Thinking about adding an AAA RV membership to your travel safety net? Before you hand over your credit card, you might want to take a closer look at what you’re actually getting. Recent policy changes have dramatically altered the value of AAA’s RV coverage, and what once seemed like a solid investment could now leave you stranded—both figuratively and literally.
What AAA RV Coverage Actually Includes
AAA offers two RV-specific membership options that build on their standard coverage:
- AAA Plus RV: Includes up to 100 miles of towing coverage
- AAA Premier RV: Offers one tow up to 200 miles and additional tows up to 100 miles
Both require purchasing an additional “RV Rider” on top of your standard AAA membership. This seems straightforward, but the devil’s in the details.
Unlike competitors that only tow to the nearest repair shop, AAA lets you choose your destination within your coverage limits. That’s a nice perk—until you hit the fine print.
The $500 Bombshell: AAA’s Major Coverage Limitation
Here’s what most RV owners don’t realize until it’s too late: AAA implemented a critical policy change around 2020 that fundamentally undermined their RV coverage value.
Current AAA RV coverage now includes:
- A $500 per service call limit
- A $1,000 annual household limit for RV towing, extrication, and tire services
This is a game-changer, and not in a good way. RV towing typically costs $200-300 per hour, meaning even a modest 50-mile tow can easily exceed your coverage limit. If you break down in a remote area (where many RV adventures take you), a single tow could cost $500-1,500 or more.
Let’s put this in perspective with a quick comparison:
| Service | AAA RV | Good Sam | Coach-Net |
|---|---|---|---|
| Towing limit | $500 per incident | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Annual limit | $1,000 total | None | None |
| Service calls | 4 per year | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Cost | $140-225/year | $64.95-79.95/year | $179/year |
More Limitations You Should Know About
The restrictions don’t stop with the dollar limits. AAA RV memberships also:
- Cap your service calls at four per year across all vehicles on your account
- Lack trip interruption coverage, which helps with lodging and transportation if your RV breaks down far from home
- Don’t offer mobile mechanic dispatch for on-site repairs
- Provide no RV-specific technical support for troubleshooting complex systems
These missing features are standard with specialized RV roadside assistance programs.
The Real Cost of AAA RV Coverage
Adding RV coverage to your AAA membership isn’t cheap. Here’s what you can expect to pay:
- AAA Plus membership ($99.99) + RV Rider ($30-50) = $130-150 annually
- AAA Premier membership ($124.99) + RV Rider ($30-50) = $155-175 annually
While these prices might seem reasonable for comprehensive coverage, remember you’re now working with significant service limitations. That $500 service limit means you’ll likely pay out-of-pocket for a substantial portion of any serious RV emergency.
Customer Experiences Tell the Real Story
Real-world experiences often reveal what marketing materials don’t. Multiple reports from AAA RV members describe:
- Extended wait times, especially in rural areas
- Service denials for remote locations
- Poor communication during emergencies
One documented case involved a member waiting over six hours for assistance between Bishop, CA, and Mammoth Lakes, CA, ultimately being stranded despite having top-tier coverage.
Even more concerning, some AAA regions have implemented restrictions excluding service on unpaved roads—precisely where many popular RV camping areas are located.
Superior Alternatives for RV Owners
The good news? Better options exist at comparable or even lower prices:
Good Sam Roadside Assistance
Cost: $64.95 (Standard) or $79.95 (Platinum) annually
What you get:
- Unlimited towing to the nearest service facility with no dollar limits
- Mobile mechanic dispatch
- $1,200 in trip interruption coverage
- Spouse and children covered at no extra charge
Good Sam’s specialized RV coverage costs less than AAA while offering substantially better benefits.
Coach-Net Premier
Cost: $179 annually
What you get:
- Unlimited towing with no mileage or dollar restrictions
- 24/7 RV technical assistance from RVSA-certified technicians
- Mobile mechanic service
- Comprehensive family coverage
While Coach-Net costs more than Good Sam, its unlimited coverage and specialized RV knowledge make it the gold standard for serious RV travelers.
FMCA Roadside Rescue
Cost: $129 annually
What you get:
- Unlimited towing
- Trip interruption coverage
- Comprehensive roadside assistance
Available through Family Motor Coach Association membership, this service sits between Good Sam and Coach-Net in terms of both cost and coverage.
When AAA RV Might Still Make Sense
Despite its limitations, AAA RV coverage might be worth considering if:
- You’re already a AAA member who values their other benefits
- You primarily travel within 100 miles of home
- You own a smaller RV or trailer
- You take infrequent, short-distance trips
Even in these scenarios, however, the $500 service limit remains a significant concern.
Making the Right Choice for Your RV Lifestyle
Your ideal roadside assistance depends on your travel patterns:
- Budget-conscious travelers: Good Sam Standard ($64.95) offers the best value
- Serious RV enthusiasts: Coach-Net Premier ($179) provides the most comprehensive coverage
- Balance of cost and coverage: FMCA Roadside Rescue ($129) or Good Sam Platinum ($79.95)
When making your decision, consider these factors:
- How far from home do you typically travel?
- Do you venture into remote areas?
- How often do you use your RV?
- What’s the replacement value of your rig?
- How mechanically savvy are you?
The Bottom Line: Is AAA RV Worth It?
Based on comprehensive research and analysis, AAA RV membership is not worth it for most RV owners. The $500 per-incident cap and $1,000 annual limit create a false sense of security that could leave you with substantial out-of-pocket costs when you most need help.
For less money, specialized providers like Good Sam and Coach-Net offer truly unlimited coverage designed specifically for RV travelers’ unique needs. Their services include the features AAA lacks—mobile mechanics, trip interruption, and technical support—while eliminating the restrictive dollar caps that undermine AAA’s value.
While AAA’s brand recognition and nationwide presence are impressive, they simply can’t overcome the fundamental limitations of their current RV coverage structure. For serious RV travel, your peace of mind deserves better protection.
