Motorhome Matt

Matt Sims and Keith Gooden
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. The Motorhome Matt podcast is a lighthearted look at the can of worms that is buying, owning, using and selling a motorhome. Discover the industry trends, new developments and future plans for motorhomes and leisure vehicles in the UK and sometimes further afield. Got a question for Matt? Get in touch at mhmp.info/askmatt. Brought to you by That Leisure Shop.

  1. Life After Heart Surgery: One Year On

    5 DAYS AGO

    Life After Heart Surgery: One Year On

    In this episode of the Motorhome Matt podcast, it’s been a year since Matt had his big health scare, and we’re revisiting the journey. From unexpected heart surgery to an ongoing road to recovery, Matt opens up about his physical and mental challenges, and why looking after your health is as important as checking your tyre pressure before a big trip. We also chat with Andrew Dickens, who shares his own health scare, while Keith describes how a severe leg cramp led to a life-changing diagnosis. It’s an open, honest discussion about health—and the importance of getting checked, especially for those of us who sometimes take better care of our vans than ourselves. Plus, this week is the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2025 at the NEC Birmingham, where Matt will be hosting expert panels and teaming up with Andrew Dickens for a fun dessert-making session. Don’t forget—you can save on tickets with the code MATT. Plus in the Q&A, Keith from Worthing asks about tyre puncture sealants and reliable inflators, Lewis from Rotherham shares his insurance problem (and how Ripe stepped up), and Robert from sunny Spain wonders if he’ll be able to drive a 4.25-tonne motorhome on a B licence. ✅ MOTORHOME MATT APPROVEDServices, products and educational resources used and approved by Motorhome Mattmhmp.info/approved 🛒 PRODUCT OF THE WEEKwww.thatleisureshop.com 🛡️ 15% OFF INSURANCEmhmp.info/ripeinsurance ⛺️ CAMPSITE OF THE MONTHmhmp.info/alanrogers ❓ ASK MATTmhmp.info/askmatt 🗓️ UPCOMING EVENTSmhmp.info/events 📹 WATCH ON YOUTUBEmhmp.info/watch 💬 LEAVE A REVIEWmhmp.info/review The Motorhome Matt podcast is brought to you by That Leisure Shop, camping and leisure vehicle accessory specialists. 10% off your first order with the code MOTORHOMEMATT.

    34 min
  2. Simon Calder on motorhomes, ETIAS delays & travel chaos

    FEB 10

    Simon Calder on motorhomes, ETIAS delays & travel chaos

    In this episode of Motorhome Matt, travel expert Simon Calder joins Matt to share his thoughts on motorhomes, European travel rules, and the latest disruptions in the travel industry. While Simon loves the idea of adventure, he reveals why his own motorhome experience was short-lived. What went wrong? Tune in to find out. Simon also unpacks the upcoming ETIAS and EES travel regulations, explaining how they will impact motorhome travellers heading to Europe. With rumours of delays and confusion over what’s required, will these rules actually come into effect soon, or is it all just unnecessary panic?  In the news, Matt and Keith discuss a major gas recall, exclusive discounts for the NEC Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2025, and a stunning campsite in Portugal that could be your next dream destination. And in the Q&A, Matt tackles your biggest motorhome questions. Can you legally run a diesel heater from an external fuel tank? How do you fix a jammed Thetford toilet flap? What’s the process for upping a motorhome’s weight limit? He’s got the answers. ✅ MOTORHOME MATT APPROVEDServices, products and educational resources used and approved by Motorhome Mattmhmp.info/approved 🛡️ 15% OFF INSURANCEmhmp.info/ripeinsurance ⛺️ CAMPSITE OF THE MONTHmhmp.info/alanrogers ❓ ASK MATTmhmp.info/askmatt 🗓️ UPCOMING EVENTSmhmp.info/events 📹 WATCH ON YOUTUBEmhmp.info/watch 💬 LEAVE A REVIEWmhmp.info/review The Motorhome Matt podcast is brought to you by That Leisure Shop, camping and leisure vehicle accessory specialists. 10% off your first order with the code MOTORHOMEMATT.

    18 min
  3. The Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Show 2025 Highlights

    JAN 27

    The Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Show 2025 Highlights

    This week on the Motorhome Matt Podcast, Matt and Keith bring you the latest highlights, news, and expert insights from the Caravan, Motorhome, and Holiday Show 2025! Join Matt as he wanders around the show to get a glimpse into what the industry could have in store for 2025, including exclusive discounts on 2024 motorhomes, if prices are increasing or decreasing, how to make the most of payload solutions with trailers, and the rise of luxury lodges.  Learn about premium pop-top campers and how to get cost-effective solutions for your motorhome’s damaged exterior and interior panels. In the Q&A, Matt answers your questions about converting heating systems to diesel, using SIM cards for motorhome Wi-Fi abroad, and tackling parking challenges for larger vehicles. It’s a jam-packed episode you won’t want to miss! A big thank you to all our guests: Hayden Yates from North Wales Resorts, John Blackman from Ted’s Trailers, Jay Wilson and Mark Butterworth from E S Hartley, Mike Powell from Caravan Panels, Rob Debenham and Ben Myatt from Clarion, Tom Heeney from Landseer, and Kevin from Manchester. ✅ MOTORHOME MATT APPROVEDServices, products and educational resources used and approved by Motorhome Mattmhmp.info/approved 🛒 PRODUCT OF THE WEEKwww.thatleisureshop.com/pathway4g ⛺️ CAMPSITE OF THE MONTHmhmp.info/alanrogers ❓ ASK MATTmhmp.info/askmatt 🗓️ UPCOMING EVENTSmhmp.info/events 📹 WATCH ON YOUTUBEmhmp.info/watch 💬 LEAVE A REVIEWmhmp.info/review The Motorhome Matt podcast is brought to you by That Leisure Shop, camping and leisure vehicle accessory specialists. 10% off your first order with the code MOTORHOMEMATT.

    34 min
  4. From American RV to panel van: Why size matters

    JAN 20

    From American RV to panel van: Why size matters

    This week on the Motorhome Matt podcast, Matt and Keith dive into the age-old debate: is bigger always better? Of course, we're talking about motorhomes. From spacious American RVs to luxurious A-class models and nimble panel van conversions, Matt shares his personal journey through nearly 20 motorhomes, reflecting on the trade-offs and lessons learned along the way. They also address some pressing industry news, including the worrying rise of unsafe gas cylinder refilling practices and the challenges posed by the closure of LPG refill stations.  Plus, in our first Alan Rogers Campsite of the Month in 2025, the spotlight is on Camping Jungfrau in Switzerland—a stunning, year-round destination known for its top-notch facilities and commitment to sustainability. In the Q&A, Matt tackles listener questions about leisure batteries, including how to handle smart alternators and the potential of sodium-ion batteries replacing lithium. He also offers practical advice on water heater odours after periods of disuse. ✅ MOTORHOME MATT APPROVEDServices, products and educational resources used and approved by Motorhome Mattmhmp.info/approved ⛺️ CAMPSITE OF THE MONTHmhmp.info/alanrogers ❓ ASK MATTmhmp.info/askmatt 🗓️ UPCOMING EVENTSmhmp.info/events 📹 WATCH ON YOUTUBEmhmp.info/watch 💬 LEAVE A REVIEWmhmp.info/review The Motorhome Matt podcast is brought to you by That Leisure Shop, camping and leisure vehicle accessory specialists. 10% off your first order with the code MOTORHOMEMATT.

    26 min
  5. Do caravans have a future?

    JAN 6

    Do caravans have a future?

    This week on the Motorhome Matt Podcast, Matt and Keith aim to answer one crucial question: do caravans have a future? They explore the shifting landscape of the caravan industry, discussing declining sales and the challenges facing manufacturers and dealers. Matt sits down with Darren Bull from Atlantic Caravans to unpack factors affecting caravan sales, from the post-pandemic market shift to consumer confidence and economic pressures. With over 20 years of experience, Darren shares valuable insights into what's been happening behind the scenes in the caravan world and what needs to change for caravans to stay relevant in the years to come. Plus, Matt shares the lowdown on two major events in January 2025: the Caravan, Motorhome, and Holiday Show in Manchester, and the Warners Motorhome and Campervan Sale in Kenilworth. Matt will take the stage at the Expert Theatre in Manchester to talk about everything from planning European trips to getting Wi-Fi on the road. Find out how you can get your tickets for free! In the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on winterising motorhomes, bike protection, and insurance tips for non-UK residents. Whether you’re wondering how to protect your motorhome during the cold months or trying to find the right insurance, Matt’s practical advice is just what you need. ✅ MOTORHOME MATT APPROVEDServices, products and educational resources used and approved by Motorhome Mattmhmp.info/approved 🛒 MANCHESTER SHOW TICKETShttps://caravanman.seetickets.com/tour/caravan-motorhome-holiday-show-2025?src=PARTNER&offercode=PTMMPOD ❓ ASK MATTmhmp.info/askmatt 🗓️ UPCOMING EVENTSmhmp.info/events 📹 WATCH ON YOUTUBEmhmp.info/watch 💬 LEAVE A REVIEWmhmp.info/review The Motorhome Matt podcast is brought to you by That Leisure Shop, camping and leisure vehicle accessory specialists. 10% off your first order with the code MOTORHOMEMATT.

    46 min
  6. 2024 Wrap: New Year Special

    12/30/2024

    2024 Wrap: New Year Special

    Happy New Year from the Motorhome Matt Podcast! Matt and Keith are back for our final episode of 2024, where we unpack the trends and challenges the motorhome world has seen this year. We kick things off on a positive note with some of our 2024 highlights, including the launch of our motorhome cleaning products at That Leisure Shop and the success of Motorhome Matt Approved. Despite the growing challenges in the industry, such as rising motorhome prices and the closure of businesses like World of Camping, Matt shares some positive news, including new brands joining the podcast platform and exciting opportunities for innovation. We also look ahead to the future of the motorhome industry, touching on everything from electric vehicles and their impact on the market to the tricky issue of campsite EV charging infrastructure. In the Q&A section, Les asks about the need for a tracker when purchasing a motorhome, Sarah is concerned about her upcoming trip in high winds and whether she should cancel her plans, and Jenny asks about using high-power appliances like microwaves in her off-grid camper van, which is powered by solar panels and a lithium battery system. ✅ MOTORHOME MATT APPROVEDServices, products and educational resources used and approved by Motorhome Mattmhmp.info/approved 🛒 PRODUCT OF THE WEEKwww.thatleisureshop.com/product-brand/that-leisure-shop ❓ ASK MATTmhmp.info/askmatt 🗓️ UPCOMING EVENTSmhmp.info/events 📹 WATCH ON YOUTUBEmhmp.info/watch 💬 LEAVE A REVIEWmhmp.info/review The Motorhome Matt podcast is brought to you by That Leisure Shop, camping and leisure vehicle accessory specialists. 10% off your first order with the code MOTORHOMEMATT.

    31 min

About

Advice, industry insights and an impartial view into the world of motorhomes, caravans, campervans and travel, with the motorhome nerd himself, Matt Sims. The Motorhome Matt podcast is a lighthearted look at the can of worms that is buying, owning, using and selling a motorhome. Discover the industry trends, new developments and future plans for motorhomes and leisure vehicles in the UK and sometimes further afield. Got a question for Matt? Get in touch at mhmp.info/askmatt. Brought to you by That Leisure Shop.

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