Do you use a Recovery Service?

[Ian M]

In case the un-thinkable happened to my trailer when going to or from a launch site, I decided that I wanted to have the re-assurance of a recovery service. I remembered an article in RIB International that stated that the best place to get such a service was the Caravan Club, as they are set up to recover tow vehicles and substantial towed loads.
I spoke to the Caravan Club recovery service, Mayday, and was told that I needed to join the Caravan Club first. So I contacted them and tried to join, but was told that without a caravan or motorhome I would not be allowed to join! Why not?
I have now spoken to Greenflag, who run the Mayday service for the Caravan Club, and they state that they only have the assets to recover a trailer of some 8 metres under an agreement with the Caravan Club! They do not offer recovery of large trailers in their own name.
Do any RIBnetters use a recovery service? If so can you tell me which one? As the article in RIB int stated, can you be sure that when they turn up to recover you and your huge boat and trailer, they will actually be able to recover you? Many state they can, but the experience of the author of the RIB Int article was that this is often NOT the case.
Topgear seem to do a nice line in demolishing caravans, I think I will see if I can join in with them next.

[Jimbo]

Last time I called them (back when I was a member) the AA said they would cover a trailer.

The RAC, who I am with now, say they won't.

[Tim M]

The AA have assisted me with a trailer twice. Once they were able to sort the problem by the side of the road (flat tyre, didn't have a spare - they went and bought one and brought it back). The second time the trailer had to be recovered (from Portsmouth to Norwich - flat tyre again (you would have thought I would have learnt after the first time) no spare wheel, but becasue it was 6 in the evening they couldnt get another tyre) . They did this without any hesitation.

I'm with Norwich Union rescue now (due to the AA banning our family as we called them out "too many times") and have additional trailer cover which covers any trailer up to 7m. This service is provided by the RAC.

[Ian M]

Originally Posted by Jimbo

Last time I called them (back when I was a member) the AA said they would cover a trailer.

The RAC, who I am with now, say they won't.

Jimbo,
Thanks for that. Another article, RIB Int June/July 2004 covered the AA recovery service, and it does not show the AA in a very good light when it comes to recovering a boat and trailer!

[Ian M]

Originally Posted by Tim M

I'm with Norwich Union rescue now (due to the AA banning our family as we called them out "too many times") and have additional trailer cover which covers any trailer up to 7m. This service is provided by the RAC.

Tim,
Thanks for that as well Unfortunately, the 8m I quoted was not theoretical, s'pose I could always take a hacksaw to the draw bar when in dire emergency

[ashbypower]

Were with these guy's http://www.britanniarescue.com/ recovered us on one occasion by Craning trailer onto a flat bed
A good service by our experience.

Brian

[hamster]

myself and my otherhalf have been with the AA for about 5 years now. While she has used them many times (she will insist on having old bangers from her old man who is supposed to be a mechanic!) I had never used them till I was coming back from the Lakes with boat on back one sunday nit last year and my otherwise imaculate sierra estate decided it no longer liked one of its conrods and was going to throw it through the side of the crankcase at 11.30 on the M27. Lots of colourfull language!!!!
Called AA, told them I had a trailer on back, no problem nice lady said they'll be with you iin 20 mins. 15 minutes later not one but two tow trucks turned up. Car on one and boat and trailer on the other. They took me home, dropped the car of and then the guy in other truck kindly agreed to wait while I unloaded my camping gear out of the boat and then take the boat down to the sailing club where I keep it and drop me back at home again. Couldn't fault the service.

[Polwart]

I have been recovered by Direct Line Rescue who subcontract it to GreenFlag (following a slashed tyre on a holiday weekend
- no spare and nowhere to get one).

They did a very good job and even ensured I got the trailer back inside my garage (up a relatively steep driveway with a kerb to clear - no easy task with a flat tyre). Communication between the parties wasn't great (you call Direct Line who call Green Flag, who call a local garage/franchise). Somewhere in this chain they managed to misinform the recovery operator that the problem was with the car not the trailer (so they were planning to put car on flatbed and tow the trailer) it took three vehicles and several hours in the end to get one suitable for my (very small) trailer.
But they managed in the end - and there was never a suggestion that they would not cover it.

I now religously carry a spare (had carried the foam stuff - but no use).

[Top banana]

We use international breakdown who are the only company i think who guarantee to recover the trailer even if the tow vehicle hasnt broke down.
the only stipulation is that the trailer length doesnt exceed 7.5m in length and 2.4 m wide, all for 69.00, we had simillar problems with AA who informed me that they cover the car not the trailer, but will use there discretion in all cases, and in my case refused asistance because the wheel bearing had collapsed, wheras international breakdown cover both car and trailer

[Biggles]

Guess International Breakdown will be getting a call from me when my Recovery is due renewal. Have you got a link please ?