Motorhome Matt

We’re here at the big show! Yes, it's the Motorhome and Caravan Show 2022 at the NEC Birmingham. We are in for an exciting week and there are hundreds of brand-new motorhomes and caravans getting ready for you to view. We will be here all week recording for the podcast, plus producing and releasing new videos every day on YouTube. Head to our channel where we will be reviewing highlights of the sh...

Ever wondered what the difference is between a motorhome, campervan or van conversion? What does A class, B class or C class mean? And what on earth is a semi-integrated motorhome? Have no fear, Motorhome Matt is here. This week, Matt and Keith unpack all the different types of motorhomes and tell you all the important terminology. If you're looking to buy a leisure vehicle this is crucial to make...

Often referred to as the silent assassin, damp in motorhomes and caravans is an owner's nightmare. It can be expensive to repair and hard to spot, yet it is relatively easy to avoid if you know what to do. So, what causes damp issues in motorhomes? What are the signs of dampness in a leisure vehicle? How do you fix it and, even better, what can you do to prevent it in the first place? In this epis...

Motorhome and campervan prices have increased significantly in the last few years and visitors to exhibitions and dealer showrooms could be surprised to see 20%+ increases in retail prices on both new and used motorhomes. That means financing your dream leisure vehicle purchase might be something you have to consider to help secure the deal. But how does motorhome, caravan and campervan financing...

Do you know if you are travelling safely in your motorhome or campervan? This week, Matt and Keith dive deep into three commonly misunderstood or even unheard of regulations, including seatbelts, the condition of your vehicle and loading. Can children sit in the passenger seat? How do you install extra seatbelts? What on earth is a dynamic load? Discussing the UK and abroad, Matt explains the cruc...

It’s the end of the summer season! For us motorhomers and caravanners that can mean more than just shorter days. It's a time when many owners consider selling their leisure vehicle before having to store it for the winter. So, how do you go about selling your motorhome to achieve the most money whilst experiencing the least hassle? Motorhome Matt is here to explain and unpack all the options avail...

It’s show season again with a choice of regional and national motorhome shows to attend. The big one coming up soon is The Motorhome and Caravan Show at the NEC in Birmingham this October. This is the UK's biggest indoor show with a huge range of new motorhomes and caravans on display. Plus, there are outdoor shows taking place across the country featuring new and used leisure vehicles as well as...

Thinking of heading to France in your motorhome? Then there are some crucial differences in travelling and driving that you need to know. Have no fear, Matt is here with his 3 top tips for motorhome travel in France. From the well-established low-emission zones put in place in many French cities to differences in gas systems on the continent, this episode unpacks everything you need to know and wh...

As travelling tourists in our motorhomes, campervans and caravans, we have a unique ability to make an impact on the local economies we visit. Staying in a destination means that we can spend money and help small businesses be it cafes, shops, attractions or campsites. In this special episode, we are doing something a little different. Matt has been challenged to source a motorhome feast all from...

This week, Motorhome Matt and Keith Gooden take a closer look at crucial driving laws in the UK and on the continent that you need to know when taking your motorhome, campervan or caravan out for your next adventure. Whether you’re a leisure holiday newbie or a seasoned traveller, we’re sure you’ll learn something new and useful - so dive into the nitty gritty and bring yourself (legally) up to sp...

This week we're talking about proper campsite etiquette. What is the first thing you should do when you arrive at a campsite? How do you pick a spot? How on earth do you avoid annoying every other camper in the field whilst also enjoying your own getaway? Not only have we received questions from first-time campers, caravanners and motorhomers, but also requests from campsites to unpack this topic!...

This week, Matt unpacks the puzzle of payload. Listen in to find out everything you need to know, including what payload actually is, how you can confirm yours and what you can do to maximise it. Matt also warns of the dangers of exceeding your payload, both to your licence and to the lives of you, your passengers and others around. It might seem confusing, a little tedious, or even something not...

Meet JoJo and Barrie, aka Feasts and Fables (respectively). JoJo is the cook with a passion for food, whilst Barrie is the storyteller. Following working lives, then the successful launch of a deli in South Wales they decided to do something different. In January 2020, they sold up to do vanlife! 2 years on, they now live full time in their converted van with simple pleasures and simple life. Thei...

This week, Matt caught up with friends Paul & Michelle Lacey, a married couple who took early retirement, sold up and headed off to pursue a new dream. And when we say sold up, we really mean sold up! The house, the cars, the appliances, all of it! Their plan? Head off in the motorhome and travel for at least 3 years. If you've ever had the same dream, these guys may just be the final piece of ins...

We don't have to tell you twice: Life is getting more expensive. Fuel, energy, the weekly shop and general day-to-day living costs are all on the rise. But what impact is this having on tourism businesses? Keith asks Matt about his experience as a motorhome hire business and camping shop owner. Is there really a slowdown? Are people changing their spending habits? Matt looks into his crystal ball...

The freedom of the open road is beckoning! All you need is a campervan or motorhome, food and drink and a sense of adventure, right? Not quite. There's also the budget to use it. So, what does it cost to own a luxury camper or motorhome? As always, Matt is on hand to share his expertise and first-hand experience.  Road tax, insurance, servicing and maintenance are just a few of the things you'll n...

Need to power your motorhome coffee machine? Fancy an off-grid movie night? This week, Matt and Keith talk through ways you can get maximum power from your motorhome battery. Matt unpacks everything you need to know about leisure battery types, solar panels and inverters. Find out the applications and the considerations you need to know to ensure you can power up your motorhome electrics whilst of...

Rising fuel prices are making motorhome, campervan and caravan holidays more expensive. Are there any habits you can adopt to make the journey a little cheaper? Driving green is not only better for the environment, but it also saves you money and keeps your vehicle in better condition for longer! In this episode, Matt gives his top 10 tips for greener driving, centred around fuel efficiency whilst...

The latest trends, a new festival and a website for campervan and motorhome fans! There are many exciting things happening in the industry right now and this week Matt is diving into the latest trends and events. First up, Matt shares some insights into the new modern movement in camping equipment and accessories, including luxury furniture ranges that could have been pulled straight out of a desi...

This week Matt caught up with an old friend and industry mover and shaker, Simon McGrath, who is one of the senior team members at the Camping and Caravanning Club . Matt talks with Simon about the rise in the cost of living and how this could impact camping and campsite use. Could it make campsite destination holidays more popular in the UK? Have you ever wondered about joining a caravan, motorho...

Less camping and more glamping? It certainly seems to be a trend in the last few years as more people in motorhomes, caravans and campervans turn to UK campsites as a holiday destination. There are huge changes taking place that Matt has found intriguing to observe, not least being the ever-expanding price range of tents and camping gear, with plenty of products coming to the market that wouldn't...

Like any industry, a lot goes on behind the scenes of the leisure and motorhome industry. And like any industry, it’s usually a small number of talented, gifted and experienced individuals that influence and impact what we, the consumers, see and hear. Graham Powell is one of those individuals. Matt and Graham are old friends, having built numerous projects together and sharing much in common; fro...

What do you need to consider when finding storage for your motorhome, caravan or campervan? In this episode, Matt discusses everything you need to consider, including access, different types of storage and all the questions you should ask a storage operator. What are the risks of saving some money to keep your leisure vehicle on your drive, or even in a farmer's barn? This episode is sponsored by...

From one customer’s M5 breakdown and absentee owner to another that lost hundreds of pounds in non-negotiable “extras” after signing their contract; you better believe Matt's heard many motorhome hire horror stories over the years. To save you time, money and stress, he's here again for another episode to tell you the six common things that could ruin your motorhome hire holiday and, of course, to...

Leaving a leisure vehicle unattended is something we all do, but how do you keep your motorhome or caravan secure when it is parked in storage or even on your drive? Matt and Keith dive deep into the best security devices that you might consider fitting to your vehicle. There are many commonly used solutions, as well as some recent innovative products. Listen in to hear Matt's top tips, suggestion...