Is there any value to having a Good Sam membership?

[CaptnJohn]

I keep GS but also fmca. Never use pilot / FJ as I’m diesel and get a decent discount everywhere else I stop. Use the app here on my computer, hate the small screen. Diesel trucks are better off through TSD using the efs card.

[DougW]

To answer the original question: Not as much as there used to be.

The trip planner used to have really good points of interest they called “Things To Do” in it. They did an “update” a few years ago and the POI’s are now very limited, it says more are coming but it has said that for a long time.

The campground discounts are nice to have, even though sometimes there are other ways to get the same discount. The fuel savings are also good for us because when I stop for fuel we usually take a break so stopping at a Flying J is usually my first choice since they often have RV lanes and a place to park while we get a snack and take a break.

[Hamerjk]

I would not be without it. It pays for itself 4 to 5 times over in a year. I just bought a pit boss griddle for less than any place else close to $100.00 less. Every place else wanted more even on their website. Not everything is great price but I find a lot worth buying and save on. Even save on labor and repairs. Yes I know what issues there are with Camping World but not the one buy us, been having them do things and have saved hundreds of dollars. Also no issues and done when they say it suppose to be. I trust our Camping World 100%.

[jkoenig24]

Decades ago (WELL before I started RVing) I "bit" at a mail offer for a Lifetime Membership to the Good Sam Club. When I finally started RVing, the FIRST time I called for road service (dead battery) Good Sam was of NO help and, I wasted hours before I could get a "jump" to get me going. MOST of the "early benefits" are gone. GSC members are now looked upon as "sheep" to be monetized. I can no longer recommend the GSC to anybody. I have had VERY GOOD experience with FMCA's "Roadside Rescue" and can recommend them.

[salwolfe]

I've found the best prices on RV insurance through them several times, gotten campground discounts, and used the fuel discounts at FJ - more than paid for memberships. FMCA is terrific: they have really good and informative rallies, lots of maintenance help through their website and magazine (digital or print) and do many of their activities via volunteer workers. Included in their membership price is automatic insurance for returning you, your vehicles, pets and all back home if needed (injury, health problem, death) when you are more than 100 miles from home. Never know when you might need this, hopefully never, but if you do... Reviews speak highly of this service when used.

[Volvodriver]

We have several GS "benefits" but we are discussing getting rid of them all. I don't use trip planning and don't use their card too often for the camping discount. Over the almost nine years of full timing we have spoken to and actually got to know quite a few owner/operators of campgrounds and rv parks and some have dropped affiliation with discount cards due to their cost for them to advertise and offer the discount. It wasn't worth the expense to them.

As far as the "50% discount card" that bombard my email trying to get me back, Operators have told me while we have visited that they saved the less desirable sites for folks who demanded to use this card. These same operators don't take this card anymore and have also given up the GS club card but take and give AARP, Escapee's, and military discounts and if your just a senior but no affiliation they'll give a discount just for being old.

The national campground outfit that is known by three letters (XYZ) is also losing parks because of their strict rules and regs. One park in particular that I know of, having stayed there when it was an XYZ park, went private after many years as a franchise park with the same owners because they wanted to go all adult. They had too many headaches and heartaches the last years with children and their minders not minding. XYZ said they couldn't under their umbrella so there you have it. BTW there are "at least" seven or eight parks and campgrounds within ten miles from this one that families can go to.

Dave

[moose074]

Originally Posted by NevadaMiniLite

Moose074: Which RV magazine did you get the free subscription to and how does one sign up?

RV life I believe, I didn’t sign up I was selected from this forum I will see if I can find the thread

[moose074]

[PopFla]

We bought a lifetime membership to Good Sam many moons ago when it was reasonably priced. Back then, members got a decent discount at Camping World among other benefits. Nowadays we use it for the discount at Pilot/FlyingJ and at campgrounds if they happen to offer a GS discount. Over the years, the membership has paid for itself many times over, and I haven't paid Good Sam a penny in fees since buying it.

[moose074]

We are now one thread past the price of the membership, I’m not rich far far from it. Just surprised that a year long membership for $29 and a list of all the benefits on home page is still going.

[OldGal3]

I've heard a lot of bad reviews for CW, but I've kept my GoodSam card since I started full time 6 years ago. Last summer, when Rv stores were dropping like flies and I need a couple things that day, I visited a CW store in Medford, OR. Not only did they have the items I needed but they were on a great sale. No where else in the county were there any supplies available. Rarely do I visit a truck stop for fuel but I have used the GS discount several times. As for Passport America, I keep that for specific parks I've stayed at before, one that allows 3 days at 50% discount. That more than pays for the card and if I use it beyond that, it's gravy. Everybody does what's right for them.

[GabrielleBesnans]

These are the ONLY benefits I've seen. And I never, not once, used the Good Sam campground discount. And I get the discount at Flying J/Pilot even without updating my membership. On a scale of 1-> 10, I give my previous 3 year membership with Good Sam ... a 2.5.

Not worth the price at all, imho.

Originally Posted by TeachTexas

10% off at Good Sam campgrounds, discount on fuel at Pilot/Flying J.

[tmkwasinski]

Got a “free” GS membership when we bought our trailer. It’s for 4 years. Gotten a couple discounts on stays but that’s about it
We are members of Harvest Host, KOA and RV Tripwizard.

[gw1800]

Originally Posted by TeachTexas

10% off at Good Sam campgrounds, discount on fuel at Pilot/Flying J.

Good Sam campgrounds are getting harder to find. Most independents are being bought out by the big franchises.

[Doc Burry]

No, unless you want to help the greedy Marcus Lemonis!!!!!

[hicksie]

We also get discounts a Pilot/Flying J for propane and use of Dump Stations with the Good Sam card. Well worth the cost.

[Doc Burry]

I’ve never seen a good Sam guest discount that matched TDS! Of course that card cost nothing and Sam’s charges!!!! I’m not convinced, as AAA is such a great tow card, get the premium card . we had a breakdown, and we’re towed 73 miles with our class A diesel pusher, it cost us nothing! Anything but Sam’s is better!

[kevinhutchens]

Did not see UC Public Campground in the APP store. Is that what it is listed as?

[MOApples]

We have kept a GS membership for 10 years, and it doesn't expire until 2030.

DW is still working, so most of our trips are local here in Missouri, but if we take a long trip we do use Pilot/Flying J RV lanes to get the discount for our gasser.

But for us, the biggest advantage is belonging to our local chapter of the Good Sam Club. We camp once a month with 10-13 other rigs and have made very good friends doing so.

Food, Fun, & Fellowship is the biggest advantage we receive.

We also belong to the FMCA, since their emergency medical assistance plan is included with the annual dues. Its $149ish from GS.

[snapcap14]

I use flying J / pilot w my gamer get their card for fuel discount. I never go to campgrounds so Sam don’t help.