Today we're hitting the road in our Airstream for a 3-day shakedown trip at Clarks Hill Lake (GA/SC border)! Join us as we test our camping systems, get summer-ready, and kick off the camping season! Is your RV ready for adventure?
The sun is peeking over the horizon, birds are chirping a cheerful melody, and the crisp morning air fills your lungs. You've dusted off your camping gear, prepped your RV, and chosen the perfect destination for your first camping trip of the season. But before you hit the gas and disappear down the highway, have you considered a shakedown trip to kickoff your camping season?
What is a Shakedown Camping Trip?
Imagine a short, 2-3 day camping adventure close to home. Think within a 50-mile radius, a familiar spot that allows you to ease back into the camping groove. That, my friend, is a shakedown trip – a full-dress rehearsal for your camping season. It might seem like an unnecessary detour, but trust us, it's an investment that will pay off in comfort and peace of mind down the road.
Who Needs a Shakedown Trip?
Unless you're a seasoned full-time RV dweller, a shakedown trip is a must for everyone who yearns to reconnect with the outdoors. This includes both veteran campers and eager newbies.
Veteran Campers: Even the most seasoned adventurer can benefit from a shakedown trip. After months of storage, your camping skills might be a little rusty. Hitching, towing, and backing up your RV might not be as smooth as second nature anymore. A shakedown trip lets you dust off these skills and ensure your memory hasn't taken a vacation.
Newbie Campers: Embarking on your first camping trip can be both exciting and daunting. A shakedown trip in a familiar setting allows you to practice setting up camp, figure out sleeping arrangements, and test your cooking methods without the pressure of being miles away from home.
When Should You Conduct a Shakedown Trip?
There are several key moments throughout the camping season that make a shakedown trip particularly valuable:
Before the Start of the Camping Season: As the days get longer and the weather warms, the camping itch starts to set in. Before jumping headfirst into a long-awaited adventure, use a shakedown trip to ensure your RV and gear are in tip-top shape.
Before Starting an Extended Road-Trip: Planning a cross-country adventure? A shakedown trip close to home allows you to identify any potential problems with your RV before you're miles away from repair facilities.
After RV Has Been in Storage or Maintenance: After a long winter slumber, your RV might need a little wake-up call. A shakedown trip helps identify if any maintenance issues arose during storage or if repairs were completed successfully.
New RV or Tow-Vehicle: Whether you've upgraded your RV or switched tow vehicles, a shakedown trip lets you get comfortable with the new equipment. Practice towing dynamics, test handling, and ensure everything works seamlessly before venturing further.
5 Reasons Why You Need a Shakedown Trip:
Now that you understand why a shakedown trip is crucial for both seasoned and newbie campers, let's delve into the specific benefits it offers:
1. Checkout Your RV:
Let's face it, your RV isn't exactly a daily driver. A shakedown trip provides the perfect opportunity to test out your Airstream and all its equipment in a real-world camping scenario. From plumbing and electrical systems to your TPMS system, you can identify any maintenance issues or deficiencies before they disrupt your enjoyment on a longer trip. Discovering a faulty water pump or a flickering light bulb during your shakedown is a far better situation than facing them in the backcountry with limited resources.
2. Knock Off the Rust:
Camping involves a unique set of skills that might become rusty during the off-season. Hitching, towing, backing up your RV – these tasks might seem ingrained in your muscle memory, but a shakedown trip refreshes these processes. It's also a perfect time to verify your arrival and departure checklists, ensuring a smooth transition from packing at home to setting up camp. Use this opportunity to make adjustments to your camping setup, sleeping arrangements, and even try out new cooking methods.
3. Verify Essential Packing List:
Let's be honest, no matter how meticulous you are, you WILL forget to pack something on your first camping trip of the season. A shakedown trip acts as a fool-proof way to identify missing essentials before you're truly stranded. Whether it's a forgotten can opener, an extra roll of toilet paper, or some critical spare parts, a shakedown trip allows you to quickly stock up and reorganize your Airstream for optimal comfort and functionality.
4. Test New Gear:
Planning on breaking in some new camping equipment this season? Don't let that new camping gadgets gather dust until your main adventure! A shakedown trip offers the perfect testing opportunity to try out that new piece of gear you bought over the winter. Whether it's a high-tech AirSafe hitch promising smoother towing or a DIY Ammo Can fire pit you recently built, a shakedown trip lets you put them through their paces. You can learn the quirks of your new gear, troubleshoot any assembly or functionality issues, and ensure everything works seamlessly before you rely on them in the wilderness. This way, you avoid any frustrating surprises on your Summer roadtrip and can confidently enjoy the benefits your new gear brings to your camping experience.
5. Fun way to Jump Start your Camping Season
Finally, beyond the practical benefits, a shakedown trip is just plain Awesome! It injects a dose of pure camping fun into your season. It's a chance to trade your daily routine for a taste of fresh air and campfire nights. You can rediscover the joys of simple living, reconnect with nature, and reignite the sense of adventure that fuels your camping passion. This short escape allows you to iron out any kinks before your main adventures, building confidence and excitement as you gear up for a season filled with unforgettable outdoor experiences. It's like a delicious appetizer before the main course of summer camping fun!
Happy Camping & Safe Travels,
Rick & Lisa
The Wright Life
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