A breakdown with a car is annoying; a breakdown with a motorhome, far from home, with several tonnes and your "house" on your back, is a different story altogether. That's why good roadside assistance isn't a luxury: it's one of the most important things you can have for travelling with peace of mind. Here's why, and what a truly reliable service should cover.
Why it matters so much in a camper
- Weight and size: towing a motorhome requires specialist tow trucks, not just any will do. Generic assistance can leave you stranded.
- Your home is inside: if the tow truck takes it away, where do you (and your family) sleep? Good cover plans for accommodation.
- Far from home: many breakdowns happen while travelling, sometimes abroad, where sorting things out yourself is complicated.
What good assistance should cover
- A tow truck suited to the weight and size of your motorhome (check the tonnage and dimension limits).
- Cover from the very first mile: assistance even if the breakdown happens right outside your door, not only beyond a certain distance.
- Accommodation and continuing your trip if the vehicle is immobilised: hotel, replacement vehicle, repatriation.
- Cover abroad if you're travelling outside your home country (see documentation).
Where it usually comes included
Assistance is usually tied to the motorhome's insurance, so when you take it out, check carefully what assistance it includes and extend it if it falls short for a large vehicle (see insurance). Don't go by price alone: what matters is what it covers when you truly need it.
And when the breakdown is minor
Not everything needs a tow truck: many issues are resolved with basic know-how (see common breakdowns) and good preventive maintenance avoids most scares (see checklist). But for the big stuff, assistance is your safety net.
In summary
Good roadside assistance is essential in a camper because of its weight, size and the fact that your home travels inside it: it should include a suitable tow truck, cover from home and accommodation if you're left stranded. The step to take today: check what assistance your insurance includes and confirm it covers your motorhome's actual tonnage and size, with accommodation and, if you travel abroad, cover outside your home country; extend it if it falls short. Combine it with insurance.