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Roadside Assistance Plans

Coach Net, Good Sam and more I am sure.  We haven't had the need for any of thise type of services ... Yet.  Some owners have maintenance/repair contracts (insurance) which fix most anythig that goes wrong.

What do folks have or recommend?  How much help are the roadside plans?

We re going to be on the road for about 7 months in 2015.  Some peace of mind is probably worth something.

Thanks,

Roger
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Roadside Assistance Plans

Reply #1 –
We also would appreciate hearing from those who have carefully evaluated and/or have had experience with the various plans. We have never felt the need to have one, but as our traveling increases it may be worthwhile to have one. Thanks in advance!
David and Carolyn Osborn
1995 U320C SE 40' Build 4726 Feb 1995
FMCA 147762
Motorcade 17186

Re: Roadside Assistance Plans

Reply #2 –
Roger,
A good roadside assistance plan is something I do not want to leave home without.  Over the years we have used these services many times, with personal vehicles as well as the RV's, simple problems (dead car battery) to major issues (motorhome trans problem while traveling).  Not only has it saved money (once a $750.00 tow charge) but gives us some degree of confidence and piece of mind that we can get help when needed.  There was one occasion when we sat on the roadside with a flat (second in two days) for 5 hours because the tire company that was supposed to come help decided they were two busy but did not tell anyone.  But during the wait, the roadside assistance person called every half hour to check on us and provide an update.  There is a lot of piece of mind knowing someone is aware of your predicament and is trying to help.  They may not always want to tow where I want to go but we have always been able to reach agreement.  We have had excellent service from both Good SAM's and Coach Net.  So my recommendation would be to "don't leave home without it".  Hope you find one that works for you.
Bill and Joyce, The House2 and Dashboard Pig III
2000 U320 4210 CAI (The House2)
Build # 5733
2019 F150 King Ranch FX4

Re: Roadside Assistance Plans

Reply #3 –
I also recommend having a roadside assistance plan. If you have a problem, while on the road, it is someone you can call, wherever you are, and they can find someone who can help.
Eric & Nancy
1999 36 Ft. U320 WTFE
2016 GMC Terrain

Re: Roadside Assistance Plans

Reply #4 –
Coach-Net "Basic" plan is $89, which includes a one-time $10 "application fee".  For about $7.50 a month - seems like a no-brainer to me.  Considering the outrageous prices the tow companies and "road-side" service outfits charge, if you EVER use your coverage, even just one time in your entire RV career, you have saved a bundle.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Surely, no age has been more fraught with insecurity than our own present time."

Re: Roadside Assistance Plans

Reply #5 –
We have used Coach Net for many years. Back two years ago in Oregon near Mt. Hood, we blew the hydraulic hoses when traveling. Coach net sent a flat bed wrecker to tow us to the Freightliner Dealer in Portsmouth, Oregon. They arranged for the oversized permits and handled the pilot car since that was required in Oregon. Imagine a 40 foot Foretravel on a flatbed, three men, a pilot car with driver, and a person going to secure the permits. We did not pay a single dime and have renewed our contract every year. Surprisingly, Coach Net knew from the start that the Foretravel could not be towed by conventional means without removing the generator door and driveshaft, so they elected to send out a flatbed service instead. Wonderful service. I have pictures if anyone want to see what this looked like. 
Bob & Kathy
2007 Nimbus
Full Timers
Retired Charter Bus Owner/Operator

Re: Roadside Assistance Plans

Reply #6 –
I had Coach-Net for many years, always were responsive.  Only times I called they were able to find a mechanic and my troubles were such that they could get me going on the side of the road.
Never had to be towed but I think that was a FT thing. That's how well they are built.
Gary B

Re: Roadside Assistance Plans

Reply #7 –
Quote from: bobnkathy –
I have pictures if anyone want to see what this looked like.

Please post the photos!  Everybody likes pictures, even of a "disabled" coach story, as long as it has a Happy Ending.

1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Surely, no age has been more fraught with insecurity than our own present time."

Re: Roadside Assistance Plans

Reply #8 –
Here are some of the photos when Coach Net sent a flat bed service to tow us from Mt. Hood, Oregon to Portsmouth, Oregon. Thank goodness for Coach Net.
Bob & Kathy
2007 Nimbus
Full Timers
Retired Charter Bus Owner/Operator

Re: Roadside Assistance Plans

Reply #9 –
we have an owner of a tow truck company in our motorhome chapter. 
they have a couple of those big tow trucks that can tow any vehicle. he
told me that when one of the big trucks arrive on the scene, the clock
starts ticking at $700.00 per hour. to me, that's a good reason to get coach-net.

Re: Roadside Assistance Plans

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Wayne Macauley –
we have an owner of a tow truck company in our motorhome chapter. 
they have a couple of those big tow trucks that can tow any vehicle. he
told me that when one of the big trucks arrive on the scene, the clock
start ticking at $700.00 per hour. to me, that's a good reason to get coach-net.

You are absolutely correct on the price. I did ask how much the tow would have been if I had to pay for it. I was told $6500 and that was what the tow company billed Coach Net. As he explained - one hour to get to your rig, two hours to secure it, three hours to drive it to repair, one hour to untie the rig, and four hours to return to the original yard where the tow truck came from. A total of 11 hours for one job. WOW!
Bob & Kathy
2007 Nimbus
Full Timers
Retired Charter Bus Owner/Operator

Re: Roadside Assistance Plans

Reply #11 –
Thanks for the feedback!

It does seem like pretty inexpensive insurance for the things it covers.  You are still going to have to pay to get it fixed but that is expected. 

It sounds like Coach-Net is preferred over Good Sam.  I'll check them both out.

Roger
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Roadside Assistance Plans

Reply #12 –
AARP includes roadside assist for free, and I can tell you from experience they send "whatever it takes". Plus, their insurance is cheap.
1994 U280, Build 4490
Deming, NM.

Re: Roadside Assistance Plans

Reply #13 –
Coach Net includes all your vehicles, which includes cars and motorcycles for me. 
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R
 

Re: Roadside Assistance Plans

Reply #14 –
Quote from: amos.harrison –
Coach Net includes all your vehicles, which includes cars and motorcycles for me.
The "Premier" Plan (which we have) covers all vehicles and drivers, all year round, plus a bunch of other "upgrades".  This is the higher priced option.

The "Basic" Plan (which I mentioned earlier) covers ONLY the RV and 1 primary driver.  This is the middle-priced option.

The "Limited" Plan (low priced option): Don't bother...
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Surely, no age has been more fraught with insecurity than our own present time."