Buying a new RV is exciting, but according to veteran RVer Janice Smith, your first stop shouldn't be a cross-country trek. With 34 years of experience and **16 different RVs** under her belt, Janice joins Mike and Jen to reveal her "must-do" ritual for every new rig: the **Shakedown Trip**.

In this episode of *The RV Podcast*, we dive into why this short initial trip is the single most important thing you can do to save your future vacation (and your sanity). Janice shares exactly what she looks for, the common "new rig" issues she’s caught, and why even the most expensive units need a trial run.

### ???? In This Episode:

* **Stories from the Road:** Janice Smith on the art of the "Shakedown Trip" and her 3-decade journey through 16 RVs.

* **Travel Tips:** Essential advice for your next adventure.

* **RV Q&A:** We answer your burning questions about the RV lifestyle.

* **Destination Spotlight:** An epic guide to the **Blue Ridge Parkway**—a bucket-list drive every RVer needs to experience at least once.

**Release Date:** March 18, 2026

**Hosts:** Mike and Jen Wendland

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### ✨ Resources & Links

* **Join the RV Lifestyle Community:** https://rvcommunity.com

* **RV Lifestyle Store**  https://shop.rvlifestyle.com

* **RV Trip Budget Planner:**  https://rvlifestyle.com/budget

*** Ultimate RV Trip Packing List Tool**  https://rvlifestyle,com/packingapp

***RV Lifestyle  Guide to the Blue Ridge Parkway** https://rvlifestyle.com/blueridge

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> "The best way to enjoy the road is to be prepared for it." — Janice Smith