Digital Nomad Life • Remote Work Setup
Work From Anywhere — Literally
The pandemic proved something a lot of us already suspected: you don't need to be in an office to do good work. Now millions of people have jobs that only require a laptop and an internet connection. Some of them decided that if they can work from anywhere, they might as well work from a van in the mountains. If that sounds like you, here's what you need to know about making it actually work.
If your job involves video calls, uploading files, or real-time collaboration, you need reliable internet. Here's how remote workers are solving this:
Starlink
The game changer. Starlink Mini gives you fast, consistent internet anywhere with a view of the sky. It draws about 25-40 watts, which is manageable with a decent solar setup. This is what serious remote workers are using now. Cost is around $599 for hardware plus $165/month for the roam plan.
Cellular Data + Signal Boosters
Before Starlink, most van workers relied on cellular hotspots with roof-mounted antennas. Still works well near towns and on major highways. WeBoost and similar boosters help in marginal signal areas. Most people carry multiple carriers (Verizon + T-Mobile) for redundancy.
Backup Plan: Libraries & Coffee Shops
Even with Starlink, sometimes you need a backup. Public libraries have free wifi and quiet spaces. Coffee shops work in a pinch. Plan your week around one "town day" where you handle anything bandwidth-heavy.
Remote work means running a laptop for 8+ hours, possibly a monitor, chargers for all your devices, and now Starlink on top of that. You need a real electrical system, not just a portable battery pack.
What We Recommend for Remote Workers:
Working from a laptop on your bed sounds romantic until day three when your neck is destroyed. A proper workspace matters more than most people realize:
✓ Works great for:
Software developers, writers, designers, consultants, customer support, sales, marketing, data analysis, project management — basically anything where your output is delivered digitally and you have some control over when meetings happen.
⚠ Challenging but doable:
Jobs with frequent video calls during specific hours (you'll need to plan around time zones and signal), jobs that require sending large files regularly (upload speeds can be the bottleneck).
✗ Probably not compatible:
Jobs that require you to be in a specific location, jobs with constant unpredictable video calls, anything with strict security requirements (some companies require hardwired connections).
The best remote work vans prioritize workspace, power, and connectivity over luxury features. Here's a typical setup:
Remote Worker Build Example
OZK Customs builds vans specifically designed for remote workers. We understand the power requirements, the workspace ergonomics, and the connectivity solutions that make van life actually work for people with real jobs. We've done this enough times to know what works and what doesn't.
Working remotely and thinking about van life? Let's talk about what your job actually requires and how to build a van that handles it. No pressure, just real answers.
ADDRESS:
6159 E Huntsville Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72701
PHONE:
(479) 326-9200
EMAIL:
info@ozkvans.com