Traveling and Working from Your Own RV
Can you make this a lifestyle change? A lot of people have found that they can and travel almost full–time and live and work from their own RV’s. Whether that means a Camper Van (Class B motorhome), or a larger Class A or Class C RV, the itinerant lifestyle has caught on. It is no longer necessary to be based in one location in order to work and be productive. As these last few months have taught us, it is likely that at least 50% of our work force could be just as productive working from home, and many of those could also make that home a mobile one.
For many, becoming a full-time RV’er is only possible if a person can continue to work and earn an income. While there are many ways to earn on the road while working from your own RV, it is not always easy to manage life on the road and work at the same time.
Here’s a unique story of a camper who has made his livelihood while traveling:
“My wife and I were camping at a hot spring in Arizona when a small camper van pulled in. We watched a man get out and remove many large plastic bags, which he piled on the roof. He was making room, so he could spend the night in his home on the road.
Later, around a campfire, we asked him about the bags. They were full of used stuffed animals he bought at thrift stores, and he said he made about $4,000 per month selling them alongside various highways and roads as he traveled.
It may be an unusual way to make a living, but many people live in and work from motor homes, trailers, truck campers and conversion vans.
“Workampers are adventurous individuals, couples and families who have chosen a wonderful lifestyle that combines ANY kind of part-time or full-time work with RV camping,” explains Workamper News, a website dedicated to people who make money from the road.”
Are you ready to hit the road and make money while living in an RV? If so, how does one prepare for traveling and working from your own RV?
Luckily, working on the road in this day and age is probably the easiest it has ever been. Access to the Internet can be found nearly everywhere, mobile phone service is abundant, and more location-independent job positions are available.
Here are a few tips you might want to bone up on before you take to the open road.
1. Have a dedicated workspace.
Focusing on your work can be a hard task when in an RV. However, having a dedicated workspace where you can work in peace and comfort will significantly help. When everything around you is constantly changing, having a space where you know you can work is important.
2. Work ahead.
Even though Wi-Fi and Internet access can be found nearly everywhere, there is still a chance you will come across an area with no signal or where the local attractions are too good to pass up. Plan ahead and take advantage of extra downtime to get work done in advance. Not only will it save stress and headaches, but it could also free up time for more fun down the road.
3. Travel slowly.
Traveling to a new place can be a lot of fun, but moving your RV from place to place may take up a whole day or even a few days. Even if you are moving to a campground that is just a few minutes away, there is still a lot of work to be done. By taking your time and staying in each location a little longer, you can cut back on your planning, setup, and breakdown time. That time can then be used for working instead.
4. Create a work schedule.
Just like going to the office every day, you should create a work schedule when working from your own RV. Having a set schedule or routine will prepare you for work each day and help keep you motivated.
5. Have fun.
You are in an RV for a reason – probably to have fun, to create wonderful memories, and to have the time of your life. You can still have fun and work on the road at the same time.
What Kind of Work Can You Do While Living in an RV?
The list is almost as varied as there are jobs in the world. Many campers get seasonal jobs working in campgrounds or parks, Workamper editor Steve Anderson told CBS News. He notes businesses are also common. “We have literally hundreds of members running businesses out of their RVs and living in multiple places every year.” Anderson mentions the following examples of businesses his subscribers operate while traveling in their recreational vehicles:
- Sales of RV-related products
- Consulting services
- Dating services
- Law practices
- Contract nursing
- Business consulting
- RV repair tutoring
“With the advent of the internet and especially now with the tools for bandwidth to connect to the internet, the door is open to do multiple things from an RV,” he explains. Not even selling bulky items is out of the question, because you can drop ship them or carry them in a trailer behind a motorhome.
Who Is Living in an RV, and How Much Can They Earn?
Many people who live in their RVs are retirees who supplement their retirement or Social Security income with jobs or businesses. But Anderson says, “We have people in their 30s and 40s who are successfully living the RV lifestyle and running businesses.”
And your income may not be as limited as you might think. For example, Steve McMahon told Entrepreneur he sold about 5,000 “high-gain cellular-telephone antennas” for $70 each while traveling the country in his 37-foot motorhome. That’s $350,000 in total sales.
The same article says Richard Dahl made and sold more than 1,300 RV water filters at $30 each while traveling for a couple years.
Are you inspired yet? Are you ready to take to the open road and create a mobile lifestyle that lets you enjoy beautiful scenery while also making a living? Check out our selection of used RV’s at El Monte RV Sales, and get ready for the time of your life!
