Motorhome Matt

Who is Alan Rogers anyway?

Since 1968, the Alan Rogers guidebook has been an essential tool for finding the perfect campsite for your travels throughout Europe. But this week we're asking, who is Alan Rogers?
At the NEC Caravan, Camping and Motorhome show in February 2023, we spoke with Rob Fearn, editor at Alan Rogers, and asked him this exact question.
Rob shared with us some of the histories of this fantastic guidebook, what sets it apart and recent changes in the organisation. Plus, we expose a growing interest in a different type of campsite... 🍑
Find out more about Alan Rogers here → https://alanrogers.com
This episode is sponsored by the award-winning Riverside Caravan Park at High Bentham in North Yorkshire, a third-generation independent caravan park nestled between the Yorkshire Dales, The Lake District and the Forest of Bowland. Find out more at https://www.riversidecaravanpark.co.uk
ASK MATT
Amy from Christchurch asked Matt about buying a Category N vehicle and we asked Caravan Guard for their thoughts on this. They were kind enough to send this official response, which we have quoted in the episode. Thanks for your question, Amy!
We can insure a category N motorhome, but there are a number of considerations.
As a previous ‘write-off’, even when repaired it is likely to be worth less than the market value of an equivalent non-write-off, so it can be difficult to put a valuation on the unit, especially in a volatile price market as we have currently. Having all relevant paperwork, recent photos etc would help put a valuation on the unit should something happen.
If it was written off due to parts not being available and the repair did not put it back in the same condition as before, we are unlikely to accept it as the same thing could happen in the event of a future claim.
If it was written off due to cosmetic damage (for example hailstone damage to panels but not structural) and it has not been repaired, we are unlikely to insure this.
If satisfactory repairs have been completed, backed up by a full report from the repairer or a motor engineer, then we will consider insuring it. Each insurer is different and we wouldn’t necessarily charge more, it’s more a case of acceptability. Similar to buying any vehicle that has previously been a write-off, you are more than likely limiting your choice of insurers and also resale customers as many can be put off.
In conclusion, do your homework on the vehicle, get as much information as possible, make sure you can insure it before you commit to buying and consider what future buyers may require from you if you come to sell it. 
🔶 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!

Lithium batteries: Does your motorhome need one?

This week, Matt and Keith take a deep dive into the new technology of lithium leisure batteries, how they work and whether you actually need one for your motorhome, campervan or caravan.
Lithium batteries are becoming more popular in leisure vehicles, with many people deciding to replace their more traditional wet lead acid batteries, but they are a much bigger initial investment. Matt shines a light on the questions you should ask yourself and your installer before committing, from usage, replacing old batteries, solar charging and the full costs involved.
We also drop in on Oakleigh, from the award-winning Bristol Caravans, to get his take on what types of circumstances might make a lithium battery worthwhile.
🔶 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!

Do you need specialist motorhome insurance?

Why should you consider specialist motorhome, campervan or caravan insurance? Matt speaks with the senior team from specialist insurer, Caravan Guard, to ask the questions that you've sent in about motorhome insurance, including DIY campervan conversions, living in a motorhome and breakdown cover.
Listen in to find out why a specialist policy could mean that you are better protected, properly insured and fully covered in the event of a claim.
Matt also discusses the new C1 licence review that The Department of Transport is currently putting together to present to Parliament this year. If passed, it would mean anyone with a UK driving licence could drive up to 7.5 tonnes, as they could before 1st January 1997.
Matt interviews David Whitehead, Director of Technical Services from the National Caravan Council, for their view on the review and what it would mean for our industry.
Find out more about Caravan Guard here → www.caravanguard.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. 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!

Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show 2023 Highlights: Part 2

It's part 2 of our highlights from The Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show 2023. This time we talk about documenting travels with the Roaming Radfords; the family behind Fiamma with their co-director, Charles; shark bites and "wild camping" with Sarah Roberts and ask Excel Marine why there are so many boats at a motorhome and caravan show!
Matt shows off his new favourite gadget, a fantastic product that continually tests for damp in your leisure vehicle. An industry revolution, maybe?
We also drop back to see CampervanCo to see how their all-electric campervan was received by show-goers.
Full video interviews featured in this episode will be available to view at youtube.com/motorhomematt, so be sure to head over and hit subscribe to be notified of new releases.
🔶 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!

Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show 2023 Highlights: Part 1

The Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show 2023 returned once again to the NEC in Birmingham with its huge range of accessories and leisure vehicles on display.
Being the second February show after the pandemic, and after considerable growth in the industry, all eyes were on attendance and sales numbers. So, what did exhibitors and visitors think? Matt chats to a few members of the show to gauge their reactions.
We also talk a few of our usual topics: toilets, electric vans, mental well-being and the outdoors and retiring into a motorhome! Plus, we spotted what could have been the most expensive VW conversion at the show, which had snapped up a Best Design award.
The NCC also ran their AWS Awards and Bristol Caravans, last week's interviewee, won Best Fixed Workshop out of 550 entries! We caught up with Oakleigh once again to congratulate him on their achievement.
The podcast team had a great week chatting with the show's visitors, exhibitors and speakers. Thank you to all those that stopped by our stand or stopped us in the aisles to chat.
And a huge thank you to Oakleigh Wood from Bristol Caravans; Harrison Ward aka Fell Foodie; Gary Hughes from CampervanCo; Sven Mahn from Arwinger; Siobhan Daniels aka Shuvon Shuvoff; Andy Beer from Premier Motorhomes and Kenny Green from Eco Wagon for joining us on the podcast.
Full video interviews featured in this episode will be available to view at youtube.com/motorhomematt, so be sure to head over and hit subscribe to be notified of new releases.
🔶 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!

Habitation Checks: What are they and why do you need one?

This week we're answering two important questions: what is a habitation check and do you need one?
Essential to keep your manufacturer's warranty valid, a habitation check is an inspection of the "living area" in your motorhome, caravan or campervan to ensure everything is working correctly and safely.
So do you need one regularly? Can you DIY it? Matt and Keith unpack the crucial benefits of having a habitation check, as well as the myths and mysteries around them.
Matt also visits NCC Approved Workshop Scheme local business, Bristol Caravans, to talk damp meters, Kane meters, Electrical checks and more. We ask what "great" looks like when it comes to a habitation check, and why you shouldn't settle for less with your pride and joy.
Bristol Caravans, based in North Bristol, has been shortlisted for an NCC award and are a business setting a fantastic example of an in-depth and reliable habitation check. Thank you to Oakleigh for joining us in this episode.
Find out more about Bristol Caravans here → https://bristolcaravans.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. 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!

Motorhome Show Guide 2023 and the benefits of attending

This week we are talking shows! With a quick overview of a few of the big events that you can visit in 2023 and the unique benefits of visiting shows. The first NCC show of the year takes place at the NEC in Birmingham this month, followed by a plethora of outdoor shows organised by Warners, famous for publishing Practical Motorhome magazine.
At the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show, we are exhibiting the Motorhome Matt podcast in hall 4 and our team from www.thatleisureshop.com are on three stands, representing Maypole, Crespo and Seago.
That Leisure Shop has a stand at each Warners Show, selling a range of outdoor furniture and accessories. Matt is also speaking at the shows in Harrogate, Ardingly and Shepton Mallet on a range of topics including preparing for a European motorhome adventure, Wi-Fi on the move, and the real cost of motorhome ownership.
21-26 Feb - Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show, NEC Birmingham https://ccmshow.co.uk/ - USE CODE MATT
17-19 Mar - The Yorkshire Motorhome and Campervan Show, Harrogate21-23 Apr - The National Motorhome and Campervan Show, Peterborough5-7 May - Campervan Campout, Ardingly19-21 May - The Southern Motorhome and Campervan Show, Newbury21-23 Jul - Norfolk Motorhome and Campervan Show, Norwich18-20 Aug - The Western Motorhome and Campervan Show, Malvern8-10 Sep - The South West Motorhome and Campervan Show, Shepton Mallet 22-24 Sep - The Motorhome and Campervan Show Season Finale, Lincolnhttps://www.showgoer.co.uk USE CODE MOTORHOMEMATT
17-22 Oct - The Motorhome & Caravan Show, NEC Birmingham https://mcshow.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. 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!

Trespass: What you need to know about motorhome ”wild camping”

What do you need to know about motorhome wild camping? Well, number one is that it doesn't exist. It is a phrase commonly misused, but a more accurate term is wild parking, off-grid or parking up.
True wild camping, in a tent, has been in the news recently as the High Court declared on 13 January 2023 that the public does not have the right to wild camp on Dartmoor. Last year, the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 was passed which made trespass a criminal offence and brought in tougher punishments for offenders.
So, when does travelling in a motorhome become trespassing? What do all these changes mean for motorhomers and caravanners? What are the rules on parking up overnight? Matt and Keith take a deep dive into the impact of these recent changes and what you need to know about parking up overnight in the UK.
Special thanks to those who participated in the discussion on our social media, and to Wandering Bird, Life Beyond Bricks and Donald Donaldson from CAMpRA for their contributions.
🔶 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 pets in the UK and EU

We never want to leave a member of the family behind on our adventures, even those that have four legs and a tail! But what do you need to know about travelling with a pet in the UK and EU? What costs are involved and what has changed since Brexit?
Matt speaks to Vet and TV personality Dr James Greenwood to get expert tips on making your pet relaxed and stress-free. We unpack everything from getting your pet accustomed to life on the road, keeping them safe, the planning you need to do, as well as the all-important rule changes in place since we left the EU. But not just for dogs - cats, birds and even ferrets too.
Plus, we speak to Margaret, owner of Dogrobes, about her experience of travelling Europe with her dog, Missy, and her amazing range of dog dressing gowns.
Dogrobes is THE perfect accessory for muddy dogs to keep help your motorhome or caravan clean, find out more at www.thatleisureshop.com/product-brand/dogrobes and use code REGGIE15 at checkout to get 15% off.
🔶 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!

Industry news from the Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Show 2023

Last week was the Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Show 2023 in Manchester at a brand-new venue! Listen in for our whistle-stop tour of the show, speaking to exhibitors, show organisers and speakers on the way.
We have to say, the aisles were busy with incredibly strong visitor numbers. We spoke with the show director, Rob Debenham, to get insight into the planning of the show and what the future holds for it.
Matt's highlight was speaking at the Meet the Expert theatre to a packed audience on preparing for a European motorhome adventure. Get your free downloadable checklist here → www.thatleisureshop.com/europe
Jordan's highlight was getting a gigantic s'more from Andrew Dickens, the star chef of the show.
The show was a great kickoff to 2023 for those needing inspiration for trips both in the UK and abroad. As always, it was lovely to meet so many of our listeners in person! The Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday show is due to return in January 2024 at Manchester Central.
🔶 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 sleep better in a motorhome

Good sleep! You always know exactly how important it is when you don't have it, but it's even more crucial when you're out adventuring and exploring all day.
So, how can you ensure you get the best possible night's sleep in a motorhome or campervan? In this episode, Matt runs through his top five considerations for getting better sleep on the road.
Matt talks to specialised motorhome mattress makers and bedding creators Duvalay, who even featured successfully on Dragons’ Den! Matt also speaks with the brand-new start-up company, Straight2Sleep who have launched an innovative adaptation to a French bed.
🔶 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!

Fire safety in your motorhome

What are the best ways to keep your motorhome, caravan or campervan fire safe? This week, Matt and Keith discuss the importance of fire safety and fire prevention in a leisure vehicle and explain the best industry practices. There are a number of essential accessories that you must properly fit prior to travelling and, as well as knowing what to buy, one crucial aspect is knowing the best location for each item to ensure your vehicle's and your safety.
Matt also talks with Andrew Robinson about an innovative fire extinguisher tool called Fire Safety Stick. What makes this product so effective and is it worth having one in your vehicle, or even your home?
🔶 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!