Motorhome Matt

Where can you park in a motorhome?

Get ready to dive into the maze that is where you're allowed to park your motorhome or campervan. Join Matt as he manoeuvres through the dos and don'ts of park ups, unpacking local restrictions, understanding signage, and whether you are allowed to stop in a lay-by. Did you know that there are rules that may even restrict parking on your very own driveway?
We are also joined by Darran, The Urban Motorhome, who shares invaluable insights on parking up overnight based on his years of living in a motorhome.
🔶 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!

Choosing the right type of gas

Have you ever wondered why there are so many different types and colours of gas bottles? Or why propane is commonly used in motorhomes and campervans? And what's the deal with the cost of patio gas? Join us this week as we journey into the different types of gas you can buy for your motorhome and caravan.
Plus, we unpack the recent update from Calor, who made the decision to discontinue two popular gas bottles, affecting thousands of campervan and marine owners. 
🔶 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!

What is the future of electric motorhomes? Live from Campervan Campout

In this special episode recorded LIVE on stage at Campervan Campout 2023, Matt delves into what the future holds for electric motorhomes with industry experts Paul Kirby, The Electric Van Man from EV Essentials, and Ryan Bowdidge, Leisure Vehicle Manager at Ford Pro Special Vehicles.
With the imminent 2035 deadline, where all new vehicles must be zero emission, we ponder whether electric motorhomes are truly the way forward. Will any new leisure vehicles be prepared for 2035, or are other alternatives worth exploring?
We scratch the surface of this vast topic and answer your submitted questions about range anxiety, the environmental impacts of battery manufacturing, the state of production, the capability of infrastructure, and the effect on payloads.
Plus, we gain insights into Ford Motor Company's plans for the future and uncover an intriguing revelation regarding the VW transporter.
🔶 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!

Travelling with kids and the Bailey Sahara Challenge

A big family holiday - it doesn't need to cause stress and panic! Utilising his many years of motorhome holidays with his young kids, Matt unpacks his top tips on travelling with kids. Joined by his third youngest, Reuben, they chat about the unforgettable memories motorhome holiday create. 
From the "rule of three", what to do when it rains, rules and regulations and the importance of not over-planning, Matt and Keith cover a range of crucial topics that will help make your family holiday a success. 
Matt also heads down the road to visit Bailey of Bristol to discuss their recent Sahara Challenge. Matt's first question is what drove them to the decision to take a range of caravans and motorhomes to Morocco? And, most importantly, were they up to the task? 
Plus, in the news this week we revisit the topic of smart motorways after some significant changes announced by Government. 
🔶 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! 

How to prevent motorhome theft

Motorhome and caravan thefts have reportedly reached an all-time high, which comes as no surprise given the increasing number of leisure vehicles on the road. So, how can you minimise your risk of vehicle theft? 
Based on his extensive experience of owning and managing a fleet of hire motorhomes, Matt provides practical tips for securing your vehicle. 
Additionally, Matt spoke with Caravan Guard, a specialist insurer, to determine the most effective security measures for protecting your vehicle, including which measures carry a premium discount for insurance purposes and which measures are required for proper insurance coverage.
In the news this week, have you ever experienced a postcode lottery when it comes to breakdown response times? Matt and Keith discuss two different experiences with the same breakdown company in two distinct areas.
This episode is sponsored by GasStop, the easy-to-install 100% shut-off emergency valve that protects you and your leisure vehicle. Get yours at www.thatleisureshop.com/gasstop and use the code GASSTOP at checkout to save £5. 
🔶 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!

Choosing the right leisure battery

Do you ever find yourself walking into a store to buy a leisure battery, only to feel lost and unsure of which one to choose? With so many different types available, it can be challenging to know which is the right fit for your caravan, campervan, or motorhome. 
Matt teams up with BBL Batteries to shed some light on the most common types of leisure batteries, including wet lead acid, EFB, AGM, and lithium and when they're the right choice for you. 
Plus, we address some important questions from our audience, including a shocking story about thieves lurking at motorway services and whether add-ons increase the resale value of your motorhome.
This episode is sponsored by GasStop, the easy-to-install 100% shut-off emergency valve that protects you and your leisure vehicle. Get yours at www.thatleisureshop.com/gasstop and use the code GASSTOP at checkout to save £5. 
🔶 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! 

Different types of campsites and how to save

Have you ever found yourself scratching your head when it comes to deciphering the acronyms used for campsites and camping?In this episode, Matt and Keith delve into the world of campsites and unpack the meaning behind various acronyms, such as CL and CS, and how to save money on your campsite stays.
We interview the team from ACSI to provide insights into their money-saving membership and guide and an owner of a CL campsite who launched a booking platform. 
Matt also speaks once again to David Whitehead, Director of Technical Services at the National Caravan Council, who shares valuable tips on how to determine the payload of your vehicle and why type approval has an impact on your speed limit restriction.
This episode is sponsored by GasStop, the easy-to-install 100% shut-off emergency valve that protects you and your leisure vehicle. Get yours at www.thatleisureshop.com/gasstop and use the code GASSTOP at checkout to save £5.
🔶 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!

CAMpRA: What is an aire?

What is an aire and can you use them in the UK?
Originating from France, an aire is a designated area where motorhomes and campervans can legally park overnight and they are commonly used on the continent. While aires exist in the UK, they can be few and far between.
The Campaign for Real Aires (CAMpRA) is a UK-based organization that aims to increase the number of aires in the country, providing motorhomers and caravanners more options for safe, authorized overnight parking and helping to prevent unauthorised "wild camping" and park-ups.
At the Yorkshire Motorhome and Campervan Show 2023, Matt spoke with CAMpRA to unpack what defines an aire, their success in helping to open over 120 UK sites and how you can support the campaign.
Find out more at https://campra.org.uk/
This episode is brought to you by GasStop, the easy-to-install 100% shut-off emergency valve that protects you and your leisure vehicle. Get yours at www.thatleisureshop.com/gasstop and use the code GASSTOP at checkout to save £5.
🔶 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!

Who is Alan Rogers anyway?

Since 1968, the Alan Rogers guidebook has been an essential tool for finding the perfect campsite for your travels throughout Europe. But this week we're asking, who is Alan Rogers?
At the NEC Caravan, Camping and Motorhome show in February 2023, we spoke with Rob Fearn, editor at Alan Rogers, and asked him this exact question.
Rob shared with us some of the histories of this fantastic guidebook, what sets it apart and recent changes in the organisation. Plus, we expose a growing interest in a different type of campsite... 🍑
Find out more about Alan Rogers here → https://alanrogers.com
This episode is sponsored by the award-winning Riverside Caravan Park at High Bentham in North Yorkshire, a third-generation independent caravan park nestled between the Yorkshire Dales, The Lake District and the Forest of Bowland. Find out more at https://www.riversidecaravanpark.co.uk
ASK MATT
Amy from Christchurch asked Matt about buying a Category N vehicle and we asked Caravan Guard for their thoughts on this. They were kind enough to send this official response, which we have quoted in the episode. Thanks for your question, Amy!
We can insure a category N motorhome, but there are a number of considerations.
As a previous ‘write-off’, even when repaired it is likely to be worth less than the market value of an equivalent non-write-off, so it can be difficult to put a valuation on the unit, especially in a volatile price market as we have currently. Having all relevant paperwork, recent photos etc would help put a valuation on the unit should something happen.
If it was written off due to parts not being available and the repair did not put it back in the same condition as before, we are unlikely to accept it as the same thing could happen in the event of a future claim.
If it was written off due to cosmetic damage (for example hailstone damage to panels but not structural) and it has not been repaired, we are unlikely to insure this.
If satisfactory repairs have been completed, backed up by a full report from the repairer or a motor engineer, then we will consider insuring it. Each insurer is different and we wouldn’t necessarily charge more, it’s more a case of acceptability. Similar to buying any vehicle that has previously been a write-off, you are more than likely limiting your choice of insurers and also resale customers as many can be put off.
In conclusion, do your homework on the vehicle, get as much information as possible, make sure you can insure it before you commit to buying and consider what future buyers may require from you if you come to sell it. 
🔶 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!

Lithium batteries: Does your motorhome need one?

This week, Matt and Keith take a deep dive into the new technology of lithium leisure batteries, how they work and whether you actually need one for your motorhome, campervan or caravan.
Lithium batteries are becoming more popular in leisure vehicles, with many people deciding to replace their more traditional wet lead acid batteries, but they are a much bigger initial investment. Matt shines a light on the questions you should ask yourself and your installer before committing, from usage, replacing old batteries, solar charging and the full costs involved.
We also drop in on Oakleigh, from the award-winning Bristol Caravans, to get his take on what types of circumstances might make a lithium battery worthwhile.
🔶 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!

Do you need specialist motorhome insurance?

Why should you consider specialist motorhome, campervan or caravan insurance? Matt speaks with the senior team from specialist insurer, Caravan Guard, to ask the questions that you've sent in about motorhome insurance, including DIY campervan conversions, living in a motorhome and breakdown cover.
Listen in to find out why a specialist policy could mean that you are better protected, properly insured and fully covered in the event of a claim.
Matt also discusses the new C1 licence review that The Department of Transport is currently putting together to present to Parliament this year. If passed, it would mean anyone with a UK driving licence could drive up to 7.5 tonnes, as they could before 1st January 1997.
Matt interviews David Whitehead, Director of Technical Services from the National Caravan Council, for their view on the review and what it would mean for our industry.
Find out more about Caravan Guard here → www.caravanguard.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!

Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show 2023 Highlights: Part 2

It's part 2 of our highlights from The Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show 2023. This time we talk about documenting travels with the Roaming Radfords; the family behind Fiamma with their co-director, Charles; shark bites and "wild camping" with Sarah Roberts and ask Excel Marine why there are so many boats at a motorhome and caravan show!
Matt shows off his new favourite gadget, a fantastic product that continually tests for damp in your leisure vehicle. An industry revolution, maybe?
We also drop back to see CampervanCo to see how their all-electric campervan was received by show-goers.
Full video interviews featured in this episode will be available to view at youtube.com/motorhomematt, so be sure to head over and hit subscribe to be notified of new releases.
🔶 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!