Motorhome Matt

Advice, industry insights and an impartial view into the world of motorhomes, caravans, campervans and travel, with the motorhome nerd himself, Matt Sims. Sitting by his side asking all the right questions is his partner in crime, journalist Keith Gooden, deciphering the perplexing jargon. Listen in and learn everything you need to know about buying, owning and selling a leisure vehicle. Discover the industry trends, new developments and future plans for motorhomes and leisure vehicles in the UK and beyond. Got a question for Matt? Ask Matt! Submit your queries and feature on the podcast at mhmp.info/askmatt. Brought to you by That Leisure Shop.

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Episodes

Monday Oct 10, 2022

Ever wondered what the difference is between a motorhome, campervan or van conversion? What does A class, B class or C class mean? And what on earth is a semi-integrated motorhome? Have no fear, Motorhome Matt is here.
This week, Matt and Keith unpack all the different types of motorhomes and tell you all the important terminology. If you're looking to buy a leisure vehicle this is crucial to make sure the dealer understands your needs correctly, or so that you can search for what you need easier.
Matt also lifts the lid on a new secret project he's working on... he’s got a new small van ready to convert to a campervan with one big difference: it’s all electric! Listen in to hear his plan.
🔶 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!

Monday Oct 03, 2022

Often referred to as the silent assassin, damp in motorhomes and caravans is an owner's nightmare. It can be expensive to repair and hard to spot, yet it is relatively easy to avoid if you know what to do.
So, what causes damp issues in motorhomes? What are the signs of dampness in a leisure vehicle? How do you fix it and, even better, what can you do to prevent it in the first place?
In this episode, Matt offers his advice based on his years of experience in buying and selling motorhomes and caravans. He is also joined by specialist motorhome and caravan repairer, Miles Bray from MJB Tourer Services. Based near Bristol International Airport, MJB offer damp check and repair services for motorhomes and caravans and we are delighted to have them on board as sponsors of this episode.
MJB Tourer Services, caring for motorhomes and caravans. Visit them at https://mjbtourerservices.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!

Motorhome finance explained

Monday Sep 26, 2022

Monday Sep 26, 2022

Motorhome and campervan prices have increased significantly in the last few years and visitors to exhibitions and dealer showrooms could be surprised to see 20%+ increases in retail prices on both new and used motorhomes. That means financing your dream leisure vehicle purchase might be something you have to consider to help secure the deal.
But how does motorhome, caravan and campervan financing work? Where do you get it? What deals are out there? What if you can’t afford the repayments down the line? And, crucially, what are the pitfalls? Matt is here to explain all, including important information about rising interest rates and repayments.
Matt is joined by Jason Mawdsley of TMC, a UK motorhome dealership, and Steven Blake from Creative Funding Solutions, the independent financial brokers who specialise in leisure vehicle finance. Matt chats with both about the current and future market and asks Steve why you, as the consumer, should consider finance as a safe and hassle-free route to motorhome ownership.
Win tickets to The Motorhome and Caravan Show 2022Send us your funniest, most disastrous, saddest or most memorable motorhome, campervan or caravan story. Matt and Keith will play your entries, judge the stories and announce winners on our upcoming episodes of the Motorhome Matt podcast.
Visit www.motorhomematt.co.uk/askmatt and record your story or email it to us using the form on the page.
🔶 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!

Tuesday Sep 20, 2022

Do you know if you are travelling safely in your motorhome or campervan?
This week, Matt and Keith dive deep into three commonly misunderstood or even unheard of regulations, including seatbelts, the condition of your vehicle and loading.
Can children sit in the passenger seat? How do you install extra seatbelts? What on earth is a dynamic load? Discussing the UK and abroad, Matt explains the crucial laws and rules that could affect your leisure vehicle holiday.
Plus, we're also announcing our first winner for a pair of tickets to The Motorhome and Caravan Show in October! Tune in to hear their incredible story.
Win tickets to The Motorhome and Caravan Show 2022Send us your funniest, most disastrous, saddest or most memorable motorhome, campervan or caravan story. Matt and Keith will play your entries, judge the stories and announce winners on our upcoming episodes of the Motorhome Matt podcast.
Visit www.motorhomematt.co.uk/askmatt and record your story or email it to us using the form on the page.
🔶 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!

Selling your motorhome

Monday Sep 12, 2022

Monday Sep 12, 2022

It’s the end of the summer season! For us motorhomers and caravanners that can mean more than just shorter days. It's a time when many owners consider selling their leisure vehicle before having to store it for the winter.
So, how do you go about selling your motorhome to achieve the most money whilst experiencing the least hassle? Motorhome Matt is here to explain and unpack all the options available for you to sell your motorhome.
Should you sell privately, trade-in or broker? What about any finance left on it? Listen in for all the answers, from the man with years of experience in buying and selling motorhomes, both privately and as a dealer.
Lastly, a quick thank you to Paul Chance, MD of TMD, for jumping on to discuss the latest industry news!
🔶 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!

Buying a motorhome at a show

Monday Sep 05, 2022

Monday Sep 05, 2022

It’s show season again with a choice of regional and national motorhome shows to attend. The big one coming up soon is The Motorhome and Caravan Show at the NEC in Birmingham this October. This is the UK's biggest indoor show with a huge range of new motorhomes and caravans on display. Plus, there are outdoor shows taking place across the country featuring new and used leisure vehicles as well as a wide range of accessory stores.
So, what do you need to know about buying a motorhome or caravan at a show? Matt is here to give you all his hints and tips on what you can expect, questions you need to ask and anything you need to be aware of.
Win tickets to The Motorhome and Caravan Show 2022We have 6 pairs of tickets to give away for The Motorhome and Caravan Show this October!
To enter, simply send us your funniest, most disastrous, saddest or simply the most memorable motorhome, campervan or caravan story. Matt and Keith will play your entries, judge the stories and announce winners on our upcoming episodes of the Motorhome Matt podcast.
Visit www.motorhomematt.co.uk/askmatt and record your story or email it to us using the form on the page.
🔶 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!

Monday Aug 29, 2022

Thinking of heading to France in your motorhome? Then there are some crucial differences in travelling and driving that you need to know. Have no fear, Matt is here with his 3 top tips for motorhome travel in France.
From the well-established low-emission zones put in place in many French cities to differences in gas systems on the continent, this episode unpacks everything you need to know and what you need to do with your motorhome before you travel. Plus, Matt gives one of his must-have items for off-peak travel; an ACSI card.
If you can survive Keith’s attempts at French, this episode will be helpful in planning your next holiday in France!
🔶 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!

Monday Aug 22, 2022

As travelling tourists in our motorhomes, campervans and caravans, we have a unique ability to make an impact on the local economies we visit. Staying in a destination means that we can spend money and help small businesses be it cafes, shops, attractions or campsites.
In this special episode, we are doing something a little different. Matt has been challenged to source a motorhome feast all from within a few miles of our camp. By sourcing local foods and produce, we endeavour to taste the destination and enjoy more of what the region has to offer, all of which is to be prepared and cooked in our lovely Adria Twin campervan with a 2 burner gas hob and a small grill.
Now, it's safe to say Matt is no culinary expert, which is why we've enlisted the help of a professional, Mr Matthew Pennington, who owns the local Michelin Green star restaurant, The Ethicurean in Wrington. Matthew has kindly agreed to show us how a meal in a campervan can be sourced locally, affordable, simple to cook and even fit for an award-winning restaurant.
Our challenge to you is rather than purchasing food at home before you travel, arrive at your destination and visit the local shops, find the region's flavours and taste the destination. Make a difference to the local economies you visit and have a positive impact on the businesses there.
Thank you to The Ethicurean Restaurant for sponsoring this episode, and special thanks to its owner, Matthew, for spending a day to help produce this episode and cook this incredible meal.
We also wish to thank The Barley Wood Walled Garden, Aldwick Estate wines, Yeo Valley, Circumstance Distillery and Lyecross Farm shop.
🔶 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!

Monday Aug 15, 2022

This week, Motorhome Matt and Keith Gooden take a closer look at crucial driving laws in the UK and on the continent that you need to know when taking your motorhome, campervan or caravan out for your next adventure.
Whether you’re a leisure holiday newbie or a seasoned traveller, we’re sure you’ll learn something new and useful - so dive into the nitty gritty and bring yourself (legally) up to speed!
🔶 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!

Monday Aug 08, 2022

This week we're talking about proper campsite etiquette. What is the first thing you should do when you arrive at a campsite? How do you pick a spot? How on earth do you avoid annoying every other camper in the field whilst also enjoying your own getaway?
Not only have we received questions from first-time campers, caravanners and motorhomers, but also requests from campsites to unpack this topic!
Matt is here to give his top tips on how to get along, and possibly even make friends with your holiday neighbours. From pitching up to cooking to looking after pets, Matt covers everything you need to know.
🔶 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!

Monday Aug 01, 2022

This week, Matt unpacks the puzzle of payload. Listen in to find out everything you need to know, including what payload actually is, how you can confirm yours and what you can do to maximise it.
Matt also warns of the dangers of exceeding your payload, both to your licence and to the lives of you, your passengers and others around. It might seem confusing, a little tedious, or even something not to worry about, but Matt is here to explain why you need to understand it in this quick and precise episode.
Remember, if you change your payload you must inform DVLA and get your v5 registration document updated.
🔶 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!

Monday Jul 25, 2022

Meet JoJo and Barrie, aka Feasts and Fables (respectively). JoJo is the cook with a passion for food, whilst Barrie is the storyteller. Following working lives, then the successful launch of a deli in South Wales they decided to do something different.
In January 2020, they sold up to do vanlife! 2 years on, they now live full time in their converted van with simple pleasures and simple life. Their journey is one of freedom.
Matt talks with them about why they chose to pursue this journey and what the benefits and challenges are for them. An inspiring story from a motivated couple. But the story doesn’t end there…
Read more of JoJo and Barrie's here. 
🔶 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!

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Who is Motorhome Matt?

Referred to as “BBC Radio 5’s motorhome consultant” on Wake up to Money 5 live, Matt Sims runs multiple award-winning businesses around motorhome hire, sales, storage and accessories.

What is this podcast about?

Quite simply, the Motorhome Matt podcast is a lighthearted look at the can of worms that is buying, owning, using and selling a motorhome. It’s the place to find useful, honest, genuine and impartial advice on a host of subjects around motorhoming.

Why should I listen to him?

Do you have questions that you felt were too stupid to ask? Well, on the Motorhome Matt Podcast no query is out of bounds! Matt knows the reason for his success is always asking the questions that everyone is thinking – yet no one is saying.

With years of experience in the motorhome industry, he has helped thousands of consumers navigate the trail to owning, selling and (of course) using a motorhome.

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