RE: good sam ers
We submitted our claim, as per instructions, to Road America Motor Club , in Miami, Fl.
We were in a very remote area when we first, had a flat, then in another location the next day when we had completely dead batteries. In the first, it was going to take about 2 1/2 hrs to get a truck to us, which was not a problem, as we were in a campground, and had cel phone service. (We ended canceling it before they got the truck dispatched, as we fixed it ourselves.) Seems that for some unknown reason the valve stem on one of the tires loosened and leaked. Luckily the camp ground host had a way to air up the tire, and the seal on the rim sealed back. It was a nearly new tire. Since we did not have a spare, Good Sam was requiring us to buy a new tire, or they would not cover the call. (They will either mount your spare, or require the new tire. No repairs covered.)
In the second incident we had no cel phone service, but access to an emergency security telephone. Calls could not be returned to that phone, and the Good Sam person on the other end of the line couldn't seem to understand that we would have to call her back to check on how it was going. We were on hold with her 3 different times, for about 45 min. total, and were in a blistering hot area with no shade, in order to use the available phone. When we kept asking who they were sending, and from where, she refused to tell us, or to give us their name or telephone number. She finally agreed to tell us where they were coming from. She did tell us that it would be about 2 1/2 hours (again, even though we were in another location). We expected that, as it was very remote. But, we wanted to be able to telephone the tow truck outfit if they didn't show, to see if they were lost. Didn't make any difference, she would not tell us the name of the outfit. Said we would have to get back to her. Gee, just what we wanted, another heaven know how long on hold, frying in the sun, just trying to get through to Good Sam.
The tow truck guys did get lost a bit, but found us without much of a delay, with no help from Good Sam. It did take them over 2 hrs to reach us. Thank God, we were in a safe place, and not sitting on a road.
After they got our MH started we bagged the whole trip, and headed for home, about 6 hrs straight through, with no further problems, and no stops.
We've had this MH for 9 years with no problems, and carefully maintain everything. Guess it just saved up everything to hit us all at once. The dead batteries seemed to have something to do with the inverter going out. We have an app't. to get that checked as that is one thing we don't know anything about.
Sorry about the length of this post.
RE: good sam ers
Well, they sure need to improve their 'hold' time when you call in. You shouldn't have to wait over 15 minutes to get it picked up, then another wait to get to the right person. (While you are hoping your cel phone doesn't die.)
And another complaint, on Sundays they don't pay whomever they send out. You have to pay it yourself, then apply for reimbursement. We just had that problem last Sunday, and are waiting to see how long it takes to get a check back from them. Was told they process claims, which must be snail mailed in, within 72 hours of receipt, and then mail out reimbursement, usually on Fridays.
It was our first time we needed them, after having ERS for quite a few years. The tow truck guy likes dealing with AAA better.
Guess we'll see how it all works out.
RE: camping with a toddler walking
Do they still make harnesses for little ones? When ours were little, we frequently used them, with a light weight rope (clothes line) attached to the back. We got a few snide remarks from other people, but our little boy could disappear in the blink of an eye, and his safety was much more important than a few negative comments. We would 'picket' him to the picnic table,or the step, with his toys, and he was safe and happy. Of course, we were always nearby, and watching closely. But at least we could pop into the rig to grab something we needed, without taking him with us every time.
