Tag Archives: RV Roadside Assistance

15 Tips for RVers During Mud Season

05 Wednesday Apr 2023

Posted by in RV Newbie, Tips & Tricks

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Mud season can be a challenging time for RVers who love to explore the great outdoors. As an RVer, you want to enjoy the freedom and flexibility of traveling at your own pace and choosing your destinations. However, mud season can make this more difficult, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the local conditions and weather patterns. By taking the time to research your route and pack the right gear, you can help ensure a smooth and stress-free trip, even in muddy conditions.

In the following sections, we’ll cover some essential tips and items for RVers during mud season. From checking the weather forecast and planning your route to using RV step covers and packing tire chains, these tips can help you stay safe, comfortable, and confident on your next RV adventure.

What is Mud Season?

Mud season is a term used to describe a period of the year when the ground is thawing out after a long winter, and there is still a lot of moisture in the soil. This typically occurs in regions with cold climates, where the ground freezes over during the winter. As temperatures rise in the spring, the snow and ice melt, and the ground thaws, creating a lot of mud and wetness.

For RVers, this can make travel more difficult and increase the risk of getting stuck in the mud. Mud season can also create a mess inside your RV, as mud and dirt can get tracked in on shoes and gear.

How to Avoid Getting Stuck

  • Check the weather forecast. Before heading out on your trip, it’s important to check the weather forecast for the areas you will be traveling through. If there is heavy rain or snow predicted, it’s best to delay your trip until conditions improve. This will help ensure you don’t get stuck in the mud and avoid unnecessary risks.
  • Pack appropriate gear. To prepare for mud season, pack appropriate attire, including rain boots, rain jackets, and warm clothing. Consider packing equipment like tire chains, traction mats, and a shovel in case you get stuck.
  • Plan your route ahead of time. Plan your route ahead of time and avoid roads that are known to be muddy or difficult to navigate. Stick to well-maintained roads and highways and research alternative routes in case of unexpected road closures.
  • Reduce your speed. When driving on muddy roads, reduce your speed to avoid slipping and sliding. Take turns slowly and avoid sudden movements that can cause your RV to lose traction.
  • Keep an eye on your tire pressure. Keep your tires properly inflated to ensure the best traction possible. Store a portable air compressor in your RV so you can quickly and easily refill your tires if they lose air while driving on muddy or rocky roads.
  • Avoid low areas. When parking your RV, avoid low areas that are likely to collect water and become muddy. Instead, look for higher ground or areas with good drainage.
  • Use leveling blocks. Keep your RV level and prevent it from sinking into the mud with leveling blocks. Make sure to pack plenty of blocks, as you may need to stack several to get your RV level on uneven terrain.

How to Keep the Inside of Your RV Clean

  • Bring plenty of towels and rags. You’ll likely need to wipe down muddy surfaces frequently during mud season. Bring plenty of towels and rags to help keep your RV clean and dry.
  • Use RV step covers and entrance mats. RV step covers and entrance mats can help catch dirt and mud before it gets tracked inside your RV.
  • Use a boot scraper. Place one outside your RV door to help remove excess dirt and mud from your shoes before entering the RV.
  • Use an outdoor showerhead. Rinse off your muddy shoes with your RV’s outdoor shower. Pet owners can also clean off muddy paws.
  • Get a shoe bin. Set a shoe bin near the entrance of your RV to store your muddy shoes.
  • Clean your RV regularly. During mud season, it’s essential to clean your RV regularly to prevent mud and dirt from accumulating inside. This includes vacuuming and wiping down surfaces frequently.
  • Use a dehumidifier. The wet and muddy conditions during mud season can make the inside of your RV damp and musty. A dehumidifier can help remove excess moisture from the air and keep your RV feeling fresh and comfortable.

How to Get Unstuck in an Incredibly Muddy Situation

  • Sign up for RV roadside assistance. Lastly, it’s important to remember that unexpected situations can still arise during mud season, even with the best preparation. In the event that you do get stuck or experience any other issues with your RV, it’s helpful to have a reliable source of assistance to turn to.

Coach-Net is an excellent option for RVers, offering specialized technical and roadside assistance tailored to the needs of RVers. With Coach-Net, you can travel with confidence, knowing that you have a trusted partner in case of any emergency!

Navigating Mud Season

Mud season can present some unique challenges for RVers, but with the proper preparation and equipment, you can still enjoy your trip without any issues. From packing appropriate gear and planning your route ahead of time to using RV step covers and signing up for roadside assistance, these tips can help you stay safe and keep your RV clean and comfortable.

Remember to always travel with caution during mud season, and keep in mind that unexpected situations can still arise. By staying prepared and using the right tools, you can have a successful and enjoyable RV trip during mud season.

About The Author: Natalie Henley

Natalie Henley is a freelance writer and has also been full-time RVing with her husband and pets since 2015. She covers a wide range of topics, including RV lifestyle, RVing tips, DIY projects, RV news, and more. You can follow their adventures and RV-related tips on their blog, henleyshappytrails.com, as well as their YouTube Channel, also called Henley’s Happy Trails. In addition, she writes for various RV-related blogs and marketing outlets and is the co-author of Seasonal Workamping for a Living: How We Did It, available on Amazon.

Teefey M. ~ “Our call was answered right away and we did not wait long for a call back from a technician. It was so nice to be able to talk to someone and get the help we need!”

Get Inspired and Be Entertained on Your Next RV Trip to Alabama

12 Wednesday Jan 2022

Posted by in The Great Outdoors, Travel Destinations

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Welcome to Sweet Home Alabama

Whether you winter in the Gulf Shores, go RVing to popular events, or take a road trip to historical markers, Alabama has all sorts of fun and unique locations to explore. The following are just a smidgen of the many areas, celebrations, and landmarks sprinkled throughout the state. Find your sweet spot of adventure in Sweet Home Alabama the next time you RV through the South.

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Enjoy Miles of White Sand and Turquoise Water

Experience endless summers in Southern Alabama. While other folks in other parts of the country are shivering in snowstorms, snowbirds are soaking in the sun and tranquil turquoise waters along Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. The 32 miles of pristine beachfront on the Alabama coastline is a haven for water sportsmen. And there are even more land activities on and just minutes away from the beaches. From fishing to boating and hiking to biking, there really is never a dull moment for vacationers or season dwellers.

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are two of Alabama’s top winter destinations because of their varied accommodations and, of course, warmer weather.  This area has also been referred to as the “New Florida” for snowbirds. While not as long as the Sunshine State’s shoreline, Alabama’s coastline offers two prime assets. It’s not as busy and congested, and it’s more affordable than Florida. Other than that, RVers can still enjoy the same activities, white sands, and salty air!

Mardi Gras

Mobile Knows How To Put on a Mardi Gras Parade

Although there is an ongoing debate on its origins, Mobile, Alabama, lays claim to the first celebration of Mardi Gras. The first festival was reportedly started by Frenchman Nicholas Langlois in 1703 when Mobile was the capital of French Louisiana. Fast forward to today, and Mardi Gras is a multi-week-long extravaganza. Like downtown New Orleans, downtown Mobile transforms into a wonderland of sorts, filled with the sights and sounds of live music, parades, parties, and other frivolities.

If your RV travels include scoping out local happenings, you won’t want to miss this annual shindig. While in town, make it a point to stop by the Mobile Carnival Museum and get the lowdown on the rich history behind this legendary event and the city’s unique ties to its beginnings.

Museums Dedicated to Black History

Just One of Many Telling Exhibits at Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

From Birmingham to Montgomery and places near and far, Alabama has been the backdrop to decades of monumental events in the black community. An Advance Local Media article from 2020 mentions, “Montgomery alone had more slave depots than churches at the dawn of the Civil War in 1861. Many men and women helped the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. as he rose to national prominence on Alabama soil. The Lowndes County Freedom Organization was the precursor of the national Black Panther Party.”

There are a number of museums throughout the state that highlight the triumphs and tribulations of black history through exhibits, artwork, presentations, and educational seminars. For example, the Legacy Museum in Montgomery features a comprehensive history of the nation, focusing on the legacy of slavery. And the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute in Birmingham depicts the struggles of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s. Other moving museums and sites that preserve and interpret black history include:

  • National Voting Rights Museum, Selma
  • Freedom Rides Museum, Montgomery
  • Rosa Parks Library and Museum, Montgomery
  • National Memorial for Peace and Justice, Montgomery
  • Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail
  • Civil Rights Memorial, Montgomery

Cathedral Caverns

The Cathedral Caverns in Woodville, Alabama is Quite Extraordinary

The amazing sites don’t just stop above the ground. Alabama has some pretty out-of-this-world places right below your feet. Cathedral Caverns State Park is home to the Bat Cave or what is now referred to as Cathedral Caverns because of its cathedral-like appearance.

Visitors to the state park can take a guided tour of the majestic underground, which features one of the largest stalagmites in the world (“Goliath”), measuring 45 feet tall and 243 feet in circumference. Other fascinating natural cave formations include the “caveman” perched atop a flowstone wall, a “frozen” waterfall, and a large stalagmite forest.

RVers can stay overnight or longer as the park has a camping section. And if anyone gets tired of cave exploration, there are miles of hiking trails throughout the park and even gem mining.

Don’t Forget to Bring Your Most Trusted Passenger on Your RV Trip to Alabama

Of course, this list is only scratching the surface of possible places to experience on your next RV journey into Alabama. There are plenty more cities, big and small, to explore, historical landmarks to learn about, thrilling attractions to get the heart pumping, and natural wonders to build up your sense of wanderlust. Alabama is a state all its own waiting to be discovered.

All you have to do is pack up the RV and point your rig south. And don’t forget to buckle in your Coach-Net roadside assistance. With Coach-Net’s full suite of RV protection products, you can have peace-of-mind protection for a carefree journey. Coach-Net provides unlimited towing, jumpstart, fuel delivery, locksmith, tire assistance, winching, and technical support.

Get even more valuable benefits with the premier plan. Besides 24/7, all-inclusive roadside assistance, it includes concierge services, global emergency travel services, tire discounts, camping discounts, and so much more. Learn more about Coach-Net’s dynamic roadside assistance programs.

About The Author: Natalie Henley

Levi Henley and his wife, Natalie, have been full-time RVers for over 5 years. They have also been Coach-Net customers for the same amount of time.  They travel and work camp around the U.S. in their 26-foot Itasca Sunstar motorhome with their two cats.  They write for multiple RV-related publications and recently co-wrote “Seasonal Workamping for a Living: How We Did It.” You can follow their adventures on the road at henleyshappytrails.com 

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Swain W. ~ “Service was excellent and follow up was fantastic. It means a lot to be taken care of when you are down. Very happy with everyone’s performance I would not have known what to do or who to call if I had not had Coach-Net. You all were excellent.” 

Planning an Epic RV Road Trip in 2022

10 Wednesday Nov 2021

Posted by in RV Information, RV Safety, Tips & Tricks

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The euphoria of going on a road trip with family or friends is incomparable. A road trip allows you to travel leisurely, enjoy the journey, and choose remote locations to visit if that’s what you prefer. However, the success of the trip is largely reliant on adequate planning and preparation.  You can comfortably travel in any season if you are well prepared and suitably equipped for the trip.

Basic Steps to Planning Your Road Trip

  • Confirm your destination: If you’re traveling with young kids or it’s your first road trip, it’s preferable to avoid traveling to remote areas or where hiking is required. Prepare for traffic blocks, road work, and poor weather conditions.
  • Select a route: Once you choose your route, start budgeting and saving money for your trip. Look for off-season deals and discounts.
  • Schedule pit stops: Decide where you will take your gas, food, and bathroom breaks. Look for RV campsites where parking is available if you choose to rent an RV. 
  • Pack your bags: Make a list of essential things to carry and what to avoid. List things to keep handy: gadgets, medicines and protective gear.
  • Miscellaneous checks pre-travel: Ensure your travel insurance, health insurance, accommodation, and other bookings are in order. Store important contact numbers and download related apps to your phone.

 

Checking Your Vehicle Before Your Trip

You should always conduct a complete vehicle audit before you embark on your road trip. This includes checking the wheels, tire pressure, brakes, water levels, and oil. 

  • Tire pressure: Ensure the tires of your outdoor vehicle are inflated to the ideal pressure level. For guidance on the suggested pressure level, check the sticker on the driver’s side door or the inner end of the fuel filler.
  • Tread depth: All modern “P,” “LT” and medium commercial tires have integral wear indicators built into the tread. These indicators are molded into several locations around the tread grooves. When the tread ribs become worn to the point where they’re adjacent to an indicator, it’s time for a new tire.
  • Engine oil: The dipstick test will protect you against engine breakdowns due to low oil levels.
  • Coolant levels: If your coolant level is low, you could have a leak so be sure to check all radiator and heater hoses.  To add coolant, if needed, be sure to check your owners manual to ensure it is done correctly.
  • Window washer fluid: For an unobstructed view while driving, ensure the washer fluid of your vehicle is at a good level. Use fluid specifically designed for cold weather to prevent the fluid from freezing if your road trip is during the winter.
  • Vehicle lights: Make sure all your vehicle lights, including turn signals, are working well, to avoid confusing or blinding other drivers and creating mishaps.
  • Roadside assistance: You should always be prepared for the unexpected. A Coach-Net membership helps to ensure you have help if your RV suffers a breakdown during your trip.

 

Essential Items to Include in Your Packing

  • Important documents and vehicle papers: These include your vehicle registration documents and manual, roadside assistance info and relevant contact number, your driver’s license and travel insurance.
  • Navigator and battery pack: GPS can guide your direction and help check you are within the required speed limit. It can also help you find the nearest gas and service stations. A battery pack can meet the re-charging needs of your phone, music player, and camera.
  • First-aid kit and torch: A basic first-aid kit should always be in your vehicle during your road trip. Minor wounds and small medical needs can be immediately met with a stash of bandages and antiseptic creams. A quality flashlight or lantern is important to have handy, especially for when your vehicle stalls in the dark and you need to inspect your engine.
  • Miscellaneous vehicle necessities: Items needed for maximum comfort and efficiency during your road trip include hands-free phone packs, wheel wedges, windscreen covers, travel pillow, and sunglasses. Keep loose coins in your vehicle’s glove box to accommodate road toll and parking fees.
  • Entertainment: Build a fun music playlist that is enjoyable for all on the road trip. Travel games like I-Spy work well for long road trips with kids.

Author: Tim Setterfield

RV Protect

Karl P. UT ~  “Kurt from Quality Tire was exceptional. He came and pulled both sets of back tires. The inside tires on both sides of our motor home had 0 pressure. Both Valve stems had been damaged for some reason. He replaced the valve stems on both tires, checked and filled all 6 tires to correct pressure. He was a pleasant and pleasurable person to work with. We were called by Coach-Net several times to make sure everything went as it was supposed to. Thank you to all the Coach-Net Representatives and to Kurt from Quality tire. It took something that was a pain and made it a pleasure.”

Saved in Vinton, Louisiana

06 Wednesday Oct 2021

Posted by in The Great Outdoors

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It had been a long couple of months. In the midst of the COVID pandemic, our family had inadvertently turned what was supposed to be a 4 week road trip into an entire summer on the road. We ended up circling the United States on our journey, making our way as far east from California as Washington DC. It had been a summer filled with some incredible adventures, and time well spent considering summer activities back in California were largely suspended. Having just spent some extended time in the south and in New Orleans, our family was en route west to California from Louisiana. We had hoped to make it as far as Austin, Texas during our long drive that day.

Cruising along Interstate 10, my husband noticed a tow truck in his side mirror, flashing his lights. We slowed a bit, and the tow truck driver pulled alongside us, pointing towards the rear of our Coachmen Mirada motorhome. We’d had people flag us down a couple times in our travels, and always for storage compartment door having inadvertently flung open. We knew that would be highly uncommon while cruising straight at highway speeds, but decided to pull off the highway at the next exit to take a better look. After pulling off into a gas station in Vinton, Louisiana, we realized what the helpful tow truck driver had been point to. One of our rear dualie tires on the right side of the coach was flat.

Just like that, we found ourselves stranded on the border of Louisiana and Texas in 110° heat. Justin took a few laps around the RV, and I began calling for roadside assistance. 

It was hot. The kids were grumpy. We were seemingly in the middle of nowhere. (No offense to the wonderful people of Vinton, Louisiana. It’s obviously not “nowhere” to you, but in that moment, it felt that way to us!)

Thankfully, our family had multiple avenues to explore in terms of finding assistance. We had roadside assistance coverage through AAA and State Farm for our personal auto, and figured we had our bases covered. Out of habit, we pursued the same channels we’d have used if our Honda Odyssey had gotten a flat, with Justin calling AAA while I called State Farm.

Trying to get RV roadside assistance through automobile channels was a terrible idea. Even trying to get the State Farm and AAA agents to properly identify the vehicle make and model in their systems was a process, and it became clear they had no frame of reference on how to support us. As we sat on the phone frustrated, Justin noticed the sticker on our windshield for Coach-Net. Having just bought the Mirada earlier in the year with one year of Coach-Net roadside included, we hadn’t yet used roadside assistance, and had completely forgotten about it as an option.

Right out of the gate with Coach-Net, it was clear this was a different experience. The Coach-Net agent was both helpful and friendly, immediately identifying both our coach and tire size, and promptly began working to identify an available mobile repair technician in the area to assist. 

While Justin was on the phone with Coach-Net, I wandered the area around the gas station. As luck would have it, I discovered a sign literally right across the street from the gas station that read “RV Park 500ft” with an arrow pointing right. I headed over to investigate, and stumbled upon our border oasis, complete with 50A hookups and an outdoor pool with not only one, but TWO waterslides. It was almost as if it magically appeared just for us that day!

We pulled out of the gas station and crawled our way to the RV park, feeling blessed to hook up and get both A/C units cranking while we waited for the repair tech. In the sweltering humid heat of the southern summer, this pool was like a mirage for the kids and I, who immediately jumped in to cool off.

Being in rural Louisiana in the height of summer, it took a few hours to find a local tire shop with the right tire and an available tech to change the flat roadsides (or poolside, as it were). We were back up and running with our new tire not long after the tech arrived, but the kids were having so much fun at the pool by then that we decided to stay put and enjoy our spot in Vinton, continuing on our journey to Austin the next morning. DOUBLE WATER SLIDES FOR THE WIN!

Vinton, Louisiana will live forever in family lore following our detour. If there’s anything our time on the road has taught our family, it’s that sometimes the unexpected adventures are the most memorable!

About The Author: Allison Gagnon

The Gagnon family is a fun-loving, adventure-seeking, outdoor-exploring, RV-obsessed family of six. They are on a quest to visit all 63 National Parks in the United States, and have a passion for exploring the country’s natural treasures and adventuring with their four children while they are still young. These adventures are made possible, in part, via travel in their 36-foot Coachmen Mirada motorhome. Having already visited 52 National Parks, they’ve found a sweet spot in the delicate balance between living a full, and sometimes, hectic life at home and finding respite in outdoor adventures with every chance they get. You can follow along on their journey at www.gagnonsgone.com. 

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Martina N. ~ “Friendly and fast service! Highly recommended especially for new RV owners!”

Featured Provider l Alpha Unlock Pro’s & Roadside Assistance

03 Wednesday Apr 2019

Posted by in RV Information

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Alpha Unlock Pro's

Not all heroes wear capes. While the heroes you see in Hollywood movies can be entertaining and often idolized by small children, the real heroes rarely wear flashy clothes. In the field of roadside assistance, the mark of a real hero is his unyielding dedication to the people he helps and his really big tow truck. Coach-Net members regularly approach us in person, post their gratitude online, call our member services to express their appreciation, or even send in hand written letters to boast about the wonderful Coach-Net agent who patiently and happily helped them on the phone when they were in desperate need. But many people don’t fully see the team of people who work together seamlessly to ensure our members are provided for. One of the major pillars of our Coach-Net team is comprised of our independent service providers. We partner with thousands of service providers all throughout the US and Canada and while we provide for our members over the phone, we rely on our partners to provide for our members in person. One of our dedicated partners who we trust to take care of our members with the utmost care is Alpha Unlock Pros.

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Based in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Alpha Unlock Pros prides themselves on the top rated service they consistently deliver. Founded only 3 years ago, Alpha Unlock Pros has already received the Towman Ace Award two years in a row. The Towman Ace Award recognizes only the top 1% of service providers in the industry who consistently deliver the best service. Alpha Unlock Pros’ founder and owner, Adrian Lewis says receiving this esteemed award is “such and honor and speaks to how my company is dedicated to providing great service for our customers.” Afterall, that’s why Adrian created the company in the first place. “I saw a need for a company that had a genuine interest in helping stranded motorists. We also wanted to charge fair prices in a market that is often drastically overpriced.” While most people starting a new business are almost solely driven by maximizing their profit, Adrian’s primary focus was “fair” pricing and quality of service. It’s that kind of commitment to integrity why Coach-Net trusts Adrian and his team to help our members.

Alpha Unlock Pro's

Alpha Unlock Pros character and commitment to serving others is the foundation of their company and they work to demonstrate it in all that they do. Their mission statement is a testament of their devotion to selflessness and service. “Alpha Unlock Pros seeks to honor God by sowing seeds of faith by having a positive impact on those we come in contact with.” While most companies would promote the services they provide in their mission statement, Alpha Unlock Pros sets themselves apart from everyone else; they simply seek to honor their faith by serving others. That’s why we choose to partner with Alpha Unlock Pros; that’s why we trust them to provide the high-end level of service our members expect. They are dedicated to doing what’s right in all situations, and we work hard to reciprocate that same effort so that we can in turn earn their trust. And Adrian says that’s what he values most about our relationship. “Since the beginning of our working relationship, Coach-Net has always been dedicated to resolving any issues that may arise now matter how small the issue might be. Such commitment to great customer service on ALL levels is acknowledged and appreciated.”

Whether you’re locked out of your car, you’ve suffered a flat tire on your trailer, or your Class A diesel pusher is broken down on the side of the road, we work as a team with companies like Alpha Unlock Pros to handle whatever challenge you may encounter. We work together to ensure that you are safe, and you receive the help you need. So if you find yourself in need of roadside assistance: don’t panic, just call Coach-Net. With dedicated partners like Alpha Unlock Pros working with us 24/7, you can trust that our team will always come to your rescue. Thank you, Adrian, for choosing to partner with Coach-Net. Thank you, Alpha Unlock Pros for making sure Coach-Net members can truly enjoy Carefree RVing.

Tire DiscountsAww Shucks!

Edward K. ~ “When I called in I had a flat tire on my RV. I didn’t think I was going to get service as fast as I did. Mary was quick to help. Offered assistance right away. It was reassuring to know I was going to be taken care of.“

Bumped and Bruised RVing to Alaska, with Coach-Net Along for the Ride

31 Tuesday Jul 2018

Posted by in Roadside Assistance, RV Information, RV Safety

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Alaska RV vacation“What was that?” The explosion was loud enough to hear over the rumbling of frost heaves and potholes under our wheels. We only had a second to process what we had just heard, when the piercing alarm of our tire pressure monitoring system alerted us to trouble. Big trouble.

In less than five minutes our Alaska-bound journey went from a peaceful morning driving through the Yukon wilderness to one of the worst roadside emergencies we’ve experienced during 11 years of full-time RVing. It was so bad that the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) was the only thing that saved our rig and possibly our lives. The unit allowed Jim to pull over fast enough to see that it wasn’t just a blown tire that had stopped us in our tracks, but other damage so extensive that it rendered our Arctic Fox fifth wheel un-towable for the first time ever.TPMS Alaska

People warned us ahead of time about the perils of the Alaska Highway. So we listened. For several months before departing, we invested in the necessary preparations for safe passage. From new 10-ply Maxxis trailer tires to thorough servicing on all the mechanics that would get us from California to Fairbanks and back, we thought we covered it all. But there was one critical inspection that we overlooked. During our many years of full-timing, nobody had ever mentioned the importance of having our leaf springs and suspension components inspected on a bi-annual basis. As the saying goes, “You don’t know what you don’t know,” and our failure to obtain this information landed us in one of the worst spots on the Alcan to get stuck.

We had a flat tire, but the damage went way beyond. One leaf spring set was broken, and two shock absorber mounts had sheared off. As the final insult, our hydraulic brake line had been severed. Our home sat precariously lopsided and immobile as the rain trickled down and mosquitoes moved in to greet us.Alaska flat tire

Brake fluid leaked out onto the gravel surface while we tried to keep calm and figure out what to do. Stuck in an area without cell service for 35 miles in either direction, we attempted to get online with our RV satellite internet system, but the topography of driving above 60-degrees on the planet makes getting online tricky. With too many trees on the low horizon interfering with our connectivity, we unhitched the truck and RV, and drove twenty minutes to call for help.

“Thank you for calling Coach-Net. Are you in a safe area?”

I let out a sigh of relief hearing those words on the other end of the line. When you’ve just escaped a frightening incident, there is nothing more reassuring than hearing another person inquire about your safety. But this wasn’t just a stranger, this was Mary, a Coach-Net agent who was ready to help. We threw her for a loop when we described our location, but that didn’t stop her from doing everything within her power to reassure us that Coach-Net would come to the rescue.

Little did Mary know the challenge ahead of her. We were almost five hours from any kind of real city, and it was Friday morning on Canada Day weekend, which meant lots of places would be closed until Tuesday. But within minutes she put a plan in place to dispatch the oversized tow truck necessary to get us to a shop. She also pinpointed the most reputable place in Whitehorse for RV suspension work. Mary even got approval from the shop owner to allow us to stay overnight on the property until they re-opened after the long weekend.Alaska tow

Bad roads in the Yukon make for slow driving, so we weren’t surprised that the towing company couldn’t reach us until the next day. When they did, we were off the highway and back to civilization within hours. Situated alongside the welding and springs shop, we caught our breath and celebrated with gratitude for all that Mary and Coach-Net did to help us through one of the worst times in our road-tripping life.

People often ask us for advice about full-time RVing, and the most valuable tip we can share is this: get a Coach-Net roadside assistance plan, and Hazard Protect for tires. No other providers match this level of service and expertise. Thank you to everyone at Coach-Net for saving the day, and getting us back on the road with peace of mind.

About the Author:

Rene Agredano, a Coach-Net member since 2015, is a self-employed full-time RVer who enjoys writing, jewelry design and animal advocacy. Her adventures with a three-legged dog and husband Jim are chronicled at LiveWorkDream.com

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Aww Shucks!

 

What You Need To Know When Your RV Needs A Tow

21 Wednesday Mar 2018

Posted by in RV Information, Tech Tips

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RV needs a towIn terms of avoiding breakdowns, have your recreational vehicle regularly inspected and maintained by professional technicians. This includes regular inspection of the chassis components such as brakes and tires, as well as house systems like propane and batteries. The heart of the RV system is propane and electricity, so it is important that these systems be kept safe and in good working condition.

Bear in mind that towing a motorhome or trailer is more costly and complex than having your passenger vehicle towed. Coach-Net provides affordable peace of mind because they specialize in assisting RVers and dispatching the proper recovery trucks and crew for the job. This is true whether you have a break-down while towing a popup trailer or in a 40’ diesel coach. In the latter case, you will be serviced by a large tandem-axle tow truck that can easily carry the weight of a heavy diesel pusher. However, even a small tent-trailer requires special skill on the part of the tow driver, especially if there is a problem with the wheels or axle.

towing RVSince motorhomes can’t be towed backwards, and because they are rear-wheel drive, the tow driver will have to remove the driveshaft from your vehicle before it can be towed. They will usually put the shaft somewhere on their truck during the trip, then leave it with the mechanic at the destination shop. The shop will reinstall the drive shaft during the repair process, but it is important to understand that this step does occur during the recovery process. Don’t be alarmed when the driver crawls under your rig to remove your drive shaft. This is a perfectly routine process and mechanics are familiar with replacing the shaft.

Given the specialized equipment needed and knowledge necessary to tow all types and sizes of recreational vehicle, the cost to have your vehicle towed to a mechanic could be exorbitant without a Coach-Net membership. Whether you are pulling a trailer or driving a motorhome, you will likely need specialized service, be it from an RV repair shop or heavy duty mechanic. If you are like most RVers and enjoy traveling to parts unknown, it is unlikely you will be familiar with where these repair locations are. Coach-Net works with tow providers to ensure your vehicle or trailer is towed to the closest capable mechanic or technician, regardless of the distance. One of the many benefits of driving a diesel pusher is that the heavy duty truck shops equipped to perform mechanical service are generally open until very late at night, or sometimes even 24hrs. Many of these truck shops have driver lounges and may even have RV electrical hookups for your convenience while you wait.

Another thing to be aware of is the laws pertaining to passengers riding in vehicles in tow. If you are driving a motorhome with no tow vehicle and you have a breakdown, there may be a law preventing you from riding in your RV while it is under tow, and you may not all fit in the cab of the tow truck. In this case, you must arrange for alternate transportation. Your tow driver will inform you of the local laws.

Hopefully you never have to use the safety and towing tips but if you find yourself stranded with your RV, perhaps you will remember them.

About the Author: 

Steve Froese, an avid RV owner, traveler, and Coach-Net member since 2013, is the principal of “A Word to the Wise Technical Communications”, a published RV author, certified RV technician, and licensed Professional Engineer. He frequently collaborates with the “RV Doctor”, Gary Bunzer, and has worked with the RVIA/RVDA as a technical and training writer and consultant. Professionally, he works as a quality engineer and musician. Watch for more of Steve’s work in upcoming Coach-Net publications.

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Ricky R. ~ “Just wanted to let you know that we had a tire go out on a recent trip to Florida, and for the first time, was able to use my Coach-Net services.  Not that I really wanted to ever use this, but that is the reason we have it.  We contacted Coach-Net and was assisted by Kristen, who was in constant contact and extremely patient and helpful during our whole, stressful event.  Being broken down somewhere strange is not very comforting.  She was able to source a tire repair service along with a new replacement tire, which was covered 100% under our plan.  Kristen kept in touch up until the repair service arrived.  We received an automated call verifying the repair was done and go back on our way.  There are so many horror stories about poor service and customer support with roadside plans, so I thought I would share a GOOD story and great outcome.  Thanks, again, for great coverage and excellent employees who care.”

Preparing Your RV For A Tow

26 Wednesday Oct 2016

Posted by in Roadside Assistance, RV Information

≈ 18 Comments

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RV towAt some point it happens to most of us, and when it does it’s good to be prepared. I am referring to what happens when your RV breaks down and you need to have it towed. It is important to understand the processes involved in and how to prepare both your recreational vehicle and yourself in the case of a breakdown.

First and foremost, it is important for all RV owners to have an emergency road service membership with Coach-Net. This ensures that you will never be stranded or have any out-of-pocket expenses if you suffer a breakdown.Call Coach-Net

If you are faced with a breakdown while on the road, be sure to call Coach-Net with a description of the problem and your exact location. They will ask if you are in a safe location, and if you don’t feel that you are, they will send police to assist. While you are waiting for service, take the following steps to prepare for the tow truck.

  1. Ensure you are as far off the road as possible, turn on your four-way flashers, and put out flares or reflectors if you have them.
  2. Do not disconnect the trailer until the tow truck arrives, since it is important that the flashers remain visible to other vehicles.
  3. Stay away from the road side of the disabled vehicle to avoid possible injury from passing vehicles.
  4. Remain with the vehicle unless you have to walk to a phone or get assistance. In that case, return to your vehicle as quickly as possible.
  5. Secure all articles inside the disabled unit. Be aware that when the RV is connected to the tow truck it may be tilted at a steeper angle and be subject to additional forces than are normal, so items may require additional care in preparation for towing.
  6. Make sure awnings, slideouts, bikes, racks, etc. are secure or removed and close all propane tank valves.
  7. If you have a motorhome, disconnect any tow bars, dollies, and tow vehicles.
  8. When the tow truck arrives, the operator may provide additional instructions.
  9. If you have a disabled motorhome, depending on the tow equipment used to tow the RV, the driveshaft or axles may be removed. This is a normal procedure.

RV towAt Coach-Net, your safety is their top priority.  As an RV owner, you owe it to yourself to have the protection you need when you need it most. You can rest easy knowing that Coach-Net has you and your family covered.

About the Author: 

Steve Froese, an avid RV owner, traveler, and Coach-Net member since 2013, is the principal of “A Word to the Wise Technical Communications”, a published RV author, certified RV technician, and licensed Professional Engineer. He frequently collaborates with the “RV Doctor”, Gary Bunzer, and has worked with the RVIA/RVDA as a technical and training writer and consultant. Professionally, he works as a quality engineer and musician. Watch for more of Steve’s work in upcoming Coach-Net publications.

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T.B., New Bedford, MA ~ “I was extremely impressed with the way that we were back on the road in 1.5 hours.  The call center and the service were great.”

Building the Best Roadside Emergency Kit

28 Friday Mar 2014

Posted by in Roadside Assistance

≈ 2 Comments

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Building The Best Roadside Emergency Kit

Do you want to make sure that you’re prepared for just about anything that can happen while you’re out on the road? If so, then you should have a roadside emergency kit that, at minimum, contains the following important tools.

1. Three Reflective Triangles
That’s right, three of ’em. One is usually enough for a low-speed road, but if you have an emergency on the freeway or a similar high-speed route, then you should space three reflective triangles about fifty feet apart. This will help give other drivers time to react (especially if you’re in an awkward area, like just around a bend), and it’s better to have too many of these than too few.

2. First Aid Kit
This is a given for any sort of emergency kit, but it never hurts to have a reminder. The emergency kit should be able to treat moderate injuries – however, the presence of a first aid kit is no substitute for good sense. If you’re in a collision and somebody is seriously hurt, then call 911 before you start using the kit and follow their directions while waiting for paramedics to arrive.

3. Jumper Cables
Dead batteries are one of the most common problems that vehicles experience, and any emergency kit placed into a vehicle should have these. Remember that the cables should be long enough to connect vehicles parked in adjacent stalls in a parking lot – ten feet is good, fifteen feet is better (if you can find cables that long). But, if you find yourself without them, Coach-Net’s membership plans include a variety of emergency roadside services.

4. Waterproof Flashlight
Unfortunately, not every problem occurs at high noon with all the visibility you could possibly want, or in weather that’s suited to vehicle maintenance. As such, you should be sure to include a durable flashlight within your emergency kit, and check it every month or two to be sure it still works.

5. Extra Batteries
Not only may it take time to resolve an emergency along the side of the road, it may have been a while since you last used your flashlight. No telling if those batteries will work when you need them. Having extra batteries as a back up will ensure that you have all the light you need.

6. Rubber Gloves
There are some chemicals and parts of a vehicle that you may not want to touch with your bare hands. A pair of sturdy work gloves will make sure you can do any work you need to without exposing yourself to some of the major hazards associated with working on a vehicle – especially if your car’s been damaged.

7. A Rain Poncho
Or an Umbrella. The important thing is to have something that will keep the weather off of you while you’re working. It wouldn’t hurt to have a blanket during the winter, either, since you may not be able to rely on your car’s vehicle’s heater.

8. A Deck of Playing Cards
Boredom is a major issue if you find you have to wait for help to arrive, and something as simple as a basic deck of cards can help to pass the time. Never underestimate the value of improvised entertainment. Of course, with a Coach-Net plan, you’ll be back on the road in no time!

While the above are the most important tools for any kit, they’re certainly not the only things you can add!  Remember, with a Coach-Net membership, you can call for roadside assistance 24/7 and help can be just a screen tap away using the Coach-Net mobile app.

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