Motorhome Matt

2023 Year in Review

Merry Christmas! Join Matt and Keith in our special festive episode, as they delve into the highlights and challenges of 2023 in the world of motorhomes, campervans, and caravans.
Beyond the festivities, we dive deep into the news that matters, including game-changing developments from Calor Gas and your questions on batteries, driving licenses and the trials of travelling with your furry pals abroad. 
Unwrap the gift of all things motorhome this Christmas, discover the past year's unforgettable stories and the challenges faced and get a sneak peek into the exciting road ahead for leisure vehicle enthusiasts like you. 
Happy holidays and see you next year!
👇 WIN TICKETS TO THE CARAVAN, MOTORHOME AND HOLIDAY SHOWhttps://mhmp.info/win
*Roger Carpenter, Portsmouth:Jon from Life Beyond Bricks has an Autoterm 2kw diesel heater
🔶 ASK MATT YOUR QUESTIONS Have you got a question about motorhomes, travel or the leisure industry? Ask Matt and hear the answer to your questions on an upcoming podcast. 👉 mhmp.info/askmatt
📹 WATCH THE PODCAST Watch and subscribe on YouTube @MotorhomeMatt👉 mhmp.info/watch
LISTEN🔸SUBSCRIBE🔸REVIEW🔸SHARE Help grow our community by leaving a review and sharing on your favourite app👉 mhmp.info/review
The Motorhome Matt podcast is brought to you by That Leisure Shop, camping and leisure vehicle accessory specialists, ready for the adventure. Get 10% off your first order with the code MATT10.
Thanks for listening!

Is a motorhome warranty worth having?

Is a motorhome warranty worth the paper it's written on? It's a sentence we've heard time and time again. So, this week Matt and Keith unpack motorhome warranties and if it's necessary when buying a motorhome or caravan. 
Featuring an interview from MB&G Insurance, we unravel warranty coverage, types of warranties, claim limits, rising premium costs and the common types of claims.
In the news, more controversies surround Smart Motorways as it is revealed National Highways have spent a significant amount of money to defend legal actions connected to incidents. www.lbc.co.uk/news/coroners-write-national-highways-smart-motorways
And in the Q&A, we answer your questions on using Solbio organic toilet chemical, and we also discuss fighting condensation.
👇 WIN TICKETS TO THE CARAVAN, MOTORHOME AND HOLIDAY SHOWhttps://mhmp.info/win
👇 Learn about MB&G https://mbginsurance.co.uk
👇 Shop our Christmas gift ideaswww.thatleisureshop.com/feature
👇 Enquire about 50% off motorhome hirewww.motorhomeholidaycompany.com/links
👇 Find out about Pay Like a Pro heremhmp.info/playlikeapro
🔶 ASK MATT YOUR QUESTIONS Have you got a question about motorhomes, travel or the leisure industry? Ask Matt and hear the answer to your questions on an upcoming podcast. 👉 mhmp.info/askmatt
📹 WATCH THE PODCAST Watch and subscribe on YouTube @MotorhomeMatt👉 mhmp.info/watch
LISTEN🔸SUBSCRIBE🔸REVIEW🔸SHARE Help grow our community by leaving a review and sharing on your favourite app👉 mhmp.info/review
The Motorhome Matt podcast is brought to you by That Leisure Shop, camping and leisure vehicle accessory specialists, ready for the adventure. Get 10% off your first order with the code MATT10.
Thanks for listening!

How to prepare your motorhome for winter travel

In this week's episode, Matt and Keith unravel the intricacies of preparing your caravan or motorhome for winter travel. From essential preparations for harsh weather to tips for a cosy trip, they share expert insights for a safe and enjoyable winter adventure.
Discover the crucial items to pack, key checks to do before your journey, motorhome features that can't cope in cold conditions and essential kit needed for winter travels. 
In the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on motorhome weight restrictions and whether it's good to stay light, a brand new motorhome affected by water ingress and important things to consider when buying your first motorhome.
Find out about Pay Like a Pro here 👇mhmp.info/playlikeapro
🔶 ASK MATT YOUR QUESTIONS Have you got a question about motorhomes, travel or the leisure industry? Ask Matt and hear the answer to your questions on an upcoming podcast. 👉 mhmp.info/askmatt
📹 WATCH THE PODCAST Watch and subscribe on YouTube @MotorhomeMatt👉 mhmp.info/watch
LISTEN🔸SUBSCRIBE🔸REVIEW🔸SHARE Help grow our community by leaving a review and sharing on your favourite app👉 mhmp.info/review
The Motorhome Matt podcast is brought to you by That Leisure Shop, camping and leisure vehicle accessory specialists, ready for the adventure. Get 10% off your first order with the code MATT10.
Thanks for listening!

How to prepare your motorhome for winter storage

Winter is knocking on our doors, so this week Motorhome Matt and Keith tackle the essential steps to prepare your motorhome or caravan for winter storage. 
In the face of persistent wet and cold weather, properly preparing your leisure vehicle for winter is crucial to ensure it stays well-maintained and safe.
Covering everything from security tools to combatting damp to rodent infestations to whether you should store your motorhome on a driveway or a secure facility, this episode takes you through each stage of consideration.
Matt shares valuable advice on the benefits of using a cover - think birdlime, tree sap, and even sneaky thieves - as well as practical tips on choosing, fitting, and maintaining this protective essential. 
In the Q&A, Matt answers your most asked questions about preparing leisure vehicles for winter, including caravan covers, batteries and alarms, plus some confusion of towing weight restrictions.
Find out about Pay Like a Pro here 👇mhmp.info/playlikeapro
Download the free guide on preparing your leisure vehicle for winter 👇www.thatleisureshop.com/winter
Shop our Cyber Monday Sale 👇www.thatleisureshop.com
Shop motorhome and caravan covers 👇www.thatleisureshop.com/covers
Shop winter essentials 👇www.thatleisureshop.com/product-tag/winter-essentials
Check out our motorhome storage facility 👇www.mhcstorage.co.uk
🔶 ASK MATT YOUR QUESTIONS Have you got a question about motorhomes, travel or the leisure industry? Ask Matt and hear the answer to your questions on an upcoming podcast. 👉 mhmp.info/askmatt
📹 WATCH THE PODCAST Watch and subscribe on YouTube @MotorhomeMatt👉 mhmp.info/watch
LISTEN🔸SUBSCRIBE🔸REVIEW🔸SHARE Help grow our community by leaving a review and sharing on your favourite app👉 mhmp.info/review
The Motorhome Matt podcast is brought to you by That Leisure Shop, camping and leisure vehicle accessory specialists, ready for the adventure. Get 10% off your first order with the code MATT10.
Thanks for listening!

What is Solbio natural toilet fluid and does it work?

Our favourite topic is back! Matt and Keith are talking toilets once again and unpacking an innovative product changing the way we think about one of our most fundamental products: toilet chemical.
Solbio organic toilet fluid is an eco-friendly, 100% natural solution that has turned traditional chemicals and fluids on its head - and is even safe enough to drink... Yep, stay tuned for that one 🤢
Matt talks with John Morley, UK Sales Distributor to understand how Solbio works, how it is an organic toilet fluid and whether it matches the effectiveness of traditional blue and green toilet chemicals.
In the Q&A Matt tackles your questions on fair motorhome pricing, avoiding scams and technical know-how on awnings and gas cylinders.
Shop Solbio at www.thatleisureshop.com/solbio
🔶 ASK MATT YOUR QUESTIONS Have you got a question about motorhomes, travel or the leisure industry? Ask Matt and hear the answer to your questions on an upcoming podcast. 👉 mhmp.info/askmatt
📹 WATCH THE PODCAST Watch and subscribe on YouTube @MotorhomeMatt👉 mhmp.info/watch
LISTEN🔸SUBSCRIBE🔸REVIEW🔸SHARE Help grow our community by leaving a review and sharing on your favourite app👉 mhmp.info/review
The Motorhome Matt podcast is brought to you by That Leisure Shop, camping and leisure vehicle accessory specialists, ready for the adventure. Get 10% off your first order with the code MATT10.
Thanks for listening!

Will motorhome prices keep going up?

We don't need to inform you that new and used motorhome prices have jumped massively in the last few years... unless you've been living under a rock. But this week, Matt and Keith are looking into the future. Could the price of motorhomes keep going up?
Back at the Motorhome and Caravan Show last month, we spoke with Paul Kirby, aka The Electric Van Man, about what the future holds for vehicle sales, with the shocking revelation that motorhome prices could go up with the introduction of electric.
Despite a disappointing number of EVs on display at the show, this is a change that is coming to our industry. Paul sheds light on the current state of electric motorhomes and the evolving technology in the electric vehicle sector, addressing your concerns about range, safety, licensing, and pricing.
Unpacking the impact of Rishi's 2030 rule change and the zero-emission vehicle mandate, we discuss predictions for diesel-powered motorhomes and the potential challenges in the transition to electric including pricing dynamics, supply and demand issues, and the influence of government regulations on the industry.
In the Q&A we hear from recent buyers about their experiences of purchasing a motorhome, and Matt tackles the topic of whether you should join an owners club.
A huge thank you to our sponsors who supported us at the Motorhome and Caravan Show 2023 👇
🔸 estarli e-bikes🔸 Fiamma 🔸 Falcon Technology🔸 GasStop gas safety valve🔸 Ddipp changing robes🔸 Solbio organic toilet fluid🔸 Motorhome Finance powered by Creative
ASK MATT YOUR QUESTIONS Have you got a question about motorhomes, travel or the leisure industry? Ask Matt and hear the answer to your questions on an upcoming podcast. 👉 mhmp.info/askmatt
📹 WATCH THE PODCAST Watch and subscribe on YouTube @MotorhomeMatt👉 mhmp.info/watch
LISTEN🔸SUBSCRIBE🔸REVIEW🔸SHARE Help grow our community by leaving a review and sharing on your favourite app👉 mhmp.info/review
The Motorhome Matt podcast is brought to you by That Leisure Shop, camping and leisure vehicle accessory specialists, ready for the adventure. Get 10% off your first order with the code MATT10.
Thanks for listening!

Park ups in urban areas and travelling solo with Darran The Urban Motorhome

Matt and Keith are joined this week by The Urban Motorhome himself, Darran, sharing his experience of living in a motorhome in cities and urban areas as a solo traveller. 
Darran discusses the challenges and safety concerns associated with urban parking, as well as the importance of being respectful and discreet when choosing parking spots. Whilst encouraging people to consider motorhome living, Darran unpacks some crucial points on choosing a motorhome and how to approach urban parking strategically.
In the news, will there be an overnight parking ban aimed at Bristol van dwellers? A new advisory panel are proposing a ban on parking between 1 am and 4 am on the Downs, a green area in Bristol where some van dwellers have parked for many years. 
On the flip side, astonishing revenue figures have been released by Wyre Borough Council from one car park in which they have recently allowed overnight parking.
Matt and Keith discuss the reasons behind the Bristol parking ban and the potential impact on people living in their vans, as well as how other councils can learn from this Wyre Borough Council case study to provide motorhome parking areas. 
This week's Q&A features the viability of diesel-converted electric motorhomes, whether all motorhome drivers will need C1 licences in future and travelling with a British vs European dog in the EU.
Read about the proposed parking ban in Bristol ↓https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/overnight-parking-ban-could-introduced-8767204
Read the Wyre Borough Council revenue figures for Central Car Park ↓https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/central_carpark_motorhome_revenu
Check out Darran's content here ↓https://www.theurbanmotorhome.com
🔶 ASK MATT YOUR QUESTIONS Have you got a question about motorhomes, travel or the leisure industry? Ask Matt and hear the answer to your questions on an upcoming podcast. 👉 mhmp.info/askmatt
📹 WATCH THE PODCAST Watch and subscribe on YouTube @MotorhomeMatt👉 mhmp.info/watch
LISTEN🔸SUBSCRIBE🔸REVIEW🔸SHARE Help grow our community by leaving a review and sharing on your favourite app👉 mhmp.info/review
The Motorhome Matt podcast is brought to you by That Leisure Shop, camping and leisure vehicle accessory specialists, ready for the adventure. Get 10% off your first order with the code MATT10.
Thanks for listening!

Are motorhomes welcome on the NC500? With highlands2hammocks

This week Matt and Keith are joined by the wonderful Campbell and Gemma from highlands2hammocks to tackle issues of overcrowding and responsible tourism in the north of Scotland and, crucially, on the popular NC500 route.
Gemma and Campbell share their journey from living in a tiny campervan in Australia to becoming full-time motorhome travellers and content creators, from the inception of highlands2hammocks to their passion for documenting their adventures and educating fellow travellers.
Unpacking the realities of wild camping in the Highlands, we explore the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, the importance of respecting local communities and whether these areas can sustain the huge surge in tourism from the last few years. 
Plus, in the news, hear Matt and Keith's opinions on a proposed vehicle levy for motorhomers and caravanners on the NC500.
In the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on adding extra leisure batteries, showers at campsites and replacing LED light strips.
Shop our range of stunning travel books at www.thatleisureshop.com/books
Check out highlands2hammocks here www.highlands2hammocks.co.uk
🔶 ASK MATT YOUR QUESTIONS Have you got a question about motorhomes, travel or the leisure industry? Ask Matt and hear the answer to your questions on an upcoming podcast. 👉 mhmp.info/askmatt
📹 WATCH THE PODCAST Watch and subscribe on YouTube @MotorhomeMatt👉 mhmp.info/watch
LISTEN🔸SUBSCRIBE🔸REVIEW🔸SHARE Help grow our community by leaving a review and sharing on your favourite app👉 mhmp.info/review
The Motorhome Matt podcast is brought to you by That Leisure Shop, camping and leisure vehicle accessory specialists, ready for the adventure. Get 10% off your first order with the code MATT10.
Thanks for listening!

Motorhome and Caravan Show 2023 Highlights

We're thrilled to be coming to you once again from the exciting Motorhome and Caravan Show 2023 at the NEC in Birmingham, with Matt's highlights from the week.
The show was an absolute hit, with both Saturday and Sunday completely selling out, bringing in a staggering 26,000 enthusiastic visitors on both days. Over 1,000 motorhomes, campervans, and caravans from various manufacturers across Europe were showcased, making it a true haven for all things recreational vehicles.
Matt had the pleasure of catching up with an old friend, Andy Beer from Premier Motorhomes, to hear his valuable perspective on the industry's current trends and developments.
One of the highlights of the event was the return of innovation to the industry, with new products and models unveiled. Among these was the awe-inspiring £209,000 A-Class luxury motorhome from Coachman, the Imperial model. Built by Kabe in Sweden, this motorhome sets a new standard for luxury with advanced heating systems and auto-levelling technology. In this episode, we had the privilege of interviewing Sales Director Ben Parkin to delve deeper into this magnificent creation and gain insight into the current state of the industry.
Motorhome.Finance from Creative is back once again to offer valuable insights into financing your dream motorhome or caravan.
Matt was also privileged to be invited to the Caravan and Motorhome Club CL of the Year Awards, celebrating excellence in the industry.
Plus, Matt was given a proper lesson. An expert driver trainer, Fliss Spink, also known as the Trailer Lady, took him on a free towing experience, put on at the shows by the Camping and Caravanning Club.
Furthermore, we explored some new models from Frankia and took a close look at the motorhome model now.
Bailey was among the manufacturers launching new models, alongside its new Endeavour EV. We unpack the new diesel Endeavour and Alora ranges.
Throughout the week, we had the pleasure of meeting thousands of you, our loyal listeners, and received hundreds of thought-provoking questions, some of which feature in our Q&A this week.
Now for our gratitude list:
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone who came to see Keith and me this week. Your support of the podcast is mind-blowing. And thank you to the NCC for inviting Matt to be on the Ask the Experts panel.
Thank you again to our listeners for the kind words, the love, and the cake!
Thank you to all our interviewees for sharing your passion and insights from the industry with us.
Thank you to our sponsors for your support during the show and beyond, Estarli, Fiamma, GasStop, Ddipp, Solbio, and Motorhome Finance powered by Creative.
Thank you to Arobase Creative for travelling with us to capture loads of exciting future content.
Thank you to Kudos Companies for creating our unbelievably popular orange bags. And on that note, thank you to Tash from Life Beyond Bricks, Kat from Wandering Bird, and Lyndsay from Roaming Radfords for jumping in when our stand got mobbed for bags!
And lastly, thank you to our amazing team behind the podcast and That Leisure Shop who never settle for less than the absolute best. You guys kill it every time.
🔶 ASK MATT YOUR QUESTIONS Have you got a question about motorhomes, travel or the leisure industry? Ask Matt and hear the answer to your questions on an upcoming podcast. 👉 mhmp.info/askmatt
📹 WATCH THE PODCAST Watch and subscribe on YouTube @MotorhomeMatt👉 mhmp.info/watch
LISTEN🔸SUBSCRIBE🔸REVIEW🔸SHARE Help grow our community by leaving a review and sharing on your favourite app👉 mhmp.info/review
The Motorhome Matt podcast is brought to you by That Leisure Shop, camping and leisure vehicle accessory specialists, ready for the adventure. Get £10 off your first order over £100 with the code MOTORHOMEMATT.
Thanks for listening!

The Motorhome and Caravan Show Bonus: Audience Q&A

In this bonus episode, join us live from the Motorhome and Caravan Show 2023! Matt and Keith dive into the latest trends, visitor feedback and top products.
Matt shares his experience of the show so far, including participating in the Ask the Experts panel each day and exploring some new manufacturer launches.
We speak to show attendees, including a couple planning an extended European journey and those looking to buy a motorhome but have specific budget considerations. Plus, we answer visitor questions on both streaming and towing abroad.
Tune in to this lively episode for an inside look at the Motorhome and Caravan Show 2023, filled with expert advice and real-life experiences from the show floor. 
A huge thank you to all our sponsors who have supported us at this year's Motorhome and Caravan Show 👇
🔸 estarli e-bikes🔸 Fiamma 🔸 GasStop gas safety valve🔸 Ddipp changing robes🔸 Solbio organic toilet fluid🔸 Motorhome Finance powered by Creative
And thank you to Kudos Companies for producing our coveted orange tote bags.
🔶 ASK MATT YOUR QUESTIONS Have you got a question about motorhomes, travel or the leisure industry? Ask Matt and hear the answer to your questions on an upcoming podcast. 👉 mhmp.info/askmatt
📹 WATCH THE PODCAST Watch and subscribe on YouTube @MotorhomeMatt👉 mhmp.info/watch
LISTEN🔸SUBSCRIBE🔸REVIEW🔸SHARE Help grow our community by leaving a review and sharing on your favourite app👉 mhmp.info/review
The Motorhome Matt podcast is brought to you by That Leisure Shop, camping and leisure vehicle accessory specialists, ready for the adventure. Get £10 off your first order over £100 with the code MOTORHOMEMATT.
Thanks for listening!

How Motorhome Happiness began - Facebook’s largest motorhome community

This week Matt and Keith explore Facebook's largest community of passionate motorhome enthusiasts. With an impressive community of 82,000 members who all share a love for motorhomes and travel, we sit down with none other than the founder of Motorhome Happiness, James Riley.
Discover the inspiration behind James's remarkable journey in creating and managing this thriving Facebook group, where members regularly exchange hints, travel tips, and advice, and seek answers to a wide range of motorhomes-centered questions. 
We explore James's personal story and an amazing strategy he's employing to provide financial assistance to those who otherwise would be unable to experience the joy of a motorhome holiday. 
In the news, this week sees the start of the NEC Motorhome and Caravan Show 2023! Motorhome Matt and the team are on the scene all week, with the Motorhome Matt stand at 9.23b. That Leisure Shop has a range of security and winter essentials at stand 12.100. Tune in as Matt speaks with Karen Dodd, Sales Director of NCC Events, to uncover this year's highlights and new launches.
Plus, we have another opinion on what Vanlife is from Highlands2Hammocks and in the Q&A an old customer of Matt's is looking to make a customisation to their motorhome.
Join the Motorhome Happiness Facebook group here 👇https://www.facebook.com/groups/890664451304624/?mibextid=oMANbw
🔶 ASK MATT YOUR QUESTIONS Have you got a question about motorhomes, travel or the leisure industry? Ask Matt and hear the answer to your questions on an upcoming podcast. 👉 mhmp.info/askmatt
📹 WATCH THE PODCAST Watch and subscribe on YouTube @MotorhomeMatt👉 mhmp.info/watch
LISTEN🔸SUBSCRIBE🔸REVIEW🔸SHARE Help grow our community by leaving a review and sharing on your favourite app👉 mhmp.info/review
The Motorhome Matt podcast is brought to you by That Leisure Shop, camping and leisure vehicle accessory specialists, ready for the adventure. Get £10 off your first order over £100 with the code MOTORHOMEMATT.
Thanks for listening!

Tour the new all-electric campervan from Bailey: The Endeavour EV

Explore the prototype setting the stage for the next generation of motorhomes. Take an exclusive tour of the Endeavour EV, Bailey of Bristol's groundbreaking EV campervan conversion — the first fully electric campervan from a mainstream UK manufacturer. 
Teaming up with Ford Pro and built on the eTransit platform, this electric concept panel van conversion is a bold step forward in creating fossil-fuel-free leisure vehicles and eco-friendly camping.
From its Truma electric water heater to the ceiling-mounted Dometic heating and cooling system to a two-ring induction hob, Matt unpacks all the technical features and decisions made to create a liveable electric campervan. The Avtex electric dropdown TV and rooftop Wi-Fi aerial add modern touches, while the integrated Alexa system with voice-controlled lighting sends the Endeavour straight into the future.
What truly sets this prototype apart is its commitment to sustainability. The interior design reflects Bailey's dedication to a lower carbon footprint, with worktops crafted from recycled white goods, drawer handles made from recovered ocean plastics, and a cork floor. Matt goes behind the scenes with the design team, led by Chloe Bartlett, who shares insights into the innovative choices and the challenges faced by the Endeavour EV.
Rest assured, Matt has the answer to your number one question: What is the range? As the first media channel invited to take this exceptional campervan on the road for a test drive, we're privileged to provide you with firsthand insights into the genuine viability of the project and carefully unpack crucial information, including payload, range, and usability.
But can you buy one? The answer is no—it is only a prototype. Join Matt as he sits down with Nick and Simon Howard, two of Bailey's senior management team and the driving force behind the business. Discover the motivations behind this forward-thinking project and the vision for Bailey's future motorhomes and campervans.
Read more about the Endeavour EV on Bailey's website at www.baileyofbristol.co.uk/endeavour-electric-campervan
See the Endeavour electric campervan for yourself at the NEC Motorhome and Caravan Show in October 2023.
Still need tickets for the NEC Motorhome and Caravan Show 2023?
Use the code MMATT at checkout to savemotorhomecaravanshow.seetickets.com/tour/the-motorhome-and-caravan-show?OfferCode=MMATT
🔶 ASK MATT YOUR QUESTIONS Have you got a question about motorhomes, travel or the leisure industry? Ask Matt and hear the answer to your questions on an upcoming podcast. 👉 mhmp.info/askmatt
📹 WATCH THE PODCAST Watch and subscribe on YouTube @MotorhomeMatt👉 mhmp.info/watch
LISTEN🔸SUBSCRIBE🔸REVIEW🔸SHARE Help grow our community by leaving a review and sharing on your favourite app👉 mhmp.info/review
The Motorhome Matt podcast is brought to you by That Leisure Shop, camping and leisure vehicle accessory specialists, ready for the adventure. Get £10 off your first order over £100 with the code MOTORHOMEMATT.
Thanks for listening!