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 Aug 25, 2025

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.
✅ MOTORHOME MATT APPROVEDServices, products and educational resources used and approved by Motorhome Mattmhmp.info/approved
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❓ ASK MATTmhmp.info/askmatt
🗓️ UPCOMING EVENTSmhmp.info/events
📹 WATCH ON YOUTUBEmhmp.info/watch
💬 LEAVE A REVIEWmhmp.info/review
The Motorhome Matt podcast is brought to you by That Leisure Shop, camping and leisure vehicle accessory specialists.
10% off your first order with the code MOTORHOMEMATT.

Monday Aug 18, 2025

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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.
See if you could save on your insurance premium with Ripe: mhmp.info/ripe25
✅ MOTORHOME MATT APPROVEDServices, products and educational resources used and approved by Motorhome Mattmhmp.info/approved
⛺️ CAMPSITE OF THE MONTHmhmp.info/alanrogers
❓ ASK MATTmhmp.info/askmatt
🗓️ UPCOMING EVENTSmhmp.info/events
📹 WATCH ON YOUTUBEmhmp.info/watch
💬 LEAVE A REVIEWmhmp.info/review
The Motorhome Matt podcast is brought to you by That Leisure Shop, camping and leisure vehicle accessory specialists.
10% off your first order with the code MOTORHOMEMATT.

Monday Aug 11, 2025

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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.
✅ MOTORHOME MATT APPROVEDServices, products and educational resources used and approved by Motorhome Mattmhmp.info/approved
🛒 PRODUCT OF THE WEEKhttps://thatleisureshop.com/products/led-lantern-with-bluetooth-speaker
❓ ASK MATTmhmp.info/askmatt
🗓️ UPCOMING EVENTSmhmp.info/events
📹 WATCH ON YOUTUBEmhmp.info/watch
💬 LEAVE A REVIEWmhmp.info/review
The Motorhome Matt podcast is brought to you by That Leisure Shop, camping and leisure vehicle accessory specialists.
10% off your first order with the code MOTORHOMEMATT.

Monday Aug 04, 2025

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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.
✅ MOTORHOME MATT APPROVEDServices, products and educational resources used and approved by Motorhome Mattmhmp.info/approved
🛒 PRODUCT OF THE WEEKhttps://thatleisureshop.com/products/lifestyle-kitchen-box
❓ ASK MATTmhmp.info/askmatt
🗓️ UPCOMING EVENTSmhmp.info/events
📹 WATCH ON YOUTUBEmhmp.info/watch
💬 LEAVE A REVIEWmhmp.info/review
The Motorhome Matt podcast is brought to you by That Leisure Shop, camping and leisure vehicle accessory specialists.
10% off your first order with the code MOTORHOMEMATT.

Monday Jul 28, 2025

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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?
✅ MOTORHOME MATT APPROVEDServices, products and educational resources used and approved by Motorhome Mattmhmp.info/approved
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❓ ASK MATTmhmp.info/askmatt
🗓️ UPCOMING EVENTSmhmp.info/events
📹 WATCH ON YOUTUBEmhmp.info/watch
💬 LEAVE A REVIEWmhmp.info/review
The Motorhome Matt podcast is brought to you by That Leisure Shop, camping and leisure vehicle accessory specialists.
10% off your first order with the code MOTORHOMEMATT.

Monday Jul 21, 2025

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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.
✅ MOTORHOME MATT APPROVEDServices, products and educational resources used and approved by Motorhome Mattmhmp.info/approved
⛺️ CAMPSITE OF THE MONTHmhmp.info/alanrogers
❓ ASK MATTmhmp.info/askmatt
🗓️ UPCOMING EVENTSmhmp.info/events
📹 WATCH ON YOUTUBEmhmp.info/watch
💬 LEAVE A REVIEWmhmp.info/review
The Motorhome Matt podcast is brought to you by That Leisure Shop, camping and leisure vehicle accessory specialists.
10% off your first order with the code MOTORHOMEMATT.

Monday Jul 14, 2025

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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.
✅ MOTORHOME MATT APPROVEDServices, products and educational resources used and approved by Motorhome Mattmhmp.info/approved
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❓ ASK MATTmhmp.info/askmatt
🗓️ UPCOMING EVENTSmhmp.info/events
📹 WATCH ON YOUTUBEmhmp.info/watch
💬 LEAVE A REVIEWmhmp.info/review
The Motorhome Matt podcast is brought to you by That Leisure Shop, camping and leisure vehicle accessory specialists.
10% off your first order with the code MOTORHOMEMATT.

Monday Jul 07, 2025

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This week on the Motorhome Matt Podcast, Matt and Keith sit down with Shane Malpass from We Buy Any Motorcaravan to reveal what’s really happening in the motorhome market right now. Why are prices falling for some owners while others hold their value? Is depreciation here to stay? And how does Shane’s team manage to buy and sell over a thousand motorhomes each year?
They also take a look at the upcoming Norfolk Motorhome and Campervan Show – could this be your chance to grab a brand-new motorhome with a hefty discount? 
In the Q&A, Matt tackles a listener’s dilemma about adding a spare wheel to a Sprinter conversion and shares welcome news about insurance cover for higher-value motorhomes. Plus, they settle an important debate: is it really an island bed if it’s attached at one end?
✅ MOTORHOME MATT APPROVEDServices, products and educational resources used and approved by Motorhome Mattmhmp.info/approved
❓ ASK MATTmhmp.info/askmatt
🗓️ UPCOMING EVENTSmhmp.info/events
📹 WATCH ON YOUTUBEmhmp.info/watch
💬 LEAVE A REVIEWmhmp.info/review
The Motorhome Matt podcast is brought to you by That Leisure Shop, camping and leisure vehicle accessory specialists.
10% off your first order with the code MOTORHOMEMATT.

Monday Jun 30, 2025

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Could your next motorhome be electric? In this episode, Matt and Keith tackle a big question: are electric campervans realistic, or just a nice idea that won’t work in the real world? Matt shares his eye-opening experiences from China, where EV vans, bikes, and even mopeds are everywhere, and chats with electric van expert Paul Kirby to find out what’s coming to the UK motorhome scene sooner than you think.
There’s also news about a major Supreme Court ruling on wild camping in Dartmoor that might just restore a bit of freedom for those who like to get off-grid, though don’t rush there in your motorhome just yet. 
In the Q&A, Matt answers listener questions about the best SIM cards for UK and EU touring, shares a reminder about what not to put in your water tank, and hears from a listener whose credit card is feeling the pain of making her van safer and warmer after taking his advice.
✅ MOTORHOME MATT APPROVEDServices, products and educational resources used and approved by Motorhome Mattmhmp.info/approved
❓ ASK MATTmhmp.info/askmatt
🗓️ UPCOMING EVENTSmhmp.info/events
📹 WATCH ON YOUTUBEmhmp.info/watch
💬 LEAVE A REVIEWmhmp.info/review
The Motorhome Matt podcast is brought to you by That Leisure Shop, camping and leisure vehicle accessory specialists.
10% off your first order with the code MOTORHOMEMATT.

Monday Jun 23, 2025

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Ever dreamed of winning a motorhome? This week, we sit down with actor-turned-farmer Kelvin Fletcher—yes, the Emmerdale legend and Strictly champ—to talk about his latest role as ambassador for Motorhome Dreams, a new competition giving away a real, luxury motorhome every single month. Kelvin shares how his childhood passion for performing led him to TV fame, farming life, and now the world of motorhomes. 
Matt and Keith also dig into a few new topics, including That Leisure Shop’s brand-new website, and Matt’s essential kit for safe, stress-free streaming on the road.
In the Q&A, Matt tackles your questions—from powering an EcoFlow off your alternator to navigating VAT when buying a UK van for Ireland, and how to get more go from a sluggish Malibu without wrecking your warranty.
✅ MOTORHOME MATT APPROVEDServices, products and educational resources used and approved by Motorhome Mattmhmp.info/approved
❓ ASK MATTmhmp.info/askmatt
🗓️ UPCOMING EVENTSmhmp.info/events
📹 WATCH ON YOUTUBEmhmp.info/watch
💬 LEAVE A REVIEWmhmp.info/review
The Motorhome Matt podcast is brought to you by That Leisure Shop, camping and leisure vehicle accessory specialists.
10% off your first order with the code MOTORHOMEMATT.

Monday Jun 16, 2025

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This week on the Motorhome Matt podcast, we shine a light on the organisation that shapes much of the motorhome and caravan industry—but that most people have never heard of. So who exactly are the NCC? (Spoiler: it’s the National Caravan Council.) And more importantly, why should you care?
Matt sits down with Simon McGrath, Director of Communications at the NCC, to unpack what they do, how they support the trade, and what it means for you as a motorhome owner or camper.
From those familiar blue quality badges to approved servicing schemes and lobbying in Westminster, the NCC plays a much bigger role than you might think—and it’s all happening behind the scenes.
Also in the spotlight: the Camping and Caravanning Club has confirmed it won’t be attending the NEC shows in October 2025 or February 2026. Matt explores why that matters, what might be driving the decision, and how it ties into growing concerns about campsite pricing, value for money, and the rise of off-grid touring.
Our Alan Rogers Campsite of the Month takes us to the Costa Dorada, with a sun-soaked Spanish site that could easily be your next big escape.
And in this week’s Q&A, Matt answers your questions on Fiat’s nine-speed gearbox quirks, towing a motorbike with a Bessacarr, and the rules around filling a jerry can in France.
✅ MOTORHOME MATT APPROVEDServices, products and educational resources used and approved by Motorhome Mattmhmp.info/approved
⛺️ CAMPSITE OF THE MONTHmhmp.info/alanrogers
❓ ASK MATTmhmp.info/askmatt
🗓️ UPCOMING EVENTSmhmp.info/events
📹 WATCH ON YOUTUBEmhmp.info/watch
💬 LEAVE A REVIEWmhmp.info/review
The Motorhome Matt podcast is brought to you by That Leisure Shop, camping and leisure vehicle accessory specialists.
10% off your first order with the code MOTORHOMEMATT.

Monday Jun 09, 2025

🛡️ 15% OFF INSURANCEmhmp.info/ripeinsurance
📲 15% OFF SAILY E-SIMS https://saily.com/motorhomematt
This week on the Motorhome Matt Podcast, Matt and Keith are lifting the lid—literally—on one of the most talked about topics in motorhoming: the toilet. Whether you’re loyal to the classic cassette, curious about composting, or considering splashing out on an incinerator loo, Matt unpacks the pros, cons, and downright odd bits of each type of motorhome toilet—backed with real-world tips you won’t find in the brochure.
We’ve also got an important update from Greece. After a surprising clampdown on where you can park your motorhome, the rules are shifting again. Are things getting better for tourers heading that way? Matt digs into the details.
There’s also news on the National Motorhome & Campervan Show this June, where Matt will host the Advice Centre—full of free talks and honest help.
And in the Q&A, we tackle some cracking listener questions. Is now the right time to buy a VW California? What are the rules for Americans bringing a skoolie to Europe? And why are some insurers getting twitchy about wild camping? Matt’s got answers—and the contacts to find out more when he doesn’t.
Oh, and if you’ve never heard Matt confess to drinking toilet chemical… well, this is the episode for you.
✅ MOTORHOME MATT APPROVEDServices, products and educational resources used and approved by Motorhome Mattmhmp.info/approved
❓ ASK MATTmhmp.info/askmatt
🗓️ UPCOMING EVENTSmhmp.info/events
📹 WATCH ON YOUTUBEmhmp.info/watch
💬 LEAVE A REVIEWmhmp.info/review
The Motorhome Matt podcast is brought to you by That Leisure Shop, camping and leisure vehicle accessory specialists.
10% off your first order with the code MOTORHOMEMATT.

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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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