A few weeks ago, we revealed our brand new Alliance Paradigm – our dream RV that we’d been waiting months for. But revealing it and actually towing it? Those are two very different things.
After three years of full-time RV living, we thought we had this whole thing figured out. Well, our three-day RV shakedown cruise with our new travel trailer was a humbling reminder that every RV transition comes with its own unique challenges. Whether you’re a new RV owner or switching to a different RV, that first trip will test everything you thought you knew about RV travel.
The Reality of RV Shakedown Trips
Let’s be honest – RV shakedown trips are called that for a reason. You literally shake everything down to see what breaks, what falls out, and what you forgot to secure properly. Our Alliance Paradigm shakedown was no exception to typical new RV problems.
What we discovered on our maiden voyage:
- Random screws appearing on the floor (where do they even come from?)
- Five mysterious screws rolled out from under the refrigerator
- A pantry door that decided to come apart mid-journey
- The eternal struggle of securing items that worked perfectly in our previous RV
This is exactly why experienced RVers always recommend doing a proper RV shakedown cruise before heading on any major RV adventures. Better to discover these RV maintenance issues close to home than hundreds of miles away.
Mountain Pass Anxiety: RV Towing on Steep Grades
I’ll be completely transparent here – I had a full meltdown on the Pennsylvania mountain passes. While Barry handled the RV towing like a champ, I was gripping my seat, sweating profusely, and basically losing it over those steep mountain grades and sharp curves.
The 10% grades weren’t actually dangerous with our truck and the lighter Alliance Paradigm, but my RV travel anxiety doesn’t care about logic. Many RVers experience mountain driving anxiety, especially when towing large travel trailers through steep terrain. If you’re someone who gets nervous about RV mountain driving, you’re not alone. It’s something I’m still working through after three years of RV life on the road.
RV Setup Tips: Lessons from Our Shakedown
Securing Items for RV Travel
What worked for us:
- Strapping the desk monitors back (though not perfectly)
- Using Hugo’s unused dog bed as padding for the monitors
- Putting towels under the cutting board to reduce movement
- Raising all blinds to prevent damage from flapping during RV travel
- Securing fridge contents with adjustable curtain rods
- Adding more protection for glass shower doors
- Removing microwave glass plate and cushioning it elsewhere (you can also wrap in a towel)
What we’re still figuring out for our new RV:
- Those ridiculously long TV straps (Alliance owners, help us out here!)
- The best way to secure our hydraulic monitor stands
- Key management between RVs (pro tip: RV keys are often interchangeable)
- Finding the right spot for everything in the storage bays (It’s like playing Tetris)
Essential RV Travel Preparation
Every RV trip requires proper preparation, but your first trip with a new RV needs extra attention. Here’s what we learned about RV setup and travel day routines:
- Always do a thorough walk-around inspection before departure
- Secure all loose items inside your RV
- Check that all RV systems are properly shut down
- Test your RV brakes and towing setup
- Look up and down under the RV
The Mattress Situation
Can we talk about RV mattresses for a minute? The factory mattress that comes with your RV is essentially a glorified pancake. We found some creative uses for ours – repair mat, exercise mat, and with a little spray paint, a welcome mat. But for actual sleeping? You need an upgrade.
Getting a quality RV mattress from Brooklyn Bedding was our very first upgrade with the Alliance Paradigm, and it made all the difference for our sleep quality on the road. They have over 22 different options specifically designed for RVs, including those weird sizes that only RV manufacturers think make sense, plus five different firmness levels and heights. Use code liketheresnotomorrow for 30% off your order.
Campground Reviews: Our RV Trip Route
We stayed at three different RV parks and campgrounds during our shakedown trip:
American Wilderness Campground and Event Center – Grafton, OH Tight for larger rigs but doable if you’re careful with your maneuvering. I’d skip it for just an overnight but it’s doable and pretty nice overall. Visit their website
Nature’s Getaway RV Park and Campground – Schellsburg, PA Really remote and peaceful, but prepare yourself for some serious hills getting there. It’s near one of the 911 monuments. Perfect for RVers seeking a quiet camping experience away from busy RV parks. Check them out here
Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park – Manheim, PA A bit noisy from highway traffic, but not bad overall and convenient for our route. Good option for RV travelers needing a convenient stop near Hershey. More information available here
The Toll Road Lesson
Here’s a costly lesson we learned the hard way: get an EZ Pass before traveling through toll-heavy areas like Chicago. We ended up with a $140 bill for what should have been about $25 in tolls because Illinois adds a $15 processing fee to EVERY toll when they have to mail you the bill. Highway robbery, but lesson learned.
Saying Goodbye to the Valor
One of the most emotional parts of this trip was saying goodbye to our previous RV, the Valor. We had so many memories and learning experiences in that rig. It’s where we figured out the ropes of full-time RV living.
Leaving it behind for the new owners felt like closing a chapter, but we’re excited about all the adventures ahead in our Alliance Paradigm.
The Verdict: How Did the Alliance Paradigm 370FB Perform?
Despite my mountain pass panic and a few minor issues, the Alliance Paradigm performed amazingly well. The Kurt Helix suspension and pin box definitely provided a more stable, solid ride compared to our previous setup.
The differences we noticed:
- Smoother towing experience overall
- Less sensitive trailer brake system (likely due to having four wheels instead of six)
- Better ride quality, especially noticeable on highways- most likely due to the Curt Helux Pin and Suspension
Tips for Your Own RV Shakedown Trip
Whether you’re a new RV owner or switching to a different travel trailer, these RV tips will help ensure your first trip goes smoothly:
- Plan short RV travel days – Don’t try to rush it. Give yourself time to discover and fix issues.
- Do a thorough RV inspection at every stop – Look under, around, and inside for anything that’s shifted or come loose.
- Expect RV maintenance issues – Random screws and minor repairs are practically guaranteed on any RV shakedown trip.
- Document your RV setup process – Take photos of how you secure things for future RV trips.
- Stay flexible with your RV travel plans – Things will go wrong, and that’s okay. It’s all part of the RV lifestyle learning process.
- Book RV campgrounds early for popular events – We learned this lesson trying to get spots during the Hershey RV show.
- Practice RV driving and backing – If you’re new to RV life, spend time in empty parking lots before hitting the road.
Looking Forward
Now that we’ve got the RV stuff figured out with our Alliance Paradigm, we’re ready to focus on what we love most – incredible adventures and exploring this beautiful country. The shakedown trip reminded us why we love this lifestyle, even when it tests our patience and our relationship.
Sure, there were moments of stress and panic, but there were also moments of pure joy as we realized our new home on wheels was going to serve us well for years of adventures ahead.
The reality of RV life isn’t always Instagram-perfect, but it’s real, it’s authentic, and it’s ours. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Ready to start your own RV journey? Check out our comprehensive online course that covers everything we wish we’d known when we started. We’ll help you avoid the costly mistakes and navigate your transition to full-time RV living with confidence.
We draw inspiration from creators like Changing Lanes, Keep Your Daydream, and Happily Ever Hanks, combining adventure and heartfelt storytelling.
