Motorhome Matt

Who are The NCC and why should you care?

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This week on the Motorhome Matt podcast, we shine a light on the organisation that shapes much of the motorhome and caravan industry—but that most people have never heard of. So who exactly are the NCC? (Spoiler: it’s the National Caravan Council.) And more importantly, why should you care?
Matt sits down with Simon McGrath, Director of Communications at the NCC, to unpack what they do, how they support the trade, and what it means for you as a motorhome owner or camper.
From those familiar blue quality badges to approved servicing schemes and lobbying in Westminster, the NCC plays a much bigger role than you might think—and it’s all happening behind the scenes.
Also in the spotlight: the Camping and Caravanning Club has confirmed it won’t be attending the NEC shows in October 2025 or February 2026. Matt explores why that matters, what might be driving the decision, and how it ties into growing concerns about campsite pricing, value for money, and the rise of off-grid touring.
Our Alan Rogers Campsite of the Month takes us to the Costa Dorada, with a sun-soaked Spanish site that could easily be your next big escape.
And in this week’s Q&A, Matt answers your questions on Fiat’s nine-speed gearbox quirks, towing a motorbike with a Bessacarr, and the rules around filling a jerry can in France.
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Types of Motorhome Toilets: Which is Best?

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This week on the Motorhome Matt Podcast, Matt and Keith are lifting the lid—literally—on one of the most talked about topics in motorhoming: the toilet. Whether you’re loyal to the classic cassette, curious about composting, or considering splashing out on an incinerator loo, Matt unpacks the pros, cons, and downright odd bits of each type of motorhome toilet—backed with real-world tips you won’t find in the brochure.
We’ve also got an important update from Greece. After a surprising clampdown on where you can park your motorhome, the rules are shifting again. Are things getting better for tourers heading that way? Matt digs into the details.
There’s also news on the National Motorhome & Campervan Show this June, where Matt will host the Advice Centre—full of free talks and honest help.
And in the Q&A, we tackle some cracking listener questions. Is now the right time to buy a VW California? What are the rules for Americans bringing a skoolie to Europe? And why are some insurers getting twitchy about wild camping? Matt’s got answers—and the contacts to find out more when he doesn’t.
Oh, and if you’ve never heard Matt confess to drinking toilet chemical… well, this is the episode for you.
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Separation Toilets Explained: How They Work in Motorhomes

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Would you bag your poo for the sake of off-grid freedom? In this episode of the Motorhome Matt podcast, Matt and Keith dive into the pros and cons of separation toilets in motorhomes. Long popular on canal boats, they’re now popping up in campervans too—but are they worth the effort, or just another vanlife gimmick?
Matt chats with Daniel from Trelino to unpack how these toilets work, whether they really are odour-free, and how to properly deal with your waste. From double-bagging your number twos to the legalities of binning them, we’re not skimming over the awkward bits.
In this week’s Q&A, a listener asks whether the 90-day EU travel limit applies when touring Southern Ireland. Another shares frustration with campsite pay-as-you-go electricity systems—Matt has thoughts. And if you or someone you know is 90+ and struggling to get insured, there’s a tip you won’t want to miss.
Plus, Matt shares why he’s now using a VPN on the road, and how it’s helped him stay secure (and catch up on TV) wherever he parks up.
Whether you swear by your cassette toilet or you’re tempted to ditch the chemicals, there’s plenty here to get you thinking.
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Could Tariffs Push Motorhome Prices Higher?

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Are rising tariffs about to drive up the cost of your next motorhome?In this episode, Matt and Keith unpack how global trade shifts—from the US and China to mainland Europe—could impact prices for UK buyers. Spoiler alert: it’s not all doom and gloom, but there are a few things worth keeping an eye on…
We’re also off to the Dordogne in our Alan Rogers Campsite of the Month, visiting a French gem complete with wine, water slides and potatoes fried in goose fat. Yes, really.
Plus, Matt shares insights from his recent trip to China, including robot delivery cars, BYD electric vehicles and why Chinese manufacturers are so keen to talk to the UK market. It’s a glimpse into the future of global motorhome production.
In the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on how to power an electric bed and coffee machine off-grid, clears up confusion about travelling to Ireland post-Brexit, and explains what to do when cluster flies decide to hibernate in your motorhome’s door seals.
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Has Greece Really Banned Motorhomes?

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There’s a lot of noise online about Greece shutting its doors to motorhomers—but is it true? In this episode, Matt and Keith separate fact from fearmongering and unpack what the new Greek law actually means for motorhome travellers. We cut through the clickbait to explain the new parking rules, what they mean in practice, and how to travel in Greece safely—and legally.
Plus, we dig into the latest from IQ Mobile—what’s changed with EU data roaming, and which SIM is best for your travels in 2025? And if the idea of streaming telly from a Greek beach has you scratching your head, Matt explains how VPNs can help (without turning you into a tech wizard).
In the Q&A, Matt answers listener questions on fitting Isofix in a Rapido, whether Ford’s known faults are a dealbreaker, and what to think about if you’re planning to go left-hand drive before moving to Spain.
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What’s Happening to Motorhome Sales, Stock and Servicing

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In this episode of the Motorhome Matt Podcast, Matt and Keith take a frank look at the current state of the motorhome industry. With negative headlines doing the rounds and challenges bubbling up behind the scenes, is it all doom and gloom—or is there more to the story?
From rising demand and stretched service centres to parts shortages and storage site pressures, it’s clear the industry is shifting—and Matt explains why that’s not necessarily bad news. He shares how his own businesses are responding, what he’s seeing on the ground, and what it all means if you’re thinking about buying.
New driving laws in Spain ban the red warning triangles in favour of a clever piece of kit called a V16 beacon. Matt explains what it is, how it works, and why you might want one, whether you’re heading to Spain or not. And if you’re off to the Southern Motorhome & Campervan Show in Newbury, stick around for a discount code that could save you a few quid on tickets.
In the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on whether a 90-year-old can still get campervan insurance, and what to do if the screen price of your motorhome plummets just after you’ve bought it.
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Must-Have Motorhome Accessories

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In this jam-packed episode of the Motorhome Matt Podcast, we go live to the Yorkshire Motorhome and Campervan Show, where Matt is joined on stage by Peter Vaughan to unpack everything you actually need — and quite a few things you definitely don’t — when it comes to kitting out your motorhome. From levelling ramps and gaffer tape to red wine corkscrews (because, priorities).
In the news, Matt and Keith share updates on a major story: the Supreme Court’s hearing on undisclosed finance commissions. If you’re thinking about financing your dream motorhome, you’ll want to hear how this ruling could shake up the industry and impact future buyers.
Michael Douglas also drops in to preview the Southern Motorhome and Campervan Show 2025. Expect 60s music, axe throwing, paintballing, cooking demos and over 300 vehicles to explore — plus a handy discount code for your tickets.
In the Q&A, Matt tackles your questions on whether e-scooters are a smart choice for campsite mobility, the key differences between the February and October NEC motorhome shows, and the common confusion around fitting lithium batteries and other upgrades to your van. Are you still legal after those mods? And will your insurance still cover you?
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Inside Fiamma HQ: The Past and Future of Motorhoming

Join Matt as he goes behind the scenes at Fiamma HQ in Milan, uncovering the brand’s 80-year journey from humble beginnings to global motorhome accessory giant—and where the future of motorhoming is headed.
Celebrating eight decades in business, Fiamma has evolved from making wartime gas cookers to becoming a household name for motorhome awnings, bike racks, and more. Charles Pozzi, Co-Managing Director at Fiamma, shares the fascinating story behind the brand, its future ambitions, and why he believes motorhoming is set for a bright future—even as the industry settles into a “new normal.”
Back in the UK, Matt and Keith Gooden dive into major news from Europe: changes to the B driving licence could soon make driving heavier motorhomes much easier. Could Britain be next? Matt shares his predictions.
Plus, with Campervan Campout just around the corner, Matt previews what’s in store—including his talks and Q&As across the weekend—and reminds you to check your insurance before heading across the Channel (with a whopping 15% discount up for grabs).
In this week’s Q&A, Matt helps a listener solve a frustrating fuse problem, recommends a cracking sat nav for your motorhome, and clears up once and for all which MOT class your pride and joy really needs.
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New vs Used Motorhome: What Should You Buy?

It’s the big question most of us face at some point: Should you buy a new motorhome or go for a used one? In this episode, Matt and Keith get stuck into the pros and cons of both, from fresh-out-of-the-factory luxury to the hidden perks of a second-hand bargain.
We also bid farewell to a familiar face in the industry, as she steps away after years leading one of the UK’s top motorhome brands.
Alan Rogers is back with our campsite of the month—and this one’s a stunner. Set in western France, it’s got everything from spa treatments to swim-up rentals. Yes, really.
And in this week’s Q&A, Matt answers your questions on winter trips to the Arctic Circle, what licence renewals look like after 70, and whether your driveway can actually handle the weight of a motorhome—especially if there’s a sewage pipe lurking underneath.
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How Much Does a Motorhome Really Cost in 2025?

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This week on the Motorhome Matt Podcast, Matt and Keith tackle the big question on every buyer’s mind: How much does a motorhome cost in 2025? Matt breaks down what your budget gets you in today’s market, whether you’re eyeing a shiny new campervan or a second-hand bargain. Spoiler alert: Prices have shifted a lot since 2018.
We also head north to Scotland, where the Highland Council has launched a new camping scheme. It promises designated parking spots—but a catch has some motorhomers (and campsites) raising an eyebrow.
Plus, Matt shares a brilliant little gadget that every van owner should carry, and we plug into a festival that blends campervans with proper music and middle-aged dancing—yes, Sarah Cox is involved.
In the Q&A, we answer your questions. Can you store your jump leads in the gas locker? Use your motorhome for work? Sneak through the continent overweight? Matt's got the answers.
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Motorhome Seatbelt Rules Explained

PLEASE NOTE: Since this episode was recorded, the EU has accepted a provisional agreement on modernised driving license rules. You can read more here: https://transport.ec.europa.eu/news-events/news/commission-welcomes-provisional-agreement-modernised-driving-licences-rules-2025-03-25_en
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In this episode of the Motorhome Matt podcast, we’re tackling an often misunderstood topic—seatbelt use in motorhomes and campervans. With so many newcomers on the road, there’s a lot of confusion about who can sit where, what counts as a travel seat, and what the guidance says. Matt is here to set the record straight, so strap in. 
We’ve also got some cracking news from Out and About Live, who are calling on the government to back British holidays. If you care about the future of UK travel and tourism, this one’s worth a listen. 
Plus, we’re heading to the South of England Showground for a preview of Campervan Campout with Michael from Warners. There’s chat about music, self-builds and foraging.
And in the Q&A, we hear from Bruce in Hull, who’s not happy about a failed reversing camera on his brand-new Adria; Paul in Belfast, who wants to know if licence rules are likely to change; and David in Wales, who’s wondering whether his folded-up bike rack needs a chevron panel.
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Off-Grid Adventures with Marcus Leach and RP Motorhomes

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In this episode of the Motorhome Matt Podcast, Matt and Keith chat with award-winning travel writer and cycling enthusiast Marcus Leach about his work with RP Motorhomes. Marcus shares his incredible experience of living full-time in a motorhome, travelling through 34 countries with his family, and curating unique adventure tours for RP Motorhomes.
He also takes us through the features of the award-winning RP Rebel, a motorhome designed for ultimate off-grid adventures, packed with innovations.
We’re also joined by Jaye Young, co-owner of RP Motorhomes, who gives us an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how the company has evolved to cater to families and adventurers alike.
In the news, we discuss a serious safety issue involving a gas cylinder explosion in a campervan, highlighting the importance of using approved services for gas safety checks.
And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on choosing the right SIM card, the best navigation apps for motorhomes, and retrofitting air conditioning in older motorhomes.
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