Which ERS Do You Use?

[Bobby C]

We have had the Monarch for 11 months now and need to either renew the ERS service with Coach-Net or join one of the Affinity programs. I can renew directly with Coach-Net or I beleive through FMCA (preference ?). Or, choose Good Sams and Camping World's program with Affinity?

What opinnions, stories of good and bad service, and recommendations do you guys have. I have trusted your good advice on many issues and I certainly want and need it again here.

[RVDude]

Affinity Group (parent to Good Sams, CampingWorld, etc...) is having significant debt troubles. S&P has downgraded them 3 times in the past 11 months and their credit is now rated CCC with a continued negative outlook as of April 7, 2009. They have a large debt payment due in June which is very troubling. One can expect significant business restructuring (i.e. selling of assets) as the likelihood of a debt refinance right now is extremely low, especially for anything in the RV industry, but not impossible.

Here's one quick and easy news link.

Also Google "affinty group debt" for numerous other details ignore the forum links and look for the real news. There is plenty of it.

[Sixpack98]

We renewed with CoachNet after the first year and every year thereafter. Reading various posts on this and other boards they seem to have the fewest complaints. Have not used it (knock on wood) and hope I never have too. So, I cannot respond from personal experience.

mark

[Our Time]

We also use coach net. Had to use them once and they were great. A BIG plus for them now is tech support that we no longer have from Monaco.

[Fred and Bonnie]

We have subscribed to Coach-Net for nine years, fitst class orgainzation. They know what it takes to tow your unit.

[teofff]

We had GS ERS and changed 2 years ago to coach net...when I have needed them, they have been great to deal with. I had a bad experience with GS ESP a few years ago, so I don't belong or do any business with them. They, like the banks/credit card companies could save a lot of money if they simply stopped constantly sending me all the offers in the mail!! Come to think of it, I guess the banks have stopped...

[abelow]

We have had Good Sam ERS for 12 years and have only used it twice and both times were in early March 2009. Our '97 Safari Sahara wouldn't start while stoped in a fire lane at the North Harbor, Santa Cruz, CA RV park. The tow truck had to come from San Jose, 35 miles. to tow us 50 yards into our site, where the marine diesel mechanic got us running. Two days later we were 30 miles south of Salinas, CA and it wouldn't start. The closest Cat full service was in Salinas. Good Sam dispatched the tow company I requested and the dealer found a faulty sensor which kept the computer from starting the engine. So... I used the tow trucks twice in three days for an estimated total of 6 hours at $270/hr. All paid for by Good Sam ERS. All I had to do was sign the driver's paperwork.
I am continueing to be a Good Sam ERS member.

[TTT1953]

I've had GS ERS for about 12 years and had to use them twice while we had a 5th wheel. They were great. When we bought the Monarch it came with Coach Net for a year. When it came time for renewal I opted to keep them both. Reason... I read that with Coach Net if you opt to have a technician help you with the problem and it does not get you moving, they will not send a tow because you used your service call already. So I keep GS as a back up, hoping I never need to use it.

[Bobby C]

Tom, I read your post. I wonder if your comment about seeking technical assitance elimintes your ability to get a tow is really true. I would think Coach-Net would want you trying to fix a problem to eliminate a tow. This would certainly lower their cost. Besides, I you have a problem and seek technical assistance, how do you know ahead of time what the problem is and if a tow or on-site mechanic is going to be required? I will contact Coach-Net and inquire? Thanks your input though!

[MtManLee]

I have never heard of getting technical help means no tow help. I have had coach-net for three years and have been quite happy with them and have had to use them twice as well.

[TTT1953]

Bobby, I based this on post from members here and on rv.net. Like you said I should call Coach Net and ask if this is true. I don't have money to throw away but I do want to make sure we get the help we need. Let us know if you get any info from Coach Net.

[SacsTC]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TTT1953 Bobby, I based this on post from members here and on rv.net. Like you said I should call Coach Net and ask if this is true. I don't have money to throw away but I do want to make sure we get the help we need. Let us know if you get any info from Coach Net.

The way I understand it, you have a choice of a tow or a mobile tech. Its your call. If the Mobile service can't fix it on site, and you have to call in again, the tow is on you.
On phone tech advice is totally different.

[Sixpack98]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SacsTC The way I understand it, you have a choice of a tow or a mobile tech. Its your call. If the Mobile service can't fix it on site, and you have to call in again, the tow is on you. .

I'm not sure this is correct. Nowhere in their documentation or posts have I heard that CN traps you with this catch 22. I also think I have heard just the opposite that they will send a tech and if he can't fix it CN will tow you to the nearest facility. Maybe someone with first hand experience can chime in with their experience.

mark

[TTT1953]

I just got off the phone with a very pleasant lady at Coach Net Member Services. She explained that talking with a technician is standard every time you call with a problem. That does not disqualify you from a tow. If you have a problem that prevents your coach from being towed, ie. a slide stuck out or jacks stuck down, they will send a mobile service company to help. You pay for the services of the mobile company, but if you still need a tow you are still eligible. If you have a problem that does not prevent the coach from being towed but you opt for a mobile service company to come to you, if they fix the problem or not, you have used your Coach Net service call and are not eligible for a tow.