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Ok, here's my first experience using Good Sam ERS. I damaged my transmission and needed a tow. First I had to have Carol call them for me & give my information (not their fault....I had very poor cell phone service where I was.) Carol already told you the ERS rep had no idea what/where the Blue Ridge Parkway is.

The first people they were sending called back when they got all the info that they couldn't tow a motorhome. They were already on the way. The second tow service was great but had to go the long-way around due to tunnels & construction on the Parkway, so I ended up waiting about 4 hours. No problem....I had everything I needed while I waited.

The first place GS ERS told them to tow me was a Chevy dealer in Asheville. (My RV is a Ford) When we got there they told the tow-truck driver they don't work on RVs. My tow driver knew of this RV repair place where I am now and got permission to tow me here. The ERS rep asked me if I knew of a place

By now it was after 6 p.m. THe RV repairman waited until we got here and settled me in a place for the night. They'll be back at 7:30 a.m.

If they have to keep it more than a day, Carol has offered to come and get me and the fur-kids until it is ready. She lives about 2 hours away. I can't stay in the rv if it is inside their garage overnight.

So anyway, I am safe. Will wait and see how bad it is before I decide what to do after it's fixed.

I hadn't thought about the bridges/tunnels causing trouble for them. As to the Ford/Chevy- I got something done on this at a Chevy dealer once - so some of them are good about that. Good thing the tow service who came out knew of a place. They usually do. Keeping my fingers and toes crossed for you that this isn't too major.

And every rv place I've been to - has been good about knowing I have to stay with the rig - so make arrangements for me to do so - with hookups. But if you're close enough to Carol's and would feel better - I can understand going there.

I can just imagine your frustration - at the same time, you knew you were safe, and you had all the comforts of home. Keep us updated.

Glad you are safe and sound...
Kathleen

I'm glad you're safe and settled in for the night. Hopefully they can get you back on the road in a reasonable time and cost. Keep us updated, please.

I had Good Sam ERS for probably 20 years and I found their service hit or miss. I don't know what they tell these service people but twice I had them send someone that couldn't tow me or have the equipment to change a tire. And it usually takes hours for them to find someone that would come. I know you were off the beaten path but sitting on the side of the road for hours is not fun.

I was pleased with Coach Net Monday when my heat shield broke. They paid for the service call and the guy only charged me $20 to unbolt the shield and he had to get under my motorhome which is about 12" off the ground. I was on an interstate and only about 10 miles out of Hattiesburg so I'm sure that made a big difference.

Martha

Hi Liz,

Sorry to hear of your experience today. Glad to know you are safe and have a backup plan if need be. It's always an inconvenience when something like that happens. Just curious though, how did you "damage your transmission"? I thought that was something that just happens over time from wear and tear. Unless you were grinding gears But I'm thinking you have an automagic

I pray all goes well for you and you can get on your way up north in short order.

Love,
Sharon

Martha,

Glad you made it safely to NJ and your mishap didn't delay you by far. I'm with you all, stay way clear of the DC loop whatever way you choose to head out. If you'd like, you can email me with what town you are in, and I'll help you find a suitable exit route. Safe travels my friend

Love,
Sharon

Will be wishing to the mechanic "stars" tonight for a speedy and complete recovery. Stay safe and do what you have to do.

holy toledo! First Carol and now you! What happened? Hope it's not serious and is repaired and on your way soon!

Hi Liz,
Sorry to hear about your PW transmission problem. Glad you finally got a tow to a place that will fix your problem. I also have GS, but haven't had to use their service yet. I hope it isn't a major problem, glad you're in a safe place.
Safe travels for the rest of your trip. Love your blog.

Sprinter wrote: Just curious though, how did you "damage your transmission"? I thought that was something that just happens over time from wear and tear. Unless you were grinding gears But I'm thinking you have an automagic

I think explained in the good morning post...I was following a pilot vehicle through about 2 miles of construction...one lane with a string of cars behind me. Suddenly my accelerator stuck. I was practically standing on my brakes to keep from hitting the pilot truck as the engine raced. Unable to slow down, I shifted to neutral. Being on the Blue Ridge with hills and sharp curves...I was still moving too fast, so I tried to put it in park. It jerked in reverse first, then park. But I still had to get through the construction....so back to 2nd or drive, and had to repeat that process a couple of times before I could pull over and stop. I was too busy trying to control the vehicle to think about what was causing the problem. (the accelerator sticking and why)

Once my heartbeat returned to normal, I figured out that it was most likely the new floor mat I put in (from Walmart) that had slid forward and caused the accelerator to stick. Out it goes! Anyway, after waiting awhile for brakes to cool, I tentatively drove in the parking area forward, backward, etc. Things seemed ok, so I decided to try to make it 25 miles to the next exit and have things checked. Once on the road, however it (I assume the transmission) was making a racket, so I turned back to the rest area and called ERS.

Wow, how scarey. So glad you're safe. Keep us posted on what the damage turns out to be. Floor mats can be really dangerous if they slide forward and jam the accelerator.

Glad you're safe, Liz and now I know why the floor mat on the driver side of the Toyota is hooked in the back. I use to swear a lot when I tried to remove it to vacuum, but no longer Sorry to hear that you won't be able to get to the NE, but hopefully being "stuck" with Carol and an AR ruckus will put a salve on it. carold

HOLY MOLY! glad your ok, when I first heard of something happened to your rig I
had to go searching, I was fearing the worst. I'm so relieved to know its mechanical
and not accidental, if ya know what I mean.