How to Work from Your RV: Tips for Remote Work on the Road

 

Working remotely from your RV is the perfect way to balance work and travel, allowing you to explore new places without putting your career on hold. With the right setup, working from an RV can be productive, comfortable, and even fun! Here’s a look at how I make it work, along with a few tips to help you create your own RV office on the road.

How to Work from Your RV: Tips for Remote Work on the Road

My RV Office Setup

  • TV Trays as Desks: I keep it simple with a couple of TV trays that serve as my desk space. They’re lightweight, easy to move around, and don't take up much room when not in use.  The ones I have came from Aldi several years ago.  If you want something similar that is a desk, check out this option from Amazon!  I store my TV trays under our bunks when I'm not working.
  • Laptop & Portable Monitor: Having a second screen boosts my productivity and makes tasks like comparing documents or multitasking much easier. A portable monitor is a game-changer when you’re working from small spaces.  The one that I use folds flat into the size of a little larger than a legal pad.  My set up fits and stores in my backpack.
  • Bluetooth Headset: Since RV life can come with some background noise, I use a Bluetooth headset for calls and meetings. This keeps me focused and helps block out distractions so my coworkers aren’t hearing dogs barking or campground chatter.
  • Starlink Mini Roam for Internet: Reliable internet is essential, and the Starlink Mini Roam has been a fantastic solution. It’s compact and easy to set up, providing fast internet as long as it has a clear view of the sky. This allows me to work from almost anywhere we travel!
This set up may not work for everyone but it has worked great for me.  And I look forward to doing it more often since I know it works well and doesn't compromise my day to day work load!

A simple flat surface works for my Starlink, but you can look at accessories to mount and use differently for better reception!
The Starlink app helps you to align your device and get the best reception!

Why I Love Working from the RV

  • Travel More, Work Anywhere: Remote work lets me explore more places with my family without sacrificing my job responsibilities. Whether it’s a scenic mountain view or a cozy campsite, it’s rewarding to work in a setting that inspires me.
  • Flexibility & Freedom: I can adjust my schedule around travel plans. This freedom means I don’t have to wait for the weekends or vacation days to take trips – I can work remotely from anywhere!
  • Minimalist Lifestyle: Working from an RV encourages me to focus on what’s essential. There’s less clutter and more opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, which keeps my mindset fresh and productive.

This is a view of my office set up.  Our RV is small, and it works just fine!
I put everything out at night and everything ready to go first thing at the start of my day!

Tips for Working Remotely from Your RV

  1. Designate a Work Space: Even if it’s just a corner or a foldable desk setup like mine, having a designated workspace helps keep your work life organized and separate from your leisure time.  I get everything organized the night before and charged up on our bottom bunk.  This allows me to quickly set up and start my day first thing without delays.
  2. Manage Your Connectivity: Research the best spots for Wi-Fi or use solutions like Starlink. It’s also smart to have backup plans, like a hotspot, in case of outages.
  3. Set a Routine: It’s easy to let the freedom of RV life disrupt your workflow. Having a loose routine ensures you get your work done without missing out on adventures.
  4. Minimize Noise with Tools: A good headset with noise-canceling features is essential when working from campgrounds or other noisy environments.
  5. Embrace the Outdoors: One of the best parts of RV life is the ability to step outside and reset. Take breaks, go for a walk, or enjoy a meal outside – these little moments can enhance your productivity.
Starklink is a great option for remote travel and is more reliable that campground Wi-Fi.  It took me a little trial and error to get it established and working like I wanted it to function.  However, here are some Starklink tips that would help a new user:

  • Due North is going to be the best direction to point your device.  I used the compass app on my iPhone to help me determine the direction for the best position.
  • The Starlink app will help you to align everything properly.  
  • Finally, sites with unobstructed views of the sky work best.  If you are camping in a heavily wooded or tree covered area, you are going to encounter issues.  So, consider this when booking sites and your reliance on Starlink.  
And I see people at campgrounds that mount their Starlink on poles and tripods to help get better coverage!  You can also turn off your Starlink when not in use and turn it back on when needed.  It is flexible and stable.  The main drawback is the initial investment is pricey.  

Since we are traveling more and would like to continue to travel for longer periods of time, I felt like this investment would pay off for our family over time.  I know that some campgrounds offer Wi-Fi but rarely do they have the type of coverage that I need to work daily.  So, I cannot role the dice on this piece for me.

Working in small spaces doesn't mean your productivity goes down.  I loved working on the road!
My work chair is a simple folding chair that I also picked up at Aldi's several years ago.  Any chair that fits into your space would work!

Working from your RV doesn’t mean sacrificing productivity – it means gaining the freedom to explore more, stay inspired, and build unforgettable memories along the way. If you’re thinking about hitting the road while working remotely, I highly recommend giving it a try! With a little planning and the right tools, you can take your work with you wherever your RV leads you.

Happy travels and productive workdays!


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