An RV breakdown on I-94 or M-139 is a different problem than a car breaking down. You’ve got a rig that’s 30+ feet long, a lot more traffic exposure while you wait, and a good chance the nearest tow provider doesn’t actually run trucks big enough to move you. Here’s what to do in the first ten minutes, and what happens after you call.
First: Get the Rig Out of the Travel Lane if You Can
If you’re still rolling and something feels wrong — a vibration, a burning smell, a warning light — get to the shoulder or the nearest exit before you stop completely. On I-94 between Benton Harbor and the state line, shoulders are wide enough for most Class A and Class C units, but M-139 through town has tighter margins and less runoff. If you can reach a business parking lot or a wide turnout instead of the paved shoulder, take it.
Second: Get Yourself Seen
Hazards on immediately. Set reflective triangles or road flares behind the RV if you have them and it’s safe to place them — at least 100 feet back on a highway shoulder, more on a curve. Stay on the passenger side of the vehicle, away from the traffic lane, while you wait. RVs get rear-ended more often than people expect, especially at night or in the Southwest Michigan fog that rolls in off the lake.
Third: Call a Tow Company That Actually Runs Heavy-Duty Trucks
This is the step that trips people up. A lot of towing companies in Berrien County run light-duty trucks built for sedans and pickups — not the reinforced underlifts and high-capacity stabilizers a 30,000-pound Class A motorhome needs. Calling the wrong company means waiting on hold while they figure out they can’t take the job, then waiting again for a referral. Tell the dispatcher the RV class (A, B, or C), the approximate length and weight if you know it, and what’s wrong — blown tire, overheating, won’t start, or something structural.
Zielke Towing & Tire dispatches 24/7 from our yard at 1303 M-139 in Benton Harbor, and our fleet includes the heavy wreckers and flatbeds that handle Class A motorhomes without guessing. If you’re not sure what class your RV is or what it weighs, that’s fine — tell the dispatcher what you’re driving and they’ll figure out the right truck. Call (269) 925-9573.
What Happens After the Truck Arrives
For most breakdowns — blown tires, electrical failures, engine trouble — the operator will assess whether the RV can be repaired roadside or needs to be moved. Flatbed transport is usually the safest option for a Class A with a low-clearance chassis, since it keeps the vehicle off the ground entirely and avoids stressing the frame or suspension during the lift. For simpler issues like a dead battery or a flat, our roadside assistance team can often get you moving again without a full tow.
If It’s Just a Flat Tire
Not every RV roadside call needs a tow truck. If it’s a single flat and you’re safely off the travel lane, our team can handle tire replacement on-site — we carry stock for most RV and trailer tire sizes and can mount a spare or a new tire at the roadside in many cases. Call the same number and let the dispatcher know it’s a tire issue specifically.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t know how much my RV weighs?
Tell the dispatcher the class (A, B, or C) and roughly how long it is. That’s usually enough to dispatch the right size truck. Most Class A motorhomes run 20,000–30,000+ pounds; Class C units are typically 10,000–14,000 pounds.
Can you tow an RV that’s still hooked to a trailer or towed vehicle (dinghy)?
In most cases, yes — but tell the dispatcher up front that you have a towed vehicle attached. It changes the equipment and setup needed.
How fast can a truck reach me on I-94 near Benton Harbor?
Dispatch is 24/7 with a dispatcher who can see truck locations in real time, so you get an ETA on the same call rather than a guess.
Do you tow RVs long-distance, or just local recovery?
Both. We handle local roadside recovery and long-distance towing if your RV needs to reach a repair shop or your home base outside the immediate area.
The Short Version
Get off the travel lane if you can, put your hazards on, and call a towing company that actually runs heavy-duty equipment — not just light-duty trucks. Zielke Towing & Tire has handled Class A and Class C recoveries across Berrien County for years, with the flatbeds and heavy wreckers to do it without adding a repair bill to your breakdown. Save (269) 925-9573 before you need it.
