LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – One mile outside Primm the Dong family immediately noticed an issue with their RV when they saw their left rear tire rolling beside them—a sign that their Yellowstone trip would face a detour.

Darren Dong, a California resident, said he is thankful the wild tire from his 2014 Coachman Leprechaun didn’t hit anyone Sunday evening as it flew 300 yards down the shoulder of Interstate 15.

“My wife got it, it’s in the [RV] right now,” he said. “I’ve been trying to call for a tow to get us to a repair shop.”

A spokesperson for AAA Insurance told 8 News Now the Dong family’s call for a tow truck comes during the busiest week for emergency roadside assistance following the Fourth of July weekend.

“Three of the most common calls to AAA are for tires, batteries, and overheated engines,” John Treanor, a AAA Insurance spokesperson, wrote in an email to 8 News Now. “AAA recommends having a service plan so you can arrange a tow quickly.”

Dong told 8 News Now he reached out to AAA after being directed to make an account and file a claim but was told it would take 48 hours for service for his RV due to its size and damage.

“I’m on hold with TA Travel Center and I tried several different towing, large haul shops,” Dong said. “None of them have a rig available for a rear axle incident.”

It’s been a huge ordeal according to Dong who said he is taking away a lesson from waiting for a tow in the Mojave Desert following the busy holiday weekend.

Dong told 8 News Now he reached out to AAA after being directed to make an account and file a claim but was told it would take 48 hours for service for his RV due to its size and damage. (KLAS)

“I’ve never had an issue like this to deal with so I’m learning all the ins and outs of having to get a tow,” he said. “It’s been very stressful, it may look like I’m calm, but I’m trying to process everything.”

Dong said their RV only had around 30,000 miles on it and he is seeking to file a claim with a repair shop that recently serviced his vehicle.

“Money is not the issue right now,” he said. “It’s just getting home safe.”

AAA recommends drivers check several items on their vehicle before departing such as: checking tire pressure to avoid underinflated tires, checking battery life which drains quicker during high temperatures, checking vehicle fluids to avoid leaks, and updating smartphone software.

“If you are an iPhone user with the latest IOS software and a newer iPhone you can get help in areas without cell service,” Treanor wrote. “Apple and AAA partners use satellites to connect drivers with emergency services.”

Dong spoke with 8 News Now Monday night over the phone and said he found a flatbed tow truck service that retrieved him and the RV from outside Primm.



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