Winter Motorhome Essentials: Protect Your Van from Damage
It’s that time of year again. The days are shorter, the weather’s wetter, and if your motorhome is heading into winter storage—or you’re planning to travel in your motorhome during winter—you’ll want to make sure you’re fully prepared. In this episode of the Motorhome Matt Podcast, Matt and Keith share their top winter motorhome essentials, covering everything from damp prevention and rodent control to security gear and safety kit you shouldn’t leave home without.
We explore the full motorhome winter checklist, including battery care, covers, gas and water tips, and how to keep your waste tank from freezing. Matt even revisits a controversial opinion on one of the hottest debated items in winter storage, and admits he’s changed his tune.
Plus, we talk all things NEC National Motorhome and Caravan Show 2025, where to find us, how to claim your free orange podcast bag, and how to get a discount on your show tickets.
In the Q&A, Matt tackles Malibu vs Adria motorhomes and whether a campervan sat nav shows more accurate speed than your dashboard.
If you’ve ever wondered what to put in your motorhome for winter, how to stop mould in cupboards, or what chocolate can tell you about mice, this one’s for you.
❄️ WINTER GUIDE
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New vs Used Motorhomes: What Motorhome Dealers Really Think
Thinking of buying a motorhome? One of the biggest questions you’ll face is whether to go new or used. In this episode of the Motorhome Matt Podcast, recorded live at the Southwest Motorhome and Campervan Show, Matt gets into a lively debate with two experienced dealers and a leading industry journalist, each offering a very different take on the question.
Matt is joined on stage by Sarah Foord (Southwest Motorhomes), Tom Lower (Somerset Motorhome Centre), and Peter Vaughan (Out and About Live) for an honest and open discussion about finding the right motorhome for you, the current state of the market, and what every buyer should know before making a purchase.
Back in the studio, Matt and Keith cover the latest news from the UK motorhome scene, including expanded insurance options for campervans and self-builds, and the official opening of That Leisure Shop at Chelston, just off the M5.
In the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on whether campervans are really less prone to damp than motorhomes, how warranty cover works for adapted vehicles, and whether you’re allowed to bring your own food into a motorhome show (you might be surprised).
Whether you’re looking at brand-new models with 10-year warranties or eyeing up a nearly-new bargain, this episode is packed with dealer insight, practical advice, and straight-talking commentary on what really affects motorhome prices, values, and buying decisions today.
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54:51
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54:51
How to Buy a Motorhome with Finance in 2025
Not sure how best to fund your motorhome purchase? In this episode of the Motorhome Matt Podcast, Matt and Keith take a deep dive into the world of motorhome finance, helping you understand your options whether you're buying your first van or upgrading to your dream setup.
From spreading the cost with long-term hire purchase agreements to understanding why a personal loan might not always be the right move, Matt is joined by Steven Blake from Motorhome.Finance to unpack the key differences between HP, PCP, remortgages, credit cards, and more. They also cover what to watch out for when it comes to regulated vs non-regulated lending, credit checks, and early settlement penalties.
With winter storage season creeping up, Matt also shares his top tips on how to clean and protect your motorhome using a new range of products developed specifically for motorhomes and caravans. If you’re dealing with black streaks, bug splatter, or just want a proper winter prep routine, this bit’s for you.
In this week’s listener Q&A, Matt answers your questions on:
What makes a motorhome truly winterised
Whether a diesel heater is worth the investment
The best steering wheel locks for security
And how to keep your solar panels working under a cover
Whether you’re in the market for a new motorhome, planning your winter maintenance, or just want to avoid costly mistakes, this episode is packed with practical advice and real talk.
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59:50
From Stents to Surgery: A Serious Turn in Matt’s Heart Health
This week on the Motorhome Matt Podcast, Matt shares a dramatic health update that’s set to change the course of 2025, and possibly the future of the podcast.
Long-time listeners may remember his heart scare last year, when he narrowly avoided a serious heart attack and underwent surgery to fit stents. But what started with a persistent cough and shoulder ache has now led to something far more serious.
In this episode, Matt and Keith sit down for an honest and open conversation about what’s happened since, the warning signs missed, and the major operation now on the horizon.
Joining Matt is bFrank, a wellness duo helping him prepare for his journey to recovery. They dive into some practical, impactful lifestyle changes that can benefit anyone, especially those of us who spend time on the road in our motorhomes, campervans or caravans. From easy nutrition wins to surprisingly simple fitness habits, this is about realistic health advice for real life.
And in this week’s Q&A, Matt tackles a hefty fine after a ferry trip, the tricky business of towing cover, and a water system fault that’s raising a few eyebrows.
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41:24
How Motorhome Manufacturers Respond to a Market Slowdown
What really happens to a manufacturer when the motorhome industry slows down? In this episode, Matt sits down with Bailey of Bristol’s Simon Howard for a unique and honest discussion about how one of the UK’s biggest motorhome and caravan manufacturers handles falling demand, overstocked dealers, and nervous buyers.
If you’ve been wondering why new motorhomes and caravans are being so heavily discounted—or whether prices might fall even further—this is essential listening. Simon also lifts the lid on how Bailey is rethinking how they build, test, and sell their 2026 models to stay ahead in a tougher market.
Also this week, Matt and Keith unveil the £5 gadget every diesel motorhome owner should consider. It could save you from a costly misfuelling disaster.
And in the Q&A: Can you keep your GPS tracker powered if your van battery is disconnected? Will the UK driving licence laws finally let you drive up to 4,250kg without taking another test? And is it worth heating your motorhome during winter storage?
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Advice, industry insights and an impartial view into the world of motorhomes, caravans, campervans and travel, with the motorhome nerd himself, Matt Sims.
Sitting by his side asking all the right questions is his partner in crime, journalist Keith Gooden, deciphering the perplexing jargon. Listen in and learn everything you need to know about buying, owning and selling a leisure vehicle.
Discover the industry trends, new developments and future plans for motorhomes and leisure vehicles in the UK and beyond.
Got a question for Matt? Ask Matt! Submit your queries and feature on the podcast at mhmp.info/askmatt.
Brought to you by That Leisure Shop.
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