On May 27th, my spouse and I were approaching an RV park in Provo, Utah, for the night on our trek north for the summer. After settling into our pull-through site, we began our routine hookup. As I walked around the back of our motorcoach to open the electric bay, I noticed a narrow “v-shaped” gouge in our left rear tire. Almost new, having no more than 3,000 miles wear on the back tires, I called to my spouse, “We’ve got a tire problem.” He walked back, looked at the tire and said, “We’re not driving on that.” He continued our hookup and I called Good Sam Roadside Assistance.
When the unexpected occurs
Unbeknownst to us, our “Platinum” policy did not reimburse the cost of the tire as was implied. Huh! We were under the impression from a query call to learn about this program that we’d be required to purchase the tire up front, then submit a claim for part, if not all, of the tire cost (depending upon the wear-and-tear value of the damaged tire) … sans reimbursement for the service call. We understood the service call charge was akin to a “deductible charge.”
Concluding the incident report with Roadside Assistance, my spouse clearly communicated to the dispatch representative the tire’s specifications (i.e., 295/75R22.5), outside left rear load tire. After that, he was transferred to Tire Rescue. We thought it odd that member services was located in Denver, Colorado, and Tire Rescue was located in New York. A few minutes later we received notification that a tire facility would be dispatched to our location in approximately 90 minutes.
The tech arrived with the wrong tire!
My spouse introduced himself to the technician as he was rolling the tire toward our coach for replacement. My spouse spoke to the tech, “This is a steering tire. We requested a load tire.” The technician replied, “I repeated that same comment to them three times. They said their company policy is to replace with a steering tire.” By this time, I walked out to hear their conversation continue. My spouse said to the tech, “The aspect ratio is different on steering tires versus load tires.” The tech said, “You’re absolutely right.” My spouse replied, “Correct me if I’m wrong, but doing so will either ruin this tire or the inside tire quickly.” The tech replied, “Exactly.” My spouse said, “Take this one back and get me the right tire, please.” The tech agreed and stated he would return in an hour or so.
We immediately called back to Tire Rescue, questioning why they had ordered a steering tire, which was estimated at $130.00 more than the load tire. The representative commented that it was their policy to provide steering tires for replacement. That’s all well and good if you have nothing but steering tires on your RV. If not, use our experience as a “note to self – caveat” should you acquire any tire replacement policy.
Returning with the right tire
Approximately one hour later, the tech returned. My spouse walked outside as the young man was rolling the tire toward our coach saying, “I balanced it for you as well.” My spouse thanked him, responding, “At least it’s the right tread pattern and aspect ratio.” As he was tightening the lug nuts, the tech reiterated, “It’s a good idea to check lug nuts once daily when traveling.” We thanked him and he departed.
Following up
On June 3rd, I called Roadside Assistance asking how to file the claim for reimbursement and receive credit for the cost difference of the right type of tire that was replaced versus the higher-cost steering tire. First, we were told to submit the claim online and then the agent responded that Tire Rescue will have to wait until the facility that replaced the tire submitted their invoice and that could be up to thirty days. Not cool! It would have been better if Tire Rescue at least acknowledged the cost differential and communicated that to us accordingly. We shouldn’t have to follow up for the credit.
Two weeks later…
After three separate phone calls and elevating to two supervisory personnel, a Roadside Assistance coordinator vowed to forward the file to Tire Rescue requesting they follow up with a phone call back to us. Credit forthcoming? Who knows.
Live and learn!
##RVT1006
Stand your ground.
Hey Tom,
It fell on deaf ears. They now claim that load tires are more expensive than steering tires. I guess that all the truckers in the U.S. buy steering tires all around….ha! Such bait and switch. Hard lesson, but won’t repeat that misstep again. Thanks.
Contact an attorney, have them write a strongly worded letter making threats of Consumer Protection” laws in the state where the incident took place. Make sure the letter outlines the exact remedy you expect and a reasonable timeframe. I had a friend who is an attorney send a letter on my behalf for a large deposit that was to be returned. It took two weeks and cost me a container of sippin’ whiskey. Often they will write the letter for a small fee.
Hi MrDisaster,
Good idea. Two of their customer service reps acknowledged the price difference between a load tire and steering tire in phone calls last week. Just yesterday, a gentleman named Jay called back to say he pulled up his computer which shows load tires more expensive than steering tires…duh! Don’t think so. So, now the difference from the steering tire vs load tire which was communicated on June 3rd of approx. $130-150 is not being refunded unless we take it to the next level. Thanks for the info.
please see above posts
no such thing as “load” tire. steer drive trailer, all same load rating will carry same weight , drives are more expensive than steer bec as use more tread depth, again talk to a professional, tires are complicated pieces of equipt
Yep! Steer, Drive, and Trailer! The difference on trailer tires is the rubber compound is designed for scrub resistance when the trailer is being turned and the tandems are sliding sideways.
Does anyone ever have a good experience with Good Sam ?
I cant speak to Good Sam, but we have AAA on everything we have, car, truck, RV, and motorcycles. We’ve never used it on the RV, but it has worked great the little bit we’ve used it on the other stuff. Call AAA, give them the details so they can contact someone to dispatch locally. Wait a short while, the local service calls and estimates when they will arrive. They show up, address the problem and it’s done. AAA even calls back later for a follow up to find out if we were satisfied. Top that, Marcus!
Also can not respond about Good Sam, but have been very satisfied with AAA. Two service episodes on our RV in 6 years (AAA provides RV insurance through Progressive). First a flat tire near Organ Pipe NP, which is only close to Mexico. They promptly sent a service tech from a town to the north to change the tire for us (we have a spare). Second in Alberta, CA, when our turbocharger blew up. Took them a long time to get someone to us, but they constantly called us to make sure we were OK and giving us updates on tow truck arrival. Towed us 110 miles to Calgary to a dealer who promptly did the repair work on warranty after verifying coverage with the dealer for a US warranty (it was 4 yrs old then). Whole process-getting the tow truck 100 miles to us, tow to the nearest city that could provide service, and separately, turbocharger and a bunch of other consequentially damaged parts repaired-all at no charge but time.
Read so many horror stories about Good Sam I added my travel trailer to my AAA. Had them for 23 years and always great service. This weekend I hit a hole and bent an axle. 75 miles from home. Just needed to have it taken home so I could replace the axle. First time I tried to use them for my rv. I wasn’t sure what was allowed from them and the lady assured me that it was covered up to 100 miles. She could not find a provider right off but told me someone would be in contact with me every 30 minutes till we got it resolved,that was at 1:30. Tried to make contact with them severa times, but their computerized system would only give messages that they were working on it. Could not get to a human. Finally got a person at the local office who agreed this was outrageous and Actually found a number for service complaints. 866-222-2273 if anyone wants it. Got them at 5:52pm lady agreed it was outrageous and someone would be in touch. Finally got a call back at 6:22 and was told they were still trying to find someone that could handle it. 100miles was out the window. Policy has changed to $500.00 max and I would probably have much more than that out of pocket. Won’t give the rest of the details but finally got an automated call at11:15 pm and I stopped the service call. Maybe AAA is OK for a rv tire change but forget them for a real problem.
I’ve read on this site where AAA says you have to specify RV coverage and of course pay more, so don’t just sign up for AAA thinking you have RV coverage.
The last time I used AAA the service was great, once I got to talk to someone. I spent 40 mins on hold before I could speak to someone. I think they want everyone to download and use the AAA app.
I have had 4 occasions to use the Good Sam Roadside assistance .. all with great results. 2 occasions resulted in a flatbed tow to my home, one of which was 30 miles past the stated distance limit (at no extra charge), one was a tow out of a ditch and a spare tire install, the last was a lift off of a parking lot block I was high-centered on. All were performed in a timely manner by knowledgeable and friendly tow truck drivers. I’ve had AAA in past years with no issues either. Financially Good Sam suits me best at this point.
I rarely shop at Camping World but would use that occasional $10 savings coupon if a store were closer than 60 miles.
We had good Sam for several years and it was good, when The Marcus Regime took over their service hit the bottom. I don’t know anything about him except from the time he bought GS. He has destroyed a wonderful organization and alienated many RVers in the name of profits. I would gladly turn in my lifetime membership for a partial refund, I don’t even display any Good Sam signs anymore, I won’t advertise for him.
At least he got someone to come out. We’ve been stranded twice in 6 years and Good Sam has failed us miserably. The first time, in west Texas, they called to say they just could not make it out there that day, hours after saying they would send someone. The last time was on a very busy highway just north of Houston. The GS rep said the only in-program facility was not picking up on their phone and gave me 2 other facilities to call, at my expense of course. As far as GS roadside assistance goes, save your money for the crisis.
I have been with Coach-Net for 11 straight years now and have not been disappointed with any of the service calls. I have had the coach and 30 foot trailer towed three different times over the past 11 years one which was over 200 miles in northern British Columbia and never had to pay one penny for any of the service calls. I had lots of trailer tire problems but always had a spare and “knock on wood” have not had any tire problems on my coach.
Also had coachnet 19 years all good.just found a better one through the escapees rv club better and cheaper than coach net. Good sam is camping world/gander not good. Worst of the worst. 60 years in rvs.
Only 50 years of RVing and just ASA and Good Sam roadside assistance .. Both gave me excellent service and I now regularly reup with Good Sam.
In the past 5 years that we’ve been on the road, I’ve noticed many OTR trucks carrying unmounted spare tires. Then the tech can swap the tire out on the shoulder, reinstall it and you’re on your way.
Those are the companies that buy their tires in bulk at a much better price than a truck stop tire when you’re sitting on the side of the road. The ones that don’t carry spares are usually hauling heavy loads all the time and the extra weight of that tire could cause an overload condition. I was hauling a load one time that was so heavy I couldn’t fill my fuel tanks because I would’ve been over the 80,000lb limit, I ran from truck stop to truck stop buying 1/4 tank at a time. Lol
This unfortunate tale confirms that “Good Sam” no longer is short for “good Samaritan.” Maybe it is just a pseudonym for Marcus Lemonis’ bank account. My in-laws had Good Sam’s medical policy and, because they made the mistake of calling paramedics BEFORE Good Sam, their claim was rejected. Consequently, all our Good Sam policies were canceled and replaced by those of Coach Net or FMCA.
Hi Neal,
We too have cancelled all our GoodSam but the towing package. We had the extended warranty, but they declined a claim on our refrigerator. Long gone are reputable companies. Glad you may have found one that works for you. Thanks.
Me too. The guy bought me a soda & tried to molest me in the parking lot.
Ok I’m not getting the wrong tire!They said its a steering tire & we need a road tire?? I guess I’ve not had enough flat tires to know the difference. This whole situation is way weird to me. Heck in over 40 years of RV’s I’ve only had one flat tire (yes I’m knocking on wood), maybe because I’m lucky or keep good care of my tires, change them long before they wear out & before the supposed 7 year max life!
Snoopy
Actually (not sure if it makes a difference or not) the article referred to a “load” tire….not a “road” tire.
There is no difference between a load tire and a steer tire. Smart people run matching tires. The difference comes when you start replacing tires. You can run recaps on the rear, but not the front. This is when the term steer tires comes into play.
I’ve got to agree with Ray and Chris. We had Good Sam for years, and it was a miserable experience. And they always insist on sending out that Roadside Repair Vehicle, even when it is obvious that it won’t be able to help. Example – a bearing failure sheared off the end of the axle spindle. I called GS for a flatbed. Over my strenuous objection, they sent out a Ford Fiesta driven by a guy with a small toolbox of screwdrivers and pliers. He fiddled around for two hours, charged us for the hours plus his travel time both ways, then left. By that time it was too late to get a flatbed, so we spent the night in a hotel – at our expense of course. When we got home, I immediately switched to AAA, which is interesting in itself. AAA is a loose association of geographic “chapters”, each of which sets its own benefits levels. Northern New England chapeter is great – others not so much. But worth checking out. They have been good to us..
Forgive my ignorance but what is the difference between a ‘steering’ tire and ‘load’ tire? When we get new tires they are all the same.
Steering tires can have more shallow tread depth which may result in smoother ride and fuel economy. Steering tires may have tread patterns to help shift water away from the tires. Deep tread depth for load or drive tires are usually designed for heavy loads. Vis a vis, long haul truckers, especially independent drivers, can’t afford steering tires as they don’t last as long, don’t wear as well under heavy loads, and are far more expensive. Many great brands of load tires will be 16 ply versus 14 ply and that’s additional strength against road hazards.
Steer tires support greater weight then drives and have thicker sidewalls. Running a steer tire on a drive axle is not uncommon and done quite regularly in the trucking industry.
No, they run recaps on the back because of the cost difference. I assume the same is true for you.
just so wrong, talk to a professional, aspect is same for steer as for drive, only get load rating for your wieght, more will just cost you money and may heat up, load rating does nothing against road hazards, only let’s you put in more air for weight, steer tires are usually cheaper than drives, and as very few times is a tire brand new when damaged, the tread depth is usually closer. Please consult experts, not service personel for the right tire for your weight and usage, air pressure for load as AND not what is on tire as that is MAX.
45 YEARS IN COMMERCIAL SALES,SERVICE,AND RETREADING
And yet, another reason to cancel and never join a Good Sam club membership ever again. Nothing but a shakedown, and a scam.
I completely agree….borders on a “scam”
We have heard lots of bad reviews about Good Sam Roadside Assistance, and very little good. I would not buy this service, nor would I recommend it to anyone!
It was good before the Marcus regime took over, he has ruined a good thing in the name of PROFITS!
Camping World salesman said roadside assistance would bring our spare But the policy states we need to have a tire and wheel.
Read your policy or be prepared to pay dearly 🙁
I have had absolutely no help ever from Good Sam. Completely Useless. A waste of money.
Only Greed and Power with Marcus
Just another example of the sad demise of a once excellent organization, Good Sam. There was a time when I wouldn’t have any other roadside service, but I and many others I’m sure, are looking for coverage that we can count on.
Sounds like you were givin’ “the business”, or their system doesn’t have the ability to discern steering from load. You might want to follow up with your highest contact, to try and have them correct their system. That might eliviate the next person who gets the wrong tire. Your knowledge of steering and load, is not common with RV owners, so I suggest at least try and teach them.
The people answering the phones are probably millennials or some other younger generation and we all know they don’t have common sense to refer to a tire spec sheet to see what the difference is. I’m just glad to know I’ll be gone by the time these young people are old enough to start running this great country.
Looks like she drove over a spike of rebar, probably from failing to maintain her lane in a construction area. Doesn’t look like the tire was at fault.
Wow, you’re good. What caused the scratch on the side of my truck?
That was rebar flipping up. Obviously it was 3/8″ rebar and had rust on it.
I didn’t see anything in the article suggesting the tire was at fault.
Sounds like that insurance was definitely not worth the premiums.
We have never had the impression that Good Sam would reimburse the price of the tire. I do think there is a separate policy for tires though. Nothing but great experience with Good Sam in 20 years, not so with Camping World though.
I also have never heard of tire price being covered, just the service call. I had Good Sam for years until Marcus Lemonis bought them, wouldn’t touch them now, and I’m a lifetime member.
Our interesting story about Good Sam Roadside Assistance took place in Quebec, Canada. We blew a front steer tire. Service truck came from a business in Quebec, Canada. The tire we purchased was brought by them…so Canadian funds. Our Visa bill came…we were charged for the tire in US$. Since exchange was about $1 US cost us $1.30 Canadian…it was a couple of hundred dollars more for the tire in US$. I contacted Good Sam to explain that all the transactions took place in Canada, so we shouldn’t be charged US$. They said they always charge in US…I asked who gets the couple hundred dollars extra that we spent in exchange when the tire was purchased in Canadian dollars. After a couple of emails back and forth, the issue was resolved favourably and we were issued a refund of the exchange difference. Always pay attention and check your credit card bills. This story had a happy ending 🙂
Interesting post. Wondering how one ‘checks the lug nuts’ on a 22.5 wheel? Look at them to see if they are all there?
With a long enough extension and torque wrench, and proper size socket. Easiest way the trucking industry uses is after the lug nut is properly torqued take a small dab of paint marked on the lug nut/wheel, if the paint is cracked the wheel is losing its torque.
We had less than 500 miles on our brand new diesel pusher and in a remote town. Luckily we were in a campground when my daughter heard a hissing sound. We called roadside assistance and told them the size of the tire, location and reinforced it with “tractor trailer size tire” A few hours later a pickup pulled up with two men carrying a small air tank to fill the tire, at that point told them that I had an air port and hose and low pressure was not a problem. They then took a 1/2” breaker bar and long pipe out to loosen the lug nuts and you guessed it snap went the bar, they left and returned with a 3/4” bar and the same pipe and it snapped, they finally returned with a 1-1/4” bar and this time they were successful. I told them when they return with the tire to make sure they had a torque wrench since the rear brakes are disc and I gave them the torque value, two days later they returned with a brand new torque wrench and a repaired tire. Glad I wasn’t along the road!
It seems there are a lot of opinions about RV tires. How am I supposed to glean the truth out of all this noise?
I think I will just stick with Roger Marble.
Good call
Nice to know that not only do I have a spare tire, it is less than one year old and properly inflated. Checked before every trip.
Pre-flight anyone?
That’s one of the nice things about having a travel trailer: Tires are cheaper and you can drive the tow vehicle to the nearest tire store and get your own replacement if necessary.
Hearing some of the other complaints about roadside assistance I have to say you’re lucky you had someone eventually help you the same day with the correct tire.
Stay away from Good Sam. I didn’t and was stranded on a highway in 107 degree heat for 6 hours. Now I use Coach Net. Also covers my truck.