Motorhome Matt

New vs Used Motorhomes: What Motorhome Dealers Really Think

Thinking of buying a motorhome? One of the biggest questions you’ll face is whether to go new or used. In this episode of the Motorhome Matt Podcast, recorded live at the Southwest Motorhome and Campervan Show, Matt gets into a lively debate with two experienced dealers and a leading industry journalist, each offering a very different take on the question.
Matt is joined on stage by Sarah Foord (Southwest Motorhomes), Tom Lower (Somerset Motorhome Centre), and Peter Vaughan (Out and About Live) for an honest and open discussion about finding the right motorhome for you, the current state of the market, and what every buyer should know before making a purchase.
Back in the studio, Matt and Keith cover the latest news from the UK motorhome scene, including expanded insurance options for campervans and self-builds, and the official opening of That Leisure Shop at Chelston, just off the M5.
In the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on whether campervans are really less prone to damp than motorhomes, how warranty cover works for adapted vehicles, and whether you’re allowed to bring your own food into a motorhome show (you might be surprised).
Whether you’re looking at brand-new models with 10-year warranties or eyeing up a nearly-new bargain, this episode is packed with dealer insight, practical advice, and straight-talking commentary on what really affects motorhome prices, values, and buying decisions today.
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How to Buy a Motorhome with Finance in 2025

Not sure how best to fund your motorhome purchase? In this episode of the Motorhome Matt Podcast, Matt and Keith take a deep dive into the world of motorhome finance, helping you understand your options whether you're buying your first van or upgrading to your dream setup.
From spreading the cost with long-term hire purchase agreements to understanding why a personal loan might not always be the right move, Matt is joined by Steven Blake from Motorhome.Finance to unpack the key differences between HP, PCP, remortgages, credit cards, and more. They also cover what to watch out for when it comes to regulated vs non-regulated lending, credit checks, and early settlement penalties.
With winter storage season creeping up, Matt also shares his top tips on how to clean and protect your motorhome using a new range of products developed specifically for motorhomes and caravans. If you’re dealing with black streaks, bug splatter, or just want a proper winter prep routine, this bit’s for you.
In this week’s listener Q&A, Matt answers your questions on:
What makes a motorhome truly winterised
Whether a diesel heater is worth the investment
The best steering wheel locks for security
And how to keep your solar panels working under a cover
Whether you’re in the market for a new motorhome, planning your winter maintenance, or just want to avoid costly mistakes, this episode is packed with practical advice and real talk.
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From Stents to Surgery: A Serious Turn in Matt’s Heart Health

This week on the Motorhome Matt Podcast, Matt shares a dramatic health update that’s set to change the course of 2025, and possibly the future of the podcast.
Long-time listeners may remember his heart scare last year, when he narrowly avoided a serious heart attack and underwent surgery to fit stents. But what started with a persistent cough and shoulder ache has now led to something far more serious.
In this episode, Matt and Keith sit down for an honest and open conversation about what’s happened since, the warning signs missed, and the major operation now on the horizon. 
Joining Matt is bFrank, a wellness duo helping him prepare for his journey to recovery. They dive into some practical, impactful lifestyle changes that can benefit anyone, especially those of us who spend time on the road in our motorhomes, campervans or caravans. From easy nutrition wins to surprisingly simple fitness habits, this is about realistic health advice for real life.
And in this week’s Q&A, Matt tackles a hefty fine after a ferry trip, the tricky business of towing cover, and a water system fault that’s raising a few eyebrows.
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How Motorhome Manufacturers Respond to a Market Slowdown

What really happens to a manufacturer when the motorhome industry slows down? In this episode, Matt sits down with Bailey of Bristol’s Simon Howard for a unique and honest discussion about how one of the UK’s biggest motorhome and caravan manufacturers handles falling demand, overstocked dealers, and nervous buyers.
If you’ve been wondering why new motorhomes and caravans are being so heavily discounted—or whether prices might fall even further—this is essential listening. Simon also lifts the lid on how Bailey is rethinking how they build, test, and sell their 2026 models to stay ahead in a tougher market.
Also this week, Matt and Keith unveil the £5 gadget every diesel motorhome owner should consider. It could save you from a costly misfuelling disaster.
And in the Q&A: Can you keep your GPS tracker powered if your van battery is disconnected? Will the UK driving licence laws finally let you drive up to 4,250kg without taking another test? And is it worth heating your motorhome during winter storage?
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How to Stop Bad Smells in Your Motorhome

Does your motorhome smell bad? You’re not alone.  This week on the Motorhome Mattt Podcast, Matt and Keith dive nose-first into the surprisingly complex world of keeping your motorhome smelling fresh, tackling everything from smelly toilets and stagnant grey water to damp upholstery and wet dogs. 
We’ve also got a look ahead to the South West Motorhome & Campervan Show, taking place this September at the Bath & West Showground. Matt shares what’s on, who’s going to be there, and why this local event is one not to miss.
In the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on off-grid electrical setups, where to find a good used motorhome on a lower budget, and how to get your van professionally cleaned when your storage site won’t let you do it yourself.
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Is It Time for the Motorhome Industry to Modernise?

Is the motorhome industry stuck in its ways? In this week’s episode, Matt and Keith are joined by Martyn Ibson, a fresh face with decades of high-street retail experience who’s ready to shake things up. Find out what happens when a retail heavyweight from Next steps into the world of motorhomes, and what he really thinks about the state of the industry. Spoiler: it’s not all glowing.
We also dig into what makes this week’s product pick a smart investment for your insurance and your peace of mind.
In the Q&A, Matt tackles whether a Chausson could be a dream motorhome, what counts as a mod when it comes to insurance, and why fog lights and local SIM cards matter more than you might think when heading abroad.
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Choosing Motorhome Insurance: Claims, Costs, and Cover Explained

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Motorhome insurance: We’re required to have it, and often it’s all we’ve got when things go wrong. So, how do you make sure you pick the right cover and an insurance company that truly understands the world of motorhomes?
This week on the Motorhome Matt podcast, Matt is joined by Mel Savage from Ripe to unpack what you really need to know about motorhome insurance. You’ve heard us mention Ripe plenty of times, but who are they, what makes them different, and what questions does the motorhome community have for them?
From rising premiums and declined quotes to trackers that stop working abroad, we put forward your questions and comments—some great, some blunt, all honest.
There’s also big news from That Leisure Shop, with a brand-new store opening just off junction 26 of the M5 in time for the bank holiday. And in our Alan Rogers Campsite of the Month feature, we head to the Austrian Alps for a site that’s just as spectacular in summer as it is in ski season.
If you’re touring this year, shopping for a new policy, or want to know what’s covered (and what isn’t), don’t miss this one.
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The Motorhome Warranty Provider Changing the Industry

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Two hundred episodes in, and this milestone episode of the Motorhome Matt Podcast tackles a topic that could save motorhome owners thousands: warranties. He sits down with Warranty Solutions Group, a team promising to rip up the rulebook with faster payouts, broader cover, and a willingness to say “yes” where others say “computer says no.” But can they really deliver?
There’s also news from Wales that might add a few pounds to your next trip, plus a clever little gadget from That Leisure Shop that’s more than it seems. 
In the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on protecting your electrics, the great fridge debate, and a listener review that comes with exciting news for That Leisure Shop.
If you’ve ever wondered whether a warranty is worth it, or how to make your setup work harder for you, this one’s well worth a listen.
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What’s Happening in the American Motorhome Market?

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In this week’s Motorhome Matt podcast, Matt and Keith head across the pond to take a closer look at the American motorhome scene. Is vanlife booming in the US? And could what’s happening over there be a glimpse into our future here in the UK? 
Matt chats with former Winnebago exec turned RV broker James Upham to uncover the latest trends, industry struggles, and what the road ahead might look like.
Back on home soil, we dig into the big news from Swift, who’ve posted some eye-watering losses. But are the reasons they’re giving really stacking up? Matt shares his thoughts and gives a behind-the-scenes look at how his own sales at Motorhome Holiday Company are bucking the trend.
In the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on A-frame towing in Europe, a puzzling battery issue on a Ford Transit, and whether that handy 4G router will keep you connected on your travels abroad.
And if that’s not enough, there’s a sneak peek at one of the biggest motorhome events of the summer.
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How to Win a Motorhome: Inside the Motorhome Dreams Competition

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Fancy winning a motorhome for the price of a posh coffee? This week on the Motorhome Matt podcast, Matt and Keith unpack a brand-new competition that could see you driving off in a £60,000 van for just £2.50. Matt’s joined in the studio by the team behind Motorhome Dreams to explain how it all works, what’s included, and why Strictly winner-turned-farmer Kelvin Fletcher is getting stuck in.
In the news, the Highland Motorhome Pass Scheme has missed its already slashed target by a mile. And there’s exciting news from That Leisure Shop as it expands with a new location in partnership with Chelston Motorhomes.
In the Q&A, Matt tackles your questions on the best breakdown cover for larger motorhomes—and takes on the big one: why are UK campsites so much more expensive than those in Europe?
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Motorhome Mishaps: When Things Go Wrong On The Road

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What’s the worst that could happen on a motorhome trip? Well… quite a lot, as it turns out. In this episode of the Motorhome Matt podcast, Matt is joined by Darran The Urban Motorhome and Tash from Life Beyond Bricks to swap tales of disasters, blunders and downright daft moments from life on the road. 
From exploding hobs and broken doors to toilet cassettes gone very, very wrong, it’s a reminder that even the most experienced motorhomers aren’t immune to the occasional catastrophe.
We also take a trip to Germany for this month’s Alan Rogers Campsite of the Month. Plus, there’s a useful heads-up for anyone insuring a higher-value motorhome, as Matt and Keith share some good news from Ripe Insurance
In the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on buying and registering a motorhome as a US citizen in Europe, winterisation tips and how to avoid bottoming out on those pesky campsite ramps.
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Should You Get a Motorhome Warranty?

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Is a motorhome warranty really worth having? In this week’s Motorhome Matt Podcast, Matt and Keith tackle one of the most debated questions in the world of motorhomes.
Matt’s been digging into the detail with the team from Best4, provided by Autoguard, to find out exactly what’s covered, what isn’t, and how to avoid getting caught out by the small print. If you’ve ever wondered how warranties hold up when things go wrong—whether you’re at home, abroad, or stranded in the middle of nowhere—this is the episode for you.
Matt also reveals his current go-to cleaning gadget for keeping your motorhome bug-free and shares a behind-the-scenes update on this weekend’s Norfolk Motorhome and Campervan Show.
In the listener Q&A, Matt answers questions about choosing the right campervan brand, whether non-refundable deposits really are non-refundable, and how to pick the right leisure battery without getting bogged down by choice.
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