Even more gutted for you after seeing the damage and all credit to you for sharing this traumatic time. Hope you get a happy resolution and speedily. Chin up Howard
Really sorry to hear of your problems. Looks like a new van to me. With you all the way. Thanks for the videos and hoping to see you off in a new van shortly.
That'll be a total right off mate. Be the insurance of person who ran into the back of you will pay for it and he'll have to claim off the person who ran into the back of him.
I think the damage is quite serious sadly. I feel a vlog coming about caravan insurance and your experience dealing with this matter. Lets hope a new van is the answer. Thanks for sharing this experience which is one we all dread. However, once its happened it is just a case of dealing with it in a calm manner the way you are.
A brand new van... don’t think I could smile like you have through this vlog. I hope the insurance rectify everything properly and you are back making memories (and videos) quickly. All the best.
Just came across your channel. You must have been so gutted, we would have been crying. Hope it's getting sorted for you. Our motorhome is currently having work done but not due to an accident. We have started fulltime so kipping on the kids sofa at the minute. Good luck to you and hope you don't miss too many adventures in the caravan.
I cannot believe how positive you are, I would be gutted, that van will never be the same again they must right it off ... if the floor and panels are all pushed forward the chassis must be twisted... it’s unlikely a dealer will repair it, it would have to go back to the factory for a rebuild, it’s the only way it will come anywhere near acceptable.. I sincerely wish you the best of luck with the insurance, update us all soon 🤞👍
Really feel for you mate, just can’t imagine what it must feel like. Wouldn’t be surprised if the chassis was bent looking at the internal damage. We pick our new van up on the 19th, makes me feel right nervous now seeing that.
Glad you are feeling a better Graham, a rollercoaster of emotions! Quite a bit of damage inside, good job it was low speed. Hope you get something sorted soon, looks like the body of the van is twisted. Keep smiling mate 🙂 Take care
At least you have the new caravan walk round vid that shows how the van looked when you picked it up, as further evidence for the insurance claims. Hope it’s sorted out PDQ for you both.
Wow didn't realise the damage would be so extensive inside as well. Even the bathroom wall has shifted. Strange one with the cooker hood being up. Hope what ever happens it goes smoothly for you. I am sure you will keep us all updated. James
We’ve had five caravans and had problems with every fridge in the dame things but never been ploughed into gutted for you hope the insurance sorts it for you 👍👍
Gosh Graham, no apologies necessary, but thanks for the vlog update - and the next, in advance. Hope it helps to share the story. You come across as a lot calmer, coming to terms, and 'all that jazz'. Interesting what you say. I see why you're gutted. And why it takes a moment to get the story straight, too. They way the mind anticipates… at least it does when you're driving in accordance with the road conditions!! Heartbreaking. The in-car footage must surely help. Do let us know which insurance policy takes up the matter. Let us know who's helpful and who's not. All best wishes!
🥺🥺🥺 OMG! We were both watching and just shaking our heads. Feel totally gutted for you both...seriously think it’s a right off. So much damage, and you’ve not even been away in it yet 😫 So sorry bud, would offer for you to stay with us on our adventures but we have a damaged drop down bed after it went in for it’s habitation check 🤷♀️🤦🏻♀️ Don’t get me started!! Hope you get it sorted swiftly 👍👍👍 Michelle and Andy 🚐😊🙌
Gutted for you Graham. And I get the bereavement analogy. I’ve always maintained that a caravan is an emotional purchase. Fingers crossed you get something sorted quickly and painlessly.
Wow........Phenomenal amount of damage from such a low speed impact. surely they'll right it off. I know how you feel when something like that happens, and you haven't even used it yet. I hope all goes well for you.
That’s not gonna be fixed I’m not saying it couldn’t be but I definitely would hope the insurers see sense & write it off, hope you get sorted ASAP good luck pal
Hells bells....thanks ever so much for keeping us upto date. Yeah who would you phone first? Great point. I’ll be searching out my docs tomorrow. Cheers.
So sorry for you ,happend to me in 2018 when a huge lorry hit from behind. It is im sure an insurance write-off. An independent company will buy it and resell it hope you get a satisfactory settlement.
I am so sorry to see this - I felt sick in my stomach for you ... I get it when you say it’s like a “grief”. I hope you have good insurance and get a new replacement caravan it’s the only way to go! All the best!
You must be gutted, it does look like it’s totalled . Best of luck with a replacement..... Don’t settle for anything less than a new van . Best of luck and then continue with a great season ..👍👍👍👍👍
I was so hoping it wouldn't be as bad as it looked..... You are so stoic. Amazingly calm. You've done yourself proud but oh my goodness what a nightmare for you. I really hope you get a replacement van.
What a nightmare. Hoping you can get it fixed ok. Hope the chassis isn’t twisted as that could prove some what of a nightmare. Fingers crossed for you. All the best Pete
Feel your pain mate I Am with same caravan breakdown as you , when my car broke down they used a independent recovery company who damaged my caravan . The feeling is indescribable I’ve had cars written off and never had such a gut wrentching feeling of dispear.
Shocking take them both to the cleaners Graham, and get the car rear checked as an impact like that can result in unseen internal damage. Good look and new for new Dave & Julie
Have a look in the front locker on the offside . The force was enough to buckle the side panel , I wouldn’t mind betting there is a gap where the side panel is bolted to the front bulk head. On my swift there is aluminium angle holding it together and I bet that has moved or cracked the seal. If so, it’s a new van for sure as the whole thing is out of square , it leak forever !!!! Good to notice these things ready for the assessor and to point them out . I just showed my wife and she’s devastated for you
What a crying shame mate, I’ve read some of the comments and I think some of them are right don’t settle for anything less than a new van, I’m feeling your pain, liked your video but don’t if you know what I mean, going to follow your journey on this, chin up and try to keep smiling 👍👍👍
Definitely thinking that’s a write off. The interior has been shunted forward to the kitchen. That roof panel is one big panel to change that the roofs got to come off.
Absolutely gutted for you. We agree with the previous comment, you need a new van. Hope things happen speedily for you so you can continue with your holiday plans soon.
I really feel bad for you. We have similar caravan (Bessacarr 835) and I’d be mortified if that happened to ours. I think that should def be written off as there is so much damage and that’s without any reference to the chassis, which is more than likely twisted! Like you, I’ve never really thought about it but I’d have the same dilemma as to who to notify etc. We too have our recovery via Nationwide but thankfully never needed to call them, but good to hear your positive feedback about them. I’m really interested to hear the follow up from this. Keep us updated and again, so sorry to hear about your incident.
Thanks for watching. The difficulty we have is the value of the caravan might prevent a write off. The chassis is ok so that good in some ways but probably means it isn’t a write off. No decision yet though
So sorry to hear about the damage to your 650. Yes l agree with you your Caravan is like a family member we name them just like a dog and really hits you for 6 when something happens to it, bet you was livid with the driver. Hope you finally got it sorted.
I think I would want a new caravan. However, the Swift factory should see it to determine whether it can be repaired and the water ingress warranty still applies. My gut thinks it’s probably a write off. 🤨 You have taken it well. Best approach is being calm and following the processes. Wish you luck Graham 🤞 Trev
Glad you’re smiling Graham, don’t think I would be. I hope the insurance company come up with a decision you’re happy with. I don’t repair caravans so not sure what they’ll do but I do repair buses and there’s usually more damage underneath that you can’t see, there’s a reason the cooker lid doesn’t fit now. Gutted for you mate especially given the reason you made the journey in the first place hasn’t been sorted!
We have the same layout as yourself in the cheaper version , shock waves over half way down Surprisingly amazing it stayed in one piece , good luck with the fix either way ? Gav
Nice to hear you are feeling better Graham. I think the damage that’s been done I wouldn’t want that van back . Push for a replacement. Also have the car checked out . That was a lot of force gone through to the tow bar . Hopefully it will be sorted quickly for you.
And after all that the fridge didn’t work. I might be tempted to remove the fridge and take it to the dealership and see if it will fit in the managers part of his body where the sun don’t shine 🤔
There is more damage than I imagined. Have you looked under the caravan to see what movement has taken place where the floor is bolted to the chasis? I think the insurance should write it off. I hope everything turns out positive for you Graham. All the best. Rob
Really sorry to hear about this and as you say could have been worse. To me it looks like a write off but who knows. Fingers crossed it gets resolved to your satisfaction. James
I have to say Graham, I wouldn't want that repairing. The chassis is sure to be twisted. I really feel for you but at least you're here to talk about it. Good idea to get your car looked at too, and remove anything you've added to the van. Best of luck to you ;))
That’s a heck of a lot of damage that one can see. I’d also be concerned that the chassis may be used impacted too. I hope you get it sorted but I think I’d look for a complete replacement and hopefully your insurance will be claiming off the driver. Take care. Steve & Jayne
I know what you mean when you say about ‘mourning’. We love getting away in our vans and it a different feeling about yourselves when you are relaxing and just chilling, away from it all.
Hi Graham. Don't know if this is of any consolation to you. Few years ago a car came through my garden hit the back of the caravan sent it through the wall of my house. The car drivers insurance paid out not only fixing the house but wrote of the caravan and gave me another one. I got to keep the damaged one and got £1500 for it. So keep your chin up and think positive. All the best mate. Pete and Su.
Hi Graham looks to me like the chassis could be bent which may right it off, you seem very calm about it hope you get sorted out soon and you can get on your holidays
Hope you get a new van, after all that is what insurance is for, you seem a lot calmer than I think I would be under the circumstances. Good luck with the insurance.
Gutted for you Graham. The problem with all the furniture is I am sure they fit most of that stuff at manufacture before the side panels etc are fitted so will be difficult getting new stuff in with it fully built. Maybe a write off as others are commenting.
As per my last comment I think you will get a new van . The floor is damaged. The side panel is one piece so the whole side will need replacing . But the whole shell will be out or square . Hopefully you get a new van and everything swapped over . Fingers crossed 🤞
Sad to say that’s a right off, however hopefully you will have new for old insurance. I feel your pain I would be gutted, but at least no one was injured.
Hi Graham I feel really sorry for you for a brand new caravan that has never been used and the amount of structural damage you should get a new caravan I certainly would not accept a repair I hope you get sorted out really quickly as you will be wanting to get away just like the rest of us Caravaners. 👍👍
Feel for you mate. An awful thing to happen. Similar happened to a family member sitting in a layby albeit an older caravan. Hope you manage to get it sorted soon. Best regards Jan
I’m lost for words! Looks a lot worse than I thought it might be! Really frustrating for you given the end of lock down! Hopefully the insurance sorts something out for you!
I really feel for you Graham, looking at what you have shown us I would say it has to be scrapped and a brand new replacement given, you have no idea what hidden damage has been caused, please keep us all informed, I for one have learnt a lot from the video, chin up my friend.
Hi Graham, not sure how I came across your video, but guessing your dealers are the fantastic girls at MG Caravans. Got our 560 Swift from them and keep it stored at Ashridge Farm. Hope it's not too bad and you get it sorted or replaced.
That's a large amount of damage Graham, I would suggest having your car checked for damage as the tow bar / chassis may have sustained damage. Often people ask for insurance recommendations, this will be a true test of how good they are. Hope all goes as well as it can.
I'm truely shocked at how calm you appear to be. There's a lot of damaged caused by the impact that you can't see, the twist and turns in the chassis, can clearly be seen in the kitchen and washroom. It's a brand new vehicle that you havn't evern used. You cannot accept a repair on this, it has to be replaced. I could never sleep in this and be happy again. If this was a older vehicle it would be written off. Don't accept any less. its a lot of money for years of pain otherwise. Keep us in the loop with regards the insurance. Also make sure the car is also checked. the force will have had an impact on the towbar.
Feel so bad for you, horrible luck and you haven't even used it yet! Devastating. It wouldn't have happened if you hadn't have been messed about by the garage! Keep your head up mate you'll get it sorted 😊
SO SORRY got to agree i think its a right off too..probably damaged the floor and chassis too..just hope your insurance is good and they arent awkward with you...best of luck
The floor of your van has been pushed forward 4 to 5 inches. That's why you have the gap at the foot of the bed. The upper part of the caravan has stayed where it should be. Hopefully they'll class it it as a RIGHT OFF. Good luck ☹ 👍👍
Hi, Graham, Iain and Lynette Leith here from Aberdeen, we’ve just watched your latest blog and we’re both absolutely gutted for you . Looking at your video, I would say your chassis had definitely been compromised affecting all areas of your van that we mortals would probably not even know about !! How is the near side wall looking? Both your back panel and offside wall are damaged but you didn’t show your near side wall, I can’t believe it’s not damaged as well !! I’d definitely be looking at a new replacement caravan, that one is beyond repair !! Go for it with your insurance , don’t let them off with repairing it !! I would also be thinking about having a word with a claims lawyer because if the fridge wasn’t faulty , you would’ve have even been on that road , your van would have been safely tucked up on your driveway !! Anyway, best of luck with your claim(s) 👍👍
Sorry about your accident,think that will have to go back to swift,totally understand how you feel ,I think I would definitely demand it go back to swift factory,needs new back panel ,and I think they have to pull sides out because of awning rail,hope you get soughted out soon,
Stick out for a new van as not the same , could have twisted the chassie , and check tow bar not twisted . Our new caravan burnt to the ground in storage site know how your feeling they paid out new for old but only to the sum insured so lost out on equipment really ! Hope it all works out and dont keep that old fridge good luck !
Feel so sorry for you, made me quite emotional.. Whatever the outcome you are OK thank goodness. It's just such bad timing after coming out of lockdown. It's like a double bereavement: the caravan and the holidays. Let's hope it won't be long. Maybe the insurance would stretch to a hire caravan in the meantime??? Might be worth asking. I think if it were my caravan I'd rather see it written off even if it takes a while to order a new one. At least there is a better chance of getting a fridge that works #keepsmiling my friend ~ Lin
Jeez mate, that’s really bad. You did well to not get pushed forward yourself + the materials meant it basically acted like a huge crumple zone. I’d take ply over mdf any day, usually birch rather than poplar ply but still, ply itself is pretty good stuff, just has to be used thin for weight saving... Looks like a massive shock wave went through the whole structure. It’s got to be a write off, those crumples mean almost every panel needs replacing, better to have new and this one go for spare parts! Best to get the Merc checked too, make sure tow bar attachments all ok.
Hope you get this sorted, as folk have said I suspect that will be a replacement caravan job. Who are you insured with? They should deal with it. ATB and hope you are sorted soon.
Think it`s had it Graham :( , take off any extras you have fitted like the corner steady feet etc and get your tow hitch checked as it would have taken a good jolt by the looks of the dash cam footage.
Lot of hidden damage don't settle for anything less than a new replacement caravan even if it means a long wait.
Agree, need a new one. Everything has shifted and no way will water intrusion warranty will be honored and resale value is gone.
Even more gutted for you after seeing the damage and all credit to you for sharing this traumatic time.
Hope you get a happy resolution and speedily. Chin up
Howard
Really sorry to hear of your problems. Looks like a new van to me. With you all the way. Thanks for the videos and hoping to see you off in a new van shortly.
That must be a write off, don't forget to get the car checked - a lot of force can go through to the car.
That'll be a total right off mate.
Be the insurance of person who ran into the back of you will pay for it and he'll have to claim off the person who ran into the back of him.
That’ll be a write off surely? The whole thing has been pushed forward. I’m so sorry that this has happened to you.
Not necessarily a write-off I have seen caravans in worse condition and have been repaired as I was a caravan technician
I think the damage is quite serious sadly. I feel a vlog coming about caravan insurance and your experience dealing with this matter. Lets hope a new van is the answer. Thanks for sharing this experience which is one we all dread. However, once its happened it is just a case of dealing with it in a calm manner the way you are.
A brand new van... don’t think I could smile like you have through this vlog. I hope the insurance rectify everything properly and you are back making memories (and videos) quickly. All the best.
Just came across your channel. You must have been so gutted, we would have been crying. Hope it's getting sorted for you. Our motorhome is currently having work done but not due to an accident. We have started fulltime so kipping on the kids sofa at the minute. Good luck to you and hope you don't miss too many adventures in the caravan.
Keeping everything crossed for you buddy. Making me nervous about picking my new caravan up next week from lowdams. All the best 🤞🏻
I cannot believe how positive you are, I would be gutted, that van will never be the same again they must right it off ... if the floor and panels are all pushed forward the chassis must be twisted... it’s unlikely a dealer will repair it, it would have to go back to the factory for a rebuild, it’s the only way it will come anywhere near acceptable..
I sincerely wish you the best of luck with the insurance, update us all soon 🤞👍
That's pretty heart breaking. Feel for you.
Really feel for you mate, just can’t imagine what it must feel like. Wouldn’t be surprised if the chassis was bent looking at the internal damage.
We pick our new van up on the 19th, makes me feel right nervous now seeing that.
Glad you are feeling a better Graham, a rollercoaster of emotions! Quite a bit of damage inside, good job it was low speed. Hope you get something sorted soon, looks like the body of the van is twisted. Keep smiling mate 🙂 Take care
At least you have the new caravan walk round vid that shows how the van looked when you picked it up, as further evidence for the insurance claims. Hope it’s sorted out PDQ for you both.
Graham that whole floor of the van has been forced forward I can't see that being repaired chin up stay positive
Wow didn't realise the damage would be so extensive inside as well. Even the bathroom wall has shifted. Strange one with the cooker hood being up. Hope what ever happens it goes smoothly for you. I am sure you will keep us all updated. James
Wow, all that damage (the stuff you can see and the stuff you can't!) from that shunt. Hoping it gets sorted quickly and properly for you x
We’ve had five caravans and had problems with every fridge in the dame things but never been ploughed into gutted for you hope the insurance sorts it for you 👍👍
Gosh Graham, no apologies necessary, but thanks for the vlog update - and the next, in advance. Hope it helps to share the story. You come across as a lot calmer, coming to terms, and 'all that jazz'. Interesting what you say. I see why you're gutted. And why it takes a moment to get the story straight, too. They way the mind anticipates… at least it does when you're driving in accordance with the road conditions!! Heartbreaking. The in-car footage must surely help. Do let us know which insurance policy takes up the matter. Let us know who's helpful and who's not. All best wishes!
🥺🥺🥺 OMG! We were both watching and just shaking our heads. Feel totally gutted for you both...seriously think it’s a right off. So much damage, and you’ve not even been away in it yet 😫 So sorry bud, would offer for you to stay with us on our adventures but we have a damaged drop down bed after it went in for it’s habitation check 🤷♀️🤦🏻♀️ Don’t get me started!!
Hope you get it sorted swiftly 👍👍👍 Michelle and Andy 🚐😊🙌
Thanks. Oh sorry to hear about the bed damage. I couldn’t keep up with you two on my bike anyway 🤪🤦
Gutted for you Graham. And I get the bereavement analogy. I’ve always maintained that a caravan is an emotional purchase. Fingers crossed you get something sorted quickly and painlessly.
Thanks Andrew, I think we have quite a long journey ahead of us. Nothing ever moves quick enough in caravan world, as you know with your Airstream :-(
Hope you get sorted out and most of all that you’re safe & well. A lot of damage at such a slow speed! Incredibly bad luck, feel for you.
Wow........Phenomenal amount of damage from such a low speed impact. surely they'll right it off. I know how you feel when something like that happens, and you haven't even used it yet. I hope all goes well for you.
That’s not gonna be fixed I’m not saying it couldn’t be but I definitely would hope the insurers see sense & write it off, hope you get sorted ASAP good luck pal
Hells bells....thanks ever so much for keeping us upto date. Yeah who would you phone first? Great point. I’ll be searching out my docs tomorrow. Cheers.
So sorry for you ,happend to me in 2018 when a huge lorry hit from behind.
It is im sure an insurance write-off.
An independent company will buy it and resell it hope you get a satisfactory settlement.
Mate I'm gutted for you. Don't know what else to say except the main thing is that nobody is hurt. Thank god! All the best to you.
Omg! That is heartbreaking and we feel for you! We hope it gets sorted pretty soon!
Unbelievable...... I’m lost for words, glad no one was hurt. Probably get all the whiplash injuries calls now. Wishing you well with this.
I am so sorry to see this - I felt sick in my stomach for you ... I get it when you say it’s like a “grief”. I hope you have good insurance and get a new replacement caravan it’s the only way to go! All the best!
Thanks for watching. I have an update video out tomorrow 4pm. It’ll include an update on the insurance and their decision. Graham
You must be gutted, it does look like it’s totalled . Best of luck with a replacement.....
Don’t settle for anything less than a new van .
Best of luck and then continue with a great season ..👍👍👍👍👍
I was so hoping it wouldn't be as bad as it looked..... You are so stoic. Amazingly calm. You've done yourself proud but oh my goodness what a nightmare for you. I really hope you get a replacement van.
What a nightmare. Hoping you can get it fixed ok. Hope the chassis isn’t twisted as that could prove some what of a nightmare. Fingers crossed for you. All the best Pete
Hi Graham,
We hope it's written off and you can put all this mess behind you soon.
Good luck,
Ian and Angie.
Hope you get a brand new van .Its unbelievable the amount of damage I really feel for you take care and keep us updated 😔🥰
Feel your pain mate
I Am with same caravan breakdown as you , when my car broke down they used a independent recovery company who damaged my caravan . The feeling is indescribable I’ve had cars written off and never had such a gut wrentching feeling of dispear.
Glad your keeping your sprits up and ok.
Shocking take them both to the cleaners Graham, and get the car rear checked as an impact like that can result in unseen internal damage. Good look and new for new
Dave & Julie
Have a look in the front locker on the offside . The force was enough to buckle the side panel , I wouldn’t mind betting there is a gap where the side panel is bolted to the front bulk head. On my swift there is aluminium angle holding it together and I bet that has moved or cracked the seal. If so, it’s a new van for sure as the whole thing is out of square , it leak forever !!!! Good to notice these things ready for the assessor and to point them out . I just showed my wife and she’s devastated for you
What a crying shame mate, I’ve read some of the comments and I think some of them are right don’t settle for anything less than a new van, I’m feeling your pain, liked your video but don’t if you know what I mean, going to follow your journey on this, chin up and try to keep smiling 👍👍👍
I am so sorry this has happened to you. I really feel your pain.
Definitely thinking that’s a write off.
The interior has been shunted forward to the kitchen.
That roof panel is one big panel to change that the roofs got to come off.
Absolutely gutted for you. We agree with the previous comment, you need a new van. Hope things happen speedily for you so you can continue with your holiday plans soon.
For sure as others have said, a write off - chin up - thanks for sharing, lots of food for thought for many others - very grateful
If that was mine I'd be wanting it replacing. No way of knowing what unseen damage has been done. Gutted for you. Hope it gets sorted quickly.
I really feel bad for you. We have similar caravan (Bessacarr 835) and I’d be mortified if that happened to ours. I think that should def be written off as there is so much damage and that’s without any reference to the chassis, which is more than likely twisted! Like you, I’ve never really thought about it but I’d have the same dilemma as to who to notify etc. We too have our recovery via Nationwide but thankfully never needed to call them, but good to hear your positive feedback about them. I’m really interested to hear the follow up from this. Keep us updated and again, so sorry to hear about your incident.
Thanks for watching. The difficulty we have is the value of the caravan might prevent a write off. The chassis is ok so that good in some ways but probably means it isn’t a write off. No decision yet though
So sorry to hear about the damage to your 650. Yes l agree with you your Caravan is like a family member we name them just like a dog and really hits you for 6 when something happens to it, bet you was livid with the driver. Hope you finally got it sorted.
I think I would want a new caravan. However, the Swift factory should see it to determine whether it can be repaired and the water ingress warranty still applies. My gut thinks it’s probably a write off. 🤨 You have taken it well. Best approach is being calm and following the processes. Wish you luck Graham 🤞 Trev
Glad you’re smiling Graham, don’t think I would be. I hope the insurance company come up with a decision you’re happy with. I don’t repair caravans so not sure what they’ll do but I do repair buses and there’s usually more damage underneath that you can’t see, there’s a reason the cooker lid doesn’t fit now. Gutted for you mate especially given the reason you made the journey in the first place hasn’t been sorted!
We have the same layout as yourself in the cheaper version , shock waves over half way down Surprisingly amazing it stayed in one piece , good luck with the fix either way ? Gav
Nice to hear you are feeling better Graham. I think the damage that’s been done I wouldn’t want that van back . Push for a replacement. Also have the car checked out . That was a lot of force gone through to the tow bar . Hopefully it will be sorted quickly for you.
And after all that the fridge didn’t work. I might be tempted to remove the fridge and take it to the dealership and see if it will fit in the managers part of his body where the sun don’t shine 🤔
There is more damage than I imagined. Have you looked under the caravan to see what movement has taken place where the floor is bolted to the chasis? I think the insurance should write it off. I hope everything turns out positive for you Graham. All the best. Rob
Really sorry to hear about this and as you say could have been worse. To me it looks like a write off but who knows. Fingers crossed it gets resolved to your satisfaction. James
I have to say Graham, I wouldn't want that repairing. The chassis is sure to be twisted. I really feel for you but at least you're here to talk about it. Good idea to get your car looked at too, and remove anything you've added to the van. Best of luck to you ;))
Gutted for you Graham,but it will be sorted, your ok and it could’ve been worse 👍and now you can do an excellent insurance vlog 🙂
That’s a heck of a lot of damage that one can see. I’d also be concerned that the chassis may be used impacted too. I hope you get it sorted but I think I’d look for a complete replacement and hopefully your insurance will be claiming off the driver. Take care. Steve & Jayne
I know what you mean when you say about ‘mourning’. We love getting away in our vans and it a different feeling about yourselves when you are relaxing and just chilling, away from it all.
Hi Graham.
Don't know if this is of any consolation to you. Few years ago a car came through my garden hit the back of the caravan sent it through the wall of my house. The car drivers insurance paid out not only fixing the house but wrote of the caravan and gave me another one. I got to keep the damaged one and got £1500 for it.
So keep your chin up and think positive.
All the best mate.
Pete and Su.
Sorry to see this, feel for you Graham, fingers crossed the next stages go okay 👍
Gutted for you! Hope you get it sorted soon.
I feel your pain, surely its a right off, hope it goes without more stress for you.
Hi Graham looks to me like the chassis could be bent which may right it off, you seem very calm about it hope you get sorted out soon and you can get on your holidays
Sorry for your loss don't except a repair it will never be right trust me
Hope you get a new van, after all that is what insurance is for, you seem a lot calmer than I think I would be under the circumstances. Good luck with the insurance.
What a horrible thing to have happened, I hope it gets all sorted quick and to your satisfaction.
Gutted for you Graham. The problem with all the furniture is I am sure they fit most of that stuff at manufacture before the side panels etc are fitted so will be difficult getting new stuff in with it fully built. Maybe a write off as others are commenting.
As per my last comment I think you will get a new van . The floor is damaged. The side panel is one piece so the whole side will need replacing . But the whole shell will be out or square . Hopefully you get a new van and everything swapped over . Fingers crossed 🤞
Sad to say that’s a right off, however hopefully you will have new for old insurance. I feel your pain I would be gutted, but at least no one was injured.
Crikey! You mst have been completely mortified! The amount of damage is huge really. Hope you got it sorted. I shall keep watching!
Hi Graham I feel really sorry for you for a brand new caravan that has never been used and the amount of structural damage you should get a new caravan I certainly would not accept a repair I hope you get sorted out really quickly as you will be wanting to get away just like the rest of us Caravaners. 👍👍
Can’t see that getting fixed, reckon it will be written off, glad you’re ok though mate
Feel for you pal,I’d be pushing to get it written off,it’ll never be right.
Feel for you mate. An awful thing to happen. Similar happened to a family member sitting in a layby albeit an older caravan. Hope you manage to get it sorted soon. Best regards Jan
Mate, I'm gutted for you. I would be crying.
I’m lost for words! Looks a lot worse than I thought it might be! Really frustrating for you given the end of lock down! Hopefully the insurance sorts something out for you!
How can u fix it it doesn't look repairable!?
Thanks for watching. It was a write off, we now have a replacement..
That’s got to be a write off Graham I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s chassis damage as well
Hope everything’s sorted for you soon.
I really feel for you Graham, looking at what you have shown us I would say it has to be scrapped and a brand new replacement given, you have no idea what hidden damage has been caused, please keep us all informed, I for one have learnt a lot from the video, chin up my friend.
Hi Graham, not sure how I came across your video, but guessing your dealers are the fantastic girls at MG Caravans. Got our 560 Swift from them and keep it stored at Ashridge Farm. Hope it's not too bad and you get it sorted or replaced.
Sorry to see the state of your van. Not knowing of caravan construction I would say it will be written off which is a shame. YNWA
That's a large amount of damage Graham, I would suggest having your car checked for damage as the tow bar / chassis may have sustained damage. Often people ask for insurance recommendations, this will be a true test of how good they are. Hope all goes as well as it can.
I'm truely shocked at how calm you appear to be.
There's a lot of damaged caused by the impact that you can't see, the twist and turns in the chassis, can clearly be seen in the kitchen and washroom.
It's a brand new vehicle that you havn't evern used. You cannot accept a repair on this, it has to be replaced.
I could never sleep in this and be happy again.
If this was a older vehicle it would be written off. Don't accept any less. its a lot of money for years of pain otherwise.
Keep us in the loop with regards the insurance.
Also make sure the car is also checked. the force will have had an impact on the towbar.
So sorry to see the major damage you have suffered I'd be so angry. Looking at the damage if the chassis is bent then the caravan is a write off.
Feel so bad for you, horrible luck and you haven't even used it yet! Devastating. It wouldn't have happened if you hadn't have been messed about by the garage! Keep your head up mate you'll get it sorted 😊
SO SORRY got to agree i think its a right off too..probably damaged the floor and chassis too..just hope your insurance is good and they arent awkward with you...best of luck
The floor of your van has been pushed forward 4 to 5 inches. That's why you have the gap at the foot of the bed. The upper part of the caravan has stayed where it should be. Hopefully they'll class it it as a RIGHT OFF. Good luck ☹ 👍👍
Hi, Graham, Iain and Lynette Leith here from Aberdeen, we’ve just watched your latest blog and we’re both absolutely gutted for you . Looking at your video, I would say your chassis had definitely been compromised affecting all areas of your van that we mortals would probably not even know about !! How is the near side wall looking? Both your back panel and offside wall are damaged but you didn’t show your near side wall, I can’t believe it’s not damaged as well !! I’d definitely be looking at a new replacement caravan, that one is beyond repair !! Go for it with your insurance , don’t let them off with repairing it !! I would also be thinking about having a word with a claims lawyer because if the fridge wasn’t faulty , you would’ve have even been on that road , your van would have been safely tucked up on your driveway !! Anyway, best of luck with your claim(s) 👍👍
Feel your pain😒 Written off surely? Hope it works out for you 👍
Have you damaged towbar fitment to car ?
Sorry about your accident,think that will have to go back to swift,totally understand how you feel ,I think I would definitely demand it go back to swift factory,needs new back panel ,and I think they have to pull sides out because of awning rail,hope you get soughted out soon,
Stick out for a new van as not the same , could have twisted the chassie , and check tow bar not twisted . Our new caravan burnt to the ground in storage site know how your feeling they paid out new for old but only to the sum insured so lost out on equipment really ! Hope it all works out and dont keep that old fridge good luck !
Feel so sorry for you, made me quite emotional.. Whatever the outcome you are OK thank goodness. It's just such bad timing after coming out of lockdown. It's like a double bereavement: the caravan and the holidays. Let's hope it won't be long. Maybe the insurance would stretch to a hire caravan in the meantime??? Might be worth asking. I think if it were my caravan I'd rather see it written off even if it takes a while to order a new one. At least there is a better chance of getting a fridge that works #keepsmiling my friend ~ Lin
So sorry for you Graham, it's got to be a write off, the whole structure of the caravan has been pushed forward. Take nothing less than a new caravan.
Jeez mate, that’s really bad. You did well to not get pushed forward yourself + the materials meant it basically acted like a huge crumple zone. I’d take ply over mdf any day, usually birch rather than poplar ply but still, ply itself is pretty good stuff, just has to be used thin for weight saving... Looks like a massive shock wave went through the whole structure. It’s got to be a write off, those crumples mean almost every panel needs replacing, better to have new and this one go for spare parts! Best to get the Merc checked too, make sure tow bar attachments all ok.
Hope you get this sorted, as folk have said I suspect that will be a replacement caravan job. Who are you insured with? They should deal with it. ATB and hope you are sorted soon.
That’s mangled, new caravan for you 👍
Think it`s had it Graham :( , take off any extras you have fitted like the corner steady feet etc and get your tow hitch checked as it would have taken a good jolt by the looks of the dash cam footage.
I wouldn’t want to keep that, it will never be right. Go for a replacement. Good luck x
Unfortunately we don't have the choice, it's down to insurers and bean counters... :-(
Definitely looks like a write off. So sorry. You must be devastated. Fingers crossed they sort it fast and source you a new one.