Buying a new RV is exciting. It’s the first step toward hitting the open road to take endless adventures. It’s also the thrilling start of a new chapter in your life.

But, before you hitch up and head out, there’s one critical step that many RV owners overlook: the shakedown cruise. Today, I will be talking with an RV inspector about how to conduct a successful shakedown cruise.

In today’s episode, I am speaking with Rob Wilhelm, who is a master certified RV inspector, and the owner of Professional RV Inspections. He explains why taking the time for a thorough trial run before your first big trip can save you a world of frustration, expense and potential safety hazards.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned RVer with a new rig, Rob walks us through the key systems you need to understand, how to prepare for your first use and the value of treating that initial outing more like a learning experience than a vacation.

Rob explains why RVs are not just houses on wheels. Rather, they come with complex systems that need to be tested, understood and sometimes even fixed before they’re road-ready.

As Rob pointed out, the best time to discover problems with your RV is not when you’re hundreds of miles from home trying to enjoy a vacation.

A proper shakedown cruise – even if it means parking the RV in your driveway or at a nearby campground for a couple of days – gives you the opportunity to understand how everything works and what doesn’t.

Rob recommends starting by operating every system. That means you should run the air conditioner and furnace, check the water heater, test the electrical outlets and appliances, as well as verify that slide-outs and leveling systems function smoothly.

Don’t forget the simple things, like opening and closing windows, pulling the shades, running water through every faucet, and making sure cabinets and drawers stay closed while in motion.

Make note of anything that’s confusing or unfamiliar, and use that time to research how it works, or call in help if you need it.

During your shakedown, it’s also wise to inspect safety systems like fire extinguishers, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as well as emergency exits. That is especially important if you’re traveling with kids.

You should understand not only where these items are, but how to use them and what to do if they fail.

And if you’re not comfortable doing this on your own, RV inspectors, like Rob, can walk you through the process in person. From leveling the RV and hooking up utilities, to reviewing basic maintenance and operating procedures, a hands-on walkthrough with a professional can boost your confidence and prevent costly mistakes.

To find a certified RV inspector near you, visit nrvia.org and click on the “Find an Inspector” tool. You’ll be able to search by location and see who’s available to help.

Rob noted RVing can be one of the most enjoyable ways to travel, but only if you take the time to understand how your RV works. So take that shakedown cruise seriously, fix the kinks, and then hit the road knowing you’re ready for adventure.

People can connect with Rob on his Professional RV Inspections website at www.prorvi.com.

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That’s all for this week’s show. Next week, I hope to speak with another employer who is looking for Workampers in 2026. I’ll have details on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening, and if you like these interviews, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes.