Motorhome Matt

Is the National Grid ready for electric vehicles? With Graeme Cooper: Part 1

As the EV revolution gains momentum and the 2035 deadline approaches, the pressing question remains: How will we achieve net zero emissions for cars and vans?
In the first of this two-part episode, Matt sits down with Graeme Cooper, former Head of Future Markets at National Grid and current Global Vice President of Energy Transition at Jacobs. As a renowned expert in the field, even appearing on BBC's Top Gear as the go-to authority on the electrification of cars, Graeme shares his insights on our journey towards achieving net zero emissions. 
From National Grid infrastructure to the advancement of renewable energy, he delves into the critical role of green technologies in shaping our future. 
Join us for an engaging and critical discussion on the readiness of the National Grid for electric vehicles, as well as the potential of synthetic and hydrogen fuel as alternative energy sources.
Tune in next week for Part 2, as we discuss what net zero could cost, the development of technologies in countries like China and what motorhomers can do to stay relevant during this time of change.
🔶 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. www.motorhomematt.co.uk/askmatt
📹 WATCH THE PODCAST Watch and subscribe on YouTube @MotorhomeMatt
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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!

Avoiding scams when buying a motorhome

This week, Matt and Keith delve into the world of motorhome buying scams, equipping you with the essential knowledge to avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes. Join us as we uncover common scams, discuss crucial checkpoints when evaluating a motorhome's condition, and explore the ins and outs of purchasing from a reputable dealer or going private.
Tune in and arm yourself with the tools to make a secure and informed motorhome purchase.
In the news, we also discuss worrying a statement about whether older car parks can withstand the weight of EVs. Stay informed as we provide updates on the UK proposal for "grandfather rights" and shed light on the legality of towing a car on a trailer behind a motorhome.
🔶 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. www.motorhomematt.co.uk/askmatt
📹 WATCH THE PODCAST Watch and subscribe on YouTube @MotorhomeMatt
LISTEN🔸SUBSCRIBE🔸REVIEW🔸SHARE Help grow our community by leaving a review and sharing on your favourite app.
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 future of Ford-based motorhomes - The E-Transit, Transit Custom and electric camper conversions

This week, discover Ford's upcoming plans for motorhomes, both diesel and electric as we sit down with Ford Pro's Leisure Vehicle Manager, Ryan Bowdidge. Usually concealed behind motorhome converters and manufacturers, this episode is a unique and exciting opportunity to hear direct from Ford about their plans for the leisure industry. 
Ryan shares exclusive details about the all-new Transit, Transit Custom, electric variations and even research into alternative fuels.
Learn how Ford is revolutionising camper conversions with their bespoke "camper donor" product, tailored to meet the needs of converters. They also touch upon the collaboration between Ford and Volkswagen, hinting at the next-gen VW Transporter. 
In the news, local Bristol vanlifers have been asked to move on from The Downs, is this justified or are they making up reasons to move this group on?
🔶 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. www.motorhomematt.co.uk/askmatt
📹 WATCH THE PODCAST Watch and subscribe on YouTube @MotorhomeMatt
LISTEN🔸SUBSCRIBE🔸REVIEW🔸SHARE Help grow our community by leaving a review and sharing on your favourite app.
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!

Breakdown service problems: Wait-time inconsistencies and how to prepare

Does the UK have an issue with breakdown service level disparity?
This week, Matt recounts his awful breakdown service experience, being stranded on a dark 60mph road and waiting anxiously for 15.5 hours for the patrol to arrive. Matt and Keith unpack various encounters with breakdown services in the UK, reflect on the stark difference in response times and discuss whether more could be done to regulate this.
Seeking additional insights, we reached out to the RAC for comment, but they declined to respond. However, the AA and Caravan Guard provided their perspectives. 
Matt also gives valuable advice on essential items to carry in your vehicle, including a new LED beacon that serves as a replacement for the mandatory warning triangle in Spain. 
What's your experience with breakdown services? Let us know at www.motorhomematt.co.uk/askmatt
Find Matt's breakdown kit essentials here 👇www.thatleisureshop.com/product-tag/breakdown-safety-kit/
📹 WATCH THE PODCAST Watch and subscribe on YouTube @MotorhomeMatt
LISTEN🔸SUBSCRIBE🔸REVIEW🔸SHARE Help grow our community by leaving a review and sharing on your favourite app.
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!

Where can you park in a motorhome?

Get ready to dive into the maze that is where you're allowed to park your motorhome or campervan. Join Matt as he manoeuvres through the dos and don'ts of park ups, unpacking local restrictions, understanding signage, and whether you are allowed to stop in a lay-by. Did you know that there are rules that may even restrict parking on your very own driveway?
We are also joined by Darran, The Urban Motorhome, who shares invaluable insights on parking up overnight based on his years of living in a motorhome.
🔶 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. www.motorhomematt.co.uk/askmatt
📹 WATCH THE PODCAST Watch and subscribe on YouTube @MotorhomeMatt
LISTEN🔸SUBSCRIBE🔸REVIEW🔸SHARE Help grow our community by leaving a review and sharing on your favourite app.
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!

Choosing the right type of gas

Have you ever wondered why there are so many different types and colours of gas bottles? Or why propane is commonly used in motorhomes and campervans? And what's the deal with the cost of patio gas? Join us this week as we journey into the different types of gas you can buy for your motorhome and caravan.
Plus, we unpack the recent update from Calor, who made the decision to discontinue two popular gas bottles, affecting thousands of campervan and marine owners. 
🔶 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. www.motorhomematt.co.uk/askmatt
📹 WATCH THE PODCAST Watch and subscribe on YouTube @MotorhomeMatt
LISTEN🔸SUBSCRIBE🔸REVIEW🔸SHARE Help grow our community by leaving a review and sharing on your favourite app.
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!

What is the future of electric motorhomes? Live from Campervan Campout

In this special episode recorded LIVE on stage at Campervan Campout 2023, Matt delves into what the future holds for electric motorhomes with industry experts Paul Kirby, The Electric Van Man from EV Essentials, and Ryan Bowdidge, Leisure Vehicle Manager at Ford Pro Special Vehicles.
With the imminent 2035 deadline, where all new vehicles must be zero emission, we ponder whether electric motorhomes are truly the way forward. Will any new leisure vehicles be prepared for 2035, or are other alternatives worth exploring?
We scratch the surface of this vast topic and answer your submitted questions about range anxiety, the environmental impacts of battery manufacturing, the state of production, the capability of infrastructure, and the effect on payloads.
Plus, we gain insights into Ford Motor Company's plans for the future and uncover an intriguing revelation regarding the VW transporter.
🔶 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. www.motorhomematt.co.uk/askmatt
📹 WATCH THE PODCAST Watch and subscribe on YouTube @MotorhomeMatt
LISTEN🔸SUBSCRIBE🔸REVIEW🔸SHARE Help grow our community by leaving a review and sharing on your favourite app.
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!

Travelling with kids and the Bailey Sahara Challenge

A big family holiday - it doesn't need to cause stress and panic! Utilising his many years of motorhome holidays with his young kids, Matt unpacks his top tips on travelling with kids. Joined by his third youngest, Reuben, they chat about the unforgettable memories motorhome holiday create. 
From the "rule of three", what to do when it rains, rules and regulations and the importance of not over-planning, Matt and Keith cover a range of crucial topics that will help make your family holiday a success. 
Matt also heads down the road to visit Bailey of Bristol to discuss their recent Sahara Challenge. Matt's first question is what drove them to the decision to take a range of caravans and motorhomes to Morocco? And, most importantly, were they up to the task? 
Plus, in the news this week we revisit the topic of smart motorways after some significant changes announced by Government. 
🔶 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. www.motorhomematt.co.uk/askmatt 
📹 WATCH THE PODCAST Watch and subscribe on YouTube @MotorhomeMatt 
LISTEN🔸SUBSCRIBE🔸REVIEW🔸SHARE Help grow our community by leaving a review and sharing on your favourite app. 
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 to prevent motorhome theft

Motorhome and caravan thefts have reportedly reached an all-time high, which comes as no surprise given the increasing number of leisure vehicles on the road. So, how can you minimise your risk of vehicle theft? 
Based on his extensive experience of owning and managing a fleet of hire motorhomes, Matt provides practical tips for securing your vehicle. 
Additionally, Matt spoke with Caravan Guard, a specialist insurer, to determine the most effective security measures for protecting your vehicle, including which measures carry a premium discount for insurance purposes and which measures are required for proper insurance coverage.
In the news this week, have you ever experienced a postcode lottery when it comes to breakdown response times? Matt and Keith discuss two different experiences with the same breakdown company in two distinct areas.
This episode is sponsored by GasStop, the easy-to-install 100% shut-off emergency valve that protects you and your leisure vehicle. Get yours at www.thatleisureshop.com/gasstop and use the code GASSTOP at checkout to save £5. 
🔶 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. www.motorhomematt.co.uk/askmatt
📹 WATCH THE PODCAST Watch and subscribe on YouTube @MotorhomeMatt
LISTEN🔸SUBSCRIBE🔸REVIEW🔸SHARE Help grow our community by leaving a review and sharing on your favourite app.
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!

Choosing the right leisure battery

Do you ever find yourself walking into a store to buy a leisure battery, only to feel lost and unsure of which one to choose? With so many different types available, it can be challenging to know which is the right fit for your caravan, campervan, or motorhome. 
Matt teams up with BBL Batteries to shed some light on the most common types of leisure batteries, including wet lead acid, EFB, AGM, and lithium and when they're the right choice for you. 
Plus, we address some important questions from our audience, including a shocking story about thieves lurking at motorway services and whether add-ons increase the resale value of your motorhome.
This episode is sponsored by GasStop, the easy-to-install 100% shut-off emergency valve that protects you and your leisure vehicle. Get yours at www.thatleisureshop.com/gasstop and use the code GASSTOP at checkout to save £5. 
🔶 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. www.motorhomematt.co.uk/askmatt 
📹 WATCH THE PODCAST Watch and subscribe on YouTube @MotorhomeMatt 
LISTEN🔸SUBSCRIBE🔸REVIEW🔸SHARE Help grow our community by leaving a review and sharing on your favourite app. 
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! 

Different types of campsites and how to save

Have you ever found yourself scratching your head when it comes to deciphering the acronyms used for campsites and camping?In this episode, Matt and Keith delve into the world of campsites and unpack the meaning behind various acronyms, such as CL and CS, and how to save money on your campsite stays.
We interview the team from ACSI to provide insights into their money-saving membership and guide and an owner of a CL campsite who launched a booking platform. 
Matt also speaks once again to David Whitehead, Director of Technical Services at the National Caravan Council, who shares valuable tips on how to determine the payload of your vehicle and why type approval has an impact on your speed limit restriction.
This episode is sponsored by GasStop, the easy-to-install 100% shut-off emergency valve that protects you and your leisure vehicle. Get yours at www.thatleisureshop.com/gasstop and use the code GASSTOP at checkout to save £5.
🔶 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. www.motorhomematt.co.uk/askmatt
📹 WATCH THE PODCAST Watch and subscribe on YouTube @MotorhomeMatt
LISTEN🔸SUBSCRIBE🔸REVIEW🔸SHARE Help grow our community by leaving a review and sharing on your favourite app.
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!

CAMpRA: What is an aire?

What is an aire and can you use them in the UK?
Originating from France, an aire is a designated area where motorhomes and campervans can legally park overnight and they are commonly used on the continent. While aires exist in the UK, they can be few and far between.
The Campaign for Real Aires (CAMpRA) is a UK-based organization that aims to increase the number of aires in the country, providing motorhomers and caravanners more options for safe, authorized overnight parking and helping to prevent unauthorised "wild camping" and park-ups.
At the Yorkshire Motorhome and Campervan Show 2023, Matt spoke with CAMpRA to unpack what defines an aire, their success in helping to open over 120 UK sites and how you can support the campaign.
Find out more at https://campra.org.uk/
This episode is brought to you by GasStop, the easy-to-install 100% shut-off emergency valve that protects you and your leisure vehicle. Get yours at www.thatleisureshop.com/gasstop and use the code GASSTOP at checkout to save £5.
🔶 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. www.motorhomematt.co.uk/askmatt
📹 WATCH THE PODCAST Watch and subscribe on YouTube @MotorhomeMatt
LISTEN🔸SUBSCRIBE🔸REVIEW🔸SHARE Help grow our community by leaving a review and sharing on your favourite app.
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!