Motorhome Matt

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:
DEVON CONVERSIONS: devonconversions.co.uk
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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 – www.outlandishcampers.com
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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 home
Whether 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 ➞ www.earlyretirementwanderlust.com
Wandering Bird ➞ www.wandering-bird.com
Life Beyond Bricks ➞ lifebeyondbricks.co.uk
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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.
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And 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 motorhome
Join 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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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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Why 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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The 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 point
If 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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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 scooters
If 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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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 claims
If 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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Thinking about taking your motorhome to Morocco? Is it safe for UK motorhome owners? Do you really need a 4x4 campervan, and what is it actually like driving through the Atlas Mountains and into the Sahara Desert?
In this episode of the Motorhome Matt podcast, Matt Sims and Keith Gooden are joined by travel writer and adventure tour leader Marcus Leach to bust the biggest myths about motorhome travel in Morocco. Discover why more UK motorhome owners are heading across the Strait of Gibraltar, how Morocco fits around the Schengen 90-day rule, and why standard motorhomes are often perfectly capable of making the journey.
From wild camping and desert experiences to mountain passes, fuel costs and the best time of year to visit, this episode is packed with practical advice for anyone planning a Morocco motorhome adventure.
Plus, Vanlove Festival takes place this weekend at Thruxton Race Circuit, bringing together motorhome and campervan enthusiasts for live music, talks, entertainment and a packed programme celebrating van life.
And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on:
Pathway 4G system restocking
Using levelling ramps with an automatic gearbox
Removing travelling seats from a motorhome
Whether you're planning your first European tour or looking for your next big adventure beyond Spain and Portugal, join Motorhome Matt, Keith and Marcus Leach as we uncover what motorhome travel in Morocco is really like, and why it could become your favourite destination yet.
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What’s really happening behind the scenes of the motorhome industry, and what does it mean for buyers, owners and anyone thinking about their next campervan? Motorhome Matt and Keith Gooden are joined by industry experts Peter Vaughan and Tom Lower for an honest discussion on changing buying habits, rising prices, panel van conversions versus coachbuilt motorhomes, and the accessories that are genuinely worth your money. Is the market shifting, are motorhomes becoming too expensive, and which trends are here to stay? Tune in to hear the conversations happening inside the industry, not just on the forecourt.
Plus, VanLove Festival is almost here. Matt shares what to expect from the event at Thruxton, including live podcasts, talks, music, That Leisure Shop, a parade lap of motorhomes and a go-kart challenge with no other than The Stig.
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Product of the Week: Save across the Mestic compressor cool box range, with portable fridge and freezer options designed for life on the road, whether you're touring off-grid or pitched up on site.
And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on:
Using a generator to power your motorhome safely
Whether you can connect two hook-up leads together
The best ways to deter rodents from getting into your motorhome
Join Motorhome Matt, Keith Gooden, Peter Vaughan and Tom Lower as we look behind the curtain of the motorhome world, challenge a few assumptions and share practical advice that could save you money and help you make better decisions for your next adventure.
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It’s time for another full Q&A episode of the Motorhome Matt podcast, where Motorhome Matt and Keith hand the show over to your questions, the real-world problems, and technical head-scratchers that motorhome owners actually face.
This week, we dive into one of the biggest debates we’ve covered in a long time: Is it safe to plug your motorhome into your house electrics at home? Listeners raise concerns around E&P levelling systems, grounding, lightning strikes and whether anyone truly understands the risks. 
We also hear from a listener struggling to recover a £2,000 motorhome deposit after uncovering issues with a missing habitation history and warranty confusion. What rights do buyers actually have, and when can a dealer legally keep your money?
Plus, other listener questions cover Ford wet belts, independent inspections before buying a motorhome, barbecue point setups, insurance customer service, and why some online advice can end up making technical subjects even murkier.
If you enjoy practical motorhome advice, honest conversations and the sort of questions most people are too embarrassed to ask, this is one of those episodes you’ll want to listen to all the way through. Join us for another full Motorhome Matt Q&A.
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