Motorhome Matt

Are motorhome shows still worth it in 2026, or are digital platforms quietly taking over?

In this episode of the Motorhome Matt podcast, Matt and Keith dig into the real value of motorhome shows, from the Manchester Show to the NEC Motorhome Shows to regional events across the UK. 

Do shows still drive motorhome sales, build brand trust and help buyers choose the right layout, or are they becoming an expensive tradition in a world of online research and targeted ads?

Matt speaks to dealers who say shows generate a third of their annual business, others who’ve stepped back and invested in digital marketing instead, and buyers who went along for a browse and ended up signing on the dotted line. We look at the buying journey, pre-purchase reassurance, and if physically stepping inside a van still matters when you’re spending serious money.

At the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show at the NEC Birmingham, we exclusively reveal the launch of the new Savvy Van app, offering remote monitoring and control of key motorhome systems, with public release planned for summer 2026.

And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on:

4G connectivity challenges and whether the Pathway system can pull a signal where phones can’t

The most useful motorhome apps for beginners

The latest update on the 3.5 tonne licence limit and the expected 4th Directive changes

If you’re researching your first motorhome, planning an upgrade, or wondering if shows are still worth your time, this episode will give you plenty to think about.

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Changes to European motorhome travel are coming faster than you might realise.

This week on the Motorhome Matt podcast, Matt and Keith break down what these changes actually mean for motorhome, campervan and caravan owners, and what you’ll need to do differently before you head across the Channel. Borders are going digital, rules are tightening, and assumptions that used to work no longer do.

Recorded live at the Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Show in Manchester, Matt explains how digital border controls, biometric passport checks, the EU Entry/Exit System and ETIAS will affect UK travellers.

We also cover low-emission zones, pet travel paperwork and new trailer registration rules, focusing on what’s changing, when it applies, and where people are most likely to get caught out.

Plus, a personal update on returning to the stage after his triple heart bypass, why it took more out of him than expected, and why getting back in front of an audience still felt important.

And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on:

Whether to add your partner to your motorhome insurance after a recent car insurance claim

Why motorhome satnav systems can still route you the wrong way

Why some owners choose a 4x4 motorhome

If European touring is on your radar, this episode will help you travel better prepared, avoid expensive mistakes, and understand what’s changing before it changes on you.

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What can UK motorhome owners learn from the American RV scene? In this episode, Matt and Keith chat with YouTuber Liz Amazing about the rise of full-time RV living in the USA, the growing popularity of boondocking (off-grid camping), and how the vanlife trend is attracting younger travellers, families and remote workers. 

From high-clearance 4x4 campervans to the pros and cons of lithium batteries, it’s a deep dive into how RV life in the States compares to motorhoming in the UK and what buyers here need to watch out for.

Liz also explains why she avoids new RVs, how to buy smart in a cooling market, and why buying used often means better build quality.

Planning to visit the NEC show?

The Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show runs 17–22 February. Meet Matt and the That Leisure Shop team in Hall 5, Stand 512 for expert advice and motorhome chat.

And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on:

How to carry a heavy motorbike on the back of a motorhome, and why the Hydra Trail might be the best solution

Which gas level checker actually works—and why Matt changed his mind about Truma’s gadget

Whether you’ll find better motorhome deals at shows like the NEC or at your local dealer, and how to protect your warranty

Subscribe for no-nonsense advice and expert insights. If you're serious about buying, owning or upgrading a motorhome, this episode is packed with useful tips.

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What if one touchscreen could control your motorhome’s lighting, heating, water, solar charging, and even levelling? In this episode, Matt and Keith meet Simon Knight, the van converter and former cybersecurity expert behind SavvyVan, a British-made control panel that’s changing how modern campervans can be used. It’s customisable, plug-and-play, and is now being fitted in vans across the UK.

Also this week, we take a look at what’s in store for the 2026 UK motorhome show season with Warner Shows, including new indoor venues, full-on festival weekends and how to get early access and discounted tickets.

And in the Q&A, Matt answers your questions on:
Can you pause a motorhome warranty while it’s off the road for repairs?
Is £80,000 better spent on a brand new motorhome or a used luxury model?
What tools and spares are actually worth carrying in your van?

Whether you're upgrading, converting or just curious about what’s coming next, this episode’s packed with insight you won’t want to miss.

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It’s a full Q&A takeover in this episode of the Motorhome Matt podcast, as Matt and Keith work through a packed line-up of your questions.

From electric van conversions and lithium battery upgrades to the reality of tolls in Europe and the latest on post-Brexit pet travel, it’s a wide-ranging, down-to-earth session of motorhome know-how.

This week's topics include:

Retrofitting lithium batteries and why your charger might be the sticking point

The ongoing debate about spare wheels, tyre sealant kits, and payload limits

Hardwiring a rear dash cam and why a reversing camera might be enough

What’s really happening with pet passports in 2026 and what UK travellers need to know

Best electric vans for a simple DIY camper conversion

How GoBoxes in Austria and Slovenia work

Keeping condensation under control

Can you get a wireless water tank app?

Plenty of insights and practical motorhoming takeaways. If you’ve got motorhome questions, this is the place to start.

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