Keith Gooden
In today’s episode of the Motorhome Matt podcast, Matt is going to Manchester for the Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Show 2024.
Matt Sims
I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be a nice week away in Manchester up in the north. And we answer your questions on keeping your battery voltage high in winter, SIM cards and a Scotland’s fans Meet and Greet. What’s that all about?
Keith Gooden
Och aye the noo.
The Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Show 2024
Keith Gooden
Straight into it, then, Matt – you’re about to head off to Manchester for the Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Show 2024.
Matt Sims
I’ve got to go in a minute. So come on, we’ve got to get on with this.
Keith Gooden
What’s different about this show, then?
Matt Sims
The organisers have absolutely sold out the floor plan, which is amazing. There are more dealers there than last year. And they’re promising more than double the vehicles they had last year because that was one of the criticisms of the show, I have to say, that there weren’t many motorhomes and caravans to look at, which was fair, there weren’t.
But this is a really different show to perhaps the other indoor shows, so the ones in Birmingham, for example. This is a show where the exhibitors are the dealers, not the manufacturers. So this is dealers spending their own money to take a stand, which is not cheap. You know, they can spend tens of thousands of pounds to go to a show like this, and they’re taking their own stock.
So we are expecting to see a wider range of motorhomes from a range of manufacturers and more dealers than were there last year. So this year, of course, dealers have got stock. That’s been the big difference. The supply chain has eased, certainly. And where last year dealers maybe had five or six motorhomes on the forecourt, they’re back up to 50, 60 or more. So yeah, it’s going to be an exciting week.
Keith Gooden
And what’s the Destination Show next door?
Matt Sims
That’s another thing that catches people out. You’re walking around looking at a Swift, a Bailey or an Adria motorhome and then suddenly you’re looking at a stand promoting the Maldives or Egypt. It’s like, “Eh? What’s happened?” And you haven’t noticed that the colour of the carpet that you’re walking on has changed, because you’ve walked from the Motorhome, Caravan and Holiday show into the Destination Show, which is co-located with this show.
So they kind of split the hall into almost half. The Destination Show’s a little bit smaller, but it’s lots of smaller stands with lots and lots of tourism destinations. Tourist boards come and take a stand. Travel partners come with a stand.
And it’s a great little show to go and walk around to get some inspiration to go travelling maybe outside of the UK, Europe and further afield. So it’s a really interesting spin on a day out, I have to say.
Keith Gooden
So if you go along and buy a ticket for the motorhomes, you get into the Destination Show for free as well?
Matt Sims
That’s right. Yes, it’s an extra bonus, walking around that show. And it is fascinating. It’s good.
Keith Gooden
What are you waiting for, then?
Matt Sims
I’m off in a minute.
Keith Gooden
There’s no time like the present.
Matt Sims
The guys are in the car. They’re waiting to go. Right, I’m off. I’ll see you later. Have a good week.
Keith Gooden
See you. Party time.
Rob Debenham, Show Director
Matt Sims
We’re here! We’ve made it! We’re at the Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Show 2024 here in the heart of Manchester at the beautiful Manchester Central. What a venue. This is the first show of the year for many of us.
And if you’ve never been to a show before, it’s a brilliant first show to come to. The show features around 60 exhibitors with dealers and businesses from the local region. This year, it’s great to see more than double the number of motorhomes that we had here in 2023.
And there’s a range of motorhomes from Adria, from Laika, from Swift, from Bürstner, and many more. Plus, there’s a huge number of awnings as well. And of course, we’ve got caravans and accessories, so plenty to come and see. I’m delighted to be joined by the show director. This is Rob Debenham. You’re a very, very busy man. So how’s the show been for you, Rob?
Rob Debenham
It’s all right!
Matt Sims
So the the big elephant in the room, Rob, is that last year, we had few vehicles in the show. We know why – supply chain, COVID, all of that stuff. It’s quite different this year.
Rob Debenham
Yes, it is different this year. We’ve more than doubled the number of units. And that’s what visitors asked us to do. The market has enabled us to do it this year. We tried to do it last year, but we just couldn’t. So there’s more than double the number of units in the show this year. And so far, feedback from dealers and from visitors has been really positive. So yeah, I’m really pleased.
Matt Sims
Certainly, we’ve been talking to both the exhibitors and visitors. It’s really positive feedback on what a lovely feel the show has. It’s a much slower pace than maybe some of the other indoor shows. Is that fair?
Rob Debenham
I think that’s really fair. I think that’s built upon the fact that this is a regional show show. It’s not a national show. It’s not trying to be a national show. It’s a regional show. We’ve pre-selected regional expert dealers.
The visitor pool for the show is probably a 60 mile circumference from where we are, and pretty much the exhibitor pool is from a 60 mile circumference of where we are too. So we’ve got local dealers talking to local people. And I think that means that when they start to engage properly, there’s no fuss to get it done right now, because actually, they’re on the doorstep. So they can kind of dip in and dip out.
The number of vehicles that we’ve got and the number of visitors that we have actually means that you probably get more time to just chill and look at a vehicle and a product properly, get inside without queueing for 10 minutes or 15 minutes. It’s a leisure vehicle show that’s leisurely! I’m going to write that down.
Matt Sims
That’s a good positioning statement. Use it! So would I be right in saying as well that the show’s slightly bigger in terms of the floor plan? Because this show shares the venue with Destinations. Has Destinations shrunk a bit?
Rob Debenham
No, we’ve taken all the catering out. We’ve taken the catering off the floor. There are really important hygiene factors when you’re putting together a show. So you need to have an appropriate amount of catering and you need to have an appropriate amount of seating.
Because if people get tired, they need to sit down. I don’t want them to leave, I want them to sit down here, refresh themselves, and then carry on looking around the shows. So what we’ve done is we’ve actually increased the amount of catering, but we’ve put it carefully outside in that hall.
And we’ve put it in the foyer as well, so it gives us more room on the floor to put more vehicles on. People don’t need to leave the building to get a cup of tea or a sandwich or to have a rest, and then they can come back in. So that’s the design. It seems to be working. But I think the dwell time, the amount of time that a visitor stays in the building, has actually increased from last year.
Matt Sims
And visitor numbers seem really strong. It’s busy.
Rob Debenham
Yes, it’s busy. I mean, they’re a great crowd. They get here just after 10 o’clock. And what are we now? It’s 10 past one, and there are still people coming in. So yes, it’s busy. It feels nice, but not too busy.
You can create an environment where actually, people get so hustled and bustled that actually then they’re knocked from behind with people with backpacks on, and actually it spoils the atmosphere. And you referenced the fact that it’s got a nice atmosphere, and it’s got a nice feel.
Matt Sims
It genuinely has.
Rob Debenham
And I think it’s probably that we’ve got to a visitor level which helps us do that. It feels buzzy enough. And people have post purchase reassurance. They think, “I was right to come here. Because actually, there are lots of people here and I’m having a good time.” But it’s not quite so busy that they think, “I can’t deal with the aggravation of this. And it’s tense and I want to go.” So we may have, fingers crossed, just got the balance right.
Matt Sims
And 2025 – any plans you can tell us about?
Rob Debenham
We’re looking at trying to extend. There are other facilities at Manchester Central. So there are other halls at Manchester Central. And so we are looking at that. Of course, all of these things come with extra cost.
And I need to look at what the market conditions are at the time as well. We are definitely 100% back here in its current configuration at an absolute minimum. There might be an opportunity for us to drive it up a little bit more in 2025.
Matt Sims
And which element of the show do you think you would grow if you were given the opportunity to?
Rob Debenham
I think we want more tourers and more motorhomes. I think we’ve lowered the number of statics year on year, so we will respond to visitor feedback for that. Because that’s the reason why there are fewer statics this year and more tourers and motorhomes, because that’s what visitors want to see. So it might well be more tourers and motorhomes.
I’d like to see some more parks. I’d like to have a bit more of a park area, because that ties in really neatly with the holiday and travel show and the idea of actually selling a destination, selling the campsite. So I think there’s room for us, because that’s why people buy these units, to go to these amazing places. That’s the point.
They don’t just buy them so they sit on their drive and look at them and wax them once a month. They buy them as a means to an end so they can get out and experience with their family with their friends – or get away from their family and get away from their friends! It depends what reason they’ve bought the unit for. So I’d like to see maybe some more Destination stuff.
Matt Sims
Well, we’ll follow that with close interest. Well done again on selling out the floor plan. It’s a brilliant show. I love it. I’m really enjoying it.
Jamie Wilkinson, GPSBob
Matt Sims
So I’m here with a new exhibitor, not just to this show, but actually to the industry, called GPSBob. This is Jamie. Hi, Jamie!
Jamie Wilkinson
How are you doing? All right?
Matt Sims
Very well. So this is your first motorhome show ever.
Jamie Wilkinson
It is, yes.
Matt Sims
Why is that, then? What’s brought you here?
Jamie Wilkinson
We’re pretty new to the tracking market. We’ve done a lot of sales throughout last year and we’ve seen that it’s a lot to do with motorhomes. So we thought we’d come here, give it a go and see how it goes.
Matt Sims
So yours is a tracking product that keeps a motorhome secure. Thatcham approved.
Jamie Wilkinson
Yes, you can get Thatcham approved devices from us.
Matt Sims
And other types of tracker as well.
Jamie Wilkinson
Well, a little bit different to everybody else, though. Because normally you’ll buy a trucker. You pay so much for it upfront and sign up to a monthly fee. What we do is we charge one lump sum. So for £159.99, we can give you a tracker that’ll last for five years with no monthly fees.
Matt Sims
It’s a really intriguing product. I’d love to unpack it a bit more with you another time.
Jamie Wilkinson
Definitely.
Matt Sims
What’s your take on the show?
Jamie Wilkinson
Oh, really good, actually. I can’t believe how busy it is. We thought yesterday and today would be a bit quiet and then it’d pick up on Saturday and Sunday. But to be fair, it’s been really busy today!
Matt Sims
Good. And can we tempt you to any more motorhome and campervan shows this year?
Jamie Wilkinson
Definitely! We’ll be looking forward to them.
Glen Campbell, Preston Caravans and Motorhomes
Matt Sims
Now, I’m delighted to be joined by Glen at Preston Caravans and Motorhomes. How’s the show for you?
Glen Campbell
Matt, this show we’ve been coming to for many, many years. And it’s great on many levels. We get to basically showcase our dealership, which is about 35 minutes from here. We can present ourselves and show people that on the doorstep, relatively speaking, there’s a dealership that rents motorhomes and sells new and used caravans and motorhomes.
We have a big awning showroom where we specialise in accessories, and we can service and repair the vehicles. So it’s great to actually put across that that’s what we can do and that it’s not very far away.
But also, obviously, we can sell vehicles that we bring here, which obviously, you know, we do! But also, the other really important factor for us is the timing. Because it’s what we would call a curtain raiser, it’s the first exhibition in the new year, we can get a real feel of market trends. We can get perspective on what the customer wants.
And equally, the sort of industry vibe and information people can get – by that I mean there has been a significant difficulty in these last few years in getting chassis. Manufacturers have problems with components for all the reasons that we know. The COVID catch-up and the Ukrainian situation.
But now we’re just starting to see the chassis becoming more readily available. So this exhibition can put that across to people. You can confirm that the caravan or motorhome business is very much open for business. They can come along, see something, order it and get it within a few weeks, rather than saying it’s going to be eight months.
And they basically just get fed up with that, which is understandable. So that’s a real positive. We’re starting now just to see a little bit of economic recovery where mortgage rates are coming down a little bit now.
Hopefully in the spring or even sooner, interest rates will start to come down. Because again, that’s been a bit of a hamper. Trying to get a finance deal that meets people’s budgets has been a bit difficult. But hopefully, we can see that that will improve.
Matt Sims
So Glen, I get the impression you’re feeling upbeat about 2024 and the year ahead.
Glen Campbell
You’ve got to feel upbeat. We’ve got a great array of products. The chassis are now starting to come through. So that’s a real shot in the arm! Hopefully, from an economic perspective, things will start to improve and then there’s going to be some momentum gathered.
Brian Laing, Glossop Caravans
Matt Sims
I’m delighted to be joined by Brian and Matt from Glossop Caravans. Brian, how’s the show been for you?
Brian Laing
The show has been good. We had an excellent day yesterday. I got one more in there today. Our busiest day last year was Saturday, so we’re expecting good things. It’s been very good. Nice and busy.
Matt Sims
It’s Friday as we have this chat now. So are you hoping for a busy weekend?
Brian Laing
I am indeed, yeah. Our busiest day was Saturday last year, so we’re not putting all our eggs in one basket with it, but we’re looking forward to it.
Matt Sims
Great stand. You’ve got a lovely spot here. It’s huge.
Brian Laing
Well, we’re quite fortunate. We’ve been assisted with the Swift caravans and Swift motorhomes. They’ve come with a lot of ideas. So we’ve just brought the ideas in from Swift!
Matt Sims
And how was 2023 for Glossop?
Brian Laing
It was good. We were fortunate enough that our three brands, which are Coachman, Elddis and Swift, were all good for us. The supply chain started to come through nicely. So that was good. Happy enough!
Matt Sims
Now, you’re very much a caravan man, aren’t you? What about motorhomes? How are they?
Brian Laing
Well, motorhomes are easing up a bit more. It’s a bit challenging with motorhomes. Everybody knows that. The supply chain is… I would describe it as challenging. It’s better than it was, and it can only get better.
Matt Sims
Do you think it’s going to ease as we go into this year?
Brian Laing
Oh, it’s got to. It’s got to. Honestly, we’ve just got to make it easier for all our customers to buy a motorhome and get it on time. Simple as that, really.
Matt Sims
And what do you think we’re in for this year?
Brian Laing
It’s a good product we’re all selling. The leisure industry – in our opinion it’s a challenging time, but really good. So we’re looking forward to the year.
Phil Barker, Emm Bee Motorhomes
Matt Sims
I’m sitting with the lovely Phil Barker at EmmBee Motorhomes in a beautiful Bürstner. This is glorious. It’s stunning.
Phil Barker
Bürstner Elegance – probably one of the best products that Bürstner currently manufacture. So we’re at the Manchester show with it. This particular one’s £183,000, but they prove really, really popular.
Matt Sims
And how’s the show been generally?
Phil Barker
Yeah, the show has been good. Yesterday we saw some really good footfall. Lots of good customers, genuine customers, people that are really thinking about buying or trading up. Some of them are getting something smaller, downsizing. So yes, there’s a really good feel to the show.
Matt Sims
And are you finding that many people are coming in and buying a motorhome for the first time?
Phil Barker
No, I’d say that the first time buyers… we had a lot of them as a result of COVID, the back end of COVID. But no, I’d say that we’ve got a lot of customers changing. They probably bought what they had to buy. They couldn’t get anything else at that time. So lots of people now understand what they want. And they’re changing to what they want.
Matt Sims
So we’re going to see a lot of secondhand motorhomes coming back into the market, then, do you think?
Phil Barker
Yes, I think there’s quite a lot of product coming on the market. It was very buoyant with used stock in the early part of last year. But we’re starting to see a bit more normalisation of the price in the market. So you are going to see more stock, you are going to see those vehicles with fairly low mileage on them. And hopefully, you’re going to see them at a bit more of a realistic price.
Matt Sims
So does that mean you think prices are coming down?
Phil Barker
I don’t think they’re coming down. I think they’re just no longer as inflated as they were. At the end of COVID, we really did see a surge in demand. Customers were buying whatever they could get their hands on. It was pushing retail prices up.
The whole supply chain was falling apart, so everything was getting more expensive. And I think we’re just back to where we were pre-COVID. 2023 was our strongest year. But we set records every year, if I’m honest with you.
So we’re selling just shy of 400 units. We’re taking on another manufacturer with Hymer, but that didn’t come on until the latter end. But yes, I think your whole dealer network, whether that be caravans or motorhomes, saw a really good year last year.
Matt Sims
Now, you’re at the show this year. Is this your first time at the show?
Phil Barker
Yes. So we did Event City, which was normally in the Trafford Centre. It was a bigger facility. We could display more product. And we did that as EmmBee in partnership with Bürstner. We looked at this show. It’s generally quite a bit smaller for us. It wasn’t really on our radar.
But Greater Manchester is a big area for us. There are a lot of customers there. So we brought a smattering of our product to try and give people a feel that we’re still here. And we’ve got all these brands that we can serve them with.
Matt Sims
And your view for 2024 – how do you think it’s going to be?
Phil Barker
Yes, I think 2024 will be strong. I think from a customer point of view, I suppose the power isn’t now all in the dealer’s forecourt. It’s a bit more back to normal. There will be deals about. They’re not going to be massive, but you’ll have a bit more choice. You’re going to be able to get the spec you want. And you are going to get better availability.
Matt Sims
And do you think the supply chain timeline is going to improve this year?
Phil Barker
We’ve still got an overhang. I’d be lying if I said we didn’t. But I think those timescales of eight to nine months are going to be halved. I think you’re either going to be able to get your products at your forecourt depending on the brand that you’re after, but otherwise, I think you’re into three to four months, more realistically.
Matt Sims
That’s exciting. I’m with you on that, Phil.
Phil Barker
It’s good for me! I want to be able to sell this stuff and get it to the customer, particularly when the sun starts shining in March. So yes, I think it’s great news for the customer. Good news for the market. Great news for the network.
Hayden Yates, North Wales Resorts
Matt Sims
I’m here with the lovely Hayden Yates from North Wales Resorts in one of your amazing static homes. Is this a static home? It’s a lodge, isn’t it?
Hayden Yates
It is a lodge. It’s a twin unit, we call it!
Matt Sims
A twin unit! It is beautiful. Now, this is a big effort to bring a product like this to a show here in Manchester. It must cost you a fair few pounds to do that. Is it worth doing?
Hayden Yates
It’s phenomenal for us. It’s a chance to get to meet people who didn’t have any idea of owning a holiday home, but they come to the show for a little bit of inspiration. They’re looking at tourers, motorhomes, tents. Everything’s here, holidays, holiday destinations. And we’re just another facet on the diamond of what is the British holiday home scene!
Matt Sims
The diamond of the British holiday home scene! I love it. Now, you’ve got four locations, haven’t you? We learnt that from you last year.
Hayden Yates
Yes, we’ve actually got a new one this year as well, which is on the Llŷn Peninsula. So we’re on the beach of Morfa Nefyn, which is near the famous Ty Coch pub, which is voted as one of the top 10 pubs in the world, I believe!
Matt Sims
Yes, it is! How’s the show been for you, then?
Hayden Yates
It’s phenomenal. It’s been really, really busy. The first two days have really taken everyone by surprise, because I think last year, as everybody knows in the industry, it was quite a difficult time where people had decided to stay at home and gather their thoughts and think about the cost of living crisis and all of those kinds of things.
But I think this year is going to see a completely different mentality and a change of attitude, really. I think people are just bored of sitting at home and not spending their money. I’ve been bored not spending my money. So I think people are going to have a little bit of a different mindset this year, hopefully!
Matt Sims
And have you had some good enquiries so far this week?
Hayden Yates
Phenomenal. We’ve already got some fantastic appointments set up for the coming weeks when we get back. So we just come here to find customers rather than sell the holiday homes here at the show. So we find customers who are interested in doing something like this.
We show them where they can be located when they get back, because they’ve got four different opportunities to do that in north Wales with us. When they see the homes in their own situations, in Anglesey, in Snowdonia, on the Llŷn Peninsula, they see there’s lots to choose from.
Matt Sims
They are beautiful, I have to say. I love them. I mean, I’m a motorhomer through and through. But you know, I can see myself in one of these, I have to say. Maybe we could do a deal.
Hayden Yates
We’ve had a private conversation off air, Matt, and I think you’ve already done the deal!
Jason Mawdsley, Tottington Motor Company
Matt Sims
I bumped into my good friend Jason Mawdsley from Tottington Motor Company. You’ve got dealership just half an hour or so up the road. You sell new and motorhomes andd you hire them. You’re busy man. You’re here at the show again. What do you think of it?
Jason Mawdsley
We were here last year as an exhibitor. It’s great to see that so many local companies are now supporting the show here in Manchester.
Matt Sims
And there are a lot more vehicles here than last year, aren’t there?
Jason Mawdsley
Yes. Last year, I think there just seemed to be lots of warnings and the Destination Show seemed to have a good amount of space, whereas this year it’s quite refreshing to see there are lots of leisure vehicles.
Matt Sims
And have you had a chance to speak to many of the exhibitors here today?
Jason Mawdsley
I spoke to one or two. I’ve just been here for a couple of hours. And the people I’ve spoken to have been quite pleased, certainly with this morning’s footfall. It’s been very positive.
Matt Sims
Now, it’s the first show of the year for many of us. It kind of kicks the season off, doesn’t it? Do you think it’s a show where vehicles are sold? Or is it just the case that people are coming, getting out of the house and just coming to have a look and seeing what it’s about?
Jason Mawdsley
My personal view is exactly that. I think people are coming just to have a look and planning their buying decisions for maybe later on in the year.
Matt Sims
Well, hopefully they come back to you and get a motorhome from you! Where can people find your business?
Jason Mawdsley
We’re Tottington Motor Company, and we’re based just down the road in Bury. Come and have a look!
Brendan Riley, Comedian
Matt Sims
I just bumped into a famous face here in the north of England. It’s Mr. Brendan Riley. What are you doing at the show?
Brendan Riley
I’m going to buy a new van… not! No, no, no, I don’t know. I live in Southport, which is near Liverpool.
Matt Sims
Now, you’re a bit of a local celebrity, aren’t you?
Brendan Riley
Not really.
Matt Sims
Go on. You are.
Brendan Riley
I’ve done a bit of stand up in the past
Matt Sims
A bit of stand up. You’ve been on the telly box and everything.
Brendan Riley
Yeah, kind of. I was I think I was on the television more in the first five years of my career than the last 25. They’re always looking for something new, aren’t they?
Matt Sims
Always something fresh. You were not long ago in Afghanistan. Tell me more.
Brendan Riley
Okay, so my background is stand up comedy. I’ve done it all over the place. So I was in Afghanistan at Camp Bastion, entertaining the troops. It was a few years ago. And the plane broke.
Basically, I’ll cut to the chase – we were trying to get home. I was with Jason Manford, who’s a good mate of mine. And we were trying to get home. And the only flight that could get us out of Bastion was a proper full blown Ministry of Defence flight. Even though we’d gone in with the troops, we were allowed on. I think it’s about where it flies and stuff.
So the only plane that was going out was a Globemaster going via Turkey. I shouldn’t say this! It’s top secret, this. And because it was a NATO base, we had to actually be official staff of the Ministry of Defence, not entertainers working for the army.
So we needed to get ID. So basically, we were enrolled into the military to get home. That’s what the thing was. And we needed two forms of ID. Jason was all right because he had his passport and his driving licence. But I think at the time I didn’t even have my driving licence with my photo on.
And the only ID I had on me was my Camping and Caravanning Club ID because it had my name on it! And they took that as evidence that I was not a terrorist. So I got out of there because they thought, “No terrorist is ever going to think of using this as a blag way to get ID!” So there you go.
Matt Sims
So you want to join the military, go andd join the the Camping and Caravanning Club and they’ll let you in!
Brendan Riley
They’ll let you in. There you go. Top secret. We shouldn’t say this, shouldn’t we?!
Matt Sims
Amazing. We’ll tell them. They’re here at the show. So how’s the show been for you then, Brendan?
Brendan Riley
I’ve really enjoyed it. I think was last year went to the NEC, and I felt it was a bit too big. It was just massive. It was impersonal, I suppose, is the best way to describe it. So we’ve been having a look round some of the stalls.
We’ve been looking at some of the vans as well, even though I’m not in the market to buy a new one. I think I’m happy with what I’ve got. I’ve got a Bailey. Keep it British. No, it’s good. So of course you’ve got awnings and stuff. I’ve just bought a hose pipe for my Cadac.
Matt Sims
Big spender.
Brendan Riley
Yes, a tenner! There’s a nice feel to it. It’s very, very, very friendly. We were talking about this. I wasn’t sure why I didn’t like the NEC show. It’s not that the NEC show’s not good. You should go there. But I don’t know, it was just like there was too much. There was too much going on, really. It was vast, whereas size-wise, this is smaller. And no, it’s a nicer feel.
Matt Sims
Brilliant. Now, one last question about your experience in Afghanistan. Did you have to dress up in full uniform?
Brendan Riley
Of course I did, but I do that anyway. No, we didn’t! No, I’m a civilian. I’m a civilian.
Matt Sims
It’s great to see you. We’re going to get you on the podcast in a future episode. And we’re going to talk about some of your European adventures in the motorhome with the kids. Because you do it in quite a big way, don’t you?
Brendan Riley
Yeah. I’m planning ’24. So in ’23 I did six weeks, the whole summer holidays, with the two kids and the missus. And we drove all the way through Europe to Croatia. And then the year before that I did mainly Spain.
We sailed into Spain to Bilbao, and then went to the Pyrenees and went over to see Carcassonne, which is on our hitlist. We all wanted to go and see Carcassonne. Then back down the coast via Madrid, and that was another six-week one. And then this year is…
Matt Sims
Don’t spoil it!
Brendan Riley
Okay, okay! This year is Europe again. I’ll tell you more about that later.
Matt Sims
Well, we’ll catch up on that another time. Great to see you, buddy. Enjoy the rest of the show.
Brendan Riley
Keep up the podcast. I’m a big fan.
Andrew, Show Visitor
Matt Sims
I’m here with Andrew from Altrincham, a visitor to the show. Good afternoon, Andrew.
Andrew
Good afternoon.
Matt Sims
How’s the show for you?
Andrew
It’s very good. It’s a nice little venue that you can get around very easily. There are not that many people here. It’s fantastic.
Matt Sims
It is a busy show, but there’s space, isn’t there?
Andrew
Yes, there’s plenty of room to look around and bits and pieces to see.
Matt Sims
Now, I know that you’ve got a motorhome. We were talking earlier. What have you come to see today?
Andrew
Mainly to see you!
Matt Sims
I’m honoured that we bumped into each other. Brilliant. So what are you going to look at this afternoon?
Andrew
There’s a very nice Mercedes down there converted by Hymer. Superb machine.
Matt Sims
On the EmmBee stand. Tempted?
Andrew
No! I’ve just bought a Rapido, which is fantastic. 2,500 in October, November.
Matt Sims
Where did you go?
Andrew
The south of France.
Matt Sims
Lovely.
Andrew
And Spain. It was superb.
Matt Sims
Where are you off to this year?
Andrew
We’ve not decided yet. We’re going to go to Scotland in the early part of the year, hopefully when it’s a little bit quieter!
Monty the Bear, Modern Mobility
Matt Sims
I’m here with Monty. If you’re listening, Monty is a giant brown bear in a pair of blue dungarees. Now, you’re part of the Modern Mobility stand. Are you selling the scooters?
Monty
Well, we’re showing them, selling them, displaying… I mean, we have a big online shop. So it’s just really letting the public know who we are and what we can do for them.
Andy Jenkinson, Caravan Industry Expert
Matt Sims
Now, I’m delighted to be joined on the stand by the lovely Andy Jenkinson. You’re a pillar of our industry, really, aren’t you, if anyone’s been watching on YouTube. How long have you been writing, blogging and reviewing caravans?
Andy Jenkinson
I’ve been writing since 1992. I started off with classic stuff, which again is one of my specialist areas. But I also started to do reviews on new, used, and then moved on to motorhomes in the mid ’90s, campervans and also did park homes and holiday homes. Basically everything to do with the leisure vehicle industry!
Matt Sims
You are a wealth of knowledge and a big historian as well. Now, you remember this show from… gosh, a long time ago.
Andy Jenkinson
I do. I mean, this show to me was a nice local show. I’m just outside of Blackpool. I can be here in an hour. And back then, I actually bought my first new caravan here.
Matt Sims
When was that?
Andy Jenkinson
1987. Those were the days when they had a Miss Caravan competition. There was a Miss Atlas, Miss ABI, Miss Swift.
Matt Sims
And didn’t the band used to strike up and all these scantily clad women parade around?
Andy Jenkinson
They did. Strangely, a lot of the men used to disappear from the stands. I don’t know why that was.
Matt Sims
I don’t think it’s happening this year, I have to be honest.
Andy Jenkinson
No, I have not seen any signs of it. Have you?
Matt Sims
What do you make of the show? There’s no Miss Caravan this year. But what do you make of this show?
Andy Jenkinson
No Mr Blobby, either.
Matt Sims
No Mr Blobby. He opened the show once, didn’t he?
Andy Jenkinson
He did, yes! And I think there was a Barbie lookalike. There have been all sorts. A few Coronation Street people have opened it, or what have you. They used to sell secondhand caravans as well at one time in the early days.
Matt Sims
So it used to be at events city, but we’re here at a beautiful venue, Manchester Central. It’s a stunning building, isn’t it?
Andy Jenkinson
It is. I’ve got a bit of soft spot for this building, because I think it’s a really nice cosy atmosphere.
Matt Sims
I’ll tell you, it’s been really busy today. The footfall – the aisles have been rammed, haven’t they? They’ve been great.
Andy Jenkinson
I’m amazed, actually. And don’t forget, they’ve these aisles a lot bigger on this. So you’ve got these dealers who are supporting the show, and I think it’s really good. There’s plenty of awnings.
There’s quite a bit of accessory stuff. And what was also quite good as well is that we’ve got quite a few of the park people. So again, you’ve got quite a few Lake District people, Yorkshire Dales, even down from my neck of the woods, Blackpool.
Matt Sims
Well, thank you for coming out and saying hello. It’s great to see you. Always walking around with a camera around your neck.
Andy Jenkinson
And if anybody sees me – enough people do – I’m always willing to have a chat about caravans, motorhomes, about anything on that scale. Come and have a word with me.
Matt Sims
It’s hard to shut you up, in my experience!
Andy Jenkinson
That’s what lot of people say, but anyway…
Matt Sims
See you later!
Andy Jenkinson
See you later, Matt. Cheers.
Matt Sims
I’d like to say a huge thanks to everyone who took the time to speak to me during the show. I really appreciate you doing that, both visitors and exhibitors alike. And it’s been really interesting too to hear the views of 2024 and what we might be in for this year. Frankly, it’s really encouraging.
It’s been a great show. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. The highlights for me had to be interviewing Monty the bear and getting a cheese pull courtesy of Mr. Andrew Dickens. It’s been a brilliant week. I’m looking forward to seeing you at a future show. And we look forward to what this show will bring in 2025. See you next time!
Keith Gooden
Matt’s back from the Manchester show. Just like Doctor Who!
Matt Sims
Doctor Who?
Keith Gooden
Time travel, isn’t it?
Matt Sims
Oh, is that what it is? There was no time travel.
Keith Gooden
Was there not?
Matt Sims
No, no. It’s a good few hours north though, and a good few back.
Keith Gooden
Have a good time?
Matt Sims
It’s been a great week, I have to say. Yeah, really good. Great fun.
Audience Q&A
Keith Gooden
It’s the Motorhome Matt podcast with me, Keith Gooden.
Matt Sims
And me, Motorhome Matt.
Keith Gooden
It’s brought to you with www.thatleisureshop.com. John Moore is in Cheltenham.
How can I keep my battery voltage higher in winter?
John Moore
I’m living in my motorhome full time at the moment, and I’ve got 600 watts of solar panels and two large gel batteries. But I’m finding the voltage is dropping now the weather is getting colder. Have you got any tips on how to keep the battery voltage higher?
I guess they just aren’t charging as well during the day as they were when it was warmer weather. For instance, would leaving the diesel heater on during the day on really low keep the batteries topped up better? Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a lot!
Keith Gooden
There you go. It’s John Moore in Cheltenham, Matt, talking about his batteries.
Matt Sims
Absolutely. John, you’re onto something there about keeping the batteries warm. Certainly the ambient temperature they’re operating, in keeping that above freezing, that’s definitely going to make an impact. It’s a real challenge, you know, trying to keep batteries charged at this time of the year.
With all that solar on the roof they’ve got limited time to recharge. And if you’re draining heavily off the batteries, then you are fighting a losing battle there. It’s going to be about monitoring your consumption during the day and during the night.
Try to make sure that the solar panels are clean so they’ve got the maximum opportunity to recharge the batteries. I mean, really, the next step, John – it sounds like you’ve gone all out with solar on the roof – is to take a step up to lithium. As you know, John, I’m sure it’s going to be an expensive step.
Gel batteries are great. They’re very, very heavy and very effective. But the only thing I can suggest really is to take a step up to lithium, or just try and be very, very conscious of what you’re consuming.
Keith Gooden
Absolutely. I’ve got solar panels at home. I think I’ve mentioned it before. This quarter is always one of the lowest quarters. We live in the northern hemisphere. It’s only light for six to eight hours a day in the winter, which means on a bright day, probably you’re going to get four or five hours’ charging time once the sun comes up and once it sets. That’s not long, even if you’ve got lithium batteries. I think you’re going to have to wait until spring.
Matt Sims
Yes, as I say, it’s a challenge at this time of the year. It’s a common conversation throughout the motorhoming world and the boating world as well. People living on boats have the same challenge.
And you see an increasing number of canal boats absolutely covered in solar. And what they’re battling really is this time of the year where they’re trying to maximise the charge from the sun. So make sure you’re always parked in as direct sunlight as you possibly can be.
And just try to optimise your chances, really. The other thing to remember, of course, with leaving a diesel heater on is that it has a fan and that is going to drain the batteries. So it’s a double-edged sword, really. Keeping them warm is a good idea, but that’s going to drain itself, so it’s a difficult one.
What sim card can I use on the road?
Keith Gooden
Carol Smith’s in Hastings. “Hi,” she says. “We met you at Shepton Mallet and you told us about the £50 Amazon MiFi SIM. I think it was 120 gigabytes,” bits, bots, “But we can’t remember as we bought one off you! Thank you.”
Matt Sims
Hi, Carol. It’s nice to hear from you again. You did buy a SIM card from us and it was a 120 gigabyte data only SIM. They were on Amazon. It was an EE SIM. There are loads of them out there.
I have to say, they’re quite hard to find on Amazon because it seems the resellers disappear. So we are actually, as a result of your question, Carol, going to go and buy some and we’re going to put them in stock at www.thatleisureshop.com.
And they’re going to go in stock at cost. So we’re not going to mark them up. It’s just an easy solution to find the SIM card for your Wi-Fi router, which is what we were talking about and I was talking about this week at the Manchester show.
They are a brilliant solution – 120 gigabytes. They last for 12 months. They’re data only and they are £50. So you can find them on online, but we will have them at www.thatleisureshop.com. I’m going to go and order some this afternoon.
Keith Gooden
Fantastic. Thanks, Carol, for that.
Are you doing any meet and greets with the fans in Scotland?
Keith Gooden
Stephen Melvin’s in Wishaw. I know the Wizard of Wishaw, John Higgins, the snooker player. My wife was the operations manager for World Snooker for 23 years.
Matt Sims
Was she really?
Keith Gooden
Yes, she was.
Matt Sims
Wow.
Keith Gooden
She was really! I’ve got a cupboard full of waistcoats.
Matt Sims
I bet you have.
Keith Gooden
Stephen says, “I hope you had a very happy Christmas and a new year with your family. Are you doing any meet and greets with the fans in Scotland?”
Matt Sims
Here it is. I see. No. Do you know, we hope to go to Scotland. It’s a beautiful country. Jude and I are planning to take the motorhome up to do a bit of a tour of some of the coast this spring. So yes, we’ll let you know when we’re up there and we’ll give you a wave.
Keith Gooden
It’d be fantastic. You can meet up with Matt.
Matt Sims
Do a Matt meet.
Keith Gooden
Do a Matt meet in Scotland.
Matt Sims
Scotland! There is a show in Scotland. But no, we’re not going. It’s a long way for us to go for a show.
Keith Gooden
He’s down in the southwest of England. It is a long way. But absolutely, 100%, if Matt can get there, he will get there for you.
Matt Sims
We would love to. We’ve been trying to go for the last few years. And I’ll be honest, we’ve been a little bit frightened about going since COVID and all those horrible stories that we’ve been hearing.
Keith Gooden
What, are the Scottish more infectious than the rest of the world?
Matt Sims
No, just all the awful stories about motorhomers getting a bad rep or being abused and so on. So it was Gemma and Campbell from Highlands2Hammocks. We had them here. We’ve got a lovely episode with them.
They convinced me that all those stories, yes, some of them are true. But they are absolutely not commonplace. I thought, “Right, okay,” an I’ve got renewed confidence to go. So we’ve done bits of the NC 500.
And we’ve done bits of travel around Scotland. I’ve done it on two wheels. I’ve done it in a classic car. I’ve done bits of it in a motorhome. But we want to go and have a week or two if we can carve it out of the diary to go and take our camper up there and have a little tour around. So yes, we’re hopeful we can do it.
Do you still do an EU checklist?
Keith Gooden
Well, Clare is in Aberdeenshire. We have lots of listeners and viewers north of the border. “Do you still do an EU checklist and handbook, please? Love your podcast with Keith.” Not with Chris, as I was called before. That’s me. Thanks, Clare.
Matt Sims
We do, yes. It is at www.thatleisureshop.com/europe. In face, I’ve been talking about this at the Manchester show this week. Now, there are a few things to note, though. There’s a video on that page you can watch. And there’s a checklist you can download. A couple of things in it are now inaccurate. So I refer to, for example, the ETIAS scheme and say that that’s being introduced mid-2023. When we recorded it, that was true. It’s now been postponed to May 2025.
Keith Gooden
Can’t you overdub it like they do in the Hollywood films?
Matt Sims
Not with a YouTube video, sadly. Bit like Hi-de. Remember that programme? No, you can’t do that with a YouTube video, sadly. But the ETIAS has been delayed. So this is the European Travel… I can’t remember what it stands for.
But it’s basically a visa exemption certificate that means you can travel in Europe without a visa. There’s a cost of €7. Go and download the guide. There’s all the info in there. When it’s being introduced has been delayed and it might even be delayed again. At the moment as we record this, it’s May 2025.
Keith Gooden
Not 2024?
Matt Sims
2024.
Keith Gooden
But it says 2023 on the video.
Matt Sims
It does.
Keith Gooden
Confused? You will be.
Matt Sims
Welcome to UK Government policy and Europe.
Keith Gooden
Cheers, Clare in Aberdeenshire.
Ask Matt you questions
Keith Gooden
Okay – if you want to ask Matt a question, it really is very simple. It’s mhmp.info/askmatt. That’s Motorhome Matt Podcast, MHMP.
Matt Sims
It’s really easy to do as well. You can just fill out the form and submit it, or we’d love it if you’d click the orange button and record your question. Please tell us where in the country you are. We’ll put a pin in the map and then we can share your question on the podcast. If you’re watching on YouTube, please do click the bell and subscribe. And that’s been brought to you by www.arobasecreative.co.uk.
Keith Gooden
Just one question, Matt. What’s that under your kilt?
Matt Sims
That’s not a kilt!
