Low branches....and other joys of reversing.

[steve69]

OK. I admit it, I'm bad at reversing a motorhome. And it's gonna cost me...
The lovely smooth curve at the top of the rear panel is currently as you see it in photo, along with another photo of a previous encounter with an unseen object. I glued the fragments back into place like a jigsaw puzzle. The lovely neat curve was reshaped by a branch that just at the perfect height for such an encounter.
No rear camera as it's just not practical to install one.
I live near Chester.
Anybody know a reputable motorhome repairer near me at all?
Fortunately the damage is just cosmetic as it was done some time before this wet winter and no sign of any water ingress.
Given the cost and the work involved (I imagine), should i even bother?

 

[Razamataz]

If I had that damage on my Van….it would Really Annoy me.
I’d get it repaired
Easy fix!!! Any body shop
Boat repairer

 

[Razamataz]

Just 20 miles from Broadway Caravan Park on my way to Spain 86 days ago…… some absolute k.ob tried to overtake on the inside of narrow roundabout!!!
ANNOYED
Damage to rear wheel arch

 

[Rapido925M]

When you sell your motorhome, the buyer will expect a reduction in the price to allow them to repair the damage. Get it done now and enjoy your pride and joy.

Gordon

 

[Razamataz]

Yep
I Take Pride in ownership

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[Figaro]

Gutting when that happens
I always try and assess the area to be reversed into by stopping on the way past to look without needing mirrors etc.
Regarding reversing cameras, the Garmin BC-40 is a great wireless reversing camera, but you need a Garmin sat nav to link to.
It's very easy to install and has a reliable connection.
Good luck getting it sorted, I'd try a regular body shop rather than a motorhome repaired.

 

[Minxy]

Get it done now and enjoy your pride and joy.

Maybe not if it's likely to happen again!

 

[Nanniemate]

Plenty of suggestions on how to avoid it happening again but you could get out walk around and check for hazards.

Or

As you said you don't teverse well so leave it as your likely to add to it. Then when you have 4 matching sides , or selling on get it repaired.

 

[steve69]

Maybe not if it's likely to happen again!

Valid point...My confidence in reversing has been diminished by these events since becoming a solo traveller.

 

[Larrynwin]

Probably cost much less in the long run to have a camera fitted.

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[DandJ]

No rear camera as it's just not practical to install one.

Anybody know a reputable motorhome repairer near me at all?

Sort both out at the same time ? Perhaps book an hour or two with a driving instructor if reversing is already an issue, it may save you future mental angst and he/she may well give some little gems of tips for you to utilise in the future.

 

[Chris]

I am no expert but your van looks suitable to fit a camera.

It will make a world of difference for you.

 

[MisterB]

camera and sonar sensors. solo reversing can be a bit nerve racking, but as previously suggested, if you do get the opportunity, try to get some sort of reversing course AND always, if possible, walk around the motorhome looking up and down at the surroundings.

another 'test drive' alternative is to go to one of the large supermarkets on a late sunday afternoon and practice reversing into the marked out bays .....

 

[Chris]

My wife was much better than me at reversing the motorhome.

A complete mystery as I am a far superior driver than her in every other aspect of driving

 

[ceejayt]

Not sure what reason there could be that you couldn’t have reversing camera and reversing sensors fitted?

If you can afford it go the whole hog and have surround cameras fitted. I reckon my cameras save me several hundred pounds a year avoiding rear bumps

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[Sue and Rick]

Take your time. Look as you pass the proposed reverse spot. If unsure when reversing, get out and look. A few seconds taking a look will save a fortune in repair bills.

 

[gus-lopez]

When you sell your motorhome, the buyer will expect a reduction in the price to allow them to repair the damage. Get it done now and enjoy your pride and joy.

Gordon

or wait until you are selling it & repair just before.

 

[Derbyshire wanderer]

No rear camera as it's just not practical to install one.

Surely getting one fitted would be a cheaper option than risking more damage. Most insurers even give a small discount for having one fitted

 

[Ingwe]

You might find this thread of some interest. See also #21 for details of repairer. Not near Chester but if you’re prepared to go to Leeds. Or contact John. Maybe he’ll come to you.

You've got to laugh..........

Approached a business that specialises in "motorhome body repairs" for a quote to repair the damage to our 2012 Bailey Motorhome. They asked me to send photos. So I did. They are attached. They replied (eventually) and said that they couldn’t help. They profess expertise in aluminium, GRP and...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

 

[Ingwe]

My wife was much better than me at reversing the motorhome.

Use of the past tense noted. Hoping that is due to no longer having a motorhome!

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[steve69]

I am no expert but your van looks suitable to fit a camera.

It will make a world of difference for you.

There is only a brake light wire to the top of the rear end, Installing another wire would involve ripping out cupboards & panels etc.

 

[Chris]

Use of the past tense noted. Hoping that is due to no longer having a motorhome!

It is yes. Thankfully

 

[Chris]

There is only a brake light wire to the top of the rear end, Installing another wire would involve ripping out cupboards & panels etc.

There are wireless systems out there - see earlier post.

 

[Figaro]

Have a look at the Garmin BC-40 ?
Excellent device considering it's wireless

 

[vkr15s]

If in doubt I get the wife to get out and see me back, it also gives me a break as the sat nav miraculously goes back to mono

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[steve69]

If in doubt I get the wife to get out and see me back, it also gives me a break as the sat nav miraculously goes back to mono

I used to get the other half to do that, just a solo traveller now..