Income Solutions for Fulltime RVers-Part two

After reading the first part of this series on how to subsidize a fixed income while on the fulltime RV road, you've probably already been musing over some ways that YOU could use your experience and personal talents to ease your financial situation.  In conversing with Hidden Valley full time RV guests and those I've met online over the years, these are some additional ways that they are making RVing a source of their income.

6.  Gate Guarding

Although this has evidently been around for a while, the advent of the oil boom in many US states, notably Texas, has created the need for some one to guard the gates and properties where fracking and other oil related activities are going on.  Since these properties are in out of the way places, RVers are the perfect solution since they bring their home with them.  Utilities by way of a generator, water and propane are usually supplied as part of compensation and a decent additional income per day is also added.  Many of our guests have chosen this employment but beware, it's often a grueling exercise to be on call 24/7.  Couples are usually hired so one can spot the other for some shut eye.  The gate guard companies are usually flexible and able to give time off as needed.  Some gate posts last for many months and others for a shorter period. Shortly, Here's a link to a page with Gate Guard company info and some forums and blogs to check about if you're interested.

7.  Workamping

Taking on jobs at RV Parks, State Parks, Federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands etc., has been a popular way to subsidize an RVers income for many years.  Positions from management to tour guide to hiking guides to restroom custodians are all available in various campgrounds in the states and other countries too.  With the increased popularity and need of technical computer skills in the RV industry, some have found their own niche in campground IT (Information Technology) departments.  Event coordinators and camp hosts are also greatly needed at today's parks.

8.  Outside Sources

There are also several international companies who find full time RVers are a perfect match for their needs.  One such company is Amazon.com.  Their warehouses and shipping departments employ large numbers of temporary helpers throughout the year.  You can visit this link to find Amazon jobs in your area.

9.  Internet Based Businesses

Since every business and almost every business person has their own website, YouTube, Facebook page, twitter, foursquare, pinterest and LinkedIn account (just to mention a few of the popular social medias,) many geeky folks are finding income in internet based businesses where they create sites, maintain sites and manage social media for others, both companies and individuals.  This can be done across state and even country borders as it's all accomplished in the cyber world.  There's a common misconception that the more mature set are not technologically savvy but don't believe it.  I've had several guests at Hidden Valley who've given me several very good tips regarding websites, the dreaded html computer language and social media.
Most RVers have heard of the RV Cooking Show, filmed direct from great RV locations to visit AND the RV kitchen of Evanne.  Her blog, cooking videos, as well as contributed articles in famous RV publications have brought her a "piece of the pie" in the RV industry.  Besides being a fulltime RVer herself and an expert in that field, she's a 'go to' person for social media marketing, RV dealer marketing, Campground operations and outdoor hospitality customer service.  She has helped almost every niche in the RV industry to improve and is constantly branching out into new ventures...all while enjoying the full time RV lifestyle.  Her latest project is a combined effort with another industry expert, a soon to be released book Unconventional Wisdom Works.  
So, if you're a fulltime RVer why not use YOUR experience to subsidize your income?

10. Blogging/Newsletters

Besides being able to contribute to travel blogs as mentioned in the first article, using your own blog can be a great way to get free or discounted lodging or RV sites, restauranteurs and tourist attractions often help subsidize your expenses in exchange for reviewing/writing about, their businesses.  Some of these travel blogs use ads on the margins of their blogs to get pay per click income.  Although not an RV traveler, a great example of world travel blogging is Adventurous Kate, whose blog is well received world wide and a great aid for travelers when deciding where to visit.  Although Kate makes it seem all easy and fun, she has oft admitted the challenges involved and the discipline needed to take on such a task.  However, if you are already on a fixed income you can tailor your involvement to be much less strenuous.  RV Travel writer, Chuck Woodbury is a fine example of an RV travel writer.  He uses a weekly newsletter and many additional blogs to keep us all informed of advances and news in the RV lifestyle.  Selling ads and periodicals are how he funds this endeavor and RVers all over America wait anxiously for his Saturday newsletter, RV Travel.com

11.  Mobile RV Repair 

With so many taking to the road, both full timers and  travelers, there is a great need for qualified mobile home and travel trailer repair services.  The thought of having to pack up everything you own and bring your home TO the repairman is daunting and enough to make you deal with the repair being unfixed rather than drive across town WITH your home.  In our town there are a couple good, RVIA certified mobile repair men and one chose a busy RV park to live at and be on call for needed repairs.  Needless to say, just in his RV Park alone he had more business than he could handle.  At Hidden Valley RV we call "Got Billy RV" on average twice a month and we only have 30 sites.  He's always swamped with calls so the demand would make this avenue of income a good one to consider.  Personally, I would consider a partial site trade out deal for the privilege of having a qualified repair person at Hidden Valley RV.  

I've spent some time reviewing the Workamper News online and found many full timers have innovative ideas and that there's many opportunities out there.  Have any ideas of your own or heard of some other good ways to subsidize income on the road?  Let's build this list in the comments!

Teri Blaschke is the RV Park operator of family owned HiddenValley RV Park in San Antonio, TX and writer of the park blog “A Little Piece of Country in San Antonio.” Teri contributes to various other blogs with a focus on either travel or social media and how it relates to the outdoor hospitality industry but her passion is serving the RV travel community by providing a memorable RV camping experience and growing the Hidden Valley RV family.  Connect with Teri on Google+, Facebook and Twitter@HiddenValleyRV