Podcast
Motorhome Matt
Avoid costly mistakes, make better buying decisions and get more from life on the road with Motorhome Matt.
Hosted by Matt Sims and journalist Keith Gooden, Motorhome Matt is for motorhome, campervan and caravan owners who want straight answers, practical advice and a clearer view of what is happening across the leisure vehicle industry.
We cover the things owners really need to know, from buying and selling to ownership costs, technical problems, accessories, travel, regulation, product developments and industry news.
Matt brings years of experience across the motorhome sector and an insider’s understanding of how the industry works. Keith asks the questions, challenges the jargon and helps get to the answers that matter.
Expect honest conversations with manufacturers, dealers, specialists and owners, plus real listener questions answered in Ask Matt.
We ask the questions owners are already asking... and some the industry would probably rather we didn’t.
Whether you are new to motorhoming or have years of experience, we help you understand what matters, what is changing and what you need to know next.
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Brought to you by That Leisure Shop
Motorhome Matt is brought to you by That Leisure Shop, specialists in motorhome, campervan, caravan and camping accessories.
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- Episodes
- 263
- Releases
- Weekly
- Typical length
- 40 min
- On air since
- 2021
- Latest episode
- 1 day ago
Episodes
263 episodes, newest first
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22 min
Motorhome Generators, Off-Grid Power & Your Questions Live at the NEC
Episode 264
Show notes
Do you really need a generator to enjoy your motorhome off-grid? And how much solar and battery power is enough to run an air fryer, coffee machine and everything else you rely on?
Recorded live at the October NEC motorhome show, Motorhome Matt and Keith Gooden tackle questions from owners and listeners about buying, maintaining and getting more from their motorhomes and campervans.
Matt explains why he's not a fan of generators on campsites and shares how his own Adria Twin performed during six days without electric hook-up, including what they powered and how much battery capacity they used.
Questions covered include:
• Motorhome generators and off-grid power: Do you need a generator, and can solar panels, lithium batteries and an inverter make a used motorhome independent of electric hook-up?
• Buying your first motorhome: Which used models suit a couple looking for a drop-down bed, automatic gearbox and a vehicle under 3.5 tonnes?
• Depreciation: If you've got £50,000 to spend, will a motorhome or professionally converted panel van hold its value better?
• Expensive motorhome repairs: Where can you source replacement parts without paying main dealer prices?
• Automatic gearboxes and levelling ramps: Are automatics harder to position on levelling chocks, and could you risk putting your vehicle into limp mode?
• Starter battery charging: Why might a Pilote motorhome need an additional charging arrangement?
• Travelling independently: Are campsites doing enough to support older women travelling alone in campervans?Following Matt's heart surgery, listener Martyn asks if the motorhome community is equipped to talk about ageing, illness, bereavement and eventually giving up the lifestyle. Matt shares what happened when around 30 men attended the first Blokes Breakfast and Banter gathering, including a moving story about two brothers-in-law who hadn't seen each other for ten years.
Charles from Fiamma asks Matt about his favourite UK motorhome destination, while James Riley from Motorhome Happiness wants to know what Matt and Jude most enjoy doing when they're away.
From decisions that could cost thousands to the friendships that make motorhoming worthwhile, these are real questions from people enjoying the lifestyle and trying to make the most of it.
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1 hr 25 min
Motorhomes Are Getting Cheaper… But At What Cost?
Episode 263
Show notes
Motorhomes are appearing at lower prices, but what are manufacturers removing to make them more affordable? With some new models starting around £55,000, buyers could end up spending thousands more once they've added the equipment they actually want. So are these genuinely better deals, or are we simply getting less for our money?
Motorhome Matt and Keith Gooden investigate what's changing in the motorhome market following the October NEC show. Chris Long from Ace Motorhomes and Olivia Simpson from Auto-Trail explain how their brands are reducing entry prices through simpler specifications and optional equipment packs.
Adam Clark from Adria reveals why its new Select range takes a different approach, offering a largely fixed specification at a lower price than its premium models.
But what happens to used motorhome values when cheaper new models enter the market? Simon Jenkins from Spinney discusses part-exchange expectations, premium Coachman motorhomes and why travelling hundreds of miles to secure a bigger discount could become a problem when you need warranty work.
Steve Aspinall from Staycation Lifestyle challenges the idea that a lower-spec campervan is necessarily a false economy.
Matt and Keith question which extras are worth paying for, what can be fitted later, and how additional equipment affects payload and resale value.
Our product of the week is the Alogfire portable gas log fire. Matt demonstrates how it works, discusses the safety features and explains why he was initially concerned about carbon monoxide.
And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on:
• Is a Mercedes-Benz motorhome chassis worth the extra money compared with a Fiat?
• Do motorhome speed limits change when you uprate a vehicle above 3,500kg?
• Why don't more motorhomes have ISOFIX child-seat fittings, and what should families consider?If you're buying a new motorhome, comparing it with a better-equipped used model or wondering what your current vehicle might be worth, hear what manufacturers and dealers are saying before deciding where your money is best spent.
Find out more:
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45 min
Is the Motorhome Dealership Model Starting to Fail?
Episode 262
Show notes
Motorhome sales are rising in the UK, so why are dealerships closing, restructuring or struggling to make money? And could the traditional way we buy new motorhomes be about to change?
Motorhome Matt and Keith Gooden examine the financial pressures facing the UK motorhome industry, from expensive stock finance and rising overheads to changing customer expectations. With new registrations reportedly up 8.5%, is demand really the problem, or has running a motorhome dealership simply become a much tougher business?
Matt speaks to the MDs of Tottington Motor Company, M5 Leisure and Bristol Caravans at the NEC. They share contrasting experiences of the market, including difficult part-exchange valuations, the cost of stocking new vehicles, strong campervan sales and owners spending thousands upgrading their existing motorhomes rather than replacing them.
One major development is Trigano's new Atom Motorhomes brand, which sells directly to customers instead of through traditional dealerships. Could this approach bring better prices, and who takes responsibility for servicing, warranty repairs and aftersales support? We hear what dealers think of the model and why some are reluctant to get involved.
And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on:
• Which apps can help you navigate low-emission zones and toll roads when touring Norway and Sweden
• What should a first-time buyer ask before purchasing a Consort campervan, particularly about warranties, insurance and aftersales support?
• Do you need winter tyres, snow chains or snow socks when driving a motorhome through the French, Spanish and Andorran Pyrenees?Find out more:
Low-emission zones in Europe: https://urbanaccessregulations.eu
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51 min
7 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Motorhome at a Show
Episode 261
Show notes
A £12,000 discount on a new motorhome sounds tempting, but what happens if you realise six months later that you've bought the wrong van? Motorhome shows bring together hundreds of vehicles and attractive deals, but rushing a decision could leave you seriously out of pocket.
With the Motorhome & Caravan Show at the NEC upon us, Motorhome Matt and Keith discuss seven costly mistakes to avoid when buying a motorhome at a show. From going in with a fixed idea of the perfect layout to getting carried away by discounts, Matt explains why slowing down could save you money and disappointment.
Why should you look at motorhomes above your budget? How do you properly test a layout before committing? And why could buying from a dealer hundreds of miles away cause problems when you need warranty repairs? We also tackle payload limits, driving licence requirements and the importance of returning for a second look, including Matt's experience helping a couple narrow down a shortlist of 33 motorhomes.
In our Motorhome Finance Fact or Fiction feature, Steve Blake from Motorhome Finance explains whether you need to find your ideal motorhome before applying for finance, and how understanding your borrowing options can help when visiting a show or dealership.
And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on:
- Can you safely carry a spare gas bottle in your motorhome garage, and what could it mean for your habitation check and insurance?
- Which European breakdown cover options should you consider for a larger motorhome, particularly if it needs recovering to the UK?
- Why are some motorhome dealers reluctant to discount older or unsold stock, even when vehicles have been sitting on forecourts for years?If you're planning to buy or upgrade your motorhome, listen before committing to a show deal. The right layout, dealer and practical specifications could matter far more than the discount on the windscreen.
Find out more:
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10% off your first order with the code MOTORHOMEMATT.
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45 min
What You Need to Check Before Buying a Campervan Conversion
Episode 260
Show notes
A campervan conversion can look beautifully finished, but how do you know the seats are installed safely, the payload still works in the real world, the conversion meets the right standards, and the company will support you if something goes wrong?
Motorhome Matt and Keith Gooden are joined at the Newark show by Tom Heeney from Landseer Campervans, Dan Douglass from Out and About Campers and Peter Vaughan. They examine the checks buyers should make before committing to a campervan conversion, including type approval, crash-tested seating, installation standards, usable payload, water ingress, warranty support and the reputation of the converter.
They also tackle some of the mistakes buyers make before a conversion has even started, from choosing the wrong base van to assuming a familiar vehicle badge guarantees the quality of the conversion. The discussion finishes with electric and hybrid campervans, including the Kia PV5, range expectations and the practical challenges converters face as the market changes.
Our new Blokes Breakfast event takes place on Saturday 10 October at That Leisure Shop in Chelston, Wellington. It’s a free ticketed event, with Dan Trudgian joining Matt to talk about health, wellbeing and how buying a caravan changed his life.
And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on:
• Where and how should you fit a safe in a Fiat Ducato campervan?
• What can you negotiate when buying a second-hand motorhome from a dealer?If you’re choosing a campervan converter, sourcing a base van or considering a used conversion, this is the conversation to listen to before you commit your money.
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10% off your first order with the code MOTORHOMEMATT.
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1 hr 4 min
Swift Is Going Lithium in 2027. Is This the End of Lead-Acid Leisure Batteries?
Episode 259
Show notes
Are lithium leisure batteries about to become the norm in motorhomes rather than an expensive upgrade added later? With Swift moving its 2027 motorhome range to lithium, there are signs that one of the biggest changes in motorhome electrical systems is moving firmly into the mainstream.
Motorhome Matt and Keith are joined by Steve Kennedy from Roamer, the UK lithium battery company supplying Swift. We look at what's driving manufacturers away from lead-acid, including weight, payload and usable battery capacity, and what factory-fit lithium could mean for the way future motorhomes are designed.
For existing motorhome and campervan owners, there are some important questions too. Can you really replace a lead-acid leisure battery with lithium without changing everything else? How much battery and inverter capacity do you need to run an air fryer, kettle or coffee machine off-grid?
We also get into battery storage, charging in freezing temperatures, LiFePO4 safety and why Steve believes 48V systems could have a much bigger role in motorhomes of the future.
We also hear about the upcoming Blokes, Bacon Baps and Banter morning at That Leisure Shop at Chelston, with breakfast, coffee, motorhome chat and a live Q&A.
And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on:
• Can you safely use hydraulic levelling legs when your motorhome is parked on a steep slope?
• What could cause leaking rear shock absorbers on a relatively new Peugeot Boxer-based motorhome?
• How do you choose the right inverter to run a microwave from a 12V motorhome electrical system?If you've been considering lithium, wondering what you'll fit when your lead-acid battery eventually gives up, or simply want to understand where motorhome electrical systems are heading next, this conversation should give you plenty to think about.
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30 min
Motorhome Insurance Mistakes: Claims, Theft and What Owners Get Wrong
Episode 258
Show notes
Leaving your motorhome keys in the ignition while you nip in to pay for fuel might seem harmless. But when it comes to insurance, small decisions like that can have much bigger consequences than owners realise.
Matt and Keith are joined by Mel Savage, Head of Insurance Product at Ripe, to look at the motorhome and campervan insurance assumptions that can make a claim more difficult. We get into what “comprehensive” cover actually means, why documentation matters when you make a claim, and how theft, keyless entry, trackers and test drives are treated.
We also look at some of the changes being made to motorhome and campervan cover, including older vehicles, commuting, lower-value vehicles and classic campers. There’s practical advice on European travel, lithium battery upgrades and off-grid use too, with a useful reminder that insurance is ultimately about assessing risk.
Plus, a new event at That Leisure Shop: Blokes Breakfast, a relaxed Saturday morning get-together at Chelston for motorhome and campervan chat over breakfast.
And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on:
• Can you tow a car on an A-frame in France or elsewhere in Europe and still be insured?
• Could removing the oven from a motorhome affect its insurance or classification?
• How does breakdown cover work for older vans travelling in Europe?
• What can you do to reduce your motorhome insurance premium?If you’ve ever wondered what your motorhome insurance really covers, what you need to declare, or what could make a claim more awkward than it needs to be, this is a useful conversation to hear before you need the policy.
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1 hr 4 min
Can You Make a Living Creating Motorhome and Van Life Content?
Episode 257
Show notes
Can travelling in a motorhome or campervan really become a paying content business, or does life as a creator look rather easier from the other side of the screen?
Motorhome Matt and Keith explore what it really takes to build a motorhome or van-life audience, in a live panel recorded at Vanlove 2026. Joining Matt are Steve and Lyndsay Radford from The Roaming Radfords, Mark Bonito from Vanlife Eats, TV presenter and campervan converter Max McMurdo, and Guy Robinson from Vanlove.
They get candid about the money and the workload. There are 4am editing sessions on motorhome trips, the challenge of turning a hobby into a business, and the peculiar world of YouTube where a carefully produced project costing thousands can struggle for views while something much simpler takes off.
Matt also shares what it costs to produce the Motorhome Matt Podcast, while Max explains why moving from television into YouTube feels rather like starting again.
The conversation also gets into the less obvious side of putting yourself online: deciding how much of your private life to share, dealing with negative comments, building a recognisable brand and working out why you want to create content in the first place. The panel finishes with practical advice for anyone thinking of picking up a camera and starting their own motorhome or campervan channel.
In Motorhome Finance Fact or Fiction, Matt is joined by Steve Blake to look at the assumption that financing a motorhome always requires a large deposit, and how affordability now influences the options available.
And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on:
• Travelling with a full motorhome fresh-water tank, payload and the effect of water moving around in the tank
• Whether an £850 Diamondbrite ceramic coating is worth considering on a Bailey Adamo 75-4DL
• A campervan seller being asked by prospective buyers to purchase an EpicVIN vehicle-history report, and whether that should raise concernsIf you have ever looked at a motorhome creator travelling the country and thought it looked like a rather agreeable way to earn a living, this conversation gives you the view from behind the camera, including the bits the algorithm tends not to mention.
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https://mhmp.info/eventsThe Motorhome Matt podcast is brought to you by That Leisure Shop, camping and leisure vehicle accessory specialists.
10% off your first order with the code MOTORHOMEMATT.
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27 min
Motorhome Toolkit Essentials: Tools and Spares You Should Carry
Episode 256
Show notes
What should you actually carry in a motorhome toolkit, and which bits are genuinely worth the space?
Motorhome Matt and Keith work through the tools, spares and emergency kit Matt keeps onboard, from torque wrenches, tyre pressure kit and jump starter packs to fuses, plumbing fittings, cable ties, Wago connectors and a spare water pump. Along the way, Matt explains the real situations that have made some of these items earn a permanent place in the van.
There are a few useful surprises too, including why Matt now carries a torque wrench, what he keeps for common water system problems, why a head torch is one of his favourite bits of kit, and why his laminated fuse diagrams have become so useful when other motorhome owners ask for help. We also look at the sensible limit to all this preparation: carrying the tools is one thing, knowing when not to use them is another.
We also look ahead to The South West Motorhome & Campervan Show at the Bath and West Showground in Shepton Mallet, with camping, live entertainment, motorhomes for sale, trade stands and free talks across the weekend.
And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on:
• Can standard motorhome wing mirrors be replaced with rear-view camera systems?
• Does a 2023 Fiat Ducato need reprogramming after changing the starter battery?
• How do you manage children’s car seats in a motorhome without them taking over the living space?If you’ve ever wondered what’s genuinely useful to keep in the van for those small problems that crop up on the road, this is a practical look at the kit Matt actually carries and why.
Shop Matt’s Motorhome Toolkit at That Leisure Shop and get 10% off your first order with code MOTORHOMEMATT.
👉 thatleisureshop.com/collections/motorhome-matts-toolkitMatt’s Motorhome Toolkit: Full List Tools & gadgets
• Screwdrivers: flat-head and cross-head in different sizes, including PH and PZ
• General-purpose pliers
• Long-nose pliers
• Adjustable spanner
• Miniature socket set
• Torx bits
• Allen keys
• Torque wrench
• Multimeter
• Claw hammer
• Rubber mallet
• Miniature lump hammer
• Wheel brace
• Breaker bar
• Standard vehicle jack
• Bottle jack
• Craft knife
• Tyre pressure gauge
• TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring system)
• Portable tyre inflator
• Tyre puncture gel/sealant
• Jump starter/booster packSpares & repair bits
• Spare fuses
• Spare bulbs
• Jubilee clips in a few sizes
• Hose repair connectors
• John Guest push-fit plumbing fittings
• 12 mm and 10 mm hard water pipe
• O-rings and seals
• Spare submersible water pumpUseful extras
• Head torch
• Disposable gloves
• Hand-cleaning wipes
• Kneeling mat
• Cable ties in different sizes
• Metal cable ties
• Gaffer tape
• Electrical repair tape
• Corks or bungs for temporarily stopping leaks
• Silicone spray
• Small can of WD-40
• Two-part plastic epoxy resin
• Bungee cords
• Wago electrical connectors
• Small reel of electrical wire🗣️ CHAT WITH MOTORHOME MATT
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47 min
Do Modern Motorhomes Still Need Campsites?
Episode 255
Show notes
Modern motorhomes can stay off-grid for longer, carry more usable battery capacity and rely far less on electric hook-up than they once did. So what does a campsite need to offer now to make motorhome owners want to stop, stay and pay for a pitch?
Motorhome Matt and Keith Gooden look at how touring habits are changing, from shorter stays and last-minute bookings to Brit Stops, park-ups and the growing expectation that a campsite should offer more than somewhere to plug in. We also tackle the awkward question of value, including why campsite prices have risen and what owners should reasonably expect for their money.
Matt visits Riverside Caravan Park in High Bentham to speak with operations director John Marshall about what those changes look like from the campsite side. At Riverside, tourers stay for an average of 3.7 nights compared with 2.2 nights for motorhomes, while the mix of touring caravans and motorhomes has shifted considerably in recent years. John explains how the business is responding through facilities, online booking, later arrivals, Wi-Fi, EV charging, solar and giving visitors more reasons to explore from the site.
There’s also an update on ETIAS and the European Entry/Exit System, including the latest uncertainty around when ETIAS will actually be introduced and what travellers heading into the Schengen area need to keep an eye on.
In the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on:
• Which type of air conditioning makes sense for a motorhome retrofit
• Why a Kador bead can pull out of a Multirail and what size difference may be causing it
• How to find a motorhome layout that is comfortable enough to live in without sacrificing the storage you needIf you’ve noticed yourself using campsites differently in the last few years, this conversation explains why the relationship between motorhomes and campsites is changing, and what both sides are having to rethink.
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50 min
Motorhome Q&A: Air Con, Electrical Safety, E-Bikes and Licence Limits
Episode 254
Show notes
Why are used motorhomes still so expensive when some of them are already several years old? Matt Sims and Keith Gooden look at what is keeping prices high, how the rising cost of base vehicles and conversions feeds through to the used market, and the financial pressure sitting behind some motorhome dealer forecourts.
The conversation gets into stock finance and curtailment payments, why unsold new motorhomes can become a serious problem for dealers, and what buyers can do to get a better sense of who they are dealing with before handing over a substantial amount of money. Matt also draws on his own experience of running a motorhome dealership and explains why he has chosen not to sell new motorhomes today.
We also tackle what happens when the temperature climbs and your motorhome has no air conditioning. From portable air coolers and roof-mounted systems to under-seat and cab-based options, we look at the choices, the costs involved and an important warning about reflective blinds and acrylic windows in very hot weather.
Electrical safety comes up too, after a listener asks about using a simple socket tester to check a home or campsite hook-up. Then there’s a question from an e-bike owner trying to choose the right rack for a Citroën Relay, including weight limits, wider tyres and the extra strain caused by bumps and ferry ramps.
There are a few less obvious ownership questions as well: do wheel covers really help protect motorhome tyres from UV damage, is it worth carrying a spare number plate when travelling abroad, and how can you insulate acrylic windows and roof vents for winter without sticking Velcro everywhere?
And for anyone looking ahead to a heavier motorhome, we discuss C1 entitlement, reaching age 70 and the uncertainty around possible future 4.25-tonne licence changes.
Lee Davey also joins us for the Alan Rogers Campsite of the Month, taking us to Camping Las Dunas in Catalonia, a large resort-style campsite with its own beach, pools, water slides and plenty to explore beyond the site.
Alan Rogers' Campsite of the Month
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24 min
Devon Conversions Returns. But Can the 70-Year-Old Brand Adapt?
Episode 253
Show notes
Devon Conversions has been building campervans since the 1950s, but after closing in 2025, the long-established name could easily have disappeared. Instead, it has a new owner, a fresh start and quite a challenge ahead: how do you modernise a traditional campervan brand without losing the loyal owners who made it what it is?
Motorhome Matt talks to Steve Fairbairn, the new owner of Devon Conversions, about what happened when the business closed, why he decided the name was worth preserving and what comes next. With customers returning for their fifth and sixth Devon campervans, there’s plenty Steve doesn’t want to change. But attracting a different generation of buyers means the familiar Devon formula can’t simply stand still.
Keith and Matt pick up that question afterwards as we look at the wider shift towards van conversions and micro campers. Is the market moving away from traditional caravans, and what does the changing mix of buyers mean for manufacturers and dealers?
There’s also some striking industry news. Matt and Keith discuss Brownhills reporting a pre-tax loss of £961,000, compared with a £1.22 million pre-tax profit the previous year, while Grantham’s Caravans is moving in the opposite direction. What might these contrasting figures tell us about the state of the motorhome and caravan trade?
And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on:
• What happens to your servicing and warranty if the motorhome dealer you bought from goes bust?
• Could fitting a porch awning create a carbon monoxide risk?
• Are motorhomes really designed to cope with full-time or semi-permanent van life?There’s a lot changing in the campervan and motorhome world, and Devon’s return is a fascinating example of the balancing act facing the industry. Join Matt and Keith as they look at what’s worth preserving, what needs to change and what owners need to keep an eye on.
Find out more:
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31 min
How to Convert a Van into a Campervan on a Budget with Max McMurdo
Episode 252
Show notes
How do you convert a van into a campervan without spending a fortune, and could you really complete a campervan conversion in just 24 hours?
In this episode, Motorhome Matt is joined by designer, TV presenter and former Dragons’ Den entrepreneur Max McMurdo to talk affordable campervan conversions, clever small-space design and his move into the campervan world.
Max shares the thinking behind Outlandish Campers, his modular campervan conversion system designed to make converting smaller vans more accessible. We get into micro campers, removable interiors, sustainable materials and why being able to take your conversion out and move it to another van could make a great deal of sense.
We also hear how Max’s career took him from car design and upcycling to Channel 4’s George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, before campervans brought many of those interests together. And, naturally, there’s the small matter of his Volkswagen ID. Buzz camper, 73,000 miles of electric motoring and the realities of travelling in an EV campervan.
At the Warner Shows, Max is taking on a rather ambitious challenge, converting an old van into a finished campervan live at the show in just 24 hours, spread across three eight-hour days.
And in the Q&A, Matt and Keith answer your questions on:
• Is it safe to drink water directly from a motorhome tank?
• What should you consider when exporting a motorhome from the UK to New Zealand?If you’re considering a DIY campervan conversion, looking at a smaller van or simply wondering how much campervan you can create without an enormous budget, tune in. Max has plenty of ideas, Matt has plenty of questions, and Keith is on hand to keep the rest of us grounded.
Outlandish Campers – https://www.outlandishcampers.com
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53 min
Should You Sell Your House and Live in a Motorhome?
Episode 251
Show notes
Selling your house to live in a motorhome sounds like the ultimate dream, but what's it really like once the adventure begins? Is full-time motorhome living everything people imagine, or are there challenges nobody talks about?
In this episode, Motorhome Matt is joined by Kat Bird from Wandering Bird, Tash Gooch from Life Beyond Bricks and Jackie Pickles from Early Retirement Wanderlust, who have all taken different paths towards full-time life on the road. Together, we explore the realities of giving up bricks and mortar, managing finances, finding work, travelling at a slower pace and discovering what it really takes to make full-time motorhome living work.
We also take a look at the new Pathway 4G Gen 2 router; what's changed, why it matters and how the latest version has been shaped by customer feedback.
And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on:
• Whether motorhome owners' clubs are worth joining
• Where to get your motorhome chassis serviced
• Leaving your motorhome permanently connected to electric hook-up at homeWhether you're seriously considering selling your house or you're simply curious about the lifestyle, this episode is packed with honest experiences, practical advice and plenty of food for thought. Join Motorhome Matt, Keith and our guests as we help you decide if life on the road could be the right move for you.
Early Retirement Wanderlust ➞ https://www.earlyretirementwanderlust.com
Wandering Bird ➞ https://www.wandering-bird.com
Life Beyond Bricks ➞ https://lifebeyondbricks.co.uk
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1 hr
Is It Safe to Plug Your Motorhome In at Home?
Episode 250
Show notes
Can you safely hook up your motorhome at home? It's something thousands of motorhome owners do every day, but could your home hook-up be hiding a serious electrical risk? If you've ever left your motorhome plugged into the mains on your driveway, this episode could change the way you think about it.
Motorhome Matt and Keith are joined by electrical expert Jordan Farley from Artisan Electrics to unpack the facts behind home hook-ups. What is a PME supply? Why do some homes have an earth rod while others don't? What is a PEN fault, and why does it matter to motorhome owners? Together, we break down the regulations, explain how earthing really works, and separate genuine safety concerns from common myths, all in plain English.
Plus, we're giving away a made-to-measure memory foam mattress from The Foam People. One lucky winner will receive a custom-sized mattress, built to fit their campervan or motorhome perfectly.
Enter here:
💫 https://www.instagram.com/motorhomemattpodcastAnd in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on:
• Fitting smaller mirrors to a motorhome
• Setting up an external barbecue point
• Taking dogs to Ireland in a motorhomeJoin Motorhome Matt, Keith Gooden and Jordan Farley as we answer one of the biggest electrical questions facing motorhome owners. Whether you plug in at home regularly or simply want to understand how your motorhome's electrical system keeps you safe, this episode is packed with practical advice that could change the way you use your motorhome.
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31 min
Is Your Motorhome Warranty Good Enough?
Episode 249
Show notes
Save 10% with Warranty Solutions Group here → https://mhmp.info/wsg
Are Ford wet belts covered under warranty, and what should every motorhome owner know before a major repair lands on the doorstep? Motorhome Matt sits down with Warranty Solutions Group to tackle one of the biggest questions facing owners today.
From Ford wet belt failures and damp repairs to fridges, control panels and expensive mechanical faults, they explain what a motorhome warranty should cover, where many policies fall short, and what to look for before you buy.
And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on:
• Can you get a replacement motorhome while yours is being repaired under warranty?
• Do you need an EICR when travelling in Europe?
• How do you work out how many axles your motorhome has?Whether you're considering a warranty, worried about Ford wet belts, or simply want to avoid an expensive surprise, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you make informed decisions. Join Motorhome Matt, Keith, Steph and Tony as we answer the questions that could save you thousands.
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20 min
Motorhome Q&A: Are Campsite Check-In Times Fair?
Episode 248
Show notes
📶 PATHWAY 4G Gen 2 HAS ARRIVED
https://thatleisureshop.com/pathwayWhy do so many campsites insist on a 2pm check-in when the last guests have already left? Is there a good reason, or is there more to it? And if you're choosing a TV for your campervan, is the latest all-in-one solution really worth the money?
In this episode, Motorhome Matt and Keith tackle another packed mailbag, answering your motorhoming questions on everything from campsite check-in times and campervan technology to buying an older van and keeping it running reliably. Along the way, Matt shares the latest industry insight into Fiat's extended warranty changes and what they could mean if you're taking delivery of a new motorhome.
This week's featured event is the Norfolk Motorhome & Campervan Show, taking place from 17 to 19 July at the Norfolk Showground, with discounted tickets available using the code MOTORHOMEMATT.
Plus, we're joined by Steve Blake from Motorhome Finance for a brand new Finance Fact or Fiction segment. In our first instalment, we explore how old a motorhome can be before finance is no longer an option, and whether the limits are really as strict as many buyers assume.
If you're buying, upgrading or simply trying to get more from your motorhome, this episode is packed with practical advice, honest opinions and real-world experience. Join Motorhome Matt, Keith and us for another edition of the Motorhome Matt Podcast.
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44 min
The Best Apps for Motorhome Travel in the UK and Europe
Episode 247
Show notes
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https://mhmp.info/appsThe best apps for motorhome travel can save you time, money and a great deal of reversing. But which motorhome apps should you actually trust when touring the UK and Europe?
In this episode, Motorhome Matt and Keith put the most useful motorhome travel apps under the spotlight. From motorhome sat nav and route planning to campsites, stopovers, parking, fuel and life on the road, we look at which apps deserve a place on your phone, where their limitations lie and why relying on the wrong one can quickly make a journey rather more interesting than planned.
Which apps do we use ourselves? Can a phone really replace specialist motorhome navigation and printed touring guides? And which popular apps could help you find places you might otherwise drive straight past?
Plus, That Leisure Shop has partnered with Vicarious Books, bringing its popular motorhome and European touring guides to you.
We’re also joined by Peter Vaughan to look ahead to the Norfolk Motorhome and Campervan Show and the Out & About Live summer party.
And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on:
• Motorhome window failures and warranty cover
• Keeping a starter battery charged while your motorhome is parked up
• Retrofitting an external barbecue pointIf you’re planning a motorhome trip in the UK or Europe, join Motorhome Matt and Keith as we work through the apps worth knowing about before you set off.
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34 min
Can Datatag Protect Your Motorhome from Being Stolen?
Episode 246
Show notes
Can Datatag really help deter thieves and recover stolen motorhomes? Motorhome Matt and Keith take a closer look at Datatag's latest motorhome security system to find out whether it could become one of the most effective ways to protect your vehicle from motorhome theft.
Joined by former NaVCIS (National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service) Leisure Vehicle Officer Tim Booth, we explore how motorhome theft has changed, why vehicle cloning is becoming a growing concern, and how modern identification technology could help deter criminals and aid vehicle recovery.
This week's product feature is the all-new Pathway 4G Gen 2, now available to pre-order with improved signal performance, a new chipset and USB-C battery power.
Plus, the new Big Land Rover Festival at Newbury Showground starts soon, with camping, live entertainment, off-road driving experiences and exclusive discounts for Motorhome Matt listeners.
And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on:
• Insurance discount codes and how to access available savings
• The best campervans for travelling with dogs
• Tow bars for carrying mobility scootersIf you're thinking about improving your motorhome's security or want to understand how professional vehicle thieves operate, join Motorhome Matt, Keith and Tim Booth for practical advice and expert insight to help you better protect your motorhome.
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40 min
Are Motorhomes Becoming Unwelcome in the UK?
Episode 245
Show notes
Are motorhomes becoming unwelcome in the UK? From ULEZ restrictions and overnight parking bans to height barriers, off-grid camping and growing pressure from local councils, many motorhome owners are asking if travelling around Britain is becoming harder than ever. Motorhome Matt and Keith are joined by veteran journalist Peter Vaughan to separate myth from reality.
Are motorhomers really being squeezed out, or are there opportunities the headlines are missing? We explore the biggest challenges facing UK motorhome owners, the future of touring, and what it all means before you plan your next trip.
This week's Alan Rogers Campsite of the Month heads to Santiago de Compostela, Spain, a great base for exploring Galicia, enjoying award-winning local food and discovering a different side of northern Spain.
And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on:
• Pathway 4G versus Starlink for a motorhome tour of Norway and Scandinavia
• Refilling a Gaslow LPG system abroad when the filling point is inside the gas locker
• Whether motorhome dealers should take responsibility for chassis warranty claimsIf you're buying, owning or touring in a motorhome, this episode is packed with practical advice and honest industry insight. Join Motorhome Matt, Keith and Peter Vaughan as we tackle the questions every motorhome owner is asking and help you travel with more confidence.
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