Date: Sun, 1 Mar 2015 09:36:23 -0500
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Coach Net roadside services
In-Reply-To: <1927113767.14505163.1425218127913.JavaMail.zimbra@comcast.net>
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If you travel far and especially at night or weekends you need someone-place to call when you need help. The major advantage of any of these services is providing that first contact. Asking a towing company to tow to some semipublic such as a school parking is pushing things for so many reason beginning with they know it is most likely illegal for repairs to be performed in those places except maybe an emergency. For a traveler the distance thing is crucial. Many years ago I broke the fan belt on the motorhome. Coach net was willing to tow me 90 miles to a freight liner dealer. I had a spare belt, I just could not get the retractor back far enough to install it. I offered that if they could find me a real tool store close by I could limp there and take care of it myself. They couldn't believe I had the belt. Before the time I had a GPS, they located a Sears super tool center, gave me directions and continued to follow up until I told them the repair was complete and I was on my way. Again, this last trip when the tire blew about 1:00AM, not only did they get me the tow but they knew who call to get me both a 22.5X8.5 Aluminum wheel and a 275/70-22.5 load range J tire. They even knew to confirm the load range and tire type. Again, to me the added value here is the possibility for assistance beyond a tow.
By the way the towing industry is going thorough changes. It is a loss leader for many companies. Like inspections shops only do to bring in other work. Don’t be surprised to see towing cost being charged portal to portal and having to pay for both mileage and time. This is how it works with the big rigs and small towing are following. For this Big Boy both tows were $209.95/hour from when the truck rolls until it is returned and parked and another $1.20 mile. A mechanic was also rolled out to remove the drive shaft. North Carolina apparently required a flag man and following vehicle to get me off 95. He had to be paid also. Coach-Net took care of all of it.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of J Stewart
Sent: Sunday, March 1, 2015 8:55 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Coach Net roadside services
And this has been my problem with all these auto "clubs". The nearest "qualified facility" may be simply a gas station that does repairs. I had this issue 3 years ago with my daughters New Beetle. It broke down in Newport News Virginia (where she attends college) and I wanted it towed to her dorm parking lot, about 9 miles away. Despite having 100 mile towing through Good Sam, the tow truck driver wanted to take it to the nearest gas station that did repairs. He refused to tow it more than 3 miles, anything over was extra $$$. I ended up paying the extra, and complained to Good Sam, who could not have cared less. End of Good Sam and on to AAA. Recently tried to use AAA, basic towing was 3 miles and $4.00/mile after that. Girlfriends ATT Auto Service was 3 miles and $3.00/mile after that. My AAA membership is up the end of March and I'll bve giving them the boot too.
----- Original Message -----
The towing plan for the RV which also includes the family vehicles is only about $100/year. They tow to the nearest qualified facility, not a preset mileage. It is worth looking into.
Dennis
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