We’ve been RVing for years, so why do we need a shakedown trip? Aren’t those trips for RV “newbies”?
Well, yes. However, an annual RV shakedown trip is one of the easiest ways to save yourself from a miserable first big trip of the season, and I believe you should take one once a year.
In storage
Our Vilano fifth wheel RV sat in storage much longer than in years past. Due to my travel buddy’s wonky knee, we skipped our annual trip south this winter. That means we haven’t traveled in our RV for several months. We winterized the rig in September, and that’s the last time we spent any real time in it.
If your rig has been in a similar situation, or you haven’t traveled in your rig for a few months, you may want to consider a shakedown trip, too.
Definition
Let’s begin with a definition. A “shakedown trip” is simply a short overnight or two at a campground near your home. Or, if you are fortunate to have full hookups at your stix-n-brix home, a shakedown trip doesn’t involve any real travel. You simply spend a day or two of “pretend camping.”
A shakedown trip lets you make sure your RV still behaves the way it should before you depend on it for a longer vacation. Think of it as a low-stress systems check that gives you a chance to find problems early, when they are still manageable and much cheaper to deal with.
It matters!
The biggest reason a shakedown trip matters is that RVs do not like to sit untouched for months. Seals may dry out, batteries can weaken, appliances get rusty in the memory department, and the owner often needs a refresher, too.
A short local trip helps you catch any surprises while you are still close to home and not already committed to a long haul across state lines. Staying local keeps the trip lower-stress, and you’ll consume less fuel, to boot!
What to do
A good shakedown trip should exercise as many RV systems as possible. Operate the auto leveling system, extend the slides, run the water system, test electrical hookups, verify propane appliances, check the air conditioner and vents, open and close windows, and use every outlet, as well.
Tires deserve special attention before you start out on an extended trip. Check the condition of each tire and also check the pressure. Also, make sure your carbon monoxide detector, smoke alarm, LP detector, and fire extinguishers are working.
This practice run is a smart way to confirm that the gear still works after storage or disuse. It provides peace of mind knowing that your RV’s major systems are in working order before the season starts.
And more
A shakedown trip is also the right time to refresh the little things that make a trip go smoothly. Check that your vehicle insurance card and registration are current and use your pre-trip checklist. Add any missing details to update your list and place the list where you can easily locate it.
The best shakedown trip is usually short, simple, and close enough to home that you can discover surprises before they negatively affect the whole season. One or two nights nearby is enough for most RVers.
That first shakedown trip can tell you whether you packed enough of the right gear, whether your RV routines still feel smooth, and whether any maintenance items need attention before your summer travels.
Cleaning, too
I use our annual shakedown trip to clean the interior of our RV. I open all of the windows and keep them open as I clean. A quick dust and vacuum removes any accumulated dead insects, dirt, and cobwebs. I use this opportunity to wipe down the refrigerator and countertops, too.
If our plans call for RV travel within a week, I’ll make the bed and pack towels into closets. Canned foods and spices will once again find their place, and I double-check that drawers and doors are secured and ready for travel.
Long-term payoff
A shakedown trip provides long-term payoff. When you keep notes on what worked, what failed, and what you fixed before the real trips begin, you build better maintenance records and make it easier to stay on top of future service. Maintaining quality records can help maximize resale value, which is one more reason this annual habit is worth the time and effort.
Bottom line
An annual RV shakedown trip is one of those small habits that protects your investment. It gives you a chance to catch leaks, dead batteries, tire trouble, appliance issues, and setup mistakes before they turn into road trip disasters. For RVers who want a calmer start to the season, it’s hard to beat a short practice run before the long summer miles begin.
Do you take an annual preseason shakedown trip? Tell us in the comments below.
RELATED
RVT1262
We always do a shake down trip before a long vacation. It makes us remember all the things we said we were going to fix or change but never did! Just make sure the shake down is far enough before your actual trip so you have time to do all those little things you should have done in the past months while the RV was just sitting there!
Sort of. The family has a seasonal lakeside cottage. When we have multiple out of town family or friends, we often give up our cottage bed and park the TT at the cottage. Only 15A power, so sort of boondocking. It tests the systems, but not the load out for the big semi-annual migration. For that we have a lengthy checklist. We make minor adjustments to the list each year, but there is still a checklist.
Maybe it is just me, but it seems every trip is a shakedown trip. There is always something to fix from the last trip and buy parts for the next trip.
We don’t take shakedown trips any more. Our Class C sits on a gravel pad next to our garage when “stored”. I can wash it, clean the interior, exercise the motor and generator, and make repairs at any time of year. We also take long and short RV trips in every season, but especially in fall and snowbirding in winter. So the RV never “sits” for more than a month at a time. I have to say, RVing is a great “full-time job” to have in retirement!
I just got back from my yearly shake-down trip. I have a whiteboard to write what I’ve forgotten or need. The board is empty today, that’s a first.
Our camper is now on a permanent site so once the campground opens for the season we take a trip to the campground for a shake down. We plug it in and hook up water. We put the slideout and awning out. We check heat and AC, and any appliances to make sure they are working. We make sure hot water heater works, and flush water though the plumbing. Clean out the inside. And make an appointment to have the roof checked and roof sealant updated if needed. Also wash the exterior of the camper. Before closing it back up take care of anything that needs to be done.
Most of my trips are not weeks long. But the coast is 30 miles from home where there are numerous campgrounds. I usually do a short trip down there. However, I go often enough, it really isn’t needed. I am often plugged in at home with me going to and fro all the time. Not all campgrounds are open until May, but enough are if I take a notion to go. With the teardrop, I could pull it down by the creek, but with a bit heavier trailer, I’m not positive I could get it back up the hill, so haven’t done a home shakedown lately.
Thank you for the suggestion and discussion, Gail. Seems an excellent idea, depending on how frequently one uses their RV. We usually have no more than six weeks between trips, so in some sense we are always doing this. Or in another sense, we never do it. Either way, have a great day and safe travels!