Over the last decade, interest in the RV lifestyle has skyrocketed as more and more Americans choose to live and work wherever the road takes them. The prospect of buying an RV and living in it full-time is pretty enticing. So is working remotely. But is there any way to combine the two? Of course. With non-traditional work opportunities becoming more common, working remotely from your RV is more possible now than in the past.
Why RVs Are Becoming the New Office
Working from an RV isn’t a new concept, but it is becoming increasingly popular. RV technology and accessories make it possible for digital nomads to hunker down in remote locations and still stay connected. Full time and even part-time RVers have found jobs that allow the flexibility to work and travel simultaneously. With a stable internet connection, it’s possible to work from the road or even your own backyard.
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How to Work on the Road in an RV
Working from the road may not always be as glamorous as social media makes it seem, but once you establish a work-travel balance, you will discover that life as a digital nomad gets easier. Not every work situation is the same, but learning the secrets on how to work remotely and travel in your RV before beginning your journey will help make the transition from office to RV a little less bumpy.
Create Comfy Office Space Inside Your RV
Fantasies of Zoom meetings from the beach or working while nestled in the pine trees facing a mountain lake are not always realistic. Sun glare, bugs and ever-changing weather conditions make it challenging to work outside for long periods. Here’s some helpful hints to creating a perfect workspace inside of your RV.
- Set up your workspace somewhere other than the bed. Your body will thank you later
- Utilize a wireless Bluetooth keyboard and mouse
- Elevate your laptop or buy an external monitor to avoid long hours hunching over a small screen
- Think about light sources in your RV, and adjust your workspace to avoid glare
- Face the outdoors. If you can’t be outside, at least you can see it
- Decorate your RV with items and colors that make you happy. You want the inside space to feel as relaxing as your outside space
Keep Your RV Workspace Organized
Organizing your RV office will help your workday run a little more smoothly. Your RV might be your working and living space, and organization is the key to finding harmony between the two worlds.
- Are you easily distracted, or will you work alongside someone else in your RV? Consider noise-canceling headphones to help block out distractions
- Clean your space each time you sit down to work. Removing the clutter around you will also help to declutter your mind. You might need to organize your work area a few times a day.
- Have a place to store your laptop, computer accessories and other materials if you don’t have a dedicated desk. It’s easier to stay organized and keep your workday more structured when you can put work away once you’ve finished for the day.
Set Realistic Work and Travel Expectations
It can be hard to balance work, play and travel time, especially for new RVers. Working long hours without structure directly conflicts with why you probably set out in the first place. Setting realistic work and travel expectations is the key to figuring out how to successfully work remotely and travel.
- Set aside dedicated travel days. Whether your travel days are long or short, most RVers will tell you travel days can be exhausting
- Arrive at a new place during daylight hours. Parking and setting up in unfamiliar areas at night can often be a recipe for frustration
- Plan for dedicated workdays, even if those days fall on a weekend
- Allow time in your travel days for setting up or taking down your RV. Account for gas stops as well as time to dump or fill your tanks
- Stay in one place longer for sightseeing, hiking and other outdoor activities. It’s easier to enjoy new areas when you take time to explore and appreciate the places you go
- Use apps, club memberships and other online tools to scout for safe or scenic places to stay
- Subscribe to the General RV Blog and check out more helpful advice to make RVing the relaxing, enjoyable experience it should be
General RV’s Top Picks for Working Remotely in an RV
Travel Trailers for Working Remotely
Forest River RV | Wildwood FSX 162RBS Travel Trailer
The single-slide Wildwood FSX 162RBS travel trailer by Forest River RV features a secret bunk room that doubles as a private office oasis. The split bunk easily flips out of the way for ample room and storage space. It’s all tucked away in the single slide behind the spice rack door and entertainment center. The Wildwood FSX travel trailer is solar-ready with 30-amp service and multiple USB ports with USB-A and USB-C compatibility to keep your devices charged and powered. You will love how easy it will be to relax with residential features that will make your Wildwood FSX travel trailer feel just like home, and the durable construction means you can enjoy your RV for years to come.
Forest River RV | Salem 29VIEW Travel Trailer
The Salem 29VIEW travel trailer by Forest River RV features a Versa Slide offering a bunk space designed to function as an office on the road. The split bunk flips up to provide ample space with storage cubbies and a built-in desk top with bar stool for sitting. The multi-function bunk space is hidden behind the entertainment center with a dedicated door. If a more open feel is desired for creativity to flow, the Salem 29VIEW bypasses the traditional kitchen dinette in lieu of 18 linear feet of extra countertop space with four bar stools, and the 105 square feet of windows offer unbelievable views of your surroundings.
Fifth Wheels for Working Remotely
Brinkley RV | Model Z 3515 Fifth Wheel
The feature-packed Model Z 3515 fifth wheel by Brinkley RV has a rear multi-purpose flex room that is perfect for an office, butler’s pantry, laundry room, mudroom or more. The space features an adjustable-height desk with multiple windows for natural light and optimal views. One of the dual entry doors can be found in this room for added convenience, with ample storage and even washer and dryer prep. Residential frameless windows throughout the Model Z fifth wheel provide beautiful views, and ample electrical outlets and six USB/USB-C outlets allow your devices to easily be used and charged. With a dedicated door next to the tri-fold sofa, privacy and peace can found in abundance in this office utility room.
Alliance RV | Paradigm 380MP Fifth Wheel
The Paradigm 380MP fifth wheel by Alliance RV is designed for versatility, comfort and luxury, making it the perfect fifth wheel for full-time living, remote work or extended travel. Whether you need a dedicated work space or a guest room, this fifth wheel offers the ideal solution with its multi-purpose room in the center. This flexible space includes its own slide with a sleeper sofa that has a drop-down bunk above, a desk with a TV above, multiple drawers and a cabinet, plus a loft above the desk providing extra sleeping or storage options.
Keystone RV | Montana 3941FO Fifth Wheel
The spacious front living area of this Montana fifth wheel by Keystone RV stands out above the rest with two hide-a-bed sofas, power theater seating and a private front office, complete with a desk, storage and counter space. This front office space is separated by a solid wall opposite the entertainment center and a solid sliding door. The spacious L-shaped desk includes storage on either side, filing cabinets, space for a printer, a corkboard, an opening side window and the panoramic front windshield. This Montana fifth wheel prioritizes the inviting office space without sacrificing from the living areas, creating the perfect home away from home.
Class A Motorhomes for Working Remotely
Coachmen RV | Pursuit 31ES Class A Motorhome
The Pursuit Class A motorhome by Coachmen RV redefines home office on the road with its versatile bunkroom and office space within a comfortable and familiar setting. The office space sits in the large slide out with a flip-up bunk. Hidden by large sliding doors, the space offers a dedicated work area with the bunks providing extra sleeping space when needed. The room can even be utilized at a walk-in wardrobe. A Ford F-53 7.3L V8 engine propels your Pursuit with an abundance of power to each destination. Plus, all of your extra gear can easily be stored in the spacious exterior storage compartments to prevent taking up space inside.
Fleetwood RV | Frontier GTX 37RT Class A Motorhome
The Frontier GTX Class A diesel motorhome by Fleetwood RV is the perfect home on the road for remote workers and children in virtual learning. The Frontier GTX features The Corner Office, a strategically-located office room at the rear of the RV away from daily life activities. The space includes an L-shaped desk with a built-in monitor and multiple nearby outlets. A large window above the desk brings in natural light and delivers a view of the outdoors. Drawers below and cabinets above provide convenient storage within easy reach for supplies. Built on a Freightliner chassis, the Frontier GTX features a Cummins 6.7L diesel engine and spacious pass-through storage.
Our goal at General RV is to be your premier RV partner and your one-stop shop for all your RV needs. For your convenience, we have in-house RV financing options and work with an RV insurance partner. Plus, you’ll find all the RV parts and accessories you need in our RV dealerships. We also have more than 600 state-of-the-art RV service bays across our nationwide network.