FMCA Roadside Rescue problem

RJW

RJW

Well-known member
Dec 23, 2005
1,631
108
63
SE Michigan
palmbeachgmc.com
OK I am happy with the direction that FMCA is going. I did however have a problem when I attempted to use their new FMCA Roadside Rescue.

Back in May, I was traveling in my GMC from the Air Force Museum to the Eastern State's work rally at Blane & Diane Merril's place. Great hosts!
Great time!

Anyway, I decided to stop at a Meijer's on the northwest side of Dayton, not far from the museum to get some supplies for the rally. Before going
into the store I used my FMCA sponsored Verizon MIFI to get online and check messages and do some work. There are still some issues with that deal I
have to get resolved.

Anyway I went in the store and got my stuff and went back to the coach. Tried to start it and realized starting battery was dead. That's happen
before with the old battery, so went to battery boost and nothing but a click. Crap the house battery bank is too low to help start the 455! I'd been
having problems with that end too.

So I thought, hey I have FMCA Roadside Rescue and I should give them a call. So I did, and after giving the agent all the info he said he would have
someone call soon to let me know the arrangements. Cool! So I waited about an hour and no call. I called Roadside Rescue back and after a time was
told they were having problems finding someone to come out and give me a jump start. Really??? Agent tells me to wait a bit and they would call me
back. This time I got a call back about 15 minutes later with the news the closest service provider was about 45 minutes to an hour away (from the
opposite side of Dayton). So I begrudgingly said OK. Then I realized that I was at Meijers and that they sell batteries. Called Roadside Rescue to
cancel the service. Got my tools out. Removed the battery (had to remove the grill) put it in a shopping cart, went in the store and picked out the
best starting battery they had, gave them my old battery, paid and went back to the coach and did the install. Took me about 45 minutes total time.
Then I got a text from the provider that he was running late and wouldn't be there for another half hour. Texted him back to "forget it".

I'm sure I could have found someone in the parking lot who could have jump started me. I have no idea why was it going to take hours for Roadside
Rescue to come to me for a just a jump start? This was on a nice day, after rush hour in an area close to a large city in Ohio. Surely there was
someone closer than the other side of Dayton.

I am happy that I still have 2 other Roadside Service/Towing plans beside the new FMCA Roadside Rescue.
--
Richard
76 Palm Beach
SE Michigan
www.PalmBeachGMC.com


Coop Roller Cam 455, Howell TBI + EBL, 3.42 FD, Quadra Bag, Macerator, Manny Tranny etc.
 
Very similar experience with Good Sam several years ago. Ran out of gas on the side of a highway entering a largish city in PA. Called and got
shuffled around for an hour as they tried to find someone to bring gas to an RV... like the gas they were bringing me was somehow different than the
gas every tow company would bring to every other gas vehicle. After an hour, I walked to the next exit, bought a gas can and gas. Three hours later I
got a call from a company 2 hours away from the original spot that said he could get there in 4 hours. Cancelled the policy immediately. Outside of
catastrophic long-distance towing, I just can't see how any of these services are worth the money.
--
Mike, GMCing since 2012
77 Palm Beach, 260, 403
Dublin, OH

http://teamteets.com/gmc/
 
> Very similar experience with Good Sam several years ago. Ran out of gas on the side of a highway entering a largish city in PA. Called and got
> shuffled around for an hour as they tried to find someone to bring gas to an RV... like the gas they were bringing me was somehow different than the
> gas every tow company would bring to every other gas vehicle. After an hour, I walked to the next exit, bought a gas can and gas. Three hours later
> I got a call from a company 2 hours away from the original spot that said he could get there in 4 hours. Cancelled the policy immediately.
> Outside of catastrophic long-distance towing, I just can't see how any of these services are worth the money.

You are right about "catastrophic long-distance towing" being the only reason to have plans like that. That is why I have multiple plans for the GMC.
I don't want to be stuck on the road with a $2,000 tow bill.

By the way I got a survey from FMCA on how I rated my roadside service and I related my story to them via the survey. I never heard back. I thought
someone would follow up with me.

--
Richard
76 Palm Beach
SE Michigan
www.PalmBeachGMC.com


Coop Roller Cam 455, Howell TBI + EBL, 3.42 FD, Quadra Bag, Macerator, Manny Tranny etc.
 
I have GOOD SAM auto club or whatever they call it.
I have had it since my SOB RV. Back then the service was ok. They showed concern and tried to get a truck out as soon as possible.
That was about 20 years ago. I have had off and on service calls to good same since, last one being 2 years ago.

That warm and fuzzy feeling when you talk to them, forget it, they lost it.

I had one problem where I needed a jump, and they told me to go into a closed building and have someone jump me.
I complained and that person was put through retraining.

My last call was monumental. I was broke down in my car in Lake bluff illinois. I called for help, the call shuffled around and landed on some
person who sounded new. He had to fire up his GPS computer to find me, which put me in CHICAGO. I kept telling him I am WAY up NORTH of CHICAGO in
Lake County at street such and such by street such and such, but he kept putting me back in CHICAGO.

He decided he knew where I was and was going to send a truck and hung up. My phone was going dead so I called the local police to tell them where I
was and that I was broke down. They sent a squad to check on me, then he tried calling GOOD SAM to see where my help was. He was on the phone a good
15 minutes, then looked at me as he hung up, and said he understood my frustration.

A truck finally did show up but said he only found me because GOOD SAM sent the to a McDonalds about a block away and he saw my emergency flashers in
the lot about half mile down the road.

After the to, the drivers get a cash payment for some reason, Good Sam doesn't cover it all, and he said the charge was $10 but Good Sam told him to
charge me $70.

I complained and heard NOTHING back from Good Sam.

I found out later that the tow companies have no connection with GOod Sam other than a contract to tow in a specific area. These companies are not
screened well and are hired with little rules or how to treat the customer. The tow company that helped me stopped serving Good Sam because they
didn't like how the customers were treated.

Sorrily, I still have Good Sam because I can't make heads or tails of these outfits anymore. They all seem to be in the same racket. When I find
something better, I plan to move over to them.
--
GatsbysCruise. \
74GMC260 Former Glacier Model style. \
Waukegan, Illinois \ Keep those MiniDiscs Spinning \ MY GREYHOUND IS FASTER THAN YOUR HONOR ROLL STUDENT \ WindowsXP-Win7-Win8.1-UBUNTU STUDIO -
UBUNTU VOYAGER - Berzin Auto Center
 
Sorry to hear about all of these problems with Good Sam and FMCA towing.
It's disheartening to hear of so many issues with these services.

Although my coach still hasn't moved, I upgraded my "AAA Plus" to "AAA
Plus RV". I don't know how AAA compares, but has anyone had steady
success with AAA or another service like Allstate, KOA or others?

-Dave
Near Pittsburgh, 1978 Transmode
 
I have AAA Premium with RV. They have towed my GMC twice with no charge to me either time. First was a short haul, maybe 10-13 miles to a shop and once about 50 miles to my driveway.

D C "Mac" Macdonald​
Amateur Radio K2GKK​
Since 30 November '53​
USAF and FAA, Retired​
Member GMCMI & Classics​
Oklahoma City, OK​
"The Money Pit"​
TZE166V101966​
'76 ex-Palm Beach​
k2gkk + hotmail dot com
________________________________
From: Gmclist on behalf of Dave Stragand
Sent: Wednesday, July 25, 2018 15:55
To: gmclist
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] FMCA Roadside Rescue problem

Sorry to hear about all of these problems with Good Sam and FMCA towing.
It's disheartening to hear of so many issues with these services.

Although my coach still hasn't moved, I upgraded my "AAA Plus" to "AAA
Plus RV". I don't know how AAA compares, but has anyone had steady
success with AAA or another service like Allstate, KOA or others?

-Dave
Near Pittsburgh, 1978 Transmode

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Some what related, no actual GMC content.
In the province of Ontario Canada, we have a roadside service provider called CAA (Canadian Automobile Association)
They are currently the roadside service provider for both my and my wife's vehicle.
Some neat things about their coverage. It doesn't matter what vehicle needs towing or a boost, as long as we are there with our plastic
CAA card we get the service.
My wife's car is getting unreliable eg won't start when the headlights are left on. the shift cable came off
at the transmission, she broke a wheel in a pot hole and a couple of other things.
When you call them, they give you an estimation of how long to get to you. About half way through the time they call you to check in
and to make sure you are OK. We've never needed them on a busy winter day when the wait time in Toronto can be 2 hours or
more. On a normal spring/summer/fall day the wait time is usually 30-40 minutes. There is not extra charge to us if we request
a flatbed/roll back. As my motorhome is currently out of service needing motor work I don't have an opportunity to test their RV
service. Some of their trucks may belong to CAA and some obviously don't. They also provide gas delivery, lock out service and on-site
battery sales if you know you need a new battery.
Do any others use CAA and any Canadians use CAA for RV towing? I have no connection to them but I would reccomend them at least in Toronto area.
CAA were also the on-site towing provider at the recenty Toronto Honda Indy, Indy car race.

--
DAVE KING
lurker, wannabe
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
 
I've had Allstate's RV Roadhelp roadside service for over 20 years. I've
had several GMC tows, including the day after I bought the coach. The
next-to-last tow was for 384 miles. Their contract is for towing to the
"nearest qualified repair facility". After much discussion, including my
pointing out that it was farther to Orlando or Okeechobee, FL than to
Americus, GA, they agreed to tow me here.

Even when it took 24 hours to get a tow truck to us the last time, I've
always been satisfied with the service. It's never cost me a dime other
than the annual fee, and I've never heard a word from them after an
incident -- not a "How did we do" nor a "You're too much trouble so you're
cancelled". :-)

​Ken H.

On Wed, Jul 25, 2018 at 4:56 PM Dave Stragand
wrote:

> Sorry to hear about all of these problems with Good Sam and FMCA towing.
> It's disheartening to hear of so many issues with these services.
>
> Although my coach still hasn't moved, I upgraded my "AAA Plus" to "AAA
> Plus RV". I don't know how AAA compares, but has anyone had steady
> success with AAA or another service like Allstate, KOA or others?
>
> -Dave
> Near Pittsburgh, 1978 Transmode
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
They all go to the lowest bidder.
If it is a towig shop, they will pass a no profit for a profit job.
At least AAA in California has better service.

On Wed, Jul 25, 2018 at 2:47 PM, Ken Henderson
wrote:

> I've had Allstate's RV Roadhelp roadside service for over 20 years. I've
> had several GMC tows, including the day after I bought the coach. The
> next-to-last tow was for 384 miles. Their contract is for towing to the
> "nearest qualified repair facility". After much discussion, including my
> pointing out that it was farther to Orlando or Okeechobee, FL than to
> Americus, GA, they agreed to tow me here.
>
> Even when it took 24 hours to get a tow truck to us the last time, I've
> always been satisfied with the service. It's never cost me a dime other
> than the annual fee, and I've never heard a word from them after an
> incident -- not a "How did we do" nor a "You're too much trouble so you're
> cancelled". :-)
>
> ​Ken H.
>
> On Wed, Jul 25, 2018 at 4:56 PM Dave Stragand <
> dave.stragand>

>
> > Sorry to hear about all of these problems with Good Sam and FMCA towing.
> > It's disheartening to hear of so many issues with these services.
> >
> > Although my coach still hasn't moved, I upgraded my "AAA Plus" to "AAA
> > Plus RV". I don't know how AAA compares, but has anyone had steady
> > success with AAA or another service like Allstate, KOA or others?
> >
> > -Dave
> > Near Pittsburgh, 1978 Transmode
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
 
I have Coach-Net.com. I used them the night I pickup my coach when I lost power. He didn't have to tow but we got it going on the side of the freeway
and he followed us to a truck stop NC where I was able to fix a couple things to get home Coach-Net kept me apprised of what was happening before the
truck showed and checked for my satisfaction after the incident. The second call was to jump my minivan again quick, friendly, and NC. I haven't had a
tow yet but I've been happy with them so far.

--
Patti & Jerry Burt
73 Gmc 26' Canyon Lands -
77 Palm Beach
Members: FMCA - GMCMI - GMCWS
 
We have BCAA with RV coverage - but have never used it.

I can't believe I just typed that - we're heading out for an "up island" getaway tomorrow...

Rob
Victoria, BC
76 Royale - Rear Twins/Dry Bath

>
> Do any others use CAA and any Canadians use CAA for RV towing? I have no connection to them but I would reccomend them at least in Toronto area.
> CAA were also the on-site towing provider at the recenty Toronto Honda Indy, Indy car race.
>
> --
> DAVE KING
> lurker, wannabe
> Toronto, Ontario, Canada
 
Dave, I've had CAA RV tow my coaches (SOB, GMC) several times. The tow was a "hook" for my 28" class C and a Roll Back for the GMC. In each case the
tow was 30 - 40 miles, and the tow truck arrived within an hour, and the tow was problem-free.

My experience with Good Sam was not positive. I was stuck in Wisconsin the overheated GMC that had boiled all its coolant out (turned out to be a
stuck thermostat). Took a while to get through to Good Sam and they didn't seem to understand the notion of qualified repair facility - they kept
proposing things like RV dealerships and Camping World. Then, since it was approaching 6 PM they stated that they would tow me to a "Safe" area (a
rest stop three miles down the highway) and that I would have to start the whole process over again the next morning. Luckily a passing State Trooper
gave me the phone number for a local outfit. Pumped the bags up full and was carefully towed on hook 5 miles to the local garage by a much too small
truck (you could feel the tow truck's front end coming close to lifting every time we hit a bump. Cost me $60.
--
Gordon Gibson
1976 23" Norris Upfit
Montreal West, Quebec, Canada
 
I was under the impression that FMCA and Good Sam tow plans were not available for our coaches due to age. Am I incorrect?
--
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
 
John,
Only the warrenty program is not available for our old units.
Good sam is a scam, they take it to their approved shop. There the shop can
charge you what they want and you have no choice.
The women that run the despatch are very sharp at this and I can smell them
miles away. Possibly their crotch smell even more.
If you suggest it be taken to another shop of your preferance,they refuse.
I have had them inquirer here to see if we wanted to be a approved dealer,
You know my answer, Fu-- NO.

On Thu, Jul 26, 2018 at 7:13 AM, John R. Lebetski
wrote:

> I was under the impression that FMCA and Good Sam tow plans were not
> available for our coaches due to age. Am I incorrect?
> --
> John Lebetski
> Woodstock, IL
> 77 Eleganza II
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
 
I got the FMCA one, basically alls I need is off the freeway someplace safe. I can usually fix it. If I can coerce a trip home I would.

--johnny
--
76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
"I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell" - ol Andy, paraphrased
 
> I have Coach-Net.com. I used them the night I pickup my coach when I lost power. He didn't have to tow but we got it going on the side of the
> freeway and he followed us to a truck stop NC where I was able to fix a couple things to get home Coach-Net kept me apprised of what was happening
> before the truck showed and checked for my satisfaction after the incident. The second call was to jump my minivan again quick, friendly, and NC. I
> haven't had a tow yet but I've been happy with them so far.

We used to have CoachNet and they provided 2 tows and were great. However I let my membership lapse for over a year. I went back to renew and found
that it was going to be $249.00/year instead of the former less than $100 rate. If you keep your CoachNet up to date with an older rate, they
apparently will still honor that rate. I called them and was told the rate could go down after the first year if you go with a lesser plan. Said no
thanks.

I would go back if they didn't have the new $249.00 price. I have Allstate plus FMCA's plan for less.
--
Richard
76 Palm Beach
SE Michigan
www.PalmBeachGMC.com


Coop Roller Cam 455, Howell TBI + EBL, 3.42 FD, Quadra Bag, Macerator, Manny Tranny etc.
 
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