When I was in college, way back in the 1990s, my dad gave me my first laptop computer. It was the first time something even remotely like #vanlife for work became a possibility for me. Sure, it was a hand-me-down Toshiba with a tiny black and white monitor and zero storage. But, it was indeed a real portable laptop. It offered me my first glimpses of what the future of #vanlife for work might look like.
The Dream of a Mobile Office
In this future, I dreamed of being free from home and office, working from some remote beach. I pictured hearing the water lapping the shore and seagulls calling out to each other.
The idea of a mobile office was not just about freedom, but also about ideas. Picture drafting a report with the ocean breeze in your hair or tossing around new ideas while wrapped in tall redwoods.
- Choose the right base van for your work style. If you’re mostly on pavement and in cities, a Ram Promaster or Ford Transit with a high roof gives you standing room and easy parking. If you’re heading farther off-grid, a Mercedes Sprinter or 4x4 build may be worth it.
- Prioritize a dedicated workspace. Plan for a real desk or pull-out work surface, not just a lap desk. Make sure you can sit with good posture, reach your keyboard comfortably, and still move around the mobile office van without tearing everything down.
- Dial in reliable internet. Combine a cell booster, hotspot, and multiple carriers if you can. Mount antennas high, and think through where you’ll actually park and work—remote beaches and deep forests often mean weaker signals.
- Design for power-hungry gear. Laptops, monitors, routers, and chargers add up. Size your battery bank and solar to your real workday, not just weekend camping. Include enough outlets near your desk so you’re not running cords everywhere.
- Control light and sound. Add dimmable lights over your work area, blackout curtains for video calls, and sound-deadening where you can. A quiet, well-lit mobile office van makes long work sessions much easier.
- Build in flexible seating. Swivel seats, a bench that doubles as a meeting spot, or a standing desk option can keep your body happier on long days. Flexibility also helps your van shift quickly from “office mode” to “camp mode.”
- Plan for heat, cooling, and airflow. A comfortable mobile office van needs good insulation, a fan (or two), and a safe heat source. If you’re on calls all day, you don’t want to be sweating or shivering through them.
- Keep storage simple and organized. Give your work gear its own drawers, cubbies, or overhead cabinets. Labeled bins for cables, cameras, and office supplies keep you from digging around every time you set up to work.
Fast forward 30 years and for many that dream has come true. For some, breaking free has had less to do with some crazy college dream and more to do with the facts of the 2020s.
The shift to remote work has made it easy for more people to embrace vanlife, mixing work with the fun of travel. The freedom to choose your office view and the chance to explore new places while keeping your career is a dream come true for many.
Choosing the Best Van for a Mobile Office
A few years ago, before the pandemic, my wife and I bought a 2018 Ram van with a high roof. We worked with The Vansmith team to build it out, opting for their “Rack and Roll” layout.
We named her Theo; this was our #vanlife moment. At the time, we were simply looking for new trips and a cozy base camp for all kinds of outings, from day trips to the ski hill to short backpacking trips.
Like most people, we watched tons of YouTube videos created by people who lived and worked out of their vans. For us, we saw our van as a simple, natural living space on wheels.
When choosing the best van for a mobile office, think about things like space, internet, and comfort. The Ram Promaster is a top choice because of its roomy inside and high roof, which allows for standing room and plenty of storage. Other great options include the Mercedes Sprinter and Ford Transit, both giving you freedom and dependability. According to Ford, the Transit gets up to 24 MPG, making it a smart choice for long trips.
It's crucial to set up the van to fit your work needs, whether that means adding a desk, making sure you have strong internet, or having a cozy seating setup. For those thinking about a 4x4 option, check out our guide on how to choose the best 4×4 camper van for remote van life. Ready to create your own mobile office? See our builds and get started today!
Adapting to Vanlife During the Pandemic
When the pandemic hit, we found we were in the perfect spot to travel all over the western US, in short weekend and week-long bursts. At a time when most of our friends and family were locked down, we masked up and drove through Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and Montana. We stayed in some absolutely gorgeous places…and a few nice rest stops along the way (Wyoming’s are probably the best, by the way).
The pandemic forced many to rethink their work spaces, and for us, it pushed us to fully embrace vanlife. With the world at a standstill, our van became a safe place, giving us both freedom and security.
We learned to adjust our work plans to fit our travel plans, finding the best times to drive and the most steady spots for online access. This kind of flexibility is key to keeping work on track while on the road.
We also found that having an easy routine let us make the most of our surroundings, whether it was a sunrise hike or a quiet night by the campfire.
Embracing Vanlife for Work
However, as life started to move back to some sense of normal, the time between those trips became longer and longer. We pined to travel again, our schedules always seeming to get in the way. But then we discovered how amazing it is to simply work from our van (i.e., #vanlife for work).
Though we, like most people, first bought our van with visions of always driving the open road, today we use our van every week. Not to travel to some remote part of the world, but to work from the beach…or the mountains…or even a great town square nearby.
The freedom of vanlife lets us choose our office view, whether it's the calm mountains or the busy city. For those who want to set up their own mobile office, explore our Mobile Office Vans Taylored by The Vansmith.
The chance to change your setting often can really boost ideas and drive, making work feel less like a chore and more like a trip.
Daily Routine in a Mobile Office
This. Has. Been. AWESOME! Early in the morning (often on Wednesdays), we pack our laptops and dog, Herschel, into the van and drive to a nearby beach, like Crissy Field, in San Francisco (where we live). We typically find a nice spot on the lawn to park, then take our dog for a quick jaunt in the sand. When we get back to the van, we open our laptops, plug in our headphones, and connect to the hotspots on our phones. We take Zoom calls, write emails, make a pot of coffee, and do all of the other things normally required of us when working. The difference is that WE’RE AT THE BEACH! We’re untethered from our home and offices physically, yet tethered to the interwebz, enabling us to accomplish our work tasks and goals while also feeling a sense of personal fulfillment.
Our daily routine has become a blend of work and leisure, where getting things done meets calm. We’ve learned to manage our time well, setting clear work hours and taking breaks to enjoy our surroundings.
This balance is crucial for keeping both our work duties and our mental well-being. By adding bits of nature and rest into our workday, we find we are more full of energy and focused, leading to increased productivity and satisfaction.
Finding Fulfillment in Vanlife
When we first picked Theodosia up and got the walkthrough from Aaron, at The Vansmith, we pictured ourselves taking long adventures, working when we needed to but mostly driving and living. But, where we’ve landed with our van is even better. We use our van several times a week and rarely have to pack anything more than ourselves. She’s perfectly equipped with all of the water, power, snacks, lighting, and space that we need to be comfortable. We – including Herschel – are more fulfilled and have something to look forward to every week. And…our co-workers are always jealous when they see the beautiful wood paneling and the waves lapping the shore in the background.
Sure, we still pine for more trips. But, our van gives us so much daily joy, especially when working from her, that we never regret not driving more. Plus, when we’re ready for the next trip, we know she is too.
The joy we find in vanlife comes from the freedom to choose our path. It’s also the chance to work from inspiring places and the joy of living in a way that fits our values. It's about more than just work; it's about creating a life that feels real and worth it.
For those thinking about the basics for vanlife, check out our Vanlife Essentials collection. Taking on this way of living has taught us the value of balance, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness in both our personal and professional lives.
FAQ: Vanlife for Work
What is the best van for a mobile office?
The best van for a mobile office depends on your exact needs, but common choices include the Ram Promaster, Mercedes Sprinter, and Ford Transit. These models offer plenty of space, high roofs for standing room, and ways to set them up to create a cozy and effective workspace.
How do you ensure internet connectivity while working from a van?
To make sure you have steady online access, think about using mobile hotspots or cell data plans. Putting money into a signal booster can also improve your connection in remote areas, letting you stay productive on the road.
What are some tips for staying productive in a mobile office?
Set a clear schedule, pick a set area in your van for work, and cut down on distractions. Taking steady breaks to enjoy your surroundings can also help keep your focus and boost how much you get done.
How do you manage power needs in a mobile office setup?
Solar panels, small power stations, and extra batteries are great options for handling power needs. These setups give you power for charging gear and running key equipment while off-grid. For more detailed information, you might want to read about how much solar power you need for your camper.
Is it possible to live full-time in a van while working remotely?
Yes, many people live full-time in their vans while working online. It takes good planning, including handling work plans, online access, and finding good places to park and rest. For insights on managing costs, check out our article on how much it costs to live in an RV.
