Motorhome Matt

Is the Motorhome Industry Really in Trouble Right Now?

Is the motorhome industry in its worst state ever, or are we worrying over nothing?
Prices have surged, quality is under scrutiny, and new buyers are arriving with very different expectations. After years of disruption, from Brexit to Covid to supply chain chaos, has the market finally steadied, or are there bigger changes brewing under the surface?
This week, industry veteran Peter Vaughan joins Motorhome Matt and Keith Gooden to separate perception from reality, drawing on over four decades of experience to answer the question many are quietly asking.
Along the way, we explore how the audience is changing, why van life has gone from fringe to mainstream, and whether manufacturers are really keeping up. We also take an honest look at used values, dealer challenges, and what the future might hold as new players eye up the market.
Plus, a look at the brand new Warners National Motorhome, Campervan and Camping Exhibition at Stoneleigh this April, a day-visitor show packed with hundreds of vehicles, expert advice sessions, and hands-on tech demonstrations designed to help you make better buying decisions.
And don’t miss this week’s Fun Fiamma Fact, where we reveal just how many of their iconic F45 awnings have been sold worldwide.
And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on:
Do external windscreen covers actually stop condensation?
Can the Pathway 4G really get a signal where your phone can’t?
Which gas system makes the most sense for extended European travel?
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How to Choose the Right Motorhome Levelling System

Get the levelling comparison chart here → https://mhmp.info/levelling
Motorhome levelling systems: are they worth it, what do they really cost, and how much difference do they make day to day? If you’ve ever parked slightly off level and spent the evening sliding towards the kitchen, you’ll know why this upgrade gets people talking.
In this episode, Motorhome Matt and Keith take a practical look at levelling systems, how they work, what they weigh, and what you need to consider before fitting one to your motorhome or campervan. From payload limits and installation challenges to useful features like weighing functions and added security, we unpack it all with the team at Bristol Caravans and VB Air, helping you make a sensible decision, not just an expensive one.
Plus, join us at That Leisure Shop for an open day on 28 March, with motorhomes for hire, used models for sale, and special offers at the Hewish site, just off junction 21 of the M5.
And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on:
driving a 4.4-tonne motorhome in the UK on a New Zealand licence
what might be causing a cat pee smell in a motorhome
uprating a campervan or motorhome by 300kg
If you’re considering levelling your motorhome, or just want to understand what you’re getting for your money, this episode will help you get it straight before you commit.
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Should You Use an Accredited Workshop for Motorhome Servicing?

When it comes to motorhome servicing, choosing the right workshop can make the difference between protecting your warranty and creating a costly problem. 
In this episode, Matt and Keith explore whether you should always use an accredited workshop, such as one in the NCC Approved Workshop Scheme (AWS) or a member of the Motorhome & Caravan Engineers Association (MCEA), and what that actually means for motorhome owners.
Matt sits down with Darren Brown from Reliance to explain how approved workshops are inspected, why more owners are discovering faults on nearly new motorhomes, and what every owner should know before booking their next habitation service.
Plus, the Yorkshire Motorhome & Campervan Show is coming up this weekend, where Matt will be hosting free talks all weekend at the Advice Centre.
Our brand new segment, Five Fun Fiamma Facts, reveals the first product Fiamma ever produced, which gave the brand its iconic name. And it’s not what you might have guessed.
And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on:
Streaming UK TV abroad while travelling in Europe
Installing an underslung LPG refillable gas tank
Whether motorhome upgrades actually increase resale value
If you want clear advice on motorhome servicing, warranties, upgrades and ownership, this episode will give you plenty to think about before your next trip.
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The Trends Changing the Motorhome Industry

Is the motorhome industry changing faster than we think? In this episode, Matt sits down with Charles Pozzi, co-CEO of Fiamma, as the iconic motorhome accessory brand celebrates 80 years.
They explore what’s really happening across the market right now, from younger buyers entering the lifestyle to the rise of micro campers, changing travel habits, and what the future could look like for motorhome holidays.
Charles also shares insights from research conducted across Europe’s biggest shows, revealing that the average visitor age is not what many people assume.
Matt and Keith also reveal the latest NEC show visitor numbers and discuss some of the new trends that were hard to ignore.
We’re also launching something brand new for the Motorhome Matt community.
The brand new Chat with Motorhome Matt private Facebook group is live. It’s a place where listeners can ask questions, share experiences, and get direct advice from Matt and the team. If you’ve ever wanted somewhere to ask motorhome questions without shouting into the void of the internet, this is it.
And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on:
How your motorhome can be brought back to the UK if you fall ill abroad
Breakdown cover for larger motorhomes, including what to check on weight and length limits
Whether you actually need to carry a jack and wheel-changing equipment.
If you want a clearer picture of where motorhoming is heading, along with practical advice you can actually use, this episode is well worth a listen.
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How Motorhome Owners Are Changing Their Holiday Habits

Are we becoming a nation of mixed-up holidaymakers? In this episode, Matt and Keith look at how motorhome travel trends are evolving, and why more owners are combining van life with cruises, flights, city breaks and even remote working abroad. If you’re wondering how to get more from your motorhome while still enjoying the occasional hotel stay or overseas break, this one will strike a chord.
Fresh from a recuperative cruise, Motorhome Matt himself reflects on how travel has shifted, not just personally but across the wider leisure industry. At the Manchester Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Show, where leisure vehicles sit alongside global tourist boards and cruise operators, it’s clear that touring is no longer an either-or decision. People are blending experiences.
You’ll hear from travel journalist Simon Calder, show organiser Ben Myatt, Kathy from Barefoot Caravans, Luke from the Motorhome Matt team, and industry veteran Peter Vaughan, each offering a perspective on how habits are changing and what that means for motorhome owners.
And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on:
Using an A-frame to tow a car in France
Understanding 3.5 tonne weight limits in France
Whether dogs are allowed at the 2026 Warners Shows.
If you want to make smarter decisions about how you use your motorhome and where it fits into your wider holiday plans, this episode will give you plenty to think about. Tune in and see how your next trip might look a little different.
Sponsored by NordVPN, keeping your online data safe and helping you stream securely while you’re touring.
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How to Prepare Your Motorhome After Winter Storage

How do you prepare a motorhome after winter storage? In this episode, Matt and Keith share a practical motorhome spring checklist to help you travel safely and avoid breakdowns as you head on your way.
It’s very easy to assume you can just turn the key and go. But after a few cold, wet months sitting still, your motorhome needs a careful once-over. Tyres age, seals stick, pipes crack, and water systems quietly grow things you might prefer not to drink.
Matt talks you through the checks that really matter, the ones that cost very little time now but can save you a cancelled trip, a recovery callout, or a four-figure repair bill later.
And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on:
Air suspension pricing, why quotes can vary so much, and what to look for before booking
Travelling to Germany, whether UK motorhomes need the G607 gas certificate, and what’s actually required
Gas-free motorhomes, lithium batteries, diesel heating, and whether moving away from gas is a sensible long-term choice
If your first trip of the year is already in the diary, give this a listen before you set off. A couple of sensible checks now can make the difference between a relaxed getaway and a very long weekend on the hard shoulder.
Get your free downloadable guide to preparing your motorhome for spring travel:www.thatleisureshop.com/spring
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Do Motorhome Shows Still Matter in 2026? The Truth for Buyers and Dealers

Are motorhome shows still worth it in 2026, or are digital platforms quietly taking over?
In this episode of the Motorhome Matt podcast, Matt and Keith dig into the real value of motorhome shows, from the Manchester Show to the NEC Motorhome Shows to regional events across the UK. 
Do shows still drive motorhome sales, build brand trust and help buyers choose the right layout, or are they becoming an expensive tradition in a world of online research and targeted ads?
Matt speaks to dealers who say shows generate a third of their annual business, others who’ve stepped back and invested in digital marketing instead, and buyers who went along for a browse and ended up signing on the dotted line. We look at the buying journey, pre-purchase reassurance, and if physically stepping inside a van still matters when you’re spending serious money.
At the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show at the NEC Birmingham, we exclusively reveal the launch of the new Savvy Van app, offering remote monitoring and control of key motorhome systems, with public release planned for summer 2026.
And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on:
4G connectivity challenges and whether the Pathway system can pull a signal where phones can’t
The most useful motorhome apps for beginners
The latest update on the 3.5 tonne licence limit and the expected 4th Directive changes
If you’re researching your first motorhome, planning an upgrade, or wondering if shows are still worth your time, this episode will give you plenty to think about.
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Changes to European Travel for Motorhomes, Campervans and Caravans in 2026

Changes to European motorhome travel are coming faster than you might realise.
This week on the Motorhome Matt podcast, Matt and Keith break down what these changes actually mean for motorhome, campervan and caravan owners, and what you’ll need to do differently before you head across the Channel. Borders are going digital, rules are tightening, and assumptions that used to work no longer do.
Recorded live at the Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Show in Manchester, Matt explains how digital border controls, biometric passport checks, the EU Entry/Exit System and ETIAS will affect UK travellers.
We also cover low-emission zones, pet travel paperwork and new trailer registration rules, focusing on what’s changing, when it applies, and where people are most likely to get caught out.
Plus, a personal update on returning to the stage after his triple heart bypass, why it took more out of him than expected, and why getting back in front of an audience still felt important.
And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on:
Whether to add your partner to your motorhome insurance after a recent car insurance claim
Why motorhome satnav systems can still route you the wrong way
Why some owners choose a 4x4 motorhome
If European touring is on your radar, this episode will help you travel better prepared, avoid expensive mistakes, and understand what’s changing before it changes on you.
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Could American RV Lifestyle Be the Future of UK Motorhoming?

What can UK motorhome owners learn from the American RV scene? In this episode, Matt and Keith chat with YouTuber Liz Amazing about the rise of full-time RV living in the USA, the growing popularity of boondocking (off-grid camping), and how the vanlife trend is attracting younger travellers, families and remote workers. 
From high-clearance 4x4 campervans to the pros and cons of lithium batteries, it’s a deep dive into how RV life in the States compares to motorhoming in the UK and what buyers here need to watch out for.
Liz also explains why she avoids new RVs, how to buy smart in a cooling market, and why buying used often means better build quality.
Planning to visit the NEC show?
The Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show runs 17–22 February. Meet Matt and the That Leisure Shop team in Hall 5, Stand 512 for expert advice and motorhome chat.
And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on:
How to carry a heavy motorbike on the back of a motorhome, and why the Hydra Trail might be the best solution
Which gas level checker actually works—and why Matt changed his mind about Truma’s gadget
Whether you’ll find better motorhome deals at shows like the NEC or at your local dealer, and how to protect your warranty
Subscribe for no-nonsense advice and expert insights. If you're serious about buying, owning or upgrading a motorhome, this episode is packed with useful tips.
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How to Upgrade Your Motorhome Control System with SavvyVan

What if one touchscreen could control your motorhome’s lighting, heating, water, solar charging, and even levelling? In this episode, Matt and Keith meet Simon Knight, the van converter and former cybersecurity expert behind SavvyVan, a British-made control panel that’s changing how modern campervans can be used. It’s customisable, plug-and-play, and is now being fitted in vans across the UK.
Also this week, we take a look at what’s in store for the 2026 UK motorhome show season with Warner Shows, including new indoor venues, full-on festival weekends and how to get early access and discounted tickets.
And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on:Can you pause a motorhome warranty while it’s off the road for repairs?Is £80,000 better spent on a brand new motorhome or a used luxury model?What tools and spares are actually worth carrying in your van?
Whether you're upgrading, converting or just curious about what’s coming next, this episode’s packed with insight you won’t want to miss.
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Ask Motorhome Matt: Lithium Batteries, EV Camper Conversions and Pet Passports

It’s a full Q&A takeover in this episode of the Motorhome Matt podcast, as Matt and Keith work through a packed line-up of your questions.
From electric van conversions and lithium battery upgrades to the reality of tolls in Europe and the latest on post-Brexit pet travel, it’s a wide-ranging, down-to-earth session of motorhome know-how.
This week's topics include:
Retrofitting lithium batteries and why your charger might be the sticking point
The ongoing debate about spare wheels, tyre sealant kits, and payload limits
Hardwiring a rear dash cam and why a reversing camera might be enough
What’s really happening with pet passports in 2026 and what UK travellers need to know
Best electric vans for a simple DIY camper conversion
How GoBoxes in Austria and Slovenia work
Keeping condensation under control
Can you get a wireless water tank app?
Plenty of insights and practical motorhoming takeaways. If you’ve got motorhome questions, this is the place to start.
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Are UK Motorhomes Heading for a US-Style RV Build Quality Crisis?

What can the UK motorhome industry learn from the RV crisis brewing in the United States?
In this episode, Matt is joined by US-based consumer advocate Liz Amazing, who’s been shaking up the American RV scene with her popular YouTube channel. Liz has helped owners recover millions in refunds after buying brand new RVs riddled with faults, from water ingress and rotting interiors to vehicles delivered without a VIN number. Yes, really.
Together, Matt and Liz unpack the root of the problem: mass production, cost-cutting, and a profit-first mindset that's eroding build quality across the Atlantic. And with American giants now owning several big-name European manufacturers, Matt asks the all-important question: could the same thing happen here in the UK?
We’re also off to the 2026 Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Show in Manchester, and Matt shares what to expect and how you can get in for free.
And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on:How to value your motorhome if you're thinking of selling or upsizingWhether that thick line of mastic in your £100k coachbuilt should be a dealbreakerTips for keeping your water tanks from freezing on cold winter nights
If you own a motorhome, or you’re thinking of buying one, don’t miss this honest, practical look at what’s happening in the industry and how it affects you.
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