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.
Episodes
Monday Jan 29, 2024
Monday Jan 29, 2024
What is reverse polarity? Why is it crucial to address it? And how do you fix it to ensure you and your motorhome's safety? This week, Matt and Keith dive into your motorhome electrical systems to unpack the often misunderstood reverse polarity.
Matt breaks down the complexities of alternating current and the potential pitfalls of incorrectly wired campsites, especially prevalent in rural areas or on the continent. Demystifying electrical safety, we provide a simple list of products and best practices that are easily followed whilst on the road to ensure your safety wherever you hook up.
In the Q&A, Matt offers expert recommendations on satnav units for motorhomes, the pros and cons of rear lounge motorhome layouts, and guidance on Crit'Air stickers for low-emission zones throughout Europe.
Shop hook up accessories here 👇www.thatleisureshop.com/hook-up
Shop Wellington Boots here 👇www.thatleisureshop.com/ultra-light-wellington-ankle-boots/
🔶 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. 👉 mhmp.info/askmatt
📹 WATCH THE PODCAST Watch and subscribe on YouTube @MotorhomeMatt👉 mhmp.info/watch
LISTEN🔸SUBSCRIBE🔸REVIEW🔸SHARE Help grow our community by leaving a review and sharing on your favourite app👉 mhmp.info/review
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 with the code MOTORHOMEMATT.
Monday Jan 22, 2024
Monday Jan 22, 2024
This week, Matt leaves Keith to hold down the fort in the studio as they take you up to Manchester for the Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Show. Discover the latest trends, customer insights, and highlights from the event, as Matt investigates predictions for 2024 in the motorhome industry.
From the buzz of the latest motorhome models to the hidden gems on display, we walk through the show to discover what you can expect in the motorhome market this year.
Plus, Matt answers your questions about keeping battery voltage high during colder weather, EU checklists and handbooks, sim cards for getting internet on the go and... a Scotland meet and greet?
Thanks to everyone who took the time to speak to us at the show:
Rob Debenham, Show Director
Jamie Wilkinson, GPSBob
Glen Campbell, Preston Caravans and Motorhomes
Brian Laing, Glossop Caravans
Phil Barker, Emm Bee Motorhomes
Hayden Yates, North Wales Resorts
Jason Mawdsley, Tottington Motor Company
Brendan Riley, Comedian
Andrew, Show Visitor
Monty the Bear, Modern Mobility
Andy Jenkinson, Caravan Industry Expert
Download our prepping for winter guide here: www.thatleisureshop.com/winter
🔶 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. 👉 mhmp.info/askmatt
📹 WATCH THE PODCAST Watch and subscribe on YouTube @MotorhomeMatt👉 mhmp.info/watch
LISTEN🔸SUBSCRIBE🔸REVIEW🔸SHARE Help grow our community by leaving a review and sharing on your favourite app👉 mhmp.info/review
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 with the code MATT10.
Monday Jan 15, 2024
Monday Jan 15, 2024
A destroyed campervan. Every owner's nightmare. This week, Motorhome Matt and Keith delve into the safety of lithium batteries in motorhomes, sharing a firsthand account from a listener whose motorhome tragically caught fire due to a lithium battery fault. Matt discusses the crucial aspects of lithium battery installations, the dangers and best practices to avoid disaster.
Shifting gears, in the news we unpack the recent 20 mph speed limits in Wales providing insights into the potential impacts of lowered speed limits in certain areas and discussing how it might affect motorhome travel.
In the Q&A, Matt tackles your burning questions, ranging from solar panel charging concerns for Fiat Ducato start-stop systems to toilet bowl size adjustments and the legality of towing cars with A-frames in the Republic of Ireland.
Read KS Energy's full statement:
"Dear Matt,
We appreciate the opportunity to address the recent recall of a small batch of batteries manufactured by our company.
Our top priority has always been the safety and satisfaction of our customers. Once we became aware of the fault we immediately reported it to the OPSS (Office of Product Safety and Standards) and action was taken to identify and locate the affected batteries, and we are pleased to confirm that all recalled units have been successfully collected. Working closely with our customers, we have ensured that replacements or suitable alternatives were provided promptly, minimizing any inconvenience.
Our insurers have underwritten losses on Simon Fox’s motorhome and his premium should not be affected. It's important to note that all batteries currently in circulation are not affected by the recall, and customers can continue to use them with confidence. Our revised product, thoroughly tested and free from the potential fault found in the seat base version, is now available.
We remain committed to supplying high-quality products to motorhome owners and the leisure community. Our dedication to safety and value for money is unwavering, and we believe in providing a premium product for our customers' investments.
Thank you for allowing us to address this matter, and we assure our customers of our ongoing commitment to their satisfaction and safety.
Sincerely,Stuart Allen and Richard Gleeson Directors, KS Energy"
🔶 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. 👉 mhmp.info/askmatt
📹 WATCH THE PODCAST Watch and subscribe on YouTube @MotorhomeMatt👉 mhmp.info/watch
LISTEN🔸SUBSCRIBE🔸REVIEW🔸SHARE Help grow our community by leaving a review and sharing on your favourite app👉 mhmp.info/review
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 with the code MATT10.
Monday Jan 08, 2024
Monday Jan 08, 2024
This week, Matt and Keith delve into the rising presence of European brand Etrusco in the UK's motorhome market. Discover the allure behind Etrusco's expanding popularity, featuring a detailed breakdown of their standout models and intriguing layout options.
We're pleased to be joined by Christian and Sandra from Estrusco, to unpack the unique features, competitive pricing, and the growing interest garnered by these exceptional motorhomes.
In the Q&A, Matt is here to answer your questions on securing safe drinking water while travelling in Europe, unravelling the intricacies of tracker subscriptions and the evolving landscape of motorhome licenses.
👇 GET TICKETS TO THE CARAVAN, MOTORHOME AND HOLIDAY SHOW 2024mhmp.info/manchester
🔶 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. 👉 mhmp.info/askmatt
📹 WATCH THE PODCAST Watch and subscribe on YouTube @MotorhomeMatt👉 mhmp.info/watch
LISTEN🔸SUBSCRIBE🔸REVIEW🔸SHARE Help grow our community by leaving a review and sharing on your favourite app👉 mhmp.info/review
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 with the code MATT10.
Thanks for listening!
Monday Jan 01, 2024
Monday Jan 01, 2024
Happy New Year! We're kicking off 2024 with a buffet of topics. Matt and Keith serve a platter of tips, citing ongoing sales and potential deals in the market, plus predictions on campsite bookings amidst a surge in demand.
That's not the only surge we've noticed. Cookbooks are on the rise and this week we are excited to feature the wonderful Harrison Ward, a.k.a. Fell Foodie, and his recently released book, Cook Out. This stunning book features one-pot recipes tailored for life in the outdoors. Harrison shares his inspiration behind the cookbook and where his love of outdoor cooking began.
In the news, we unpack a new crackdown on motorhomes parking at Portishead, near Bristol, highlighting concerns about waste dumping and the evolving landscape of parking restrictions among councils.
Moving to the Q&A segment, Joe and Jo get in touch to ask about fitting Wi-Fi shock antennas and discuss concerns about adapting electric vehicles for specific mobility needs.
👇 WIN TICKETS TO THE CARAVAN, MOTORHOME AND HOLIDAY SHOWhttps://mhmp.info/win
👇 Buy Cook Out by Harrison Wardwww.thatleisureshop.com/cook-out-by-harrison-ward
🔶 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. 👉 mhmp.info/askmatt
📹 WATCH THE PODCAST Watch and subscribe on YouTube @MotorhomeMatt👉 mhmp.info/watch
LISTEN🔸SUBSCRIBE🔸REVIEW🔸SHARE Help grow our community by leaving a review and sharing on your favourite app👉 mhmp.info/review
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 with the code MATT10.
Thanks for listening!
Tuesday Dec 26, 2023
Tuesday Dec 26, 2023
Merry Christmas! Join Matt and Keith in our special festive episode, as they delve into the highlights and challenges of 2023 in the world of motorhomes, campervans, and caravans.
Beyond the festivities, we dive deep into the news that matters, including game-changing developments from Calor Gas and your questions on batteries, driving licenses and the trials of travelling with your furry pals abroad.
Unwrap the gift of all things motorhome this Christmas, discover the past year's unforgettable stories and the challenges faced and get a sneak peek into the exciting road ahead for leisure vehicle enthusiasts like you.
Happy holidays and see you next year!
👇 WIN TICKETS TO THE CARAVAN, MOTORHOME AND HOLIDAY SHOWhttps://mhmp.info/win
*Roger Carpenter, Portsmouth:Jon from Life Beyond Bricks has an Autoterm 2kw diesel heater
🔶 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. 👉 mhmp.info/askmatt
📹 WATCH THE PODCAST Watch and subscribe on YouTube @MotorhomeMatt👉 mhmp.info/watch
LISTEN🔸SUBSCRIBE🔸REVIEW🔸SHARE Help grow our community by leaving a review and sharing on your favourite app👉 mhmp.info/review
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 with the code MATT10.
Thanks for listening!
Monday Dec 11, 2023
Monday Dec 11, 2023
Is a motorhome warranty worth the paper it's written on? It's a sentence we've heard time and time again. So, this week Matt and Keith unpack motorhome warranties and if it's necessary when buying a motorhome or caravan.
Featuring an interview from MB&G Insurance, we unravel warranty coverage, types of warranties, claim limits, rising premium costs and the common types of claims.
In the news, more controversies surround Smart Motorways as it is revealed National Highways have spent a significant amount of money to defend legal actions connected to incidents. www.lbc.co.uk/news/coroners-write-national-highways-smart-motorways
And in the Q&A, we answer your questions on using Solbio organic toilet chemical, and we also discuss fighting condensation.
👇 WIN TICKETS TO THE CARAVAN, MOTORHOME AND HOLIDAY SHOWhttps://mhmp.info/win
👇 Learn about MB&G https://mbginsurance.co.uk
👇 Shop our Christmas gift ideaswww.thatleisureshop.com/feature
👇 Enquire about 50% off motorhome hirewww.motorhomeholidaycompany.com/links
👇 Find out about Pay Like a Pro heremhmp.info/playlikeapro
🔶 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. 👉 mhmp.info/askmatt
📹 WATCH THE PODCAST Watch and subscribe on YouTube @MotorhomeMatt👉 mhmp.info/watch
LISTEN🔸SUBSCRIBE🔸REVIEW🔸SHARE Help grow our community by leaving a review and sharing on your favourite app👉 mhmp.info/review
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 with the code MATT10.
Thanks for listening!
Monday Dec 04, 2023
Monday Dec 04, 2023
In this week's episode, Matt and Keith unravel the intricacies of preparing your caravan or motorhome for winter travel. From essential preparations for harsh weather to tips for a cosy trip, they share expert insights for a safe and enjoyable winter adventure.
Discover the crucial items to pack, key checks to do before your journey, motorhome features that can't cope in cold conditions and essential kit needed for winter travels.
In the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on motorhome weight restrictions and whether it's good to stay light, a brand new motorhome affected by water ingress and important things to consider when buying your first motorhome.
Shop Falcon TVs here 👇www.thatleisureshop.com/product-brand/falcon
Find out about Pay Like a Pro here 👇mhmp.info/playlikeapro
🔶 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. 👉 mhmp.info/askmatt
📹 WATCH THE PODCAST Watch and subscribe on YouTube @MotorhomeMatt👉 mhmp.info/watch
LISTEN🔸SUBSCRIBE🔸REVIEW🔸SHARE Help grow our community by leaving a review and sharing on your favourite app👉 mhmp.info/review
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 with the code MATT10.
Thanks for listening!
Monday Nov 27, 2023
Monday Nov 27, 2023
Winter is knocking on our doors, so this week Motorhome Matt and Keith tackle the essential steps to prepare your motorhome or caravan for winter storage.
In the face of persistent wet and cold weather, properly preparing your leisure vehicle for winter is crucial to ensure it stays well-maintained and safe.
Covering everything from security tools to combatting damp to rodent infestations to whether you should store your motorhome on a driveway or a secure facility, this episode takes you through each stage of consideration.
Matt shares valuable advice on the benefits of using a cover - think birdlime, tree sap, and even sneaky thieves - as well as practical tips on choosing, fitting, and maintaining this protective essential.
In the Q&A, Matt answers your most asked questions about preparing leisure vehicles for winter, including caravan covers, batteries and alarms, plus some confusion of towing weight restrictions.
Find out about Pay Like a Pro here 👇mhmp.info/playlikeapro
Download the free guide on preparing your leisure vehicle for winter 👇www.thatleisureshop.com/winter
Shop our Cyber Monday Sale 👇www.thatleisureshop.com
Shop motorhome and caravan covers 👇www.thatleisureshop.com/covers
Shop winter essentials 👇www.thatleisureshop.com/product-tag/winter-essentials
Check out our motorhome storage facility 👇www.mhcstorage.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. 👉 mhmp.info/askmatt
📹 WATCH THE PODCAST Watch and subscribe on YouTube @MotorhomeMatt👉 mhmp.info/watch
LISTEN🔸SUBSCRIBE🔸REVIEW🔸SHARE Help grow our community by leaving a review and sharing on your favourite app👉 mhmp.info/review
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 with the code MATT10.
Thanks for listening!
Monday Nov 20, 2023
Monday Nov 20, 2023
Our favourite topic is back! Matt and Keith are talking toilets once again and unpacking an innovative product changing the way we think about one of our most fundamental products: toilet chemical.
Solbio organic toilet fluid is an eco-friendly, 100% natural solution that has turned traditional chemicals and fluids on its head - and is even safe enough to drink... Yep, stay tuned for that one 🤢
Matt talks with John Morley, UK Sales Distributor to understand how Solbio works, how it is an organic toilet fluid and whether it matches the effectiveness of traditional blue and green toilet chemicals.
In the Q&A Matt tackles your questions on fair motorhome pricing, avoiding scams and technical know-how on awnings and gas cylinders.
Shop Solbio at www.thatleisureshop.com/solbio
🔶 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. 👉 mhmp.info/askmatt
📹 WATCH THE PODCAST Watch and subscribe on YouTube @MotorhomeMatt👉 mhmp.info/watch
LISTEN🔸SUBSCRIBE🔸REVIEW🔸SHARE Help grow our community by leaving a review and sharing on your favourite app👉 mhmp.info/review
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 with the code MATT10.
Thanks for listening!
Monday Nov 13, 2023
Monday Nov 13, 2023
We don't need to inform you that new and used motorhome prices have jumped massively in the last few years... unless you've been living under a rock. But this week, Matt and Keith are looking into the future. Could the price of motorhomes keep going up?
Back at the Motorhome and Caravan Show last month, we spoke with Paul Kirby, aka The Electric Van Man, about what the future holds for vehicle sales, with the shocking revelation that motorhome prices could go up with the introduction of electric.
Despite a disappointing number of EVs on display at the show, this is a change that is coming to our industry. Paul sheds light on the current state of electric motorhomes and the evolving technology in the electric vehicle sector, addressing your concerns about range, safety, licensing, and pricing.
Unpacking the impact of Rishi's 2030 rule change and the zero-emission vehicle mandate, we discuss predictions for diesel-powered motorhomes and the potential challenges in the transition to electric including pricing dynamics, supply and demand issues, and the influence of government regulations on the industry.
In the Q&A we hear from recent buyers about their experiences of purchasing a motorhome, and Matt tackles the topic of whether you should join an owners club.
A huge thank you to our sponsors who supported us at the Motorhome and Caravan Show 2023 👇
🔸 estarli e-bikes🔸 Fiamma 🔸 Falcon Technology🔸 GasStop gas safety valve🔸 Ddipp changing robes🔸 Solbio organic toilet fluid🔸 Motorhome Finance powered by Creative
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. 👉 mhmp.info/askmatt
📹 WATCH THE PODCAST Watch and subscribe on YouTube @MotorhomeMatt👉 mhmp.info/watch
LISTEN🔸SUBSCRIBE🔸REVIEW🔸SHARE Help grow our community by leaving a review and sharing on your favourite app👉 mhmp.info/review
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 with the code MATT10.
Thanks for listening!
Monday Nov 06, 2023
Monday Nov 06, 2023
Matt and Keith are joined this week by The Urban Motorhome himself, Darran, sharing his experience of living in a motorhome in cities and urban areas as a solo traveller.
Darran discusses the challenges and safety concerns associated with urban parking, as well as the importance of being respectful and discreet when choosing parking spots. Whilst encouraging people to consider motorhome living, Darran unpacks some crucial points on choosing a motorhome and how to approach urban parking strategically.
In the news, will there be an overnight parking ban aimed at Bristol van dwellers? A new advisory panel are proposing a ban on parking between 1 am and 4 am on the Downs, a green area in Bristol where some van dwellers have parked for many years.
On the flip side, astonishing revenue figures have been released by Wyre Borough Council from one car park in which they have recently allowed overnight parking.
Matt and Keith discuss the reasons behind the Bristol parking ban and the potential impact on people living in their vans, as well as how other councils can learn from this Wyre Borough Council case study to provide motorhome parking areas.
This week's Q&A features the viability of diesel-converted electric motorhomes, whether all motorhome drivers will need C1 licences in future and travelling with a British vs European dog in the EU.
Read about the proposed parking ban in Bristol ↓https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/overnight-parking-ban-could-introduced-8767204
Read the Wyre Borough Council revenue figures for Central Car Park ↓https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/central_carpark_motorhome_revenu
Check out Darran's content here ↓https://www.theurbanmotorhome.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. 👉 mhmp.info/askmatt
📹 WATCH THE PODCAST Watch and subscribe on YouTube @MotorhomeMatt👉 mhmp.info/watch
LISTEN🔸SUBSCRIBE🔸REVIEW🔸SHARE Help grow our community by leaving a review and sharing on your favourite app👉 mhmp.info/review
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 with the code MATT10.
Thanks for listening!
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.