Every spring, before we head out on any big camping adventure, we take what seasoned campers lovingly call a “Camping Shakedown.”
A shakedown trip is exactly what it sounds like. You take your camper somewhere close to home for a night or two to make sure everything still works after a long winter nap. It is part preparation, part tradition, and honestly, part comedy show as we remember where we stored things six months ago.
For us, this first camping trip of the season feels a little like reopening a tiny traveling cottage.
Before we even pull out of the driveway, we begin with the towing vehicle. We check tire pressure carefully because changing temperatures over winter can affect it more than people realize. We test the windshield wipers, check all fluid levels, and top off the gas tank. Nothing ruins camping magic faster than preventable problems on the highway.
Then we move on to the travel trailer itself. We inspect the roof sealant and seams for any cracks or places where winter weather may have caused damage. We double-check that the towing bar is operational and secure. This is the moment where we slow down and remind ourselves of every safety step:
• Hitch locked into place
• Safety chains crossed correctly
• Electrical connection attached
• Brake lights and turn signals working
• Trailer brakes functioning
• Sway bars tightened and secure
Those little routines become second nature over time, but every experienced camper knows you never skip them.
Next comes dewinterizing the camper. We follow our manufacturer’s directions carefully, making sure to completely flush out all antifreeze from the water system. Then we flush again to remove any lingering chlorine taste or smell from sanitizing the lines. It takes time, but the reward is fresh clean water and peace of mind.
Once water is flowing properly, we begin checking all the systems inside:
• Refrigerator
• Stove
• Microwave
• Overhead lighting
• Electrical outlets
• Water heater
• Air conditioning and heat
The first camping trip of the season always involves a few moments of standing silently while waiting for something to turn on. There is usually a small cheer when the refrigerator hums to life.
One thing we do differently on our shakedown trip is simplify meals completely. Everything is prepared ahead of time. We want quick dinners, easy breakfasts, and simple snacks because this trip is about testing systems and easing back into camping life, not spending hours cooking.
That means things like pasta salad, sandwiches, breakfast casseroles, chopped fruit, and easy campfire meals that let us still relax between all the checking, testing, organizing, and inevitable “Where did we put that?” moments.
What I love most about a camping shakedown is that it gently reintroduces us to slower living again. Morning coffee outdoors. Camp chairs out before sunset. The familiar sound of birds instead of notifications. A little dirt on your shoes. A little fresh air in your lungs.
It reminds me every year that camping is never really about perfection. It is about creating a small life outdoors together and learning, once again, how very little we need to feel content.
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