As more people have embraced the freedom of working remotely, more are taking it to heart and turning their RVs into mobile offices. They can stay connected while exploring new horizons. All it takes is a clever setup for your RV office, and you can work anywhere there’s a view. It’s true. Life on the road doesn’t mean sacrificing productivity.
Why Create an RV Office?
Working from an RV is no longer a niche lifestyle—it’s a growing movement. Remote work has freed thousands from the standard cubicle, and many are embracing the open road as their new office.
Creating a dedicated workspace inside your RV isn’t just convenient. It’s been found to boost productivity and cognitive function and reduce stress. It also helps you separate your work time from playtime.
A good RV office setup lets you catch up on emails while enjoying mountain views or edit spreadsheets while parked by the ocean, without compromising comfort or efficiency. But it also allows you to shut the screen and close up shop, so to speak, when it’s time to relax.
10 RV Office Designs
Creating a functional RV office takes a bit of creativity, but RVers have proven there are countless ways to make it work.
1. Wall-Mounted Screens
Wall-mounted monitors can save valuable square footage, especially when paired with a collapsible table. When you’re done for the day, just fold up the desk and reclaim your living space. After all, especially in smaller rigs, every inch counts! Just be sure to secure your screens before driving—museum putty or quick-release mounts may help improve stability when you’re driving to your next location.
2. Draft Your Dining Table
Your dinette can double as a meal spot and workstation. The table can serve as a small desk surface, and the shelves above can hold a small printer or supplies. You can quickly move your equipment to the tabletop when you work, then pack it away for dinner. Consider creating slots that everything folds into, with screens sliding into the tabletop when you need the table for a family meal.
You can retrofit the dining area in larger rigs with a folding or sliding tabletop that conceals work gear until needed. Many RVers love this option because it seamlessly blends into daily life yet is easy to store when you’re not working.
Photo by Kampus Production
3. Curve out a Cupboard for Your RV Office
Turn a cupboard or wardrobe into a tucked-away workstation. Install a small desk surface and shelves for a laptop, printer, or supplies. Close the doors at the end of the day, and your office disappears. This design works well in Class C RVs, where over-cab sleeping areas free up storage space to repurpose for larger work projects.
4. Trade up for a Tow-Along Workspace
Some digital nomads prefer to separate their living and working zones. A tow-along trailer office provides a dedicated work space. It’s perfect if you need more room for equipment or want a distraction-free area. Remember that mobility and setup take more planning, especially when parking in campgrounds.
Alternatively, if you have a tow hauler but don’t always haul your toys, you can convert this space into an RV office.
5. Command Meetings from a Dash Desk
The cockpit area of motorhomes often sits idle while parked. Converting the passenger or driver’s seat into a workstation maximizes this unused real estate. With a pull-out tray or steering wheel desk, you’ll have a surprisingly ergonomic office. Class A motorhomes offer more space here than Class C models, making them ideal for this setup.
6. Dive Into a Dinette Desk
Consider a foldout system if you don’t want to permanently lose your dining space. Some RVers replace existing dinettes with a convertible system. The flexibility is to have breakfast at the dinette and then fold the top away to reveal a workstation.
7. Choose Elongated Counters
Longer kitchen counters can also double as workstations. A barstool plus undercounter storage turns this everyday space into a practical RV office—especially in fifth wheels with larger kitchens. Just remember, if you also use this space to cook and prepare meals, keep your cords organized and away from water sources.
8. Stand for Your Desk
Even RV offices can benefit from a standing desk. RVers with space in a slide-out or corner nook can build a custom version that collapses when not in use. Plus, standing promotes better posture and fights the weariness that comes with long drives and hours at a computer. Pair it with anti-fatigue mats to keep your feet comfortable.
9. Pause for a Pop-Up Office
For ultimate flexibility, a pop-up office can be set up inside or outside. Portable desks fold flat and are easy to store. On warm days, you can work under your RV’s awning, powered by solar or a small generator. Remember to carefully position your exterior RV satellite dish to minimize cables running inside.
Photo by Kampus Production
10. Multiuse Bunk Conversion
If your RV has bunk beds you don’t use, consider turning one into a dedicated office. Remove the lower bunk to create a built-in desk with shelving above. This clever conversion works well when traveling with others, and quiet work zones are a must. It also ensures your workstation stays intact while on the move.
What to Consider When Planning Your RV Office
Not every design will fit your lifestyle or your rig. Your RV’s class influences your options, and stability is also key to security for sensitive equipment. If you’re camping for a while, use a proper jack pad to provide terrain stability and create a more secure base.
Whether you’re traveling as a family, a couple, solo, or with pets, there are some safety considerations. For example, your office setup should keep cables and plugs tucked away to eliminate tripping hazards and the risk of falls. Controlling work clutter also improves mental well-being for everyone on board.
Connectivity and power supply stability are vital if you have to get online for meetings or remote classes. Remember to tend to your long-term RV care by replacing the battery every three to five years. You should also run the generator at least once a month for 30 minutes with a half load to ensure its inner workings remain lubricated.
When your RV uses gas for cooking, it produces hazardous benzene gas, which can collect to harmful levels. Some plants reportedly absorb dangerous chemicals in 24 hours by improving the indoor atmosphere, so add some potted greenery to your RV.
Take Your Work on the Road with an RV Office
The beauty of RV office designs for digital nomads lies in their flexibility. A foldout desk, hidden cupboard, or simple dining space can be used to create an RV office that’s as unique as your journey. With thoughtful planning, you can create a mobile workspace that keeps you productive no matter where the road takes you.