Working from your RV?

[Oz]

I know there's a lot of info on the internet about this.  More and more people are moving into the "Mobile Alternative Housing Option" (MAHO as I call it) and need to make a living and first-hand experience is the best teacher of all.  I'm looking for our full-timers to provide info on what they do and how they do it!

As much info as you can and are willing to give regarding the following questions is greatly appreciated.   

What do you do?  (Business, blogging, webwork, etc) 

How much do you make from working out of your RV? ** Rough figures of realistic income would be very helpful but it's a personal thing so it's entirely optional.

What's the upside and the downside?

What's the emotional cost?  (separating from family, familiar areas, etc)  How do you deal with it and how do you stay positive while trying to build a business and through the rough times?

What websites, links are out there to help with ideas, methods and even how to raise funds to start a business?

What do you have to really watch out for?  (Major no-nos, scams, etc.)

The feedback you all give here can truly give someone hope and direction in a time when so many of us are facing serious financial chanllenges.  I believe it can actually give some people a new lease on life.

[ClydesdaleKevin]

Excellent idea Mark!  I'll get right on it and make a post answering all those questions over the next couple of days.

Kev

[Oz]

Don't everybody jump on this at once!  Gosh, I thought it would  be topic of high interest and we have a heck of a lot of full time Rvers here who I thought could give a lot of valuable feedback.  I guess I was wrong. 

[pvoth1111]

I will get some stuff together too....let me get some beers in me and see what I can add.

[Stripe]

Mark, I will, as soon as Cruise season starts, I will be living(With two dogs, no cat) and (sort of) working out of my RV..

[ClydesdaleKevin]

Pretty complicated with us.  Will try to add info as I can, but remember, I'm stupid busy building my catapults, and right now, I'm building them for 2 shows!

Kev

[moonlitcoyote]

I would love to see some input on this.

[ClydesdaleKevin]

I'll finally have some time to post some input on this thread over the next few weeks, so stand by!  If you want a glimpse into how we do it and make it work, scan through my threads about working at renaissance faires, especially the last few posts.  Its not easy, it can be stressful...but it can be done!

Kev

[Stripe]

I'm probably not going to be the first, although all the K9 contract companies I have talked to say I am the only, K9 handler they know that will be living out of a RV.  I will be FT soon and working (of a sorts) out of mine..

[khantroll]

I may be doing this around the first of the year, depending on a lot of variables. I'm an IT contractor, and I work for one of the bigger contracting companies in North America. My handler (I call him that, technically his title is "Principle Liaison") told me last week that they are having difficulty putting together a team for a 4-6 month contract at a location near the Arkansas/Missouri boarder. He offered me 25% per hour pay raise if I would be willing to take it (they don't pay for rooms for long term contracts).

So, I am seriously thinking of taking it. Mo money, mo better, right? My income would be roughly $2700 a month after taxes. I am rounding a bit, but my personal taxes and federal withholding comes out to roughly 30%. Campground rental fees would likely be about $350 (according to the couple of calls I've made). Propane cost would be roughly $60 per refill, and it'd be winter so I'd likely be burning through it.

I can't imagine that my regular living expenses would be much different. I go to the movies roughly twice a month (depending on what's playing). I have netflix also. I eat out a bit more then I probably should. All in all, my "entertainment" budget would be in the neighborhood of $200 a month.

My grocery bill is generally low, and is mostly produce, bread, and sandwich stuff. My gasoline bill would be less. My daily driver is a PT Cruiser, which gets 24 mpg. I spend roughly $200 a month on gasoline at the moment, as my daily commute is 50+ miles. The distance between the prospective job site and the rv park is about 10 miles. So less then half.

I've thought for a while that working for a contracting company would be perfectly suited to fulltiming. Typically a contract is 3-6 months, and you don't have to take the ones you don't want to take (for whatever reason). It doesn't really give you the freedom that an online business might, but it's also more reliable pay. A search on monster in your industry with only the "contract" job type chosen can find many opportunities. Most do many different types of contracting; the one I work for does office workers, accounts specialists, collections specialists, tax preparers, advertising, graphic design, legal, management, and IT.

As for resources, I like the following:

The Escapees Club Forum: http://www.rvnetwork.com/
Technomadia (Couple Programmers, but there site is good info for everyone): http://www.technomadia.com/
Travels with Andy (He's stopped updating about RVing, but the old posts are good info): http://www.andybaird.com/travels/index.html
Nomadic Fanatic (Kinda entertaining, and good if you are new/never boondocked before): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtFHmQFu_7SnVAFSQr-T2zw

[yvan]

Thanks, I too am interested in full timing, but not ready financially to be able to live without some income. As I look at it your cost of living is dramatically lower, (no house to pay for, no property taxes, no commuting and work related expenses). I am not a fan or RV parks or camp grounds, I prefer boondocking, so if I could get away with being off the grid for a week, and just hook up one time a week to fill water tanks and empty waste tanks I would be good to go, now I just need to figure how to make 20G a year to pay for food and gas/upkeep for the RV and it's adios job, hello retirement. 
 

[pvoth1111]

We work fulltime and we prefer RV resorts/parks....some places don't like our RV and some don't like our dog....our current place is our favorite and we like them and they like us....boon docking is not our thing....here in S. Florida with a dog those A/C  units have got to run....we have free cable....pool, gym, laundry, walk to the beach.  This for us is a lifestyle....it not retirement its learning to have less spend less and live more.....its a process.

[yvan]

  This for us is a lifestyle....it not retirement its learning to have less spend less and live more.....its a process.

Very well said. BTW, why don't they like your RV?

[pvoth1111]

its old.....many RV parks are upscale some are really upscale.....million dollar RV'ers don't like 90's chieftains with delamination issues owned by folks that work for a livin......I spend a lot of time trying to keep it shiny outside....inside is way nicer....

This whole full timing thing just came about, it was gonna be short time but I'm not going back now.....we should have a 40/45 ft coach next year...not to keep up with the "jet Setters"  but for us....we need ( would like ) more kitchen and more bathroom.....we went from 2600 sq ft and many cars to living in this thing and don't miss it.....maybe I miss the Porsches a little bit....

One thing....I see folks with children doing this on varying levels and its feels kinda sad....I raised my kid in a house with his own room.....cramming kids in a motor home or travel trailer and raising them that way I think is not good for kids......it you have a high dollar coach with private bunks with tvs and such so they had their own space and mom and dad have their space maybe....maybe....off the soapbox...
Full disclosure.....around 13 years of age I lived in a very small travel trailer with no bathroom with my mom and dad and our dog during a very challenging period in our lives.....the above opinions are mine and mine alone based on my real world experience and that of raising a child to adulthood.....my opinion is mine and was not to defame or harm or make someone feel bad about their situation.... at times we have to do what we must and at least we had a roof....no TV no nothing but I guess we had each other though that passed as well.

[bnlfan]

I am planning to fulltime at the end of this year.  So far, I am researching my work options.

I am looking into repairing dental tools that I can ship back to the dentist.  I am also considering rebuilding different auto parts.  I do know for a fact that I will be returning to eBay as a seller after being away for 7 years.

I did fairly well in the past driving once a month down through 3 states and hitting as many Goodwill stores as possible and selling the bought items on eBay.  I hope to rekindle that.

[DRMousseau]

I'm gonna toss this in for a few to consider.


I'm an ol' man that was recently adopted by a slightly younger D20,... a rather new relationship. After getting acquainted in North Michigan,where I had been staying and visiting with my daughters and their families for 6mos, we headed to The Emerald Coast of Florida between Christmas and New Years. For many years, I've boarded rooms and shared my life with those I now call "family", here in Florida. But this year is different,... I took an early retirement last year, so I could have regular income. AND I was adopted by the Winnie which has given me a unique new found independence!!!


I've worked seasonally, Jan-April, in a Tax Prep Office for nearly 4yrs now... and this year is no different, except I'm not fully dependent on the paycheck anymore. The job gives me something to do while Michigan thaws out, and provides an income bonus to update the RV, which can be done in more pleasant weather conditions! Folks I've known for quite some time, invite me to park along their drive whenever I'd like, and electric is often available. In exchange, I help 'em out in my off-time and/or a "gratuity" in cash or kind in appreciation for their generosity.


Now, the Winnie is my home AND my transportation!! I drive to the office every day, and on occasion, jus stay there for the night when workin late and opening early. I stayed 3days straight last month when my brakes failed, and I waited for parts to arrive at a nearby parts store. This has been nice, I'm quite comfortable and everything I need is always at hand. I have many projects that need to be done, and so do others. I have the option to venture to nearby or more distant places of interest, either alone or with a guest,... something new to me and quite enjoyable!


NOW,... if I were younger (hint, hint),... I'd consider MY OWN tax prep business, and bring the "office" to peoples doorstep!!! I've considered this in the 80's, but initiated a Mobile Portrait Photo business instead. But  the viability of a mobile income tax prep office, is still something to consider a bit!!! The convenience of such a service could be extended to the parking lot of of temporary labor providers too, where simple tax forms could be prepared in bulk at a low cost. Other customers would appreciate the visit to their home, where many ALWAYS leave an important form on their dresser or someplace. Yes,... it's seasonal! Yes,... you'll have the big box offices to compete with. And yes,... there's a few more technical issues unique to the modern age we live in.


Taxes you say??? Only two sure things in life,... death and taxes, and a mobile funeral home jus seems creepy!!!

[eXodus]

Hehe I like the topic:


I did a small presentation at my university for class:


some of the information I used:
www.gonewiththewynns.com/
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/10/your-money/supersize-motor-homes-are-a-great-life-for-some-retirees.html

Wikipedia: Homelessness is the condition of people without a regular dwelling
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development:An individual who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence;

Until the year 2020 an estimate of 10 Million people will live permanent in mobile housing options.  (currently about 1 million + unknown)

[Bill]

I have been working from my 1984 Pace Arrow for the past 18 months. I retired from my regular job in 2013 and started wandering. About a year and a half ago I came across a part time job opportunity that I accepted. I do computer and back office work for insurance companies.
I work 20-25 hrs a week depending on the clients needs. I have two 100W solar panels on the roof that provide all the power I need for my laptop computer and second monitor, everything I do is online. I use a portable internet hotspot that I got from Verizon and it provides good high speed internet anywhere that I can get a verizon signal. Last summer we traveled thru eight states doing family history research, each morning I would put a few hours on the computer doing my part time job and then we would hit the road again. Except for a few dead spots in MO. and KY. things went great. My pay was electronically deposited every two weeks and with modern online banking it was easy to access my accounts. We are getting ready to hit the road again and I look forward to being able to work a few hours a week and making some travel money. Without this part time work I would still be traveling but this makes it a lot easier

[Rickf1985]

I could only dream of such a life. My skills are all manual labor type, mechanics, heavy equipment, that type of thing. The problem is that my back has disowned me. W%

[Bill]

Nothing can replace a good back.

[khantroll]

Rick,


You never know. You could so support work for some folks in the automotive business, or do simple office work for construction companies. You'd be surprised at the people who are willing to work with you in exchange for you being an honest and loyal employee.


As for me, I just re-read my post, so I thought I'd give an update. I didn't take that contract, as the one I was on at the time got extended and it made more sense to stay local. I'm glad I did, because two months after that post was made my mother's health started deteriorating. By march my contract had expired and she had been diagnosed with brain cancer, so I took a local job to stay near her. We lost her the following September. I thought that I would go back to contracting after that, but I'm still at that job.


I have, however, just but in for an online teaching job, and so who knows what the future holds? My feet are itching for the road, as Mr. Bob Wells says.


Of course, my girlfriend says it's athlete's foot, so..

[Rickf1985]

Put me behind a desk in a construction setting and I would be on a dozer or excavator before the day was done. I am NOT a desk person. That is the problem, I need to be doing something all the time and it ends up with me in pain at the mid point of the day and extreme pain by the end of the day. I have learned to somewhat pace myself, somewhat, kinda, well off and on................. yea, you know what I mean. But there are days that the pain hits even when I am doing nothing so basically I am not going to be dependable enough for a job. Online would be something else but that is out of my realm.

[CapnDirk]

I've been looking into those online help places where people just stand by to answer questions.  Everything from cars to dishwashers.   You walk someone through fixing it and they then acknowledge it's done and you get paid.  No doubt some people making money on the side and retired people.

[tmsnyder]

Rick just tell the boss to put in one of those full floater RV base and seat!

[M & J]

His boss is his wife FYI.