Motorhome Matt

Welcome back to the Motorhome Matt Podcast for our milestone 150th episode!

This week, Matt and Keith dive into a crucial topic: what to do if your motorhome or caravan is stolen. They break down the steps you should take to maximise your chances of recovery, including how to work effectively with both your tracking company and the police.

In a special interview, Matt speaks with Derek Maltby, a hot air balloonist who faced a harrowing caravan theft. Derek opens up about his experience and shares valuable insights on how the situation unfolded and what he’s learned.

Plus, in our Q&A segment, Ed Cooper seeks advice on road tax changes after upgrading his motorhome. Baz from Auckland is curious about the safety of using UK gas bottle adapters throughout Europe, and Graham McEwan from Preston is debating whether to upgrade to a lithium battery system or go for a portable power bank.

Tune in for all this and more in our 150th episode. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoy the show.

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This week on the Motorhome Matt Podcast, Matt and Keith dive into a new SIM card tailored for motorhomers.

We talk with James Kellock about IQ GO, a new SIM card designed for European travellers. With its flexible data bundles and unique billing features, IQ GO offers something different from the usual options. Find out how it stacks up against other big brands like Smarty and Popit.

In the news, we dive into the Entry/Exit System with crucial updates for anyone planning to travel to the Schengen Zone. Find out how the new visa waiver system ETIAS and the Entry/Exit System could impact your travel plans and how to prepare for the changes.

Our Campsite of the Month takes us to a fantastic year-round site in Catalonia, Spain, nestled between Barcelona and Tarragona. Discover why this spot is perfect for privacy, amenities, and exploring nearby cultural and recreational attractions.

In the Q&A, Marius from South Wales needs advice on carrying an extra bike with a Fiamma bike rack, Pete from Accrington is frustrated with lacklustre dealership sales tactics, and John from Bracknell is facing high insurance costs for his adapted motorhome.

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This week on the Motorhome Matt Podcast, Matt and Keith dive into common mistakes new motorhome owners make—and how to avoid them. From picking the wrong layouts to dealing with tricky toilet mishaps, Matt shares personal experiences and practical tips to enhance your motorhome adventures. Whether it’s understanding layouts or avoiding over-planning, these insights will help you enjoy stress-free travels.

In the news, we’re excited to announce you can support us this week in the British Podcast Awards by voting for our show!

Matt will also be at the Motorhome and Caravan Show at the NEC in October, where he’ll join an expert panel to answer all your motorhome questions. Don’t miss out on the exclusive discount code for tickets.

In our Q&A, Robert inquires about warranties for his Hymer motorhome, Maureen and Bill from New Zealand ask about winter windscreen covers, and Pete from Accrington wants to know about the 2030 electric vehicle legislation affecting motorhomes.

And finally, this week’s product of the week is a stylish and practical accessory for carrying your camping gear, available in various colours. It’s a must-have for your next adventure.

🎟️ MOTORHOME AND CARAVAN SHOW 2024

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Ever wondered what "Thatcham Approval" really means for your motorhome’s safety and why your insurance provider might insist on it? This week, Matt and Keith dive into the world of motorhome and caravan trackers, exploring why choosing the right tracker could be a game-changer for you.

Joining Matt is Guy Carter from GPSBob, a new brand in the motorhome industry with innovative trackers AND subscription models. Guy unpacks the different levels of Thatcham approval and the benefits of various tracker types. Tune in to find out how to select the right tracker for your needs and discover some more affordable options that are new to the market.

In the news segment, vans are being towed away from the Downs in Bristol, sparking a renewed debate on van dwellers and their battles with local councils. What’s behind these new restrictions, and what does it mean for motorhome enthusiasts across the UK? Matt and Keith delve into the implications and how this trend could affect you.

Last but not least, Matt and Keith tackle your questions in our Q&A about motorhome accessibility, the differences between motorhome classes, and even concerns about parking restrictions and declining sales of motorhomes.

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Are you insured when driving off a main highway? In this eye-opening episode, Matt and Keith dive into the complex world of off-road motorhome insurance after a shocking case where a rollover accident left a motorhome uninsured due to being classified as "off-road." 

This incident highlights a bigger issue: the disconnect between the rising popularity of off-road vehicles and insurance coverage With off-road motorhomes becoming more common and users wanting to venture off the beaten track, is it time for insurance companies to update their policies to keep pace?

Matt and Keith explore the nuances of insuring these off-road capable motorhomes and consult with experts from Caravan Guard, MOS Adventure, and Atkinson Vos. They break down what’s covered when you drive on private land versus extreme off-road situations, helping you understand what you need to know to stay protected.

Plus, in our Q&A segment, we tackle listener questions: Luke Worthington wonders about the legality of driving with a table in place, Ian & Sally Shakeshaft and Teresa Emmerson seek advice on removing travel seats from a Bailey motorhome, and Tina debates whether a wheel clamp or pedal box provides better security for your motorhome.

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The Motorhome Matt podcast is brought to you by That Leisure Shop, camping and leisure vehicle accessory specialists.

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This week on the Motorhome Matt Podcast, join us as we delve into the pressing issues currently shaking up the motorhome industry. Matt and Keith explore the recent spate of dealers going into administration, including Broadlane Leisure and Robinsons Caravans, and examine the factors driving these changes and their impact on the wider industry.

Is the motorhome industry really facing a crisis? And if so, what steps can be taken to address it

Matt takes us on a journey through the supply chain, revealing what the evolving landscape means for consumers, dealers, manufacturers, chassis suppliers, and finance providers alike. We discuss how historical events like Brexit and the pandemic have influenced the present situation, but also recognise that they aren’t the only culprits. Plus, we tackle how rising costs are affecting both new and used motorhomes.

We’re also joined by Simon Howard from Bailey of Bristol, who provides valuable insights into how manufacturers cope with the collapse of a dealership and adapt to shifting market conditions. Simon will share how Bailey handles warranty and servicing transitions and the strategies they employ to manage and distribute unsold stock.

In our Q&A segment, we tackle listener questions: Eddie wonders about driving a heavier motorhome in Europe with new EU regulations, Vince seeks advice on towing a motorbike with an A-frame, and Nicholas queries the future of Auto Gas and the feasibility of using commercial tyres on motorhomes.

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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.

This week on the Motorhome Matt podcast, we hear a moving story from Clare Howell, who was defrauded by a motorhome dealership. We spoke with Clare a few months ago about "flipping" motorhomes, as Clare was in the process of selling her Etrusco motorhome. Fast forward to now and Clare sold her motorhome through what she believed was a reputable dealer... but she never received her payment.

Clare then discovered that the dealership was at the heart of a large-scale fraud investigation. Listen in to hear about Clare’s efforts to seek justice and how she is navigating this challenging situation.

Next up, our featured product from That Leisure Shop is a bright orange (of course) windbreak from Maypole. This practical accessory is perfect for your outdoor adventures.

Our "Campsite of the Month" segment takes us to Luxembourg, where we explore Europacamping Nommerlayen, a family-friendly site recommended by Alan Rogers.

Finally, we tackle some of your questions in our Q&A. Colin from Harrow wants to know if he can leave his vehicle jack at home if he’s using tyre gel instead of a spare wheel. Alan from Sevenoaks asks about bike racks and their impact on French toll charges, and Tony, who lives full-time in his motorhome, is looking for advice on adding a diesel heater to improve his heating.

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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.

In today’s episode, Matt and Keith investigate a recent incident where a Hymer MLT motorhome rolled over in the Gorafe desert. Despite the vehicle’s robust four-wheel drive, a failed hill climb led to the motorhome rolling onto its side. Thankfully, its owner, Michelle, her husband, and their dog emerged unscathed.

Michelle sheds light on their experience with their insurance company, which denied her claim for repairs. Matt delves into the specifics of Michelle’s insurance policy, revealing the complexities and potential pitfalls of motorhome insurance cover, especially regarding off-road incidents.

Our Product of the Week is the Sea Monster Hydro ddipp robe, perfect for wild swimming and campsite lounging. Made from 100% recycled materials, including 90 plastic bottles, this eco-friendly robe is a must-have for your adventures.

Finally, in the Q&A, Sally from Perton is looking for an insurance company recommendation, Tom from the Republic of Ireland wonders about insuring a motorhome jointly owned across borders, Fred from Carlisle needs a reliable recovery service for the UK and Europe, and Bob from Luton asks why not invest in better sanitation and water points on the NC 500.

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The Motorhome Matt podcast is brought to you by That Leisure Shop, camping and leisure vehicle accessory specialists. Get 10% off your first order with the code MOTORHOMEMATT. Ready for the adventure. 

This week, Motorhome Matt and Keith delve into the enemy of motorhome owners: water ingress. Matt and Keith offer practical advice on how to prevent motorhome water ingress. They discuss the importance of regular damp checks, smart parking choices, effective cleaning techniques, and diligent sealant maintenance to ensure your motorhome remains dry and secure.

Plus, Alan Rogers is back for another Campsite of the Month. This month we're heading to Ireland for the winners of the Small and Charming Campsite Award. 

In the Q&A, Matthew Barnes from Kent seeks advice on managing electric hookups on campsites. Colin Boardman of Grange-over-Sands asks about beam benders for LED headlights on a Fiat Ducato when driving abroad. Lastly, Steve Saunders from Nottingham raises concerns about securing adequate insurance coverage for his European road trip.

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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.

This week on the Motorhome Matt Podcast, Keith and Matt dive into the ins and outs of motorhome remapping. They explore whether boosting your motorhome's power, torque, and fuel efficiency through remapping is worth it, comparing the cost-effectiveness of this approach to purchasing a more powerful vehicle directly from the manufacturer. 

Joined by Josh from Avon Auto Clinic, we unpack the remapping process in detail, explaining how an auto electrician can reprogram your motorhome's ECU to enhance performance and fuel economy. The conversation covers the benefits, potential impacts on warranties and insurance, and essential considerations before deciding to remap.

In the Q&A, Keith and Matt tackle listener questions. Andy from Harrogate is frustrated with recurring knock sensor issues in his Fiat Ducato, causing delays and trip cancellations Phil from Bristol asks for advice on valuing his Citroen Relay campervan. Finally, Matt from Nailsea inquires about local weighbridges.

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The Motorhome Matt podcast is brought to you by That Leisure Shop, camping and leisure vehicle accessory specialists. Get 10% off your first order with the code MOTORHOMEMATT. Ready for the adventure.