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Vashon
Samba Member
Joined: September 23, 2012
Posts: 200
Location: Vashon Island
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 Posted: Thu Mar 04, 2021 5:21 pm Post subject: Best AAA plan |
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I am due to renew my AAA. For some reason I have been doing the RV plus+ for a couple of years. If memory serves me it had the best long range tow options. I am now thinking maybe its over kill. But I do fear long tows on long roads trips. It hasn't happened but..  I always keep the van in good repair but one never knows what might happen a couple of thousand miles from home. I realize no AAA plan will get me a 2000 mile tow.
It has probably been asked a lot here on samba but what ARE the best options plan for AAA for a longer distance traveling vans? What do you use?
Thanks everyone
timber
87 Westy |
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Abscate
Samba Member
Joined: October 05, 2014
Posts: 22633
Location: NYC/Upstate/ROW
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| Posted: Thu Mar 04, 2021 5:34 pm Post subject: Re: Best AAA plan |
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Long distance?
uhAAAul
Go home , get a truck and dolly your Bus homem
Save AAA for commutes and short vacations.
_________________
.ssS! |
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16496
Location: Brookeville, MD
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Ahwahnee
Samba Member
Joined: June 05, 2010
Posts: 9796
Location: Mt Lemmon, AZ
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| Posted: Thu Mar 04, 2021 5:44 pm Post subject: Re: Best AAA plan |
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I have the Premier Plan - 200 miles. I have only used it once for the van but it gives some peace of mind.
If I ever end up having a major failure 1000s of miles from home I have already made arrangements with 3 car haulers expecting that one of them would be able to bail me out w/o much delay.
I travel a lot in older cars (50+ years old) so it is worth it for me.
I have a map I take along - has a circle drawn in marker with a 200 mile radius and my home in the center. Always breathe easier when I am inside the AAA zone. |
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danfromsyr
Samba Member
Joined: March 01, 2004
Posts: 15141
Location: Syracuse, NY
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| Posted: Thu Mar 04, 2021 6:13 pm Post subject: Re: Best AAA plan |
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a few of us carry towbars that break down and fit in the bottom of the closet.
but AAA+RV is at least to get you to a U-Haul that will still be ~$1200+ for a Long range one way (~1000mi) tow.
one of my tows on a trip I made it to 205mi from home, threw in the towel and had AAA RV+
wasn't going to be stranded with my family in the PA Mtns in the middle of the night in January.
_________________
| Abscate wrote: |
| These are the reasons we have words like “wanker” |
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bobhill8
Samba Member
Joined: June 09, 2017
Posts: 736
Location: MA
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| Posted: Thu Mar 04, 2021 6:32 pm Post subject: Re: Best AAA plan |
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"I'm out here, thousand miles from my home
Walkin' a road other men have gone down
I'm seein' your world of people and things
Your paupers and peasants and princes and kings…"
Bought my van on the outskirts of Knoxville, TN.
While driving out of town, saw a AAA office and pulled in to update my membership.
An hour later, the van broke down (turned out to be red battery power to the back of the fuse panel had fried).
AAA to the rescue!
Or was it the curse?
_________________
1986 Westy
1971 Squareback |
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jimf909 
Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014
Posts: 7455
Location: WA/ID
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| Posted: Thu Mar 04, 2021 10:32 pm Post subject: Re: Best AAA plan |
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AAA RV reduced RV tow coverage last year to $500 per tow/$1,000 per year versus the previous 4(?)x200 mile tows per year.
This limitation does not apply to motorcycles (AAA requires the RV plan to service motorcycles) or cars (a Westy camper is a non-RV car in some states). This limit definitely applies to a 45' Prevost pusher.
What's longer distance towing for you? A $200 tow bar install and rental pickup truck is the best value for a long distance (>200 mile) tow.
_________________
- Jim
| Abscate wrote: |
Do not get killed, do not kill others.
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Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.
Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro).
Last edited by jimf909 on Thu Mar 04, 2021 10:49 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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kamzcab86
Samba Moderator
Joined: July 26, 2008
Posts: 7915
Location: Arizona
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| Posted: Thu Mar 04, 2021 10:43 pm Post subject: Re: Best AAA plan |
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AAA Plus (up to four 100-mile tows per year)
In 11 years of van ownership, I've had one tow... one mile from home. If it has a catastrophic failure a long way from home, it's getting U-Hauled (provided the breakdown isn't in California... one-way rentals out of that state are astronomical).
_________________
~Kamz 
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
 1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子 |
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Microbusdeluxe
Samba Member
Joined: July 26, 2003
Posts: 980
Location: Bellingham, WA
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| Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2021 12:15 am Post subject: Re: Best AAA plan |
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AAA Premier. No mention of RV. Got a 200 mile flat tow for my syncro. I think now they limit that to one big tow a year. They also picked up 3 nights in a motel and meals. Get it.
_________________
'69 Squareback RIP
'65 21 window deluxe sold before the price spike, damn it.
'70 rhd bay now a taxi in South Sudan
'81 Westy sold
'89 hightop Westy Joker syncro 16" now with Bostig! |
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Abscate
Samba Member
Joined: October 05, 2014
Posts: 22633
Location: NYC/Upstate/ROW
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| Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2021 3:39 am Post subject: Re: Best AAA plan |
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| kamzcab86 wrote: |
AAA Plus (up to four 100-mile tows per year)
In 11 years of van ownership, I've had one tow... one mile from home. If it has a catastrophic failure a long way from home, it's getting U-Hauled (provided the breakdown isn't in California... one-way rentals out of that state are astronomical). |
I think our dual renewal is about $130 this year with 100 mile towing
So 11years x130 is $1430 plus cost of money of another $400
Why do we join this outfit again?
Hmmmmmm.
_________________
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16496
Location: Brookeville, MD
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| Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2021 6:36 am Post subject: Re: Best AAA plan |
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| Abscate wrote: |
| kamzcab86 wrote: |
AAA Plus (up to four 100-mile tows per year)
In 11 years of van ownership, I've had one tow... one mile from home. If it has a catastrophic failure a long way from home, it's getting U-Hauled (provided the breakdown isn't in California... one-way rentals out of that state are astronomical). |
I think our dual renewal is about $130 this year with 100 mile towing
So 11years x130 is $1430 plus cost of money of another $400
Why do we join this outfit again?
Hmmmmmm. |
I look at it is an insurance policy. If you do not want to be insured then you can drop it.
Just don't 'get sick' afterward. 
FWIW, I have recouped all the money and more that I have spent on AAA over the years due to all kinds of circumstances. And the peace of mind is worth every penny to me. ($0.40/day)
But just like any insurance there are those who have to use more benefits than others.
_________________
Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 and Peloquin TBD
"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Robert Louis Stevenson
MD>Canada>AK>WA>OR>CA>AZ>UT>WY>SD
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=620646
Building a bus for travel in Europe (euroBus)
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=695371
The Western Syncro build
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=746794
Last edited by dobryan on Fri Mar 05, 2021 9:24 am; edited 1 time in total |
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danfromsyr
Samba Member
Joined: March 01, 2004
Posts: 15141
Location: Syracuse, NY
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| Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2021 6:47 am Post subject: Re: Best AAA plan |
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~10years has always been a break even point for costs vs risk analysis.
1 tow can/will cost about 10years of service fees.
towing is ALOT more $$$$ than people think it (should) cost..
and well yes it 's an insurance, which is a gamble by both parties that you won't need it. also that if you use it too much they can drop you, even if it's 'within your rights' say over 2-3 consecutive years..
| Abscate wrote: |
| kamzcab86 wrote: |
AAA Plus (up to four 100-mile tows per year)
In 11 years of van ownership, I've had one tow... one mile from home. If it has a catastrophic failure a long way from home, it's getting U-Hauled (provided the breakdown isn't in California... one-way rentals out of that state are astronomical). |
I think our dual renewal is about $130 this year with 100 mile towing
So 11years x130 is $1430 plus cost of money of another $400
Why do we join this outfit again?
Hmmmmmm. |
_________________
| Abscate wrote: |
| These are the reasons we have words like “wanker” |
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kamzcab86
Samba Moderator
Joined: July 26, 2008
Posts: 7915
Location: Arizona
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| Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2021 9:18 am Post subject: Re: Best AAA plan |
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| Abscate wrote: |
| kamzcab86 wrote: |
AAA Plus (up to four 100-mile tows per year)
In 11 years of van ownership, I've had one tow... one mile from home. If it has a catastrophic failure a long way from home, it's getting U-Hauled (provided the breakdown isn't in California... one-way rentals out of that state are astronomical). |
I think our dual renewal is about $130 this year with 100 mile towing
So 11years x130 is $1430 plus cost of money of another $400
Why do we join this outfit again?
Hmmmmmm. |
It started out at around $85; it's now up to $91 annually.
That one-mile tow would've cost me more than the annual membership. My Cabriolet had to be flat-bedded home several years ago, which was a 5-mile tow (the most towed vehicle in my fleet at a total of about half a dozen in its life). I've had to use them for jump starts several times over the last couple of decades. I've paid far, far, far more in insurance premiums for my cars than have used said insurance (a few windshields and two minor no-fault accidents... in 31 years). AAA cost? Walk in the park.🤷🏻♀️
The cost to tow one of those big-ass RV's? Can be in the thousands, considering most of them require a Landoll (giant flatbed) due to the rear overhang. No surprise that AAA reduced coverage on them.
_________________
~Kamz
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子 |
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Abscate
Samba Member
Joined: October 05, 2014
Posts: 22633
Location: NYC/Upstate/ROW
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| Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2021 10:54 am Post subject: Re: Best AAA plan |
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Ive done all the 1-10 mile tows myself using a straight bar and a giant shackle
Okay, I did a 45 mile tow like that once, too.
I have to rethink this for me as Im either 5 miles from home or 15,000.
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Vashon
Samba Member
Joined: September 23, 2012
Posts: 200
Location: Vashon Island
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| Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2021 6:35 pm Post subject: Re: Best AAA plan |
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Thanks everyone for all the good advice.
I think I'll drop the RV plan and just go with the premier + . I really don't think of a vanagon as an RV . I like the 200 mile tow option of the premier plan . Sometimes I know I am out beyond 100 miles of a knowledgeable van repair shop and the little difference in price is worth the peace of mind. I am really not sure what AAA thinks is a RV as I could not find a definition. Has anyone ever had a problem getting a tow in a vanagon without RV coverage? I think not. but thought I'd ask .
Regarding super long transport I feel like Kamz and others said, Its U-Hauled.
Never been totally FUBAR.. but if I am in New Orleans or YoYo Montana and the van is busted beyond local repair and got to get it back to Washington state I will go U- Hual route.
I suppose AAA is like insurance in that it is a gamble as to whether it will pay off or cost more over time. Ironically perhaps the better one maintains ones van the less it is worth the price (AAA that is). yet paradoxically in at least one aspect not having something like AAA would be "less than proper" maintenance regarding the overall travel experience .
bobhill8, Love the The "songs to Woody" reference.
Thanks
timber
87 westy |
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16496
Location: Brookeville, MD
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deadaheadub
Samba Member
Joined: April 18, 2004
Posts: 787
Location: New Mexico
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| Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2021 8:19 pm Post subject: Re: Best AAA plan |
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I'm also deciding about coverage.
For cost comparison, what would the price range be for towing? I know it will vary incredibly widely based on a myriad of situations and conditions, but I'm asking this vast treasure trove of knowledge known as Sambanistas(?) what your real world experiences have been. 5, 10, 20 miles? 75 miles? etc. (I think 100 mi or more, the U-Haul route would make the most sense, right?)
thanks
_________________
Grateful daily,
Ryan
______________________________________
Past loves: '65 Bug, '70 Westy poptop, '64 Squareback project, '76 Westy tintop "Loose Lucy", '76 Westy tintop "Sharee"
Current:'84 Westy poptop "Ramblin' Rose- Rosie" w/ 2003 Subaru EJ25 conversion |
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jimf909
Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014
Posts: 7455
Location: WA/ID
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| Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2021 8:50 pm Post subject: Re: Best AAA plan |
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| Abscate wrote: |
Why do we join this outfit again?
Hmmmmmm. |
1) The free maps!!! 2) It's nice insurance for a random, potentially expensive event. 3) Once it was nice to have a tire changed so I didn't have to change it after dinner. 4) $900 of tows this week (said the tow truck dispatcher).
Overall, I think it's been a fair exchange.
AAA Premium RV (RV for motorcycles, not the Vanagon), $173/year since 2017, ordinary AAA prior to that.
2021 - two 75 mile tows, Toyota
2020 - roadside tire change
2019 - zero services
2018 - zero services
2017 - zero services
2016 - Battery service/sale (AAA made money)
2015 - zero services
2014 - 25 mile tow VW GTI to the shop
I've never used AAA for a Vanagon!
_________________
- Jim
| Abscate wrote: |
Do not get killed, do not kill others.
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Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.
Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro). |
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16496
Location: Brookeville, MD
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danfromsyr
Samba Member
Joined: March 01, 2004
Posts: 15141
Location: Syracuse, NY
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| Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2021 9:47 pm Post subject: Re: Best AAA plan |
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it's more than $3mile here
though might also depend on style of tow truck..
I ALWAYS INSIST in a flatbed towtruck and my AAA+Rv covers that.
fwiw my last tow was my 2002 AWD chevy astro van where I had a complete brake systems failure at a friends house..
that 40miles would have been ~$200 w/o AAA.
also to note that you can use your AAA if you ride in other people's cars.. or just for their cars. though you 'should/need to' be there to validate.. I did my last tow over the phone and was contactless (covid)
also to note you aren't allowed to ride with the tow truck operator. nor are you allowed to ride inside the vehicle being towed .. though some 'leeway' goes in the gray areas of roadside distress and operator sensibilities.
_________________
| Abscate wrote: |
| These are the reasons we have words like “wanker” |
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