Opinions On ERS

[John34]

Have a new coach coming in November and wanting to know what others are using for emergency road service,and how do you tow a coach that has a tag axle?
Thanks

[John34]

Have a new coach coming in November and wanting to know what others are using for emergency road service,and how do you tow a coach that has a tag axle?
Thanks

[Lug_Nut]

Hi John34, and welcome. The best way to tow a coach is.....Don't. But if you really have to, there is no difference towing a single rear axle or a tag equipped unit. The drive shaft must be removed.
I don't use any third party tow service, just the Spartan hot line should I were to need it. I would avoid towing my rig any way I could. There is just too much that can happen to these units being towed.

Peter

[Route 66]

As Peter noted, Spartan's 3 year warranty includes towing, so you're covered for the first 3 years.

I also agree that towing is a last resort, as most coaches suffer some damage as a result of the tow.

After the 3 years are up, Coach Net has been the most popular by far.

[lnwilson]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by John34:
Have a new coach coming in November and wanting to know what others are using for emergency road service,and how do you tow a coach that has a tag axle?
Thanks </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Good Morning John! I think I would be more concerned about the sidewalls or investing in a set of oars before I would be concerned about a tow. I would have to agree with Peter & Dirk, I would avoid a tow if at all possible, I'd pay the extra to have it fixed on the spot.

Larry
06 MTN AIRE 4304

[kymacs]

We use the Good Sam ERS (Same as Coach Net). We also have a tag axle coach - had it towed once - the operator knew what he was doing, including removing the drive shaft. We followed in the toad as he drove 70 mph up I-75 to Cummins Coach care in Tampa - no problems.

[John34]

I want to thank you all for the response even thought I dont exactly get Larry's coments.But Spartan 3 year is only for a chassis problem,correct? So,I could still be stuck on the side of the road for engine,transmision or other problems! And Coach Net and Good Sam seem to be the big 2 ones, but GS ERS you have to be a member and Coach Net has 3 more expensive price breaks.

[Lug_Nut]

John, The engine, transmission and driveline are all part of the chassis as supplied by the chassis maker.

Peter

[SargeW]

I have to disagree with Dirk on this one I do not believe that a properly towed coach will sustain damage. I was just towed for the second time (in three years) using Coach Net ERS. both times the responders were professional and knowledgable, and the tows went off without a hitch.

However, I make it a practice to stand very close to the operator and engage in conversation and don't hesitate to ask a question if I don't understand some proceedure. I think that it makes the tow operator pay attention to detail. I never assume that service person is all knowing and has my best interest at heart. I always stand and observe.

Sarge

[Route 66]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I do not believe that a properly towed coach will sustain damage. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Therein lies the problem.

I agree 100% with your statement.

However, the odds seem to be against us.

Too many owners have posted of damage, all caused by carelessness, negligence, incompetence, or ignorance by the tow truck driver.

Some damages that have been posted;

Front cap damage by tow truck lift.

Front and rear cap damage from the MH bouncing when the tow truck is not large enough.

Driveline problems when the driveshaft is not marked or reinstalled improperly.

Mud flap damage if not removed.

Mirrors broken.

Drivers helper closed a gate hitting the entire side of a motorhome.

Tow truck speeding greatly increases the chances of damage.

There are just too many variables beyond our control.

[BigRigRVing]

We had to be towed once, called Spartan, great response, they sent a flat bed to put the coach on, no damage. Because I had been to the below class I knew to tell the Spartan rep the air was down in the coach, and the flat bed driver still showed up with out air hoses.

For any of the you that go to "The Rally" (Good Sams} the Good Sam ERS folks teach a class on towing , they have all the wreckers and flat beds there and they cover most of the what if's.
Well worth the time!

[SargeW]

And you are right about those possibilities Dirk. However, most of those issues can/could be avoided by the owner actively being involved in the process. Even with tow insurance it is important to remember that YOU are the customer. Ask questions, point out hazzards, and refuse to continue if you feel that your expensive investment will be damaged.

That was one point I was happy with Coach Net's service (others may do the same, I just don't have first hand knowledge.) They talked to me a couple of times during the process to insure that everything was going ok. If I had disagreed with anything that the driver did, I would have notified them immediately.

The tow provider does not want a claim for damages either.

Sarge

[Lug_Nut]

Hey Sarge, I'm totally with you. Unfortunitely the tow truck opertors may not be on the same page.
How many times have you survived being towed?

Peter

[SargeW]

Twice. Once when it was new when a starting battery exploded, and then just last a few weeks ago when a fuel rail sensor went awry and the engine wouldn't idle or run. Hope that was the last time......