Are Campsites Obsolete for Motorhome Owners?

Thinking about taking your motorhome to Morocco? Is it safe for UK motorhome owners? Do you really need a 4x4 campervan, and what is it actually like driving through the Atlas Mountains and into the Sahara Desert? In this episode of the Motorhome Matt podcast, Matt Sims and Keith Gooden are joined by travel writer and adventure tour leader Marcus Leach to bust the biggest myths about motorhome travel in Morocco. Discover why more UK motorhome owners are heading across the Strait of Gibraltar, how Morocco fits around the Schengen 90-day rule, and why standard motorhomes are often perfectly capable of making the journey. From wild camping and desert experiences to mountain passes, fuel costs and the best time of year to visit, this episode is packed with practical advice for anyone planning a Morocco motorhome adventure. Plus, Vanlove Festival takes place this weekend at Thruxton Race Circuit, bringing together motorhome and campervan enthusiasts for live music, talks, entertainment and a packed programme celebrating van life. And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on: Pathway 4G system restocking Using levelling ramps with an automatic gearbox Removing travelling seats from a motorhome Whether you're planning your first European tour or looking for your next big adventure beyond Spain and Portugal, join Motorhome Matt, Keith and Marcus Leach as we uncover what motorhome travel in Morocco is really like, and why it could become your favourite destination yet. 🎟️ SAVE ON VANLOVE TICKETS mhmp.info/vanlove 🗣️ CHAT WITH MOTORHOME MATT mhmp.info/chat ✅ MOTORHOME MATT APPROVED mhmp.info/approved 🛡️ 15% OFF INSURANCE mhmp.info/ripeinsurance ⛺️ CAMPSITE OF THE MONTH mhmp.info/alanrogers ❓ ASK MATT mhmp.info/askmatt 🗓️ UPCOMING EVENTS mhmp.info/events 📹 WATCH ON YOUTUBE mhmp.info/watch 💬 LEAVE A REVIEW mhmp.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.

What’s really happening behind the scenes of the motorhome industry, and what does it mean for buyers, owners and anyone thinking about their next campervan? Motorhome Matt and Keith Gooden are joined by industry experts Peter Vaughan and Tom Lower for an honest discussion on changing buying habits, rising prices, panel van conversions versus coachbuilt motorhomes, and the accessories that are genuinely worth your money. Is the market shifting, are motorhomes becoming too expensive, and which trends are here to stay? Tune in to hear the conversations happening inside the industry, not just on the forecourt. Plus, VanLove Festival is almost here. Matt shares what to expect from the event at Thruxton, including live podcasts, talks, music, That Leisure Shop, a parade lap of motorhomes and a go-kart challenge with no other than The Stig. 🎟️ SAVE ON VANLOVE TICKETS mhmp.info/vanlove Product of the Week: Save across the Mestic compressor cool box range, with portable fridge and freezer options designed for life on the road, whether you're touring off-grid or pitched up on site. And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on: Using a generator to power your motorhome safely Whether you can connect two hook-up leads together The best ways to deter rodents from getting into your motorhome Join Motorhome Matt, Keith Gooden, Peter Vaughan and Tom Lower as we look behind the curtain of the motorhome world, challenge a few assumptions and share practical advice that could save you money and help you make better decisions for your next adventure. 🗣️ CHAT WITH MOTORHOME MATT mhmp.info/chat ✅ MOTORHOME MATT APPROVED mhmp.info/approved 🛒 PRODUCT OF THE WEEK www.thatleisureshop.com 🛡️ 15% OFF INSURANCE mhmp.info/ripeinsurance 📲 NORD VPN - GET 4 MONTHS FREE https://nordvpn.com/motorhomematt ❓ ASK MATT mhmp.info/askmatt 🗓️ UPCOMING EVENTS mhmp.info/events 📹 WATCH ON YOUTUBE mhmp.info/watch 💬 LEAVE A REVIEW mhmp.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.

It’s time for another full Q&A episode of the Motorhome Matt podcast, where Motorhome Matt and Keith hand the show over to your questions, the real-world problems, and technical head-scratchers that motorhome owners actually face. This week, we dive into one of the biggest debates we’ve covered in a long time: Is it safe to plug your motorhome into your house electrics at home? Listeners raise concerns around E&P levelling systems, grounding, lightning strikes and whether anyone truly understands the risks.  We also hear from a listener struggling to recover a £2,000 motorhome deposit after uncovering issues with a missing habitation history and warranty confusion. What rights do buyers actually have, and when can a dealer legally keep your money? Plus, other listener questions cover Ford wet belts, independent inspections before buying a motorhome, barbecue point setups, insurance customer service, and why some online advice can end up making technical subjects even murkier. If you enjoy practical motorhome advice, honest conversations and the sort of questions most people are too embarrassed to ask, this is one of those episodes you’ll want to listen to all the way through. Join us for another full Motorhome Matt Q&A. 💫 WIN A NOMAD'S KITCHEN BUNDLE WORTH £120 mhmp.info/nomad 🎟️ SAVE ON VANLOVE TICKETS mhmp.info/vanlove ⚖️ LEVELLING COMPARISON CHART mhmp.info/levelling 🗣️ CHAT WITH MOTORHOME MATT mhmp.info/chat ✅ MOTORHOME MATT APPROVED mhmp.info/approved 🛡️ 15% OFF INSURANCE mhmp.info/ripeinsurance ❓ ASK MATT mhmp.info/askmatt 📲 NORD VPN - GET 4 MONTHS FREE https://nordvpn.com/motorhomematt 🗓️ UPCOMING EVENTS mhmp.info/events 📹 WATCH ON YOUTUBE mhmp.info/watch 💬 LEAVE A REVIEW mhmp.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.

Are campsites still fit for modern motorhome owners, or are they being left behind by a new generation of off-grid travellers? In this episode of the Motorhome Matt Podcast, Matt and Keith unpack the growing tension between traditional campsites and the rise of self-sufficient campervans, Brit Stops, Aires, and off-grid touring. With more motorhomers choosing flexibility over facilities, are campsites adapting quickly enough to survive? Joining Matt is industry journalist, reviewer and Out and About Live presenter Peter Vaughan, bringing more than four decades of motorhome experience to the conversation. Together, they explore how touring habits are changing, why smaller campervans are dominating the market, and what campsites may need to do to win back motorhome owners who no longer need electric hook-up or shower blocks to enjoy the lifestyle. VanLove Festival is nearly here, taking place at Thruxton Race Circuit from 18–21 June, featuring Matt’s live DJ set, a go-kart race against Ben Collins, aka The Stig, plus a packed weekend of campervan culture, live music and vanlife entertainment. And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on: How to track down a very specific motorhome model in the UK and Europe Understanding vehicle emissions classes for European toll systems Using GO-Box and DarsGo systems for touring Austria and Slovenia If you're thinking about buying, or simply wondering where the motorhome industry is heading next, this episode is packed with insight, experience and practical advice from Matt, Keith and Peter. Tune in and join the conversation. 🗣️ CHAT WITH MOTORHOME MATT mhmp.info/chat ✅ MOTORHOME MATT APPROVED mhmp.info/approved 🎟️ SAVE ON VANLOVE TICKETS mhmp.info/vanlove 🛒 PRODUCT OF THE WEEK thatleisureshop.com/products/pilton-compact-chair-by-that-leisure-shop 🛡️ 15% OFF INSURANCE mhmp.info/ripeinsurance 📲 NORD VPN - GET 4 MONTHS FREE https://nordvpn.com/motorhomematt ❓ ASK MATT mhmp.info/askmatt 🗓️ UPCOMING EVENTS mhmp.info/events 📹 WATCH ON YOUTUBE mhmp.info/watch 💬 LEAVE A REVIEW mhmp.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.

Planning a motorhome trip to Italy? In this episode, Motorhome Matt and Keith discover what it is really like to tour Italy by motorhome or campervan, with Mark Bonito from Vanlife Eats sharing the food, roads, parking, campsites and travel tips he picked up on his journey through Tuscany, Puglia, the Amalfi Coast and Sicily. Italy sounds like the dream, doesn’t it? Beautiful mountain roads, proper pasta, vineyard stopovers, coastal views and gelato worth walking suspiciously far for. But what is it actually like when you arrive in a long-wheelbase van? How easy is it to avoid ZTL zones? Where can you park near cities like Florence, Bologna and Bari? And are Italian roads really as lively as their reputation suggests? Mark shares practical advice from his Italian road trip, including how to use sostas, why agriturismos can be a brilliant option for motorhomes, how to spot tourist-trap food, and why autumn might be one of the best times to visit Italy in a van.  To see Mark's travels, head to his channel here: 🍝 https://www.youtube.com/c/VanLifeEats/ We also reveal the winner of our Vanlove 2026 ticket giveaway and how you can still save on tickets. And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on: Keeping a motorhome permanently hooked up at home Why councils restrict motorhome parking in car parks Fiat and Stellantis roadside assistance numbers If you are planning an Italian motorhome adventure, thinking about touring Europe by campervan, or just fancy hearing about pasta, parking and mild volcanic panic, this episode is packed with useful advice, honest travel insight and plenty of reasons to add Italy to your list. 🎟️ SAVE ON VANLOVE TICKETS mhmp.info/vanlove 🏕️ VISIT RIVERSIDE CARAVAN PARK mhmp.info/riverside 🗣️ CHAT WITH MOTORHOME MATT mhmp.info/chat ✅ MOTORHOME MATT APPROVED mhmp.info/approved 🛡️ 15% OFF INSURANCE mhmp.info/ripeinsurance 📲 NORD VPN - GET 4 MONTHS FREE https://nordvpn.com/motorhomematt ❓ ASK MATT mhmp.info/askmatt 🗓️ UPCOMING EVENTS mhmp.info/events 📹 WATCH ON YOUTUBE mhmp.info/watch 💬 LEAVE A REVIEW mhmp.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.

🎟️ WIN TRACKSIDE VANLOVE TICKETS mhmp.info/win What are the best UK road trips for motorhomes and campervans, and how do you plan a great touring route without spending half your life buried in map apps? In this episode of the Motorhome Matt podcast, Matt and Keith are joined by travel writer, photographer and publisher Robbie Roams, the man behind No Fuss Travel Guides. Robbie shares how a battered old campervan turned into a life of road trips, guidebooks and inspiring motorhome owners to get out more often, not just for the big annual holiday, but for weekends, short breaks and those “why haven’t we been here before?” moments. From the Peak District and Yorkshire to Spain, the Canary Islands and the frustrating truth about taking your own van to Madeira, we dig into the joy and reality of touring. Matt and the team are heading to the Southern Motorhome & Campervan Show at Newbury, with camping demand already high, extra exhibitors expected, and live entertainment across the weekend. Get your day tickets now! Plus, you can still enter to win a trackside pitch for two adults at Vanlove 2026, taking place at Thruxton Race Circuit from Thursday 18 June to Sunday 21 June 2026. And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on: Whether motorhome levelling systems can weigh individual axles Campervans with U-shaped lounges and rear storage If you want better motorhome trips, smarter route planning and a few ideas that might just get your van off the drive more often, this is the episode for you. 📖 SHOP ROBBIE ROAMS' BOOKS www.thatleisureshop.com/search?q=Robbie+Roams 🏕️ VISIT RIVERSIDE CARAVAN PARK mhmp.info/riverside 🗣️ CHAT WITH MOTORHOME MATT mhmp.info/chat ✅ MOTORHOME MATT APPROVED mhmp.info/approved 🛡️ 15% OFF INSURANCE mhmp.info/ripeinsurance 📲 NORD VPN - GET 4 MONTHS FREE https://nordvpn.com/motorhomematt ❓ ASK MATT mhmp.info/askmatt 🗓️ UPCOMING EVENTS mhmp.info/events 📹 WATCH ON YOUTUBE mhmp.info/watch 💬 LEAVE A REVIEW mhmp.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.

🎟️ WIN TRACKSIDE VANLOVE TICKETS mhmp.info/win Can you safely power your motorhome with a portable power bank, or could you be creating a serious electrical risk without realising it? In this episode of the Motorhome Matt podcast, Matt and Keith dig into one of the most talked-about motorhome power questions at the moment: can you plug a portable power station into your motorhome hook-up socket? It sounds simple enough. You’ve got a power bank, your motorhome has a hook-up point, what could possibly go wrong? Quite a lot, as it turns out, especially when earth bonding, RCDs, inverters and British Standards get involved. Joined by Mark Street from BlueFix and electrical expert Philip “Geeky Phil” Tomlinson, we unpack the risks of using portable power packs with motorhomes, why some common online advice could be misleading, and what owners need to understand before connecting anything to their van. We also cover important changes to EU pet passport rules for GB residents, and our product of the week is the Nomad’s Kitchen, a compact cooking kit for motorhomes, caravans and campers. And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on: Whether anyone offers a one-stop-shop European breakdown, medical, travel and pet insurance cover Using an earth rod with a generator or portable power supply Whether plugging an RCD into a power station makes it safe to connect to a motorhome If you use a portable power station, plug in at home, tour with pets, or simply want to avoid learning electrics the expensive way, this is an episode worth listening to before you connect the next cable. 🏕️ VISIT RIVERSIDE CARAVAN PARK mhmp.info/riverside 🗣️ CHAT WITH MOTORHOME MATT mhmp.info/chat ✅ MOTORHOME MATT APPROVED mhmp.info/approved 🛡️ 15% OFF INSURANCE mhmp.info/ripeinsurance 📲 NORD VPN - GET 4 MONTHS FREE https://nordvpn.com/motorhomematt ❓ ASK MATT mhmp.info/askmatt 🗓️ UPCOMING EVENTS mhmp.info/events 📹 WATCH ON YOUTUBE mhmp.info/watch 💬 LEAVE A REVIEW mhmp.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.

Could your motorhome electrics be putting you at risk without you realising it? This week, Motorhome Matt and Keith get into one of the most misunderstood topics in motorhome and campervan ownership, earthing. If your van is sitting on four rubber tyres, where does the electricity go when something goes wrong? And what really happens when you plug into a campsite hook-up, run an inverter, or power the van from a portable power station? Matt is joined by Mark Street from BlueFix to explain the difference between mains hook-up, 12V systems, inverters and portable power stations. They cover what “earth” actually means in a motorhome, why your van behaves differently on campsite hook-up compared with off-grid power, and what can go wrong when a portable power station is used to feed the van’s sockets. It’s a useful listen for anyone running kettles, chargers, coffee machines or hair straighteners in a motorhome or campervan. Plus, Campervan Campout is on from 1 to 3 May 2026 at the South of England Showground in Ardingly, with camping, live music, talks, advice sessions and Creator’s Day. And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on: What might be causing a cat pee smell in a motorhome cab Why fuel prices can jump so quickly, and what it means for European touring Whether you still need to carry breathalysers when driving in France If you use hook-up, an inverter, a portable power pack or anything with a three-pin plug in your motorhome, this is one to listen to before your next trip. We’ll help you understand the risks, the myths and when it’s time to get someone qualified involved. 🗣️ CHAT WITH MOTORHOME MATT https://www.facebook.com/groups/motorhomematt ✅ MOTORHOME MATT APPROVED mhmp.info/approved 🛡️ 15% OFF INSURANCE mhmp.info/ripeinsurance ❓ ASK MATT mhmp.info/askmatt 🗓️ UPCOMING EVENTS mhmp.info/events 📹 WATCH ON YOUTUBE mhmp.info/watch 💬 LEAVE A REVIEW mhmp.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.

Is VanGuardian the motorhome security product that owners have been waiting for? In this episode, Motorhome Matt and Keith take a close look at a new motorhome alarm system designed to stop thieves before they get into your van.  Matt is joined by Mike Horsford from VanGuardian to find out how it works, why it is getting attention, and whether it could be the answer for owners worried about motorhome security, campervan security, break-ins and overnight peace of mind. Campervan Campout 2026 is nearly here, and Matt is also joined by Michael from Warners and Simon from Spartan Campers to look ahead to a bank holiday event packed with live entertainment, family activities, self-build inspiration and a strong campervan community feel. And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on: Getting finance for full-time motorhome living Air suspension versus hydraulic levelling systems A persistent battery beep on a Ford Transit after replacing the batteries From motorhome theft prevention and campervan events to levelling systems, finance, and real-world owner problems, there’s plenty to learn in this episode. 🛡️ 10% off VanGuardian with code MOTORHOMEMATT mhmp.info/vanguardian 🗣️ CHAT WITH MOTORHOME MATT https://www.facebook.com/groups/motorhomematt ✅ MOTORHOME MATT APPROVED mhmp.info/approved 🛒 PRODUCT OF THE WEEK www.thatleisureshop.com/pages/brand/brunner 🛡️ 15% OFF INSURANCE mhmp.info/ripeinsurance ❓ ASK MATT mhmp.info/askmatt 🗓️ UPCOMING EVENTS mhmp.info/events 📹 WATCH ON YOUTUBE mhmp.info/watch 💬 LEAVE A REVIEW mhmp.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.

What are the best upgrades for the outside of your motorhome, and which ones will actually make life on the road easier? In this episode, Motorhome Matt and Keith get stuck into the top 10 best external upgrades for your motorhome, from awnings and bike racks to solar panels, security and levelling systems. If you're wondering what adds real usability, what improves comfort on the road, and what could quietly eat into your payload and budget, this episode is for you. Matt shares the upgrades he rates most highly, the ones he’d think twice about, and the common mistakes owners make when they start bolting extras onto their van. Is paint protection worth it? Do you need a reversing camera? Are tyre pressure monitors a smart safety buy or just another gadget to clutter the dashboard?  We also talk about the new National Motorhome, Campervan & Camping Exhibition at Stoneleigh, where Matt is heading for live podcast recordings, expert talks, one-to-one advice clinics and a packed indoor event full of motorhomes, campervans, accessories and special guests. And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on: Repairing a recessed awning gearbox on an Auto-Trail Arapaho Whether Pathway 4G gets a usable signal at Greengates campsite Choosing an aftermarket tyre pressure monitoring system for a motorhome This episode is full of practical advice, honest opinion and plenty to think about before your next upgrade. Tune in and let’s make your motorhome work harder, without spending money on stuff you’ll regret later. 🗣️ CHAT WITH MOTORHOME MATT Join our brand new private Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/motorhomematt ✅ MOTORHOME MATT APPROVED Services, products and educational resources used and approved by Motorhome Matt mhmp.info/approved 🛡️ 15% OFF INSURANCE mhmp.info/ripeinsurance 🔺 SHOP FIAMMA mhmp.info/fiamma ❓ ASK MATT mhmp.info/askmatt 🗓️ UPCOMING EVENTS mhmp.info/events 📹 WATCH ON YOUTUBE mhmp.info/watch 💬 LEAVE A REVIEW mhmp.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.