Motorhome Matt

This week, we invited and arranged for the RAC to join us. We've previously spoken to Edmund King, President of The AA, and engaged with responses from other breakdown services. Paul Coward, the CEO of RAC's servicing, maintenance and repair division, contacted us after Matt's recent positive experience with RAC cover. He recommended Simon Williams from their Communications team to join us to disc...

Heating and hot water control systems are usually determined by the manufacturer when buying a motorhome, caravan or campervan and they can often be overlooked. This week, Matt and Keith, as they tackle the question: should the control system influence your decision of which motorhome to buy? From the different types available to how they stack up against each other, Matt and Keith break down the...

Flipping motorhomes: a risk or a reward in waiting? This week, Matt and Keith rewind to the 2020 surge in motorhome prices, fueled by demand and supply disruptions, leading to up to 25% spikes in retail prices but with hugely extended wait times.  Some buyers adopted a smart strategy, purchasing a secondhand motorhome to enjoy while waiting for their new one. Jump to 2023 as their new motorhomes a...

Nobody likes to think of the worst happening, but do you have a plan for if you become ill or injured on your motorhome holiday? This week, Matt shares a challenging experience from a recent trip when he fell and broke a rib, sparking the realisation of how vulnerable we can be on the road. What if you find yourself in a situation where you can no longer drive and need urgent assistance? Will brea...

The electrification of cars, vans, and lorries is undoubtedly on the horizon, and it's only natural that motorhomes will follow suit. But what exactly does this journey towards electrification look like? What challenges do we face, and how will a plug-in electric drive chain impact our beloved motorhomes?  These are questions we need to address, and this week I am doing so with Jon Gooch from Life...

This week Matt and Keith delve into the exciting world of motorhome-based work, where an increasing number of people are not only living but also working on the road.  Joining Matt is the wonderful Professor Alice Roberts, known for her BBC series "Digging for Britain." Alice shares her first-hand experience of working and living on set in a motorhome provided by Motorhome Holiday Company, includi...

Most motorhomers know the importance of using eco-friendly chemicals when emptying into a septic tank, but what about pouring toilet chemical into a main sewer-connected toilet like many of us have at home? On this episode of the Motorhome Matt Podcast, we delve into the contentious topic of where to empty your toilet cassette waste. In a previous episode, Matt mentioned that it was acceptable to...

At the end of 2021, the government controversially decided that you no longer need to take a test to tow a caravan or trailer. Join Motorhome Matt this week as we explore these towing rule changes and how they've impacted the industry 18 months on. We speak with Sharon Sparkes, a seasoned instructor from Mendip Towing Training, who shares her insights into the driver training industry and how inst...

What are the challenges faced by many in finding and using electric vehicle charging points? This week, Motorhome Matt delves into the pressing issue that is the EV charging infrastructure in an enlightening conversation with Simon Hastelow, Senior Marketing Manager at Hydra EVC, a leading EV charger manufacturer.  Matt unpacks the implications for campsites and how they can implement and afford t...

Join us in this episode as Motorhome Matt tackles the pressing question: who bears the cost of transitioning to a net zero carbon world? We address the scepticism surrounding the UK's efforts in light of pollution from countries like China and India. Fact or pub myth?  In part 2 of our interview with Graeme Cooper, Global Vice President of Energy Transition at Jacobs and former Head of Future Mark...

As the EV revolution gains momentum and the 2035 deadline approaches, the pressing question remains: How will we achieve net zero emissions for cars and vans? In the first of this two-part episode, Matt sits down with Graeme Cooper, former Head of Future Markets at National Grid and current Global Vice President of Energy Transition at Jacobs. As a renowned expert in the field, even appearing on B...

This week, Matt and Keith delve into the world of motorhome buying scams, equipping you with the essential knowledge to avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes. Join us as we uncover common scams, discuss crucial checkpoints when evaluating a motorhome's condition, and explore the ins and outs of purchasing from a reputable dealer or going private. Tune in and arm yourself with the tools to mak...

This week, discover Ford's upcoming plans for motorhomes, both diesel and electric as we sit down with Ford Pro's Leisure Vehicle Manager, Ryan Bowdidge. Usually concealed behind motorhome converters and manufacturers, this episode is a unique and exciting opportunity to hear direct from Ford about their plans for the leisure industry.  Ryan shares exclusive details about the all-new Transit, Tran...

Does the UK have an issue with breakdown service level disparity? This week, Matt recounts his awful breakdown service experience, being stranded on a dark 60mph road and waiting anxiously for 15.5 hours for the patrol to arrive. Matt and Keith unpack various encounters with breakdown services in the UK, reflect on the stark difference in response times and discuss whether more could be done to re...

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 M...

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 popula...

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 motorhome...

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-pl...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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 li...

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 insu...