Tips for Remote Work and Van Life Travel
Van life is not a vacation for us. Our backyard can be a different amazing place every day. But we need consistent income because we’re not wealthy or retired. We never want to give an employer a reason to terminate our relationship. They rely on us to do our job remotely and professionally without van life getting in the way. Our employer should be aware we’re van dwellers moving about the country. But they should never think our travels are more important than getting our job done first.
The following tips might be helpful if you have landed a remote job or have started your own remote business so you can finally hit the road. Or maybe you’re trying to figure out what it takes to make it work. Our guidance comes from working remotely since August 2018 while also traveling to every state west of the Rockies, in the continental US.
Sign up for two wireless carriers if it’s within your budget
In some locations, one carrier will have better coverage than the other. We have an AT&T unlimited data plan that supports four devices. We plan on adding Verizon as soon as our budget allows it.
AT&T has been working better than was expected when we hit the road, so it hasn’t been a huge concern, not having two carriers. But we’ve had to pass on beautiful campsites because we didn’t have the option of a working carrier.
We think it’s important to note, unlimited data plans aren’t what we think should come with a truly unlimited data plan. We get text alerts from AT&T like this:
I do a little bit of video editing, which involves downloading and uploading large video files. When I get the above messages, it’s a result of my video work. However, we’ve never experienced throttling on our phones or tablets, including streaming movies. However, if my Mac is tethered to my phone, internet speeds are definitely throttled.
Don’t rely on public WiFi and get a mobile internet hotspot
Depending on your remote job, you may need internet access rarely. Or, you may be on it all day. Your travel destinations will determine public WiFi availability. We tend to be in remote and rural areas where WiFi doesn’t exist or is unreliable. National Parks are a good example.
Spend the money and get a mobile internet hotspot. Anywhere you have a strong enough cellular signal, you can tether your laptop to your phone or tablet for internet access. It eliminates the stress of figuring out where you’re going to find WiFi. Talk to your wireless carrier about options.
Also, your job may have security requirements that prohibit your use of public WiFi. Unsecured public WiFi is less secure than a personal mobile hotspot. If you use public WiFi, you should exercise caution and avoid accessing sensitive information such as bank or credit card information.
We use our iPhones and iPads as our AT&T Hotspots. We’ve been in RV parks where the WiFi is working great, but then the router blows up and takes time to repair. We are thankful for our AT&T Hotspots as an option.
Get a cellular signal booster
A booster can help your signal strength go from unusable to usable. It not only boosts the performance on your phone, but it will enhance the internet performance on your laptop when using your phone for mobile WiFi.
We have a WeBoost Drive Sleek. This model is actually meant for a passenger vehicle, not an RV. It works for us, though, because our Winnebago Revel sits on a Mercedes Sprinter chassis. It’s technically a passenger vehicle with some nice upgrades.
We chose the Drive Sleek model because you can use it while in motion. One downside for us is that only one phone can go in the cradle. The cost savings is worth it for now, though. Most of the time, we don’t need direct access to our phones at the same time. We also wish the cradle expanded enough to fit an iPad.
We didn’t choose any of the WeBoost RV options for a few reasons.
Connect RV 65 is only designed for stationary use. It also requires mounting equipment to the van, including the exterior body. I’m actually not so sure it would even support the curved body of a van. And cellular technology is changing all of the time, so affixing something to our van makes us nervous. Connect RV 65 is also a few hundred dollars more expensive than the Drive Sleek.
The Drive X RV, while it can be used while in motion and supports multiple users, just like Connect RV 65, requires mounting equipment to our van that I don’t think would be recommended. It is also a few hundred dollars more than the Drive Sleek.
If we ever need to purchase another cellular signal booster, we would likely stick with WeBoost based on an excellent customer service experience. We were boondocking in Idaho when the wire that connects to the bottom of our Drive Sleek cradle started to fray. It was causing the booster to only work intermittently even after trying to fix it with some electrical tape. I contacted WeBoost, and they immediately shipped a new cradle at no cost to the local post office. We would’ve had to relocate out of the area if they hadn’t been so accommodating.
Keep a variety of devices
Phones and tablets do not get the same cellular strength. Sometimes an older iPhone will have a better signal than a new one, and an iPad will have a better signal than an iPhone and vice versa. It helps to have options as backups. An iPad saved me a few times when my iPhone connection wasn’t working as well. If you have a partner, it’s easier to maintain a variety.
Create redundancy across your devices
Having your work environment configured on at least one other device will save you in the event one decides to take a dump in the middle of nowhere.
I have all my work apps installed across three devices, including a smartphone, tablet, and laptop. If one device dies, I am ready to go on another. No downtime!
Consider getting an iPad with Pencil capabilities
Somebody may send you a document that needs to be filled out and signed. This could involve printing it, filling in the blanks, scanning it, and emailing it back. Or maybe you print it, fill it out, take a picture, then email it back.
Regardless, when you’re full-time RVing, you may not have room for a printer, copier, or scanner. You also might want to keep your limited space for something else. If you don’t have the equipment, you have to visit an office store or a library.
However, with an Apple Pencil and compatible iPad, you eliminate printing, scanning, and photos. When you receive an emailed document, you can mark it up directly on your iPad using the Pencil and immediately email it back.
Kyle also uses his Apple Pencil and iPad for handwriting notes and ideas. He used to keep physical notebooks, but there is not enough space in our RV.
Keep your devices charged
We are fortunate our Winnebago Revel has a built-in inverter, solar panels, and three house batteries. We don’t need shore power to charge our devices. It’s also easy enough to turn on the engine or go for a drive to recharge our batteries.
However, not all rigs offer the same power capabilities. When we had our Winnebago Travato, we had a solar panel. But we were constantly running down the single house battery. We had to recharge using our gas generator or plug into shore power. The generator was way too loud to charge my laptop or phone while on a business call.
So if power is not always available to you, make sure you top off your devices at every opportunity.
Do not use poor cellular or internet access as an excuse for not getting your work done
Employers want to know you have reliable phone and internet connectivity. Make sure you have appropriate access during regular working hours. And have a plan in case cell service or internet access becomes unavailable abruptly.
We recently encountered a situation where a vehicle ran into a pole and took out both the power in the local town and the AT&T cell tower for several hours.
Educate yourself on the area and identify options that may exist in the town next door. Sometimes the town or city next door may be many miles away. You may have to relocate depending on the severity of the situation.
When you’re planning your next destination, identify a plan A, B, and C
If you haven’t been to a destination before, it’s hard to know how cellular service and the internet are going to perform.
Tools like Campendium or Free Campsites, allow contributors to provide information regarding cellular service at a particular campground, RV park, or boondocking site. They can specify their wireless carrier, the network available (3G, 4G, LTE, none), and the number of bars. The information can sometimes be misleading.
I’ve had full bars of AT&T LTE and was unable to send or receive texts or emails because the network was likely overloaded. In other places, my phone will teeter between no service and one bar of 4G. But with our WeBoost, I can get blazing fast service that allows me to upload and download videos. Sometimes I’ll disable LTE on my phone because 4G is working better. As mentioned previously, the device I’m also using matters.
That doesn’t mean the information on Campendium or Free Campsites can’t be useful. But it’s important to read the reviews as they can provide additional insight. Whenever possible, I’ll also look at Google and Tripadvisor reviews and search for “cell” and “internet” in the comments.
Your site assignment or the one you pick may also matter. Cellular service can be quite variable within a campground or on public lands. You can have a completely different experience in a matter of feet.
Another option is to call ahead to your destination and ask the locals working the campground or RV park. If you plan on boondocking on public lands, you can even call the local ranger district. There may be someone knowledgeable that can provide some insight.
You won’t know your exact experience until you get to your destination. But it’s helpful to educate yourself as much as possible. Pick an option A, B, and C in case it doesn’t work out the way you hoped it would. Again, it’s your responsibility to make sure you have reliable cell service and internet access.
Identifying a plan A, B, and C is also vital in case there is no availability, or you get there, and you’re not happy with aspects of the location.
Be aware! If you make reservations at a campground or RV park and you figure out the location isn’t going to work for you, you likely won’t be able to get a refund. We often don’t make reservations until we are confident we will have everything we need.
Keep detailed notes about your cellular and internet access as you visit destinations
If you’re traveling a lot, there’s a chance you’ll revisit some of the same places. Prevent having to repeat your research. You may want to record the following:
– Location (City, State/Province, Country)
– Campground/RV Park/Recreation Area
– Site number/GPS coordinates
– Wireless Carrier
– Network (3G, 4G, LTE, 5G) or no service
– Number of bars
– Device used
– Internet speed
– Phone call reception
– Sending/receiving texts
– Sending receiving emails
– Video conferencing
– Downloading/uploading videos
– Streaming entertainment
– Apps
– Other valuable details
Travel on your days off
It can be stressful traveling through places unknown and trying to keep up with work at the same time. There aren’t great resources online that tell you what cellular service is going to be like traveling from point A to B.
You may also break down on the way, which has happened to us more than once. Vehicle trouble while traveling is also not an excuse for why you didn’t get your work done.
When you travel during your off time to new destinations, it gives you more time to figure out if a new spot is suitable. My off days are Saturdays and Sundays. If we arrive in a new place on a Saturday, we can adjust our plans through Sunday evening if needed.
Don’t travel to a new destination when you’re scheduled for a call the same day
Since it’s a new destination, you don’t know what service is going to be like until you arrive. If you get there and it’s not working, you could be late for your call or miss it altogether.
With a scheduled meeting, one or more of your colleagues or customers are setting aside their valuable time. Don’t disrespect their time by not planning accordingly. They have more important things to do then to show up for a meeting that needs rescheduling.
Also, it just saves yourself some stress.
Minimize background noise during calls
If you have a partner, ask them if they can step out during your call if you’re in a small space like a van, and the weather is agreeable. Or talk to them about how they can keep their noise at an acceptable level.
If you have pets, make sure they are settled and aren’t going to start whining, barking, or meowing because they need something. Dog walks before a meeting are a good idea to get your dog tired and hopefully sleeping through the whole thing.
Get a noise-canceling headset. Kyle has used the Sony WH-H900N h.ear on 2 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones for about two years and loves them.
If there’s a lot of activity outside of your rig like leaf blowers, move to a quieter location if you’re in a van, and you can’t keep the windows shut because it’s too hot.
Dress appropriately and prepare your space for video calls
Make sure you’re decent from head to toe. You never know when you’re going to have to shift positions during a video call. Prevent your colleagues and customers from seeing things they don’t want to see, and you don’t want them to see. Don’t look like you just got out of bed. Make sure your background doesn’t have a lot of clutter or anything distracting.
Be present during conference calls
It can be easy to become distracted during conference calls, especially when you’re not on video. You may be tempted to work on other things while attendees are talking, especially when the current topic doesn’t apply to you. You don’t want to be that guy saying, “what was the question?” when the conversation makes its way back to you, and you haven’t been paying attention.
Eliminate distractions during conference calls. Turn off any background entertainment. Create privacy in your space as much as possible from other people and pets. Save personal and other work tasks for later. And figure out what motivates you to pay attention. Taking notes of the main points and action items may help.
If you find you’re not present in certain recurring meetings, evaluate if it makes sense for you to even be in the meeting. It may be appropriate to have a conversation with the meeting organizer to discuss whether or not you have anything to contribute. And whether or not you gain any value by attending.
Have a conversation with your boss
Understand their expectations. Some questions you might ask:
– What do you consider my regular working hours? Or is how I use my time flexible, and I just need to get the job done?
– How do you want to communicate? How often?
– Do you need to be informed when I step away for errands or exercise?
– How are you going to measure if I’m meeting your expectations as a remote employee?
– How do I request time off?
Get the answers to these questions and adhere to anything you agreed upon.
Communicate often
Your employer’s or customer’s concerns will be alleviated or prevented the more you communicate. A simple message from time-to-time letting people know the status of what you’re working on keeps your boss or customer from wondering if you’re productive.
Respond to emails and other messages promptly. You don’t have to drop everything to respond to each message as it arrives unless that is the nature of your job. But consider picking a few times throughout the day when you focus on sending replies. Let people know how you work best when it comes to messaging. And if you’re consistent, they will feel confident you’ll get back to them soon enough.
Develop consistent work habits
It’s easier to be consistent when your employer dictates your work hours. But when there is room for you to be flexible, your actual working hours could end up all over the place.
Do your best to structure your workdays. Maintain the same hours for work, errands, exercise, and fun each day. It helps your colleagues and customers know when you are typically focused on work. And having a routine for yourself can minimize stress.
I personally like completing my work first thing in the morning so I can enjoy the rest of my day. However, some people are more productive in the evening. Adopt a work schedule that agrees with you if your job allows flexibility.
Create a comfortable work environment in your rig
This can be hard to do, depending on your rig. Our Winnebago Revel does not promote ergonomics. My chiropractor would be appalled if he saw how I work over my laptop every day. Get creative with your space and help your body keep its proper form. Stretch and walk around throughout the day. Set a timer if you need a reminder.
If you want to prevent hunching over your laptop, check out Sidecar. Sidecar comes standard with Apple iOS and allows you to use an iPad as a second display to a Mac. You could mount your iPad in an elevated location, preventing you from repeatedly looking down at your Mac as you type. Unless you just don’t know how to type without looking at the keyboard, in which case, you should consider taking a typing class.
Our 2019 Winnebago Revel came with three RAM Tough-Tracks that allow us to mount our iPad in numerous ways. Using other RAM products, including a Track Ball, socket arm, and X-Grip for an iPad, we can create the best viewing experience.
Also, reducing clutter may prevent you from getting demotivated, stressed, and overwhelmed. It is a good habit to practice in your van or RV anyhow. You never know when you will need to quickly drive away. You don’t want dangerous items flying across your rig when it’s in motion.
Work outside your rig from time-to-time
The more time spent working in your RV, the more claustrophobic you might begin to feel. Sit outside if the weather is nice. Or find a coffee shop, library, or coworking space nearby.
The main takeaways
Use technology to minimize downtime and be efficient as a remote worker.
Have a backup plan and a back up to your back up plan for when things don’t go as expected.
Communicate often with everyone you work with.
Keep business interactions professional.
Develop positive work habits.
Do what you can to be comfortable in your work environment to stay motivated and minimize stress.
Our list of tips is not all-inclusive and is solely based on our experience. If you have any suggestions of your own, please share them in the comments.
