had our 1996 Newmar towed twice.  Both times they were excellent, and the tow trucks were large and the drivers were experienced.  My only complaint is that every year on your renewal date, you get a new customer # !!!  For us old timers that like to keep records in the RV current, it requires a source of "white out".

Damian Neeld

Carmel, IN

[sundancev]

Recently, my Good Sam roadside assistance was due for renewal.  My only experience in 7 years with GS was a flat tire at a Walmart Store in Charlotte NC,.  First words from GS rep when I called was, please give me a credit card number for billing.  I told the rep, I had GS, why did I need a credit card number.  She was not very clear as to reason other than a vague comment about needing to do more than change the tire.  After reading a couple of forum posting recently about poor service while people were on the road, I decided to research road side service  a little further.  I read about guy in the Keys who needed service and was towed to a site alongside of the road to wait for a boat mechanic for hours and then told a $4,000 fuel pump may be needed and he could not guarantee that would fix the problem.  The motor home owner simply said why can't you tow me to a Cummins or Freightliner dealer in Miami.  Similar stories to this were posted on reviews so I called GS and quoted these stories back to them and they indicated the stories may be true, that they simply try to find a local mobile rv guy to come fix the problem.  I asked it that were so and the guy was not capable of any kind of heavy duty repair, wouldn't it make sense to tow them to a place that could do the work rather than waste hours and in some cases a day or more along side a busy road waiting for a moble rv repair guy to show up and be ill equipped or qualified to help.  The GS rep explained they tried to ask the moble rv repair guys in advance if they thought they could take care of a given situation.  The GS rep said sometimes the mobile rv guys say they can do something and when they actually get there find out they cannot.   Another situation was a couple who sat alongside the Interstate for hours because the cheap guy GS called decided it was to late at night to come.  The rv owner supposedly ended up calling a neaby truck stop who sent someone over immediately.  Again, when I mentioned that to the GS rep, she said it could happen that way at times even though no one wanted it to happen.  So, after hearing this I called AAA who charges much more and asked them the same questions, and their answer was they really relied on the RV owner to suggest where it might be best to tow them.  They thought RV owners had much better knowledge than the rep on the phone.  The downside of course with AAA is the annual membership for an RV is more and limited I think to 200 miles max towing distance.  I opted for the AAA after thinking about it.  The GS rep appeared to come across as straight forward and honest about how they would do things and said they thought they were comptitive with other auto clubs performance.  I suspect they are but not good enough for me and my needs.  I think GS and other similar outfits could do a much better job on explaining what actually happens and can happen when you have a need for their services  For the one instance I used GS, I was initially disappointed in their request for my credit card info when all I wanted was my flat tire aired up and checked which I thought was a GS advertised event. I actually knew the problem to begin with (new tire with improper valve core used with tire balance material {equal}.)   The Goodyear mobile tire guy understood the problem immediately also and changed all 4 valve cores so it worked out ok and price was appropriate for the job.  I asked the GS rep, if the cost of filling the tires with air would be as expensive as having to tow me back to their shop, and she indicated she understood the point I was making but they thought their policy was competitive with the other auto clubs.  Hope this long dissertation helps someone.  Everyone has to make their own choice.  Because we travel extensively each year, we just felt AAA was much more professional in their approach and has the stellar reputation for our lifestyle.  GS may be appropriate for some folks.

[hayesfamily]

Since my last comment I have had the unfortunate task of callings GS on 2 occasions and both scared me a bit. They were both Lock outs on the Toad and I used the APP on android phone to tell them my location and get numbers to call. 

The first time I talked to the Rep, told them I was in Atlanta, explained where I was and gave the address (Actually Stone Mountain ) but never the less I gave them address, coordinates and zip, They sent the lock smith to my home address and said it was my fault! OH wait - They couldnt fine me in the system either. 

The second time the DW locked keys in the Toad at the house and the app gave them an address what didn't exist, but after talking to the lock guy he figured out where we were. He unlocked the running car and life was fine. 

I say that to say GS has its issues but for $79 a year its almost better than nothing. It has paid for itself a few times over and I dont complain ... but my concern is what if I have an issues with the Coach! I need them to get that right the first time especially with us starting to actually travel unfamiliar roads, new Towns, and in places where cell coverage is minimal. 

I am actually considering after my 2 years to open a CC just for coach emergencies and be done with towing services all together. If I can make a phone call and get the internet, I can get a tow truck to come out faster if I am paying cash or card quicker than GS could get them with all the negotiations and price stuff they deal with. When you think about it, is it really gonna cost me $3000 for a quick tow to a truck stop or campground? If I have the Jeep, as long as I can get to a parts store or Ford dealer I can get parts or best yet, someone can fix it rather quick at a truck stop and I am back on my way. At $250 lets say an hour and $5 a mile, if it takes 3 hours and 10 miles your looking at $800 + repair. IF you have to do this maybe once every 10 years (Hope Never) that comes out cheaper than the $150 a year for Coach Net or AAA + cost of the repair. 

Ok, so they offer lock out service, A Lock Smith for a simple lock out is $50 if your have cash
If you need a tire change or a Tire in most cases, your paying for the tire ANYway so  --- GS AAA and Coach Net are just putting you in touch with a local guy. 

Its almost as bad as Auto insurance, you end up paying into this large pot so when something happens you have money to cover, but when it comes to getting coverage or filing a claim, they want to offer and pay minimal but your pocket is taxed the Maximum. 
 

[huskydriver]

Just started with a used Discovery and have GS, FMCA Assist, and Safeco. Haven't had to use them (yet) so no idea which is best, however the Assist gave me access to a live technician who helped me through the "Low Air" problem (sensor) and an electrical guy to help me figure out where the slide out control board was located so I could disconnect it after it decided that the slide should be closed and did it on it's own. I could hear a click as it kept trying to close the slide all the while  tripping the resettable circuit breaker (bump, trip, stop, reset, bump.....) but had no idea where it was hidden. The tech assist alone (if you are mechanically/electrically inclined) is worth the $109 the FMCA charges. for all the other stuff one of the three should "hopefully" get me out of the situation I get into.

cheers,

Clay 

[manholt]

Clay.

Welcome to the Forum!  What make, model and year coach do you have?  If you list under your name, we can help you easier in the event something else goes wrong...it will !

[BillAdams]

I have had the GS Road Service for several years.  I have had my Prevost towed twice and my car towed once due to a belt coming off the engine.  I have never had an issue, I have been taken directly to a service center that could handle the repairs and I have never paid a dime.

[wayne77590]

I was towed once using GS and the tow was 40 miles. GS didn't even blink.  I asked the tow operator what it would have cost me and he replied that it would about $750.

Also, Clay, you can call Cummins or Freightliner 24/7 and they will answer your questions to try and get you back on the road.

[steve56]

On 2/26/2016 at 6:12 AM, manholt said:

You can get all the info on FMCA Roadside Assistance program by clicking on FMCA Main Site, Benefits! After reading everything, I came to the conclusion that it's best suited for Class A Gas (up to 34'), B and C (gas). Not a DP, unless it's a 32'! Way to many disclaimers and restrictions for $109 per yr.!

I will stay with CN.

GS was fantastic when they had one price fits all,,, But back then a 36' was a monster RV!

2

Posted January 20, 2016

Have had both GS and CN. No bad experience with either. Only heard that FMCA has a towing caveat.

Thanks for the info, I went to read the fine disclaimer print and didn't see any. Could you point a link to us on these limits. We planned to get the roadside assistance Nov. 1st. That is why we joined FMCA.I assume you are speaking of  VAS and SafeRide Motor Club.

(Up to 34') would be a deal breaker for us we are 37'  

 

 

[manholt]

Your talking 18 months + ago....have not looked since, but will next week!

[ispjs]

On ‎10‎/‎2‎/‎2017 at 4:51 AM, BillAdams said:

I have had the GS Road Service for several years.  I have had my Prevost towed twice and my car towed once due to a belt coming off the engine.  I have never had an issue, I have been taken directly to a service center that could handle the repairs and I have never paid a dime.

I had read numerous posts, mostly old ones about the different road service plans.  It certainly looked like there were complaints with all of them but many were/are satisfied with GS's service.  I was going to wait a few months before getting one because I will have it on my insurance coverage plus it comes on a new coach (for mechanic breakdown covered by warranty).  I would just be taking a chance if I ran over something and damaged a tire.  

Got an envelope from GS a couple days ago and almost threw it away.  Get junk from them all the time wanting me to buy this and buy that.  This was a free one year Roadside Service Platinum Membership.  The letter said something about being a longtime good customer....blah....blah.....Guess I will give them a try this year after all.

[bobbyks]

I have good sam road service but after mechanical problems last week in Manchester, TN  I am thinking about not renewing. Short story, I had air pressure problems before leaving campground called GS , it took them one hour to locate someone , when questing GS about the qualifications they told me it was a wrecker service, this raised a flag . The quoted rates would be $85 hour from the time he received a ok plus service call, when ask GS about the company background they could not say. Ronnie in KOA Manchester came by and gave me two local contacts, the first never return my call the second J & W Repair answered my call and was at my site within 30 min located the problem with a rear rv and air regular he located parts and had me on my way less than three hours for a total cost of $351. Wyatt Nettles who came to my site is the owner of the company and if you are ever in this area and need mechanical service give him a call at 931-728-1583. When I retuned home I looked up information about the company GS recommended, the were wrecker service and had  a poor BBB rating and a lot of complaints. It is apparent GS does not have a qualified list of service companies

 

 

[manholt]

If I'm in the Baton Rouge or Gonzales area with a problem, I'll contact you first..

[bobbyks]

Carl C, feel free to call. If anyone traveling thru Baton Rouge and seeking drive in service, I recommend The RV Shop  on Choctaw DR., owned and operated by the Vincent Family.

 

[jleamont]

I gave up on roadside assistance programs. With technology today its like tossing good money out the window. Companies like the ones mentioned above contract the cheapest vendors they can find (often its less than decent vendors that have no work due to their reputation), then beat them for cheaper rates. To amplify the problem, when these less than par vendors see the phone number on their phone they often wont answer it unless at a convenient time for them. Even they don't want to handle calls for these companies that pay so little.

You might have to call a few in an area to get someone willing to work on a motorhome as most shops cant stand coaches due to the way some manufactures pack stuff in they are often almost impossible to work on.

Here is a website that might help anyone.

https://www.truckdown.com/

 

 

[bestdl1]

I am new Rver and while driving from Florida to Torrance California in my new rig I had a small issue, but at the time it was an emergency to me. --- My rear tires needed air (76 psi instead of 82) so I drove to a gas station, only to find out I could not put air due to the air valves being behind the hub cap. I was taking air out instead of putting it in --- tried many times, but I just couldn't do it. I called "Good Sam" (first time using it) and all I heard is what they "couldn't" do. I asked for their assistance in sending someone to help me put air in my tires and they proceeded to tell me that the first tire is free and the others I needed to pay. I called my dealer specialist, but he just said to play with the valve. --- Being a newbie and driving a vehicle that you know nothing about it is very intimidating. I called a local shop who told me to go to a Loves Truck shop, that they would help me. I did! And I am happy to report, that even though they do not work with RV's, they had to removed the hup caps and then they were able to inflate my tires.  --- I don't feel confortable with God Sam's membership. Before my next trip I will do my research and use the one with the right attitude and sense of urgency from their members. 

[elkhartjim]

I've had both Coachnet and Good Sams and I've had good and bad experiences with both. I truly believe it has everything to do with the person at the respective company that takes your call. 

[thezafts]

It is not a lifetime contract, you don't like what you have, switch. Yes, you may loose a few dollars!

[ronitom]

Had the first use of the FMCA Roadside Assistance program as my Cat pusher was overheating on our Michigan trip.  Upon calling the assistance number, I basically got a reading of the local phone book which I could have done on google.  None of the referenced contacts would provide assistance.  Several of them were strictly travel trailer sales places with no mechanic help at all.  Ended up limping home!  It could have been that my inexperience with requesting roadside assistance that fell short but I found the whole experience far short of what I would have expected and thought I paid for!  We will see how the near future goes with FMCA.

[manholt]

ronitom. Welcome to the Forum!

Did you find out why your CAT was overheating?  What size and year CAT ?