“Good Sam offers specialized RV protection that beats AAA’s tiered limits. For a much lower fee, it includes your whole family and unlimited towing to the nearest repair shop—essential for large rigs. Unlike AAA’s service caps, Good Sam offers the flexibility and peace of mind long-haul travelers need.”
When you're out on the open road in your RV, the last thing you want is to be stranded without help. Whether you're dealing with a flat tire, a dead battery, or running low on fuel, reliable roadside assistance is essential. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right one for your trips?
Good Sam and AAA are two of the leading providers of RV roadside assistance, offering distinct benefits, service packages, and pricing. This comparison between the two explores RV-specific coverage, cost, and overall value. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of which service best fits your unique travel needs.
Good Sam vs. AAA – A Comprehensive RV Coverage Comparison
While both Good Sam and AAA offer a variety of automotive services, RVers have very specific needs — and not all roadside plans are built the same. Let’s dive into how each provider stacks up when it comes to keeping your journey worry-free.
Good Sam RV Platinum
Family Coverage: Coverage for members and their families at no extra cost
Towing: Unlimited distance towing to the nearest repair center
Flat Tire: Replacement with your spare; new tire delivery available
Fuel Delivery: Fuel and Fluid delivery including (e.g., DEF, anti-freeze, transmission fluid)
Lockout: Coverage for various RV vehicle types
Jump Start: Includes battery boost and replacement
Extrication and Winching: Includes winch-out and extrication services
Area Coverage: US, Canada, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Mexico
Service Limit: No stated limit
Additional Benefits: Roadside mechanical repairs, trip interruption assistance, VIP concierge service, hotel discounts, and more
Eligible Vehicles:
Autos: Automobiles, pickups, vans, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), and motorcycles
Cost (For new members): Starting at $79.95/year for new members
AAA (Plus RV - Colorado)
Family Coverage: Member-only coverage; $85 extra for additional drivers
Up to 100 miles per service event, without additional fees
Towing:
Flat Tire: Replacement with your spare
Fuel Delivery: Fuel delivery
Lockout: Coverage for various RV vehicle types
Jump Start: Includes battery boost and replacement
Extrication and Winching: Winch-out and extrication services
Area Coverage: US, Canada, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands
Service Limit: 4 service calls per year
Additional Benefits: Limited locksmith reimbursements, mechanical first aid, discounts
Eligible Vehicles:
Autos: Cars, vans, SUVs, empty pickup trucks, and motorcycles
RVs: Motorhomes, pickups with attached campers, camper vans, tent trailers, dual-wheel campers, fifth-wheel trailers, horse trailers with living spaces, boat trailers, utility trailers, and trailers carrying no livestock
Cost (For new members): $195/year for Plus RV Plan
Plan Tier Breakdown
Good Sam’s RV roadside assistance and AAA’s offerings provide several distinctive plans, each with its own set of features and coverage. Here's a breakdown of the costs and plans for both services.
Offers full Platinum coverage, including unlimited distance towing to the nearest repair center, plus emergency travel & medical assistance, and tire & wheel road hazard coverage. Overall, making this a comprehensive plan.
Provides basic roadside assistance, including towing up to 7 miles, battery jump-starts, flat tire changes, and fuel delivery to the nearest service station.
Limit: 4 service calls per year.
2) Plus Plan – $95/year
Includes all benefits of the Basic Plan, with towing up to 100 miles per incident.
Additional services include flat tire changes, battery jump-starts, and fuel delivery to the nearest station.
Limit: 4 service calls per year.
3) Premier Plan – $135/year
Includes all features of the Plus Plan, with extended towing up to 200 miles.
Additional services such as lockout assistance, trip interruption reimbursement (up to $1,500 for emergency expenses), and one free one-day car rental for non-collision tows.
Limit: 4 service calls per year.
4) RV Plus Plan – $120/year
Specifically designed for RVs, this plan includes towing for motorhomes, pickups with attached campers, and trailers (up to 100 miles). Additional services include flat tire changes, battery jump-starts, and fuel delivery.
Limit: 4 service calls per year.
5) RV Premier Plan – $200/year
The most comprehensive RV plan, offering extended towing coverage up to 200 miles for motorhomes, trailers, and motorized RVs. Includes all standard roadside assistance services, plus tire changes, fuel delivery, lockout assistance, 24/7 tech support, and trip interruption reimbursement (up to $1,500).
Pro Tip: For stress-free travel, RV experts recommend choosing plans that include unlimited distance towing to the nearest repair center and tailored services for motorhomes and trailers. These plans are designed to cover the unique needs of RVers on the road.
How Roadside Assistance Works for RVs
RV roadside assistance is specifically designed to handle the unique challenges faced by RVers. Roadside assistance companies like Good Sam and AAA help you navigate these challenges and get you back on track quickly and safely. Here’s how the process typically works:
Call the Service Center:
Both Good Sam and AAA offer 24/7 dispatch centers. You’ll start by contacting the provider, where a representative will ask for your exact location, the nature of the problem, and your membership details.
Assessment:
The dispatcher evaluates the situation and sends the appropriate help. Good Sam dispatchers are trained in RV-specific issues and may offer troubleshooting, while AAA provides more general support.
Service Dispatch:
After the assessment, help is dispatched. Good Sam offers unlimited towing to the nearest service center, while AAA provides up to 200 miles of towing, depending on the plan. Both handle services like jump starts, tire changes, fuel delivery, and lockout assistance.
Service Arrival:
Response times vary by location and service type. Good Sam typically has faster response times, while AAA’s wait times can vary based on availability and location.
RVer's Insight: Be sure to check the limits of your plan, as some services may have restrictions on the number of incidents you can claim each year.
Choosing the Right RV Roadside Plan for How You Travel
When choosing a roadside assistance plan, consider factors like your RV size, travel frequency, and whether you need coverage for additional vehicles (e.g., towable trailers). Here’s a breakdown to help you select the right plan for your RV lifestyle:
Full-Time RVers
What They Need: Comprehensive support, unlimited distance towing to the nearest repair center, and mobile tech support.
Recommended Plans: For full-time or extensive travelers, a plan with unlimited towing and 24/7 RV-specific support is crucial. Good Sam’s Platinum+ or AAA’s RV Premier plans offer comprehensive coverage, including access to RV-certified techs and emergency services for long-term journeys.
Weekend Campers
What They Need: Basic coverage with access to nationwide services
Recommended Plans: For weekend trips, a basic plan like Good Sam’s Standard Plan or AAA’s Plus Plan is sufficient. These plans cover common issues like flat tires, battery boosts, and fuel delivery, with nationwide service access.
Snowbirds
What They Need: Coverage for long trips across various locations.
Recommended Plans: For Rvers heading south for the winter, choose plans with extended towing and multi-state coverage. Good Sam’s Platinum or AAA’s RV Plus Plan offers reliable coverage for long-distance trips.
Off-Grid Explorers
What They Need: Emergency services for remote areas, RV-specific help.
Recommended Plans: If you’re traveling to remote areas, choose a plan with emergency services and RV-specific assistance. Good Sam’s Platinum Complete plan offers unlimited towing and access to mobile RV-certified techs in remote locations.
Key Questions to Ask Yourself
How often do I use my RV?
Do I need coverage for additional vehicles, like my trailer or towed car?
Do I require specialized services such as fuel delivery, winching, or extended towing?
You can choose the plan that gives you the right level of coverage by considering your travel style and answering these questions. This ensures you’re ready for anything on the road.
So, Which Is Better, Good Sam or AAA?
Ultimately, the choice between Good Sam and AAA comes down to what suits your travel style and RV needs. Both services offer top-tier coverage but depending on how you travel and the type of assistance you require, one may stand out more than the other.
While Good Sam is more geared toward RV travelers – with benefits like unlimited towing, RV-certified technicians, and coverage designed for motorhomes, travel trailers, and fifth wheels – AAA offers broader support for everyday vehicles and general roadside help.
If RVing is a big part of your lifestyle, Good Sam’s RV-specific features could offer more peace of mind on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does AAA cost a month?
AAA membership costs vary by plan. The Plus plan is $95 per year, the Premier plan is $135 per year, the RV Plus plan is $120 per year, and the RV Premier plan is $200 per year. A $15 one-time enrollment fee also applies.
How much is Good Sam roadside service?
Good Sam roadside assistance plans generally start at around $64.95 per year for new members, with premium plans available at higher rates depending on the level of coverage chosen.
How does Good Sam’s towing differ from AAA’s?
Good Sam offers unlimited towing distance to the nearest service center, while AAA provides towing based on membership level: up to 100 miles for Plus plans and up to 200 miles for Premier plans.
How reliable is Good Sam’s customer service?
Good Sam’s customer service is known for being reliable, offering 24/7 assistance to members. Most customers report prompt support and helpful service, ensuring peace of mind whenever you need it.
