Motorhome Toolkit Essentials: Tools and Spares You Should Carry

What should you actually carry in a motorhome toolkit, and which bits are genuinely worth the space? Motorhome Matt and Keith work through the tools, spares and emergency kit Matt keeps onboard, from torque wrenches, tyre pressure kit and jump starter packs to fuses, plumbing fittings, cable ties, Wago connectors and a spare water pump. Along the way, Matt explains the real situations that have made some of these items earn a permanent place in the van. There are a few useful surprises too, including why Matt now carries a torque wrench, what he keeps for common water system problems, why a head torch is one of his favourite bits of kit, and why his laminated fuse diagrams have become so useful when other motorhome owners ask for help. We also look at the sensible limit to all this preparation: carrying the tools is one thing, knowing when not to use them is another. We also look ahead to The South West Motorhome & Campervan Show at the Bath and West Showground in Shepton Mallet, with camping, live entertainment, motorhomes for sale, trade stands and free talks across the weekend. And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on: Can standard motorhome wing mirrors be replaced with rear-view camera systems? Does a 2023 Fiat Ducato need reprogramming after changing the starter battery? How do you manage children’s car seats in a motorhome without them taking over the living space? If you’ve ever wondered what’s genuinely useful to keep in the van for those small problems that crop up on the road, this is a practical look at the kit Matt actually carries and why. Shop Matt’s Motorhome Toolkit at That Leisure Shop and get 10% off your first order with code MOTORHOMEMATT. 👉 thatleisureshop.com/collections/motorhome-matts-toolkit Matt’s Motorhome Toolkit: Full List Tools & gadgets Screwdrivers: flat-head and cross-head in different sizes, including PH and PZ General-purpose pliers Long-nose pliers Adjustable spanner Miniature socket set Torx bits Allen keys Torque wrench Multimeter Claw hammer Rubber mallet Miniature lump hammer Wheel brace Breaker bar Standard vehicle jack Bottle jack Craft knife Tyre pressure gauge TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring system) Portable tyre inflator Tyre puncture gel/sealant Jump starter/booster pack Spares & repair bits Spare fuses Spare bulbs Jubilee clips in a few sizes Hose repair connectors John Guest push-fit plumbing fittings 12 mm and 10 mm hard water pipe O-rings and seals Spare submersible water pump Useful extras Head torch Disposable gloves Hand-cleaning wipes Kneeling mat Cable ties in different sizes Metal cable ties Gaffer tape Electrical repair tape Corks or bungs for temporarily stopping leaks Silicone spray Small can of WD-40 Two-part plastic epoxy resin Bungee cords Wago electrical connectors Small reel of electrical wire 🗣️ CHAT WITH MOTORHOME MATT mhmp.info/chat ✅ 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 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.

Modern motorhomes can stay off-grid for longer, carry more usable battery capacity and rely far less on electric hook-up than they once did. So what does a campsite need to offer now to make motorhome owners want to stop, stay and pay for a pitch? Motorhome Matt and Keith Gooden look at how touring habits are changing, from shorter stays and last-minute bookings to Brit Stops, park-ups and the growing expectation that a campsite should offer more than somewhere to plug in. We also tackle the awkward question of value, including why campsite prices have risen and what owners should reasonably expect for their money. Matt visits Riverside Caravan Park in High Bentham to speak with operations director John Marshall about what those changes look like from the campsite side. At Riverside, tourers stay for an average of 3.7 nights compared with 2.2 nights for motorhomes, while the mix of touring caravans and motorhomes has shifted considerably in recent years. John explains how the business is responding through facilities, online booking, later arrivals, Wi-Fi, EV charging, solar and giving visitors more reasons to explore from the site. There’s also an update on ETIAS and the European Entry/Exit System, including the latest uncertainty around when ETIAS will actually be introduced and what travellers heading into the Schengen area need to keep an eye on. In the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on: Which type of air conditioning makes sense for a motorhome retrofit Why a Kador bead can pull out of a Multirail and what size difference may be causing it How to find a motorhome layout that is comfortable enough to live in without sacrificing the storage you need If you’ve noticed yourself using campsites differently in the last few years, this conversation explains why the relationship between motorhomes and campsites is changing, and what both sides are having to rethink. ⛺️ Riverside Caravan Park mhmp.info/riverside 🇪🇺 FREE EUROPE GUIDE thatleisureshop.com/europe 🗣️ 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 ❓ ASK MATT mhmp.info/askmatt 🗓️ UPCOMING EVENTS mhmp.info/events 📹 WATCH ON YOUTUBE mhmp.info/watch 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.

Why are used motorhomes still so expensive when some of them are already several years old? Matt Sims and Keith Gooden look at what is keeping prices high, how the rising cost of base vehicles and conversions feeds through to the used market, and the financial pressure sitting behind some motorhome dealer forecourts. The conversation gets into stock finance and curtailment payments, why unsold new motorhomes can become a serious problem for dealers, and what buyers can do to get a better sense of who they are dealing with before handing over a substantial amount of money. Matt also draws on his own experience of running a motorhome dealership and explains why he has chosen not to sell new motorhomes today. We also tackle what happens when the temperature climbs and your motorhome has no air conditioning. From portable air coolers and roof-mounted systems to under-seat and cab-based options, we look at the choices, the costs involved and an important warning about reflective blinds and acrylic windows in very hot weather. Electrical safety comes up too, after a listener asks about using a simple socket tester to check a home or campsite hook-up. Then there’s a question from an e-bike owner trying to choose the right rack for a Citroën Relay, including weight limits, wider tyres and the extra strain caused by bumps and ferry ramps. There are a few less obvious ownership questions as well: do wheel covers really help protect motorhome tyres from UV damage, is it worth carrying a spare number plate when travelling abroad, and how can you insulate acrylic windows and roof vents for winter without sticking Velcro everywhere? And for anyone looking ahead to a heavier motorhome, we discuss C1 entitlement, reaching age 70 and the uncertainty around possible future 4.25-tonne licence changes. Lee Davey also joins us for the Alan Rogers Campsite of the Month, taking us to Camping Las Dunas in Catalonia, a large resort-style campsite with its own beach, pools, water slides and plenty to explore beyond the site. Alan Rogers' Campsite of the Month ➞ https://mhmp.info/alanrogers Great Motorhome Guide ➞ https://wsgwarranties.co.uk/Great-Motorhome-Guide-2026 Chat With Motorhome Matt ➞ https://mhmp.info/chat Motorhome Matt Approved ➞  https://mhmp.info/approved Ask Matt ➞  https://mhmp.info/askmatt 15% Off Insurance ➞  https://mhmp.info/rpyt Motorhome Matt is brought to you by That Leisure Shop. 10% off your first order with the code MOTORHOMEMATT ➞ https://thatleisureshop.com

Devon Conversions has been building campervans since the 1950s, but after closing in 2025, the long-established name could easily have disappeared. Instead, it has a new owner, a fresh start and quite a challenge ahead: how do you modernise a traditional campervan brand without losing the loyal owners who made it what it is? Motorhome Matt talks to Steve Fairbairn, the new owner of Devon Conversions, about what happened when the business closed, why he decided the name was worth preserving and what comes next. With customers returning for their fifth and sixth Devon campervans, there’s plenty Steve doesn’t want to change. But attracting a different generation of buyers means the familiar Devon formula can’t simply stand still. Keith and Matt pick up that question afterwards as we look at the wider shift towards van conversions and micro campers. Is the market moving away from traditional caravans, and what does the changing mix of buyers mean for manufacturers and dealers? There’s also some striking industry news. Matt and Keith discuss Brownhills reporting a pre-tax loss of £961,000, compared with a £1.22 million pre-tax profit the previous year, while Grantham’s Caravans is moving in the opposite direction. What might these contrasting figures tell us about the state of the motorhome and caravan trade? And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on: What happens to your servicing and warranty if the motorhome dealer you bought from goes bust? Could fitting a porch awning create a carbon monoxide risk? Are motorhomes really designed to cope with full-time or semi-permanent van life? There’s a lot changing in the campervan and motorhome world, and Devon’s return is a fascinating example of the balancing act facing the industry. Join Matt and Keith as they look at what’s worth preserving, what needs to change and what owners need to keep an eye on. Find out more: DEVON CONVERSIONS: devonconversions.co.uk CHAT WITH MOTORHOME MATT: mhmp.info/chat 15% OFF INSURANCE: mhmp.info/ripeinsurance ASK MATT: mhmp.info/askmatt 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.

How do you convert a van into a campervan without spending a fortune, and could you really complete a campervan conversion in just 24 hours? In this episode, Motorhome Matt is joined by designer, TV presenter and former Dragons’ Den entrepreneur Max McMurdo to talk affordable campervan conversions, clever small-space design and his move into the campervan world. Max shares the thinking behind Outlandish Campers, his modular campervan conversion system designed to make converting smaller vans more accessible. We get into micro campers, removable interiors, sustainable materials and why being able to take your conversion out and move it to another van could make a great deal of sense. We also hear how Max’s career took him from car design and upcycling to Channel 4’s George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, before campervans brought many of those interests together. And, naturally, there’s the small matter of his Volkswagen ID. Buzz camper, 73,000 miles of electric motoring and the realities of travelling in an EV campervan. At the Warner Shows, Max is taking on a rather ambitious challenge, converting an old van into a finished campervan live at the show in just 24 hours, spread across three eight-hour days. And in the Q&A, Matt and Keith answer your questions on: Is it safe to drink water directly from a motorhome tank? What should you consider when exporting a motorhome from the UK to New Zealand? If you’re considering a DIY campervan conversion, looking at a smaller van or simply wondering how much campervan you can create without an enormous budget, tune in. Max has plenty of ideas, Matt has plenty of questions, and Keith is on hand to keep the rest of us grounded. Outlandish Campers – www.outlandishcampers.com 💤 10% OFF CUSTOM MATTRESS mhmp.info/foampeople 💰 FINANCE YOUR MOTORHOME mhmp.info/motorhomefinance 🗣️ CHAT WITH MOTORHOME MATT mhmp.info/chat ✅ 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.

Selling your house to live in a motorhome sounds like the ultimate dream, but what's it really like once the adventure begins? Is full-time motorhome living everything people imagine, or are there challenges nobody talks about?  In this episode, Motorhome Matt is joined by Kat Bird from Wandering Bird, Tash Gooch from Life Beyond Bricks and Jackie Pickles from Early Retirement Wanderlust, who have all taken different paths towards full-time life on the road. Together, we explore the realities of giving up bricks and mortar, managing finances, finding work, travelling at a slower pace and discovering what it really takes to make full-time motorhome living work. We also take a look at the new Pathway 4G Gen 2 router; what's changed, why it matters and how the latest version has been shaped by customer feedback. And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on: Whether motorhome owners' clubs are worth joining Where to get your motorhome chassis serviced Leaving your motorhome permanently connected to electric hook-up at home Whether you're seriously considering selling your house or you're simply curious about the lifestyle, this episode is packed with honest experiences, practical advice and plenty of food for thought. Join Motorhome Matt, Keith and our guests as we help you decide if life on the road could be the right move for you. Early Retirement Wanderlust ➞ www.earlyretirementwanderlust.com Wandering Bird ➞ www.wandering-bird.com Life Beyond Bricks ➞ lifebeyondbricks.co.uk 📶 SHOP PATHWAY 4G GEN 2 thatleisureshop.com/pathway 🗣️ CHAT WITH MOTORHOME MATT mhmp.info/chat ✅ 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. 🗣️ 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 ❓ 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.

Can you safely hook up your motorhome at home? It's something thousands of motorhome owners do every day, but could your home hook-up be hiding a serious electrical risk? If you've ever left your motorhome plugged into the mains on your driveway, this episode could change the way you think about it. Motorhome Matt and Keith are joined by electrical expert Jordan Farley from Artisan Electrics to unpack the facts behind home hook-ups. What is a PME supply? Why do some homes have an earth rod while others don't? What is a PEN fault, and why does it matter to motorhome owners? Together, we break down the regulations, explain how earthing really works, and separate genuine safety concerns from common myths, all in plain English. Plus, we're giving away a made-to-measure memory foam mattress from The Foam People. One lucky winner will receive a custom-sized mattress, built to fit their campervan or motorhome perfectly. Enter here: 💫 www.instagram.com/motorhomemattpodcast And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on: Fitting smaller mirrors to a motorhome Setting up an external barbecue point Taking dogs to Ireland in a motorhome Join Motorhome Matt, Keith Gooden and Jordan Farley as we answer one of the biggest electrical questions facing motorhome owners. Whether you plug in at home regularly or simply want to understand how your motorhome's electrical system keeps you safe, this episode is packed with practical advice that could change the way you use your motorhome. ⚡️ CHECK OUT ARTISAN ELECTRICS artisanelectrics.co.uk 🗣️ CHAT WITH MOTORHOME MATT mhmp.info/chat ✅ 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.

Save 10% with Warranty Solutions Group here → mhmp.info/wsg Are Ford wet belts covered under warranty, and what should every motorhome owner know before a major repair lands on the doorstep? Motorhome Matt sits down with Warranty Solutions Group to tackle one of the biggest questions facing owners today. From Ford wet belt failures and damp repairs to fridges, control panels and expensive mechanical faults, they explain what a motorhome warranty should cover, where many policies fall short, and what to look for before you buy.  And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on: Can you get a replacement motorhome while yours is being repaired under warranty? Do you need an EICR when travelling in Europe? How do you work out how many axles your motorhome has? Whether you're considering a warranty, worried about Ford wet belts, or simply want to avoid an expensive surprise, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you make informed decisions. Join Motorhome Matt, Keith, Steph and Tony as we answer the questions that could save you thousands. 🗣️ CHAT WITH MOTORHOME MATT mhmp.info/chat ✅ MOTORHOME MATT APPROVED</strong 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.

📶 PATHWAY 4G Gen 2 HAS ARRIVED thatleisureshop.com/pathway Why do so many campsites insist on a 2pm check-in when the last guests have already left? Is there a good reason, or is there more to it? And if you're choosing a TV for your campervan, is the latest all-in-one solution really worth the money? In this episode, Motorhome Matt and Keith tackle another packed mailbag, answering your motorhoming questions on everything from campsite check-in times and campervan technology to buying an older van and keeping it running reliably. Along the way, Matt shares the latest industry insight into Fiat's extended warranty changes and what they could mean if you're taking delivery of a new motorhome. This week's featured event is the Norfolk Motorhome & Campervan Show, taking place from 17 to 19 July at the Norfolk Showground, with discounted tickets available using the code MOTORHOMEMATT. Plus, we're joined by Steve Blake from Motorhome Finance for a brand new Finance Fact or Fiction segment. In our first instalment, we explore how old a motorhome can be before finance is no longer an option, and whether the limits are really as strict as many buyers assume. If you're buying, upgrading or simply trying to get more from your motorhome, this episode is packed with practical advice, honest opinions and real-world experience. Join Motorhome Matt, Keith and us for another edition of the Motorhome Matt Podcast. 💰 FINANCE YOUR MOTORHOME mhmp.info/motorhomefinance 🗣️ 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 ❓ 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.

📲 GET THE BEST APPS FREE GUIDE mhmp.info/apps The best apps for motorhome travel can save you time, money and a great deal of reversing. But which motorhome apps should you actually trust when touring the UK and Europe? In this episode, Motorhome Matt and Keith put the most useful motorhome travel apps under the spotlight. From motorhome sat nav and route planning to campsites, stopovers, parking, fuel and life on the road, we look at which apps deserve a place on your phone, where their limitations lie and why relying on the wrong one can quickly make a journey rather more interesting than planned. Which apps do we use ourselves? Can a phone really replace specialist motorhome navigation and printed touring guides? And which popular apps could help you find places you might otherwise drive straight past? Plus, That Leisure Shop has partnered with Vicarious Books, bringing its popular motorhome and European touring guides to you. We’re also joined by Peter Vaughan to look ahead to the Norfolk Motorhome and Campervan Show and the Out & About Live summer party. And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on: Motorhome window failures and warranty cover Keeping a starter battery charged while your motorhome is parked up Retrofitting an external barbecue point If you’re planning a motorhome trip in the UK or Europe, join Motorhome Matt and Keith as we work through the apps worth knowing about before you set off. 🏕️ 30% OFF BRIT STOPS mhmp.info/britstops 🗣️ CHAT WITH MOTORHOME MATT mhmp.info/chat ✅ MOTORHOME MATT APPROVED mhmp.info/approved 🛒 PRODUCT OF THE WEEK www.thatleisureshop.com/collections/books-magazines 🛡️ 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.