Working remotely from an RV can be freeing yet limiting at the same time. Let’s discuss the good and the bad…
As someone who lives and works from my RV most of the year, I’ve learned a lot about the triumphs and pitfalls of working while on the road.
Working remotely from an RV is not only doable but also an exciting adventure. It allows you to experience new places and people while still being productive.
But, it can also present a few issues that you need to consider before becoming an RV remote worker.
So, I want to list both the pros and cons of working remotely from your RV.
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5 Pros of Working Remotely from an RV
Let’s start with the positive! Becoming an RV remote worker offers a lot of positive benefits:
+ Freedom
Being an RV remote worker allows you to roam from place to place while still earning a living.
Nothing can feel more freeing than being on the open road. Or traveling to new spots every few days. You have the freedom to see new places, without being tied down to an office.
+ Enjoying Nature
For many people, the only “outdoors” they experience is the short walk from their car to the office. According to the EPA, the average American only spends 7% of their life outdoors!
If you love the outdoors but never seem to have the time to enjoy it, working remotely from an RV can reconnect you with nature.
You can work from the Grand Canyon one day and then from Sequoia Kings Canyon the next. Or maybe spend time checking out all that Yellowstone has to offer.
Your commute becomes an experience!
+ Living Cheaper
Although the upfront cost of purchasing an RV can be hefty, many people find RV living to ultimately be a cheaper way of life.
Aside from some campground and resort fees, gas, and maintenance, an RV can offer a more affordable life, which means all that remote work you’re doing will stretch further.
(RV living isn't necessarily cheaper. Be sure to read Con #5!)
+ Having Fun
Working remotely from an RV can be just plain fun. Studies have shown that travel can boost your productivity. Checking out new cities or sights can leave you feeling refreshed and ready to work.
It will also give you fun stories to share with your coworkers. They might end up following in your footsteps… or tracks, rather!
+ Opportunity for Growth
Being on the road can present work opportunities you might not otherwise have.
It allows you to meet new people while camping and introduces you to other industries across the country. You can expand your network, and discover new business opportunities.
Mike and Jennifer's NEW RV Lifestyle Merch!
5 Cons of Working Remotely from an RV
While there are many benefits to becoming an RV remote worker, there are some downfalls as well.
Here are some things to think about before working remotely from an RV.
– Internet Speed
One notorious drawback of working remotely from an RV is slow internet speed. Whether you are trying to use an RV park’s wifi or use your own wireless network service, connectivity can be an issue.
Even Starlink isn't up to par yet for stable remote internet.
One possible solution is to have different wireless plans to help cover different areas of the country.
You might also want to plan your location wisely, as being inside a national park might present certain connectivity issues. If you have an important meeting at work, you can plan ahead to be in a location that won’t hinder your internet connection.
In this podcast interview, we learn how to choose the best RV internet for you…
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– Difficult to Separate Work and Home Space
It is sometimes a challenge to separate your work and home space.
While working from a brick-and-mortar home can present the same issue, an RV is an even smaller space. That means your makeshift office may be in the same spot where you eat dinner.
One possible solution is to make the most of an outdoor lifestyle. These 17 Best Foldable Tables and Table Accessories for Camping can help you set up a great outdoor space.
If you work indoors at your dinette, think about eating your meals outside. That can help divide up your space and reduce the feeling that you are always at work.
– Distractions
Another thing to think about before working from an RV is the increase in distractions you might face.
Whether you are distracted by something beautiful you see in nature, the new city that you just drive into, or by an RV repair that needs your attention, distractions can be a part of your RV experience.
Having a set workstation and work schedule can help you tune out the distractions.
That way, you sit “here” and work “for this long” every workday. Then the rest is all play!
– Feeling Isolated
Being in new surroundings or a new city means you are not around the familiar and comforting things you’re used to. That can make you feel isolated and lonely.
One way to combat the feeling of isolation is to keep some comforting items around. Display a favorite photo of loved ones, or bring along comfort items like a beloved cozy sweatshirt.
Such special items will help you feel at home even when away from home.
Family and friends may not support your RV lifestyle more often than you think. In that case, here's How to Tell Family & Friends You're Hitting the Road in 5 Steps.
– Costs More Than You Think
I know I listed affordability as a pro, but it's important to be realistic. Living and working remotely from an RV can be expensive.
To keep it affordable, you need to plan ahead and abide by a budget. Otherwise, you may find yourself spending as much on your RV lifestyle as a sedentary lifestyle.
Here are some resources to help:
- Fulltime RV Living: Count the Cost
- Buying an RV: Seven Hidden Costs to Consider
- SAVE on Gas & Diesel! (RV Fuel Discount Cards & More)
- Save BIG with Reciprocal Memberships for Museums, Zoos & More
- How to SAVE MONEY on an RV Road Trip (Top 10 Tips)
6 Essential Tips on How to Work Remotely from an RV
I wrote another article on this very topic that you may find useful, too. It's a list of 6 Essential Tips on How to Work Remotely from an RV.
I highly recommend that article as well as the following:
- Work Camping Jobs: 10 Best Resources for Workamper Jobs
- 115 Jobs REAL RVers Do To Make Money While RVing
- Make Money While RVing as a Pet Sitter!
Become a Boondocking Pro!
If you’re researching working on the road, you should also research boondocking!
In our complete beginner’s guide, we walk you through:
- The 4 electronic systems you need
- Tips, tricks, and “cheats”
- Safety
- Best resources to find free or cheap boondocking spots
- and so much more!
Get my Beginners Guide to Boondocking
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We also have a nice collection of ebooks that will help you navigate the RV Lifestyle.
Like these:
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Boondocking and Free RV Camping EBOOK Bundle
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This is the same as the ebook titled The Beginner's Guide to Boondocking but in print.
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January 03, 2022at8:03 am, 7 Best RV Cellular Boosters for 2022 said:
[…] you plan to work remotely from an RV, a cellular booster is probably a must. It is for […]
January 21, 2021at10:26 am, Deb Crofut said:
When RVingfull time how do you renew your drivers lic or register your veh. With out a regular street address?
January 21, 2021at12:49 pm, Kevin said:
One of the considerations of domiciling in a state is how the renew these things. I just renewed the registration of my RV & truck recently. I just got on the website and paid for it.
Getting this type of mail is important. Hopefully you have an address for the mail that will let you know about this kind of important mail. I use MyRVMail.com. A service like this will send you a snapshot of the envelope. You decide to scan, ship to you, or trash. I usually only ship mail to me every month or so. But I can make this decision whenever I want. Shipping can be less than $10 for USPS deliveries or way more for overnight delivery.
Most places require you to originally register in person. In Florida, there are a number of offices that are not RV friendly. Those offices do not require you to show up with your RV. Either you go to a police station to verify the VIN or you have acceptable documents.
In about one hour we fully moved into Florida with voter registration, new DLs, truck and RV registration all done. Most mailing services have information about the steps to become a local citizen.
The 2nd worst part is money. Most banks, credit cards, and credit unions “require” a physical address. Sometimes you have to try multiple times to get them to accept your new street address. AmEx bugged me for probably a year. I’d call and they would be happy until the next automated scan would flag me. I just had an IRA company contact me after 2 years asking for a physical address. A scan of my DL made them happy again.
The number one issue is the USPS and General Delivery. Some regions (Texas for one) won’t let you use General Delivery unless you have an actual address and will be there with 30 to 90 days. Smaller towns with only one post office seem to be less worried about those rules.
August 27, 2022at12:00 pm, Kendra Betts said:
Check out being a fulltime RV through the state of South Dakota.