Nissan/Toyota/Landrover/etc Assist?

Hi Patrol22, I could be wrong about Mr Toyota etc, but many used car dealers that offer similar cover just sign you up to the NRMA in NSW or the RACQ etc in other states. That way, you get roadside assist, and Mr Toyota doesnt personally have to get out of bed to help you. However........ not too sure how it would go in the remote areas that you are talking about, but a few on here have had roadside assist from NRMA on their travels. Maybe you would have to pay to get your vehicle to the nearest NRMA depot (or similar organisation), then get 'free' help. Like I said, I could be wrong, but I will be taking out roadside cover before my first 'big' trip, for sure. 'Whacker

Having worked for RACQ and the WA equivalent in the Kimberleys I can assure you that if you break down in a remote area the state organisation will arrange to get you.
The crunchy bit is how much you are prepared to pay !! If you're stuck at Mitchell Falls and can't get another traveller to help you it may surprise you what the state motoring organisation will want to get you to Kununurra.
A lot of travellers get very antsy when the breakdown truck may be several hours away from the particular dot on the map where their vehicle decides to call it quits. Some also seem to think that they're the only ones who need help at that time.
Most Aussies are normally prepared to wait in good humour, the same can't be said for a lot of backpackers and visitors from other countries who seem to think the breakdown truck is conveniently positioned a few k's down the road. Some very terse words have been exchanged in situations where travellers have had to wait a considerable time and been given a substantial bill to get them back to a repair shop.
My advice is to take adequate water and food.
Once picked up 5 young pommie blokes near Turkey Creek who had 2 litres of water between them and that had been given to them by a passer by.

Hi Patrol22,
As mentioned you must be on a gazetted road/track. There is usually a limit on the towing. Sometimes better if you know what is wrong get the part bought to you and fix yourself.
I wouldn't go anywhere without it.
Friends of ours sister and her husband were at big red. He had a heart attack and dropped dead. They had RACV full cover. RAVC flew our friend and husband up there, covered their cost. Then flew our friend and sister home while her husband drove the car/van home. They also organised for the body to be returned. These guys had been members for many years so I think this was an exception not the norm.
Heard that defender have a contract with the army for recovery in remote areas. the army use it as recon training and defender get their cars recovered.When a friend bought his defender he asked how good the road assist was. The dealer told him if they can't get the car then the army will. Don't know if this is entirely true but he told our friend they had a guy blow a gear box in the simpson desert. The army flew in one their big choppers picked the car and family up, got the car repaired and flew them back to finish the trip. Sounded far fetched to me but our friends saw the pictures of an army chopper with a defender swinging below and another photo with a very happy looking family standing next to the chopper. If it is true then that would have to be the best coverage anywhere. I do know of a few groups who do use the army for various things and the army use it as training and we get to pay for the whole lot lol.

Josh

Patrol22

Whatever you do don't break down in the middle of the Simpson. Recoveries from there can cost up to $5000 just for the tow truck back to Birdsville. Don't think that the motoring organisations would go out that far

Cheers

my understanding is that roadside service is only where a 2wd vehicle can be driven , if other recovery equipment is needed i believe that provider of the service will arrange it but at your cost
On the CSR a sign at well 33 community says vehicle recovery
$5000 half up front before he comes out .can,t see RACV ect paying those sought of bills .
mechpete

A few years back I flattened my Pathfinder battery while watching the whales at the Head of the Bight [on the Nullabor]- hooked up to the van, just got carried away and spent nearly 3 hours instead of the 1 we anticipated. No one had brought jumper leads! Rang Nissan Assist from the Visitor Centre and there was a bloke there within 30 mins - luckily only had to come from Nullabor Roadhouse. I was very pleasantly surprised.

Kevin