1978 Caddy Eldorado Barritz built in tow mounts?

[TJ Hopland]

I don't know if it has changed now that things like tow trucks are easily tracked by their owners but in the past if there was a minor issue with the rules a little cash to the driver would usually make it a non issue.   Things like it was to go to a service center you would pick one near your house for the official paperwork then see if they driver would take it to your house.   Same thing with say getting it in your garage or on your trailer.   Company is still getting paid and company is still paying them plus they get some cash.

[dennisspeaks]

Well Bruce my friend, I read AAA's policy and spoke with the lady representative, I can have the car towed anywhere I want and it says that on their website.  The only thing is for long tows there is a 5 day waiting period before you can use it.  That is a much better option than trying to get a Uhaul.

[Cadman-iac]

What do they consider as "long"? It's my understanding that you are allowed up to 100 miles for a tow. But I wouldn't want to have to wait 5 days before they send out a truck.

[dennisspeaks]

Cadman-iac

That is just their policy during the first time after you sign up for AAA Roadside, a 5 day wait period for longer tows.  After you are a member then it is like a regular tow.  There are 3 plans, one tow up to 5 miles, second level tow up to 100 miles and the top level tow up to 200 miles.

[harvey b]

You better check and see if it is a AAA tow truck or other.They have their own fleet of tow trucks,kind of hard to get around the company drivers,the independents are easier to work with that way .Possibly talk to some used car dealers in your area,and see who they use for transporting cars to the auctions,might be able to get it that way if they are in the area anyway?Good Luck  harveyb

[Cadman-iac]

Cadman-iac

That is just their policy during the first time after you sign up for AAA Roadside, a 5 day wait period for longer tows.  After you are a member then it is like a regular tow.  There are 3 plans, one tow up to 5 miles, second level tow up to 100 miles and the top level tow up to 200 miles.

Hi Dennis,

I've had AAA for probably 20 or more years now,  but have only ever had to use it once when I had a fuel gage malfunction and was left stranded on the freeway. It took them over 3 hours to get there, and I was 1 mile from a major exit in Tucson.
I only have it because my wife does a lot of longer distance traveling, so it's for her peace of mind more than anything else.
I do have the premium version with the 200 mile limit,  but I had to ask her about it, as I couldn't remember.
I didn't get what you meant immediately about the 5 day wait period,  but I see it now.
As for the requirement that your vehicle be broken down, (if they do require that, I don't know), but I can understand why they might. If they were moving vehicles around for people who just want one delivered for whatever reason, they would be making someone who is actually in need waiting for help.

Rick

[dennisspeaks]

You better check and see if it is a AAA tow truck or other.They have their own fleet of tow trucks,kind of hard to get around the company drivers,the independents are easier to work with that way .Possibly talk to some used car dealers in your area,and see who they use for transporting cars to the auctions,might be able to get it that way if they are in the area anyway?Good Luck  harveyb

Thanks for the tip.  I don't know if it will be a AAA truck or not, hopefully independent.  There is nothing in their that I read about towing a car.  I had heard that they will only tow to a AAA approved facility and so i asked the rep about that and she said no, you can tow it anyway you want even to your home and that is what their agreement says.  I am pretty good at building rapport with people and I plan on using the pandemic to my benefit as well. It seems like the best of all choices.  If nothing else, I can cancel AAA and get an independent. 

[dennisspeaks]

Hi Dennis,

I've had AAA for probably 20 or more years now,  but have only ever had to use it once when I had a fuel gage malfunction and was left stranded on the freeway. It took them over 3 hours to get there, and I was 1 mile from a major exit in Tucson.
I only have it because my wife does a lot of longer distance traveling, so it's for her peace of mind more than anything else.
I do have the premium version with the 200 mile limit,  but I had to ask her about it, as I couldn't remember.
I didn't get what you meant immediately about the 5 day wait period,  but I see it now.
As for the requirement that your vehicle be broken down, (if they do require that, I don't know), but I can understand why they might. If they were moving vehicles around for people who just want one delivered for whatever reason, they would be making someone who is actually in need waiting for help.

Rick

Thanks for your input Cadman-iac.  I guess everyone's mileage may vary partially depending on the tow truck driver.  The reason I chose AAA is because a recommendation by another classic car owner friend I know iwas n the same situation and he had no problem when he bought a non running car last year.

Wow waiting 3 hours is a long time.  Good you only had to use it once.  Everyone has their own slant on things and I wouldn't want to prevent someone who is stuck on the side of the road, however AAA is large enough it shouldn't be an issue, never the less I had planned on calling and speaking to a rep to address my concerns as well as calling Good Sam Roadside assistance service as well.  I too had heard that the vehicle be broken down but didn't read that in the agreement.  I will be addressing that today with them.  Good point.

["Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364]

I've had AAA since I was 16 years old.  They canceled my fathers membership because he had more than 20 calls per year, so I thought it would be prudent to get my own membership.  I currently have the 200 mile program and until this year I have used it about 3 0r 4 times per year.  When I call I just tell them my car is disabled and I need a flat bed truck to come get me. Never a question.
Greg Surfas

[dennisspeaks]

Like most things in life the results you get will depend on the tow truck driver, what side of the bed they got off of and what type of day they having.

[dennisspeaks]

I don't know if it has changed now that things like tow trucks are easily tracked by their owners but in the past if there was a minor issue with the rules a little cash to the driver would usually make it a non issue.   Things like it was to go to a service center you would pick one near your house for the official paperwork then see if they driver would take it to your house.   Same thing with say getting it in your garage or on your trailer.   Company is still getting paid and company is still paying them plus they get some cash.

The current policy is they will deliver it to wherever you the policy holder says including your home.   Greasing the palms is time tested make things happen.

[wheikkila]

I have used AAA for servile of my cars over the years. I have had all of them towed to my house. The longest distance was about 35 miles. No questions asked.
Thanks Wayne

[dennisspeaks]

wheikkila yes it seems like a great service.

Thanks.

[dennisspeaks]

I ended up using AAA and service was great, no issues whatsoever.