More reasons exist for people to take their remote workstations on the road than ever before. Those in the forest service and construction trades have long included travel to various job sites in their employment ad descriptions. Furthermore, the increase in telework has many saving money on rent by taking to the road and exploring #vanlife.
This lifestyle can be liberating, allowing you to see the country. It might be your only realistic way of satisfying your travel urge, but you must keep delivering results. That means ensuring you have everything you need to maintain productivity and avoid aggravating but predictable interruptions.
Are you ready for adventure? Here’s how to take your remote workstation on the road.
1. Select the Right Vehicle
The right vehicle can distinguish between a successful experience on the road and a disaster. Here are some options to consider — you’re ultimately the best judge of what will work for your unique situation.
Cars and Trucks
Even the most luxurious cars can create problems when establishing a remote workstation. It’s one thing to handle the occasional conference call from the backseat of your Mercedes but quite another to print reports, issue invoices and coordinate with vendors in such a cramped space. Will your sedan do in a pinch? Sure, but it’s not a viable long-term solution.
Depending on your business and driver’s certification, you might invest in a sleeper truck, especially if your position requires transporting supplies or products. Some cabs have refrigerators, cooktops and bathrooms, covering all your bases.
Alternatively, the right truck allows you to tow a pull-behind RV, such as a fifth-wheel, travel trailer or toy hauler. Consider how hard you’ll use it when selecting a size. Although half-tons can manage a smaller trailer over short distances, you’ll want a full ton for cross-country trips or larger living quarters.
RVs
RVs offer many comforts of home on the road, making them ideal for remote workstations. You can choose from a Class A, B or C or a pull-behind model.
Weigh your options when considering financing. For example, pull-behind RVs typically cost less than Class A through C models, which is good if less-than-perfect credit affects your interest rate. However, you won’t be able to tow it without a truck, meaning you’ll have an additional monthly payment unless you already have an appropriate vehicle in your inventory.
Vans
The right van may offer plenty of room for your remote workstation. For example, the Mercedes Sprinter boasts an impressive 532.6 cubic feet of cargo space. Some models come equipped with small showers and an included toilet, or you can install these amenities after-market. Remember that doing so will affect the size of your workspace or kitchenette.
2. Power Your Workstation
You can have the best mobile internet available today, but you can’t run that or any of your other devices without power. This is the second-most important component of your remote workstation.
RVs have two distinct power systems. The 12-volt DC system runs the electrical components for the vehicle, while the 120-volt AC system juices your appliances — like your satellite dish, computer and cellphone. That means you’ll need an external power source outside your RV’s battery, typically a generator. You have several types to choose from:
- Gas or propane-only generators: As the name suggests, these use only one type of fuel.
- Combination gas-propane generators: These are slightly more expensive but a better bet for remote workstations, as you have backup fuel if you run out of one.
- Solar generators: These are hands down the best in terms of reliability and sustainability. Additionally, they’re silent, unlike noisy propane and gas models. However, it’s best to have a backup source for inclement weather.
You can also use generators with a van setup. Some campsites offer shore power hookups — call ahead to make sure.
3. Get Connected
Remote workstations require internet connectivity. Starlink is hands down the best, as its roam service reduces lag even when in transit, letting you work while your partner drives.
However, you might have other options, depending on your industry. For example, FirstNet offers a blazing-fast alternative but is only available to first responders and medical professionals. Look into it if you’re a traveling doctor or nurse.
Relying on mobile tethering is fine as a backup. However, it’s a lousy first choice with lag that invariably impacts productivity.
4. Plan Your Itinerary
It might sound glamorous to let the winds take you where they will, especially if you’re a freelancer without a deadline for reaching a specific job site. However, deciding where to go on the fly takes mental energy that destroys your productivity.
Where will you park? Reserve a site or know where you can find a free overnight stop. What about food? Where will you wash up if your rig doesn’t have a shower? Answering these questions before you depart saves your energy for your workday.
5. Expect the Unexpected
Before you take your remote workstation on the road, be sure you can answer the following questions:
- What will you do if you break down? Do you have a roadside assistance plan? Are you DIY savvy, and do you have tools, flares and triangles?
- What’s your backup plan in case of power or internet failure? Where can you get connected in a pinch — have you located libraries and office stores like Staples?
- Who is your POC? You should always have a point of contact who knows your itinerary and can contact emergency services if you fail to report on time.
Take Your Show on the Road
Today’s industries offer more opportunities to travel than ever. Taking your remote workstation on the road may be a requirement of your role or a passion to indulge your adventure urge. Take steps to avoid issues and keep productivity high wherever you park your office.
