Motorhome Matt Matt Sims

We're 100! 🎉 🎂 🥳 Before we start, Keith and I would just like to thank all of you for listening and supporting the podcast so far. Here's a toast to you all – cheers to a hundred more episodes! 🍻
Now, onto today's subject: what is Vanlife? Can you believe it's our 100th episode and we're still exploring the depths of this global phenomenon? From a trending hashtag to a lifestyle embraced by van-dwellers worldwide, Vanlife has become a cultural force. But, who gets to claim the title of being Vanlife?
Lately, we've noticed a rising tide of opinions and even hostility, particularly towards those in pre-built manufactured motorhomes and campervans, with people creating their own definitions of the movement.
So, we decided to dive deep into the heart of it. Seeking those who live, travel and work in their leisure vehicles, we posed the question: "How do you define Vanlife, and what does it mean to you?" in an attempt to unravel the mystery.
A big shoutout to our contributors for this episode: Linzi from Quirky Campers, Wandering Bird, Shuvon Shuvoff, Roaming Radfords, Slowly Wilding, Vanlove Fest, These Wild Journeys, Adventure Overland Show, and The Urban Motorhome.
Did we manage to demystify Vanlife? Join us as we navigate through diverse viewpoints. We're thrilled to share this milestone episode with you, and who knows, by the end, we might just crack the code on what Vanlife truly means.
In the Q&A we tackle charging your solar panels when using a motorhome cover, the form you need to take with you when travelling on the continent and a tripping heating system.
We are proud to partner with Wandering Bird. If you're new to motorhoming and need tips on touring Europe, going off-grid or maintaining your motorhome then check out the Wandering Bird website at www.wandering-bird.com. Plus, use the code MOTORHOMEMATT to save 10% on all her really useful guides and books.
🔶 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 over £100 with the code MOTORHOMEMATT.
Thanks for listening!

This week we're taking you back to Caravan Salon in Dusseldorf, where many manufacturers appeared to be playing it safe, but one company stood out with trailblazing innovation. 
Known for its diesel heating systems, whose days are numbered as we move to EV, Webasto has not been sitting back and waiting. Instead, they're venturing into exciting new territory. We had the privilege of sitting down with Sebastian Sonnek, Head of Systems at Webasto, who shared fascinating insights.
One innovation we discovered is a diesel heater designed for retrofitting into electric cars, providing efficient fossil-fueled heating whilst extending the electric vehicle's range during chilly winters. With lower temperatures affecting electric vehicle range and the need for warmth further reducing it, this 5-litre diesel tank-fed system offers a game-changing solution during the transitional period to all-electric. Plus, this system can even be used on eFuels.
That's not all. Webasto's second game-changer is a complete battery management system that not only maintains optimal battery temperatures but also heats the living space in your vehicle. Already deployed in several German buses and with future plans for leisure vehicles, this ingenious system is a testament to Webasto's commitment to shaping the future of this industry.
Plus, in the news this week we discuss the viability of diesel motorhomes being converted to electric and in the Q&A it's more gas, more gas!
Shop Kontrol 👇www.thatleisureshop.com/product-brand/kontrol
This episode is sponsored by Fiamma, top-quality bike racks, awnings, and leisure vehicle accessories with dedicated after-sales. Find out more at www.fiamma.it/en.
🔶 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 over £100 with the code MOTORHOMEMATT.
Thanks for listening!

Join us on an exciting journey as we explore the Adria stand at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf 2023. Adria, renowned for innovation, unveils its remarkable lineup, including the stunning Supersonic, Coral, and Matrix models. But the real showstopper is the highly anticipated new Adria Twin, now built on the MAN chassis.
In this episode, Matt delves into this daring move by Adria, breaking down the key features and innovations made to overcome the challenges of this new chassis. We're joined by Mash Vanstone, National Account Manager, who provides us with an exclusive first look at the Adria Twin on the MAN chassis.
Exciting news awaits as we reveal details of how you can see and order the Adria Twin on the MAN chassis. Although, there will be only a very limited number of units will be available. While the exact price is yet to be confirmed, we anticipate it to be in excess of £90,000.
But that's not all! We also explore Adria's forward-thinking approach, giving you a sneak peek into their 2025 Twin models on the FIAT Ducato chassis. Tune in to discover the future of motorhome innovation with Adria.
In the Q&A, Matt and Keith unpack your questions on recovery drivers, installing refillable LPG systems and winterising your motorhome.
This episode is sponsored by Fiamma, top-quality bike racks, awnings, and leisure vehicle accessories with dedicated after-sales. Find out more at www.fiamma.it/en.
🔶 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 over £100 with the code MOTORHOMEMATT.
Thanks for listening!

Join Matt this week as he sits down with Kat Bird, aka Wandering Bird. In this engaging conversation, Kat shares her incredible journey from conventional life to full-time motorhome living, all while building a successful brand around her adventures. Discover her insights into the motorhome industry and learn how she's helping individuals embrace solo travel and overcome their fears. 
Dive deep into her experiences in Iceland, mental health, and the challenges and rewards of being a solopreneur and growing a successful website in the travel and leisure space. Tune in and get inspired by Kat's passion for motorhoming and her dedication to helping others make the most of their free time.
In the news, Matt and Keith focus on the all-new Ford Nugget, shown at the recent Caravan Salon. Matt discusses his first impressions of the van conversion, its unique layout, and its practicality for both families and couples. Plus, we also explore the impact of mainstream car manufacturers like Ford entering the campervan market.
In the audience Q&A, Matt and Keith unpack your questions on rear-view cameras and the different options available in the market and a throwback to our previous episode on emptying your cassette toilet down your toilet at home.
Find out more about Kat's books and courses online at www.wandering-bird.com and use the code MOTORHOMEMATT for 10% off.
This episode is sponsored by Fiamma, top-quality bike racks, awnings, and leisure vehicle accessories with dedicated after-sales. Find out more at www.fiamma.it/en.
🔶 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 over £100 with the code MOTORHOMEMATT.
Thanks for listening!

Join us for a special episode as we take you inside the bustling Caravan Salon 2023 in Dusseldorf! Discover the latest trend towards self-sufficiency and off-grid living in motorhomes and campervans. 
Learn how familiar names like Adria and Roller Team offer a broader range than you might expect and that there are some brands on the continent you may have never heard of.
The tech nerd he is, Matt uncovers his highlights of the show on a much smaller stand, very easy to miss as you walk around. This is a future-gazing product that could solve many issues facing our industry.
Surprisingly, electric vehicle innovation is still in its early stages at the show, with only a few notable exceptions. Is it that the big manufacturers are biding their time, allowing smaller, innovative businesses to take the lead in creating and testing new EV products? 
Our industry thrives on innovation, and these pioneers are paving the way for a greener future in motorhomes. Caravan Salon provides a stage to showcase these new products and drive our industry forward. Join us for an exciting journey through the future of motorhomes, caravans and campervans.
In the news, there's another motorhome being dragged into politics! Although, this one doesn't have a big slogan and didn't cost hundreds of thousands of pounds. 
In the Q&A, Matt answers your queries about Crit'Air stickers and insuring your new, more expensive, motorhome.
This episode is sponsored by Fiamma, top-quality bike racks, awnings, and leisure vehicle accessories with dedicated after-sales. Find out more at www.fiamma.it/en.
🔶 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 over £100 with the code MOTORHOMEMATT.
Thanks for listening!

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 discuss some of their new services. However, as you'll soon hear, it didn't go to plan...
In the Q&A, Matt and Keith also address your inquiries about refilling with LPG in France, and why specific dispensers might be causing refilling hiccups. And of course, we revisit the ongoing conversation about toilet and grey waste matters.
This episode is sponsored by Fiamma, top-quality bike racks, awnings, and leisure vehicle accessories with dedicated after-sales. Find out more at www.fiamma.it/en.
🔶 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!