I SMASHED THE VAN AND THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED

Following on from our last vlog showing how my solo female vanlife trip turned from fun to disaster in a split second, I wanted to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who left a supportive comment, direct messaged us or was sympathetic in person.
Everyones kindness has really made a huge difference and helped me regain a bit of confidence when it comes to driving the van again.
Our motorhome back window did come off worst after I had my little accident, but it's just plastic and no-one was hurt - so that's the important thing for me to remember.
Many people have asked what happened and what I hit.
So here'e the explanation of how it happened.
It was my fault and all the cameras and sensors in the world can't always prevent a bit of human error sadly.
Please stay kind and although it may be a bit cheesy, I really did want to say a public thank you.
#accidentnews
#vanlife
#solofemalevanlife

[@wheelersinthewild]

Ah thanks for the mention Beth 😊, it’s so easily done, it’s the fault of the cameras being in the wrong place not yours 😊, Riki has done a great job with the temporary fix, you wouldn’t notice it from the outside. Have a brilliant time this weekend. ❤

[@TheHillsExplore]

Thank you 😊 but I knew what to watch out for and just messed it up! 😩 But yes Riki has done a good job with the temporary fix so we will be raving this weekend. So sad you can’t make it and hope all is going well with the plans. We shall raise a glass to you on Saturday 🍹🍹 x

[@48counties19]

Thanks for the mention Beth. Glad to see you are feeling a bit better about it all xx

[@TheHillsExplore]

You are so welcome 🤗 I’ve definitely felt more support than I could ever have expected 🥰 x

[@iancampbell7684]

Hey we have all made mistakes and learn from them, get back on the road and enjoy your happy place xx

[@TheHillsExplore]

Thank you. You are right. I need to keep pushing myself 😊 x

[@benitakent6208]

It’s one of those things that can happen but thankfully you’re ok and Riki has worked his magic ☺️💐

[@TheHillsExplore]

Yes nothing hurt but my pride and my confidence a little battered. But he’s a good husband for covering up my added ‘adventure stripe’ to the back of the van 🤗🫣😫

[@chrissey663]

Hiya Beth, hope your feeling better hun, emotional vid i was upset for you😢 On our last van i opened the window on a hot day (we used to keep it at home then) and forgot about it, when we came home it was in 100 pieces (the wind had caught it) smashed all over the floor, that was nearly £300 and we waited ages, and it was covered in blue plastic ( not visible at all) 😂 so fair play to Ricky he did a good job on the temporary fix which is hardly visible now. Anyway, that's life, we're only human lovely, don't let it put you off driving it, get your confidence back and continue the excellent work. Looking forward to the future vlogs chin up okay ❤

[@TheHillsExplore]

Thanks Chrissey. I want to believe I won’t make a mistake like it again, but I can’t be sure 😬 I’d like to think not the exact same mistake at least!! 🫣 It’s gut wrenching when you realise what you’ve done 😣 I will keep on and kick myself in to going out again soon on my own 🤞🏻 August is my target but I’ve still not got my tickets. I need to wait for payday to come again now anyway after paying for just the window this month 🙈😅 💸xx

[@suzybeetravels]

It could happen to anyone Beth. We think you are awesome taking such a big bus out on your own 😘❤️xx

[@TheHillsExplore]

Thank you. I do love driving her, but I can’t be doing anything like this again! 😬 x

[@DolittleCampers]

The easiest place to lose concentration is on the drive. If it makes you feel better, the reason why we have magnets on our Van is because it covers 3 massive scratches where I scraped it when it was brand new in our drive. Keep your chin up 😊

[@TheHillsExplore]

Now that actually does make me feel part of a VIP club 😊 And you’re right. You’re at home and you think I’m home now, I can relax and then 💥😲 X

[@Brucecarmaintence71]

Easy done Beth, especially where your rear camera is positioned on the van, could happen to anyone, plus the fact it’s a big vehicle, keep on keeping on!, Best wishes from Bruce and Linda 😎.

[@TheHillsExplore]

Thank you 😊

[@micksparrow8214]

I really feel sorry for you and fully understand how you must have felt when it happened but it’s only a window quite expensive I know but at least no one hurt. I’ve done some real stupid things in my 40+ years of driving and you did feel horrible but it soon fades and eventually you will be able to just have a laugh about it. I hope it’s all fixed soon or it might be by now because I’ve only just come across your channel. One thing is for sure this small accident will make you a better driver because you won’t do it again. I seen you drive on the previous videos and I’d say you come across as very confident driver don’t let this put you off.

[@TheHillsExplore]

Thank you that’s lovely. It’s is fixed now thank goodness but the window did take a while to come back in to stock. It’s knocked my confidence and I haven’t been away on my own since - which is a real shame 😔 I need to get back behind the wheel and forgive myself for a silly mistake. Like you say it’s all fixable and I love driving 😊

[@wanderinwilds]

I tell you what, Riki did a brilliant job at making that look factory. It’s all come out in the wash and the main thing is your both ok and your still married 😂 your a fab driver it’s so easily done 🥰 big hugs Twinnie 🥰😘 xxx

[@TheHillsExplore]

Thank you twinnie. The fix wrap is pretty good 👍🏻 I just wish I could turn back those last few minutes 😩 But it’s done and we in a way are fortunate that the repair will be paid for in two parts! 😬 I need to give my head a wobble and get back to driving and concentrating 🫣💕 xx

[@wanderinwilds]

@@TheHillsExplore you will get there don’t rush things hun 🥰♥️ xxx

[@BertieBus]

We was gutted for you . The camera seems low . A split second is all it takes . It can be repaired ❤❤❤

[@TheHillsExplore]

Thank you yes just a moment and 🫣 at least we can still use the van ❤️❤️❤️

[@RobertSmith-cv1cu]

Put a marker on the fence at the point level with your eyes. Then just watch for that marker when you come back.

[@TheHillsExplore]

Yes it’s a good idea 👍🏻

[@DKGoesWild]

cuddles from me and Jess, book your trip in August, we have all done it see you soon xx

[@TheHillsExplore]

Thank you both. I know I should 😬 xxx

[@JPLamoureuxsTravels]

😖 I’m glad you got it all sorted I’d have been gutted too but all done now I was thinking it was more than that to be fair, nothings cheap on them is it 😮 good luck on your paper round lol 😆 anyway glad you are ok and moving on, take care safe travels x JP ❤

[@TheHillsExplore]

🤪 yes I’m going to be the oldest paper girl in town! 😂 but it could have been worse. Thank you and I just need to be more specially aware in future! 😬 x

[@JPLamoureuxsTravels]

@@TheHillsExplore we all do it hun, Sammie was chatting to me in Orkney while I was reversing and I hit a bank, she got the blame obviously 🙄🤣 and a 500 quid bill later all right as rain lol 😂 x

[@HubbynHerMotorhomeMoment-ir4dk]

I feel your pain, I broke the overhead locker door in our Swift Bessacarr after a few days, fortunately I mended it myself but I did feel gutted. Also, why do the these parts take so long to arrive. I need a new roof skylight thingy, although under warranty - costs over £900, there could be a year wait!! The motorhomes seem to be sold with no-one keeping any spares. Anyway, hope you get yours fixed soon. Best of luck, Gary.

[@TheHillsExplore]

Thank you Gary. It’s so frustrating having to wait so long for parts. At least you managed to fix your overhead locker 👍🏻 I’m just hoping that the wrap stays in place for as long as we need it 🤞🏻 Good luck with your skylight 😊

[@HubbynHerMotorhomeMoment-ir4dk]

@@TheHillsExplore Thank you and I hope you get your part very soon.

[@garysavage5675]

That’s a lot cheaper than I thought it was going to be 👍

[@TheHillsExplore]

Yes we thought it light be closer to £1k just for the plastic window 😳 We will have to wait and see what the installation cost is. I can’t afford to make the same mistake twice that’s for sure!

[@retirement-adventures]

Hi Beth. Doesn't Swift have these parts? Your motorhome isn't exactly ancient. Kind regards, Stuart

[@TheHillsExplore]

Hi Stuart. We haven’t contacted Swift directly, but the dealership we bought the motorhome from are used to doing repair work and all their suppliers have said this particular window is out of stock. The van is only 3 years old but the back window is an unusual design. I didn’t think it would be this difficult or long a process for a simple window either 😔 and we still have no update on when the part will be available. I’m so thankful the van is still usable! Many thanks, Beth

[@ianwoods4020]

Off topic reply, How unsafe is it to drive a UK vehicle on the right when driving on a single track road without a passenger for your eyes when driving around a blind corner like a mountain or a blind rocky side? as there are miles of these blind spots in Switzerland or especially Norway, or even a cliff top edge , is this is a really dangerous concern? or am i worrying to much? I have bought a dash cam for the left side of the front window screen and a tiny mirror to clip to my left wind shield , but I fear that is not enough!

[@TheHillsExplore]

Try not to worry. You will be fine if you take your time and keep your speed in line with the type of road and conditions 👍🏻

[@UK4US2023]

I guess this is all fixed now. Was your insurance not an option? We .. well me 😬 .. have damaged our worktop and a replacement is going to cost a fair bit but the labour charge will be even more! For the time being I have done a reasonable repair with colorfill but it bugs us every time we go in the van. Thinking of putting in a claim on our insurance. Is this not a good idea? Do you get hit with high ‘no claims’ increased payments.

[@TheHillsExplore]

We decided it was probably better to just pay for the repair rather than claim as it might have had an impact on both the van and our car insurance and by the time you pay the excess, it’s not worth the claim! The labour wasn’t as much as we’d expected fortunately, but still it was an expensive mistake 🫣 All done now and as good as new 😊 It was all done through Oaktree Motorhomes where we bought her from and as we are under warranty, we wanted them to do it so they know what’s what with the van. Plus, they do a really good job. It’s tricky to decide to claim or not but with this one it was worth just taking it on the chin for us 😔

[@jimmyconnolly3461]

It’s a split second not a spilt second. 🤦‍♂️😉😂❤️

[@TheHillsExplore]

😜

[@jimmyconnolly3461]

Ah, you fixed it. At least the van is watertight and rigid. Ricky will be pleased. The van is to be enjoyed and you paid hard earned cash for it. So, stop beating yourself up. I can still hear it in your voice.😉✊❤️

[@TheHillsExplore]

@@jimmyconnolly3461 yes I was gutted. Totally gutted 😭 but onwards!! It’s not off the road so we will be out there meeting friends as much as we can 😍 Fingers crossed the part will hurry up before winter!!

[@jimmyconnolly3461]

Just have fun. ❤️

[@WattsOccurring]

It could happen to anyone, get back in the drivers seat on your own and defo book for August. Big cwtches Beth xxx

[@alecporter1784]

Expensive but all good in the end, did you bribe Riki with a coffee. Hoping this is a useful tip, I don't have a camera but i have a mark on the wall passenger side and when I reach that I know when to stop

[@TheHillsExplore]

Riki told me not to be upset- without the need of a coffee bribe! Yes I think a mark on the wall is a good idea 👍🏻 thank you 😊 x

[@powderpuff1964]

not to bad could have been a lot worse

[@TheHillsExplore]

Very true 😊

[@powderpuff1964]

@@TheHillsExplore that window is not cheap though