RV Office Space Remodel for Two Adults
As we both work remotely with our businesses, the ability to work from anywhere in a designated office space in our fifth wheel was a vital consideration for the RV we chose. We needed to have a designated desk space where we could both work at the same time, and have our young children comfortably nearby.
As we reviewed quite a few RV models, it quickly became apparent we’d need to remodel a portion of our RV to get the office space we needed.
In this blog post, we will detail our considerations when purchasing our RV while keeping an office space in mind, guide you through our process of how we added our desk area to our rig, and share with you our best tips and products to get the job done.
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Step 1: Assess Your RV Layout and Choose Your Office Space
The first step is to evaluate the available space in your RV and determine where you can allocate an office area. Look for underutilized areas such as unused corners, nooks, or even a portion of your dining or living area. Consider the dimensions and layout of your RV to ensure the office space fits harmoniously with the rest of your living quarters.
Before deciding on our rig, we saw many posts about people converting their bedroom dresser into a usable desk. We loved the idea, until we walked into the master bedrooms of the fifth wheels we were considering. There was no way we would have the space or comfort we needed.
Be realistic about how much space you really need, and how much of a priority it needs to be for you and your family.
We chose a layout where we could turn a slide into our desk area.
We did not need three couches in our living room (as great as it as when we had company). With the one slide having the best options for power, we decided which couch would have to go!
Step 2: Plan Your Office Design and Layout
Once you have identified the space, it's time to plan the design and layout of your office. Keep in mind that functionality and comfort are key. Start by measuring the dimensions of the space to help you choose the right furniture and accessories. Consider ergonomic factors such as a comfortable chair, adjustable desk height, and proper lighting to create an optimal work environment.
To keep it affordable, we reused some of our office furniture from our house. That included the Alex Drawer and the butcher block countertops from IKEA.
The plan was to place the countertop piece on top of two, 2 x 4 pieces on either side of the slide. The Alex drawer beneath it would support the some of the weight of it either on the side or in the middle of the desk area.
But as any good project goes, we hit a bump in the road.
As we were removing the couch (just a few screws, by the way), we discovered that there is a lip on our slide.
The couch was custom to the RV and was hiding this little unknown fact.
What did that mean for our grand plans?
We could no longer scoot chairs under the desk.
Obviously a huge problem.
At first, we decided to just go with it and looked into ergonomic stools that lean towards the desk. But after a few weeks of trying to make it work, we knew we needed a different plan that wouldn’t take such a toll on our backs.
That’s when John redesigned our desk, and came up with a way to slide the desk out of the slide so that a regular chair (from our dining table) could be used at it.
Then when it was time to travel, the desk would be pushed back in and locked safely.
Try to troubleshoot your little office space BEFORE you begin the remodel!
Step 3: Choose Compact and Multipurpose Furniture
Since RVs have limited space, it's essential to choose compact and multipurpose furniture to maximize the use of the available area. Look for foldable desks or tables that can be easily tucked away when not in use. Opt for wall-mounted shelves or floating desks to save floor space. Utilize storage solutions like cabinets or drawers to keep your office supplies organized and out of sight.
Important note: make sure your furniture can be easily secured for travel!
If you’re on the move often, keep an easy pack-up in mind. Strike a balance between comfort, function, and stowability.
Step 4: Ensure Adequate Power Supply and Internet Options
Having a reliable power supply for your office equipment is crucial. Determine if your RV's existing electrical system can support the additional power requirements of your office setup. If necessary, consult an electrician to assess your RV's electrical capacity and make any necessary upgrades or modifications. Consider investing in a surge protector and cable management solutions to ensure safety and minimize clutter.
We chose our office space slide based on the outlets nearby, and added our own USB and power hubs to supplement.
Research mobile internet options suitable for RV living, such as cellular data plans or satellite internet.
Invest in a reliable mobile hotspot or consider installing a signal booster to improve connectivity while on the move. Research local Wi-Fi options at campgrounds or RV parks to have backup internet access when needed.
We use StarLink most often, and have found it’s fairly reliable.
Unfortunately with their new plan restrictions, we’ve run into some slower internet. But typically it’s still our best option and we’ve loved it.
Step 5: Personalize and Organize Your Office Space
Make your office space truly your own by adding personal touches and décor. Consider incorporating elements that inspire and motivate you, such as artwork, plants, and framed photos.
Since we work side by side, his space is a lot more techy, and her space is more warm and feminine. If you have to share your desk space in the RV, make your corner your own!
As always in the RV, keep things uncluttered and well organized.
We started with our Alex drawer, mainly because we already had it. But once we had to lower the desk height, the drawer was no longer an option. So we went with a storage solution that was short and wide.
A TV stand!
Think outside of the box, and utilize unconventional storage solutions for your RV office space.
Our RV Office Space Design
Supply List:
Alex Drawer (optional)
TV stand under the desk space for storage (again, another storage option)
2x4 (to reinforce across the back of the countertop, and to use for your drawer slides)
Heavy duty drawer slides that lock
We purchased a single 2x4 and a set of heavy duty 500lb 20 inch locking drawer slides.
The 2x4 was cut into four pieces that matched the depth of the slide without covering up any trim around the slide frame.
Two pieces of the 2x4 were attached to both side walls of the slide, and then the drawer slides were attached to those.
The remaining two pieces of the 2x4 were attached to the part of the drawer slide that would be extending out of the slide.
Once this was done, we placed the IKEA countertop on top of the 2x4’s and L brackets were used to hold the countertop down to the 2x4's. This allowed the countertop to slide freely out away from the slide so that a chair could be brought under it normally.
When our work is finished we simply slide the desk back in and it is out of the way. It is very important to get drawer slides that lock so that your desk isn't sliding in and out as you travel down the road.
Decor and Accessories (as shown):
Melody’s stool (no longer available in gray)
Take it from us, it IS possible to have a designated office space for two adults in your RV. Keep your RV floor plan in mind when selecting your full time RV, and don’t be afraid to rip things out and remodel the area to get your ideal desk and workspace in place. With a well-designed RV office, you can enjoy the freedom of remote work while having a comfortable and inspiring workspace wherever your adventures take you. We love our workspace!
