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 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?
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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

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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.
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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 02, 2025

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Would you bag your poo for the sake of off-grid freedom? In this episode of the Motorhome Matt podcast, Matt and Keith dive into the pros and cons of separation toilets in motorhomes. Long popular on canal boats, they’re now popping up in campervans too—but are they worth the effort, or just another vanlife gimmick?
Matt chats with Daniel from Trelino to unpack how these toilets work, whether they really are odour-free, and how to properly deal with your waste. From double-bagging your number twos to the legalities of binning them, we’re not skimming over the awkward bits.
In this week’s Q&A, a listener asks whether the 90-day EU travel limit applies when touring Southern Ireland. Another shares frustration with campsite pay-as-you-go electricity systems—Matt has thoughts. And if you or someone you know is 90+ and struggling to get insured, there’s a tip you won’t want to miss.
Plus, Matt shares why he’s now using a VPN on the road, and how it’s helped him stay secure (and catch up on TV) wherever he parks up.
Whether you swear by your cassette toilet or you’re tempted to ditch the chemicals, there’s plenty here to get you thinking.
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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 May 26, 2025

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Are rising tariffs about to drive up the cost of your next motorhome?In this episode, Matt and Keith unpack how global trade shifts—from the US and China to mainland Europe—could impact prices for UK buyers. Spoiler alert: it’s not all doom and gloom, but there are a few things worth keeping an eye on…
We’re also off to the Dordogne in our Alan Rogers Campsite of the Month, visiting a French gem complete with wine, water slides and potatoes fried in goose fat. Yes, really.
Plus, Matt shares insights from his recent trip to China, including robot delivery cars, BYD electric vehicles and why Chinese manufacturers are so keen to talk to the UK market. It’s a glimpse into the future of global motorhome production.
In the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on how to power an electric bed and coffee machine off-grid, clears up confusion about travelling to Ireland post-Brexit, and explains what to do when cluster flies decide to hibernate in your motorhome’s door seals.
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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 May 19, 2025

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There’s a lot of noise online about Greece shutting its doors to motorhomers—but is it true? In this episode, Matt and Keith separate fact from fearmongering and unpack what the new Greek law actually means for motorhome travellers. We cut through the clickbait to explain the new parking rules, what they mean in practice, and how to travel in Greece safely—and legally.
Plus, we dig into the latest from IQ Mobile—what’s changed with EU data roaming, and which SIM is best for your travels in 2025? And if the idea of streaming telly from a Greek beach has you scratching your head, Matt explains how VPNs can help (without turning you into a tech wizard).
In the Q&A, Matt answers listener questions on fitting Isofix in a Rapido, whether Ford’s known faults are a dealbreaker, and what to think about if you’re planning to go left-hand drive before moving to Spain.
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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 May 12, 2025

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In this episode of the Motorhome Matt Podcast, Matt and Keith take a frank look at the current state of the motorhome industry. With negative headlines doing the rounds and challenges bubbling up behind the scenes, is it all doom and gloom—or is there more to the story?
From rising demand and stretched service centres to parts shortages and storage site pressures, it’s clear the industry is shifting—and Matt explains why that’s not necessarily bad news. He shares how his own businesses are responding, what he’s seeing on the ground, and what it all means if you’re thinking about buying.
New driving laws in Spain ban the red warning triangles in favour of a clever piece of kit called a V16 beacon. Matt explains what it is, how it works, and why you might want one, whether you’re heading to Spain or not. And if you’re off to the Southern Motorhome & Campervan Show in Newbury, stick around for a discount code that could save you a few quid on tickets.
In the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on whether a 90-year-old can still get campervan insurance, and what to do if the screen price of your motorhome plummets just after you’ve bought it.
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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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