Date: Mon, 30 Nov 2009 23:06:06 -0500
Reply-To: Doug Alcock <doug.alcock@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Doug Alcock <doug.alcock@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Registering the Otter
In-Reply-To: <B527518E-B36A-446B-AA49-C2DD17678E13@mts.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Yea -- the CAA Plus is the way to go. AAA in the USA recognises it too
--- and I have had more than one tow truck driver say something to the
effect of "well you're a plus member" and go out of their way to help
-- this has included towing me to 3 different shops on Friday
afternoon in Alabama to find one who would work on the van -- another
dude drove me to the local FLAPS on a Saturday night in Erie PA --
they were closed so he towed me to Walmart (I was looking for a belt)
and then he took us to a motel -- where we camped for free in their
parking lot because there wasn't a motel room to be had for 60 miles.
I realize I am rambling a bit here --- another guy waited while a
mechanic looked for parts to fix a blown coolant hose and then took me
to the local Walmart where we found a plumbing fixture that would
work.
The flatbed question is relatively easy --- Vanagons can't be towed
from the front. If I'm on the side of a highway, I ask for a flatbed
and usually get the response that 'if you don't need a flatbed you'll
be charged for it' --- my response to that is ' if you can hookup from
behind and turn around and get back on the highway don't send a
flatbed otherwise I need a flat bed' this tends to end the
conversation. If I'm somewhere where it is easy to hookup from behind
I won't be fussy. I don't care where you are a flatbed is available
--- don't ask me how I know.
So you're thinking I know way too much about being towed -- probably
true. But I've got ten years in with the van now and the tows are
getting fewer and fewer I've put money and love into it and she gets
more and more reliable --- a reflection of the money and love and my
increasing understanding. I would never leave home without CAA Plus
--- the peace of mind is -- as they say -- priceless............
Cheers,
Doug
On Mon, Nov 30, 2009 at 9:43 PM, Jeff Palmer <jpalmer@mts.net> wrote:
> That's my understanding on the CAA too - whether or not you get a trailer or flatbed is largely dependent on the network of contractors they have, and beggars can't be choosers in large parts of rural Canada (and I assume the US too).
>
> Jeff
>
> On 2009-11-30, at 2:29 PM, Pat Sloan wrote:
>
>> Thanks to all who sent good advice. I've checked things out further, based
>> on your comments and here's the official word - as of today.
>>
>> 1. Collector Plates - These are not 'Vintage Plates' which are much more
>> restrictive. You can go camping, to the store, etc with Collector Plates -
>> just not to and from work and can't be used for commercial purposes.
>> However, there are 2 things that will definitely disqualify me. First, you
>> must own another vehicle for general use and second, you can't have the
>> engine upgrade.
>>
>> 2. CAA/AAA Plan requirements - You do not need RV coverage if you have a
>> Vanagon or Westfalia. The weight is low enough that they don't have to send
>> a special large tow truck to service it, so you get the regular rate. I
>> bought the Premier membership in case I need a long tow, but I don't need to
>> upgrade to the Premier RV.
>>
>> YAAY!
>>
>> Pat
>>
>> 1982 Westfalia? Or Vanagon? - Otter
>>
>>
>>
>> _____
>>
>> From: Jake de Villiers [mailto:crescentbeachguitar@gmail.com]
>> Sent: Monday, November 30, 2009 10:44 AM
>> To: Pat Sloan
>> Cc: vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com
>> Subject: Re: Registering the Otter
>>
>>
>>
>> I thought your van was re-powered Pat. ICBC stipulates that the vehicle be
>> stock ie no engine swaps etc.
>>
>> You might slide by the application process but have a claim denied by a
>> sharp-eyed adjuster. Not worth the risk as far as I'm concerned.
>>
>> Jake
>>
>> On Mon, Nov 30, 2009 at 9:12 AM, Pat Sloan <pmsloan@shaw.ca> wrote:
>>
>> OK, the Otter is officially on the road and I have a couple of questions
>> about bureaucratic things for you BC vanagoners.
>>
>> 1. 'Collectot' Plates - My insurance agent tells me I can save about 15
>> - 20% on my insurance if I register the van with 'Collector' plates. It
>> looks as if all I have to do use the van only for 'pleasure'. Since I'm
>> retired, that sounds easy, and since I'm not driving into work each day, it
>> makes sense that I should pay less insurance because I'm encountering much
>> less risk. Are there any hidden flaws in the plan? Any fine print in the
>> regulations I may have missed?
>> 2. BCAA Membership - I'm not sure if I should be paying extra for an RV
>> plan. My thought is that a Vanagon is NOT an RV, (smaller, lighter, waay
>> easier to tow) but don't want to be surprised if I need a tow from some
>> mountain road. Has anyone had any experience with this?
>>
>> Thanks all,
>>
>> Pat
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Jake
>>
>> 1984 Vanagon GL
>> 1986 Westy Weekender "Dixie"
>>
>> Crescent Beach, BC
>>
>> www.thebassspa.com
>> www.crescentbeachguitar.com
>> http://subyjake.googlepages.com/mydixiedarlin%27
>
--
http://www.dougalcock.com
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