Is Good Sam Roadside Worth It for a Cross-Country RV Trip?

[scootsk]

Embarking on a cross country trip at the end of May. Approximately 10k miles. Would good Sam roadside assistance be worth it?

 

[twindman]

Depends on how big a gambler you are! I have always carried it. Had the trailer and truck towed in 2023 when fan broke. Have used the service one other time I think.

 

[twindman]

One other thing! When we bought the truck it came with tow insurance. We also had Good Sam and AAA. First year we had a bad shimmy at anything over 30 or so. Pulled in to an abandoned gas station along I-80 in Wyoming. Didn't know what was wrong so unhitched and went back to the highway. Before even getting on the highway started bouncing around so did an illegal u-turn and went back to the rig. Found a BIG bulge on the inside that I couldn't see looking at the tires unless I got on the ground and looked inside. It was a Saturday afternoon with a storm coming in. I called all 3 companies and none could come out except one that was a tire store. They said they could tow me in but store was closed so it would be Monday before I could get a tire!!!! So I put on the spare and drove home 1000 miles with no spare! Kind of worrisome!

 

[scootsk]

One other thing! When we bought the truck it came with tow insurance. We also had Good Sam and AAA. First year we had a bad shimmy at anything over 30 or so. Pulled in to an abandoned gas station along I-80 in Wyoming. Didn't know what was wrong so unhitched and went back to the highway. Before even getting on the highway started bouncing around so did an illegal u-turn and went back to the rig. Found a BIG bulge on the inside that I couldn't see looking at the tires unless I got on the ground and looked inside. It was a Saturday afternoon with a storm coming in. I called all 3 companies and none could come out except one that was a tire store. They said they could tow me in but store was closed so it would be Monday before I could get a tire!!!! So I put on the spare and drove home 1000 miles with no spare! Kind of worrisome!

What’s horror story. So all the roadside assistance is only good Monday-Friday?

 

[ChuckS]

You would be much better off ( if physically able ) to carry generally needed tools and jack and such for a flat tire, etc.... I have not used any road side service in over 50 years of RVing... I am prepared with spare wet bolts and bushings, spare wheel bearings, etc...

Some have had great luck using road side service outfits and others have not... I ain't gonna sit on the side of the road for hours on end with a blown tire ... I will change it myself in about 30 minutes or less and then get a new tire either while on the way to destination or wherever I can find a place that has RV tires I want...

 

[scootsk]

You would be much better off ( if physically able ) to carry generally needed tools and jack and such for a flat tire, etc.... I have not used any road side service in over 50 years of RVing... I am prepared with spare wet bolts and bushings, spare wheel bearings, etc...

Some have had great luck using road side service outfits and others have not... I ain't gonna sit on the side of the road for hours on end with a blown tire ... I will change it myself in about 30 minutes or less and then get a new tire either while on the way to destination or wherever I can find a place that has RV tires I want...

I am quite handy and can do all if the things listed. My concern is the bigger issues and the tow coverage for the RV if necessary. I was just wondering if good Sam is a solid choice.

 

[ahdmeyer]

agree with everyone on their thoughts. i can also change a tire and many other small things that may occur during my travels. I do all maintenance every spring on greasing and checking bearings and torquing all suspension bolts checking air pressures etc. the one i am most concerned with is suspension problems. broken welds on hangers and one time lost a wet bolt. i do carry a extra hanger and wet bolts but still need a mobile welder or sometimes help when the wet bolt came loose. i do carry good sam roadside also. never have had to use it yet, mine is now due and will be renewing it soon. just my thoughts

 

[Carl n Susan]

Coach Net seems to be a popular choice over anything Good Sam.

 

[Mikendebbie]

After reading the reviews and experiences of lots of folks on IRV2, I changed from Good Sam to CoachNet a couple of months ago. I have never needed roadside assistance in the Montana (knock on wood!) but did not want to be without a service if we are traveling in the motorhome - so both rigs are on Coach Net now.

 

[BB_TX]

Early in buying the Monty I did not get an ERS because my F350 warranty covered my truck. I had a cam sensor fail on I-40 outside OKC and stranded on the side of the interstate. Called Ford ERS and found out my ERS service had expired because I was past the mileage limit. But they put me in contact with an OKC towing service they contracted with. Called that service and they sent two trucks out, one a pickup with 5th wheel hitch, the other a roll back tow truck. One towed the trailer ((and me) to the local KOA where we had reservations, parked it in my assigned site, waited while I hooked up power, and took me to the Ford dealer. The tow truck took my truck, wife, and two granddaughters to that Ford dealer. Ford warranty did cover the repair and provide a rental so minimal interruption to our trip.

Found out later that Ford ERS was actually provided by Coach-Net (at that time). I was so impressed I immediately signed up with Coach-Net upon returning home. But never had to use it again.

So that was one time in 14 years. Worth it? I would say so just for peace of mind. I didn’t have to start googling to find someone who would take care of both the truck and trailer as I would have otherwise.

 

[bsdf200]

I have AAA Plus and have used them for a tire blowout, but have not had to have them tow the truck and 5th wheel yet. I have had them for a car tow had no problem.

 

[laverdur]

Good Sam took care of a broken spring on my Monty in a roadside rest area. Although it has just gotten more expensive for 5ers and motor coaches, I think it is still a good value and the peace of mind is worth it.

 

[Mikelff]

Check your RV insurance and/or your truck insurance. You may already be covered for roadside assistance. They may not cover the cost of a new tire but cover the cost of a tow, or roadside assistance. Often times when your rv is attached to your truck, your rv is covered by your truck insurance, so double check that. If you want clarification, contact your insurance agent for specific coverages. When I first bought my 5er, I got the separate roadside assistance package which covered the cost of a tow, new tire, as well as my rims if they were to be damaged. I was a new owner and wanted the peace of mind getting started that whatever might happen, I was covered and could get help. I used it three times in five years, so I got my moneys worth. Luckily, I didn’t have to wait more than an hour to an hour and a half for help. If you have the tools and ability to do the tire changes or repairs yourself, you can save some money and time by doing it yourself. Just be prepared.

 

[bsdf200]

Good Sam took care of a broken spring on my Monty in a roadside rest area. Although it has just gotten more expensive for 5ers and motor coaches, I think it is still a good value and the peace of mind is worth it.

How did they take care of it? Did they repair it?

 

[Mark77]

I had Goos Sam a couple of years ago and called them with a hitch problem... Another story, but after going around and around with them about what I needed to tow for 20 minutes I left my wife on the phone with them to figure out our location and I got on her phone and quickly solved the problem myself. I guess I am in the corner of paying for anything myself if I can get it arranged vs paying for something I might use someday. Guess that is true with any kind of insurance... you have to decide what your risk tolerance is.

 

[laverdur]

How did they take care of it? Did they repair it?

Sorry for the delayed response. They replaced both springs on that axle.