Triple A (road service) rant

[Sigarms]

My parents got me a triple A card which had proved invaluable over the years, and I got my boys the same card.

Son was coming home from the Air Force Base to sell a rear axel he had up for sale, get a phone call...

His car was having electrical issues on I-77 north of Columbia SC and he was sitting on an off ramp. He called Triple A before us, Triple A told him they couldn't get a tow truck driver out until tomorrow sometime. I called Triple A, they had his case on file, and was told the same thing.

I called a local tow truck driver (to the town where my son was stuck in SC) and he's towing the truck back to the AFB. I'll talk to my son about what he should have done on his own, but I could tell he was frazzled.

I'm just wondering now exactly what am I paying for with Triple A?

Don't get me wrong, moving to WV in my VW, had to get a hour tow from Maryland into WV at 2 in the morning. More than a couple of times over 30 years that card has helped me, but now I'm just scratching my head.

Law of economics I guess. For what triple A may pay vs the amount of tow trucks vs the people that are members that might need a tow is getting to the point where they can't keep up?

Rant over...

Plus note, tow truck driver who actually cared and picked up the phone who is in business was actually kind of refreshing. Kids screaming the back ground on his end and he was apologizing because they get cranky at night and loud..Told him I just appreciated the fact that he picked up the phone.

Wife told me as I'm typing this that our son texted and getting the car towed back an hour south of him.

 

[sandman2234]

Triple a also has some pretty strict limitations on just how far they will tow the car.
David from jax

 

[Sigarms]

Triple a also has some pretty strict limitations on just how far they will tow the car.
David from jax

I guess I'm stupid... I pay a little more for an annual membership. Have at least 100 mile range on it.

They did tell me I can submit the tow charge for reimbursement.

That's going to kick the kid in the nuts after he has no clue what his car is going to run him after a mechanic looks at it next week most likely. Have no clue how much money the kid has in his account now, but he's finding out quickly that running back home because he has a girlfriend is costing him more than he knows.

 

[sandman2234]

I went after my Daughter and her car one night because of the neighborhood and time of night when She hit a serious pothole and took out a tire (and rim). I couldn't get her low slung car over the appex of the dovetail on my trailer, so we called Triple A. They had a 10 mile restriction, or to nearest shop and I wanted it 25 miles to my house. Nothing doing, so I had them pick it up, and taken to nearby safe parking lot and dropped...but dropped onto my trailer. All I needed was a couple inches to clear the hump and that was easily done with a rollback.
My Mom and I have since discontinued our membership.
David from jax

 

[ultrarunner]

Long family history with AAA and my great great aunts rambler which I have has her windshield sticker member since 1927.

Mom a member since 1958 and I have many decades.

We have extended towing that twice left us stranded in town.

The first time AAA waived the next years renewal fee and the second time it said too bad.

The first time it was 1:30 in the afternoon and thermostat stuck… vehicle insured by AAA

I was told it would be the next day before they could come get it and in any event no passengers in tow truck.

It was industrial section of East Oakland and no way was I leaving my truck overnight… said I have full AAA coverage and a tow is way cheaper than replacing a stolen truck.

Called my brother 45 miles away and he said let me park the tractor and he hitched up my PJ trailer to his Super Duty and was there an hour later…

The second time AAA said they don’t tow 3/4 vans… which also AAA insured.

So 2 calls for service in 25 years a no go.

When they dropped the name Motorland from its magazine to be more politically correct is when it started moving away from the auto side and focusing on insurance, home security and travel services.

 

[WM75Guy]

I have Onstar on all 3 vehicles. Three years of coverage is included in the price of new GMC vehicles. Have used towing once when I broke down in Tyler. They tow to the nearest GM dealer for free. I paid a little extra to get it to my GMC dealer here in Athens. My wife used it when she had a flat tire on the road. In both cases they showed up within an hour of pushing the button. I have used the Onstar diagnostics several times over the years for check engine lights. In every case they told me what the code was, advised it was OK to drive for 7 days before seeking service, and sent me an email with the information to take to the dealer for service.

 

[Streetcar]

Locally AAA. Is buying car washes and tire shops. Most tows are from their own trucks as low rates has most independent shops dropping them

 

[Jstpssng]

I went after my Daughter and her car one night because of the neighborhood and time of night when She hit a serious pothole and took out a tire (and rim). I couldn't get her low slung car over the appex of the dovetail on my trailer, so we called Triple A. They had a 10 mile restriction, or to nearest shop and I wanted it 25 miles to my house. Nothing doing, so I had them pick it up, and taken to nearby safe parking lot and dropped...but dropped onto my trailer. All I needed was a couple inches to clear the hump and that was easily done with a rollback.
My Mom and I have since discontinued our membership.
David from jax

It depends on what level you pay. I have up to a hundred miles of towing. It's 200 miles from my driveway to my mother's so if I ever broke down I could get someplace either way

 

[D&D]

My parents got me a triple A card which had proved invaluable over the years, and I got my boys the same card.

His car was having electrical issues on I-77 north of Columbia SC and he was sitting on an off ramp. He called Triple A before us, Triple A told him they couldn't get a tow truck driver out until tomorrow sometime. I called Triple A, they had his case on file, and was told the same thing.

Did you know AAA is a motor club that mostly contracts out the work? With 5 or 6 trucks, motor clubs can keep the trucks busy, but you have to wait on the check. If you have one or two trucks you might not want to fool with their paperwork, delays and lowball payments.
Your son must have broken down somewhere that they don’t have coverage.

 

[2515R Dude]

Gaiko is $10 for 6 months no limitation I think