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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> Working & Volunteering On The Road -> Looking for ideas
Post Info TOPIC: Looking for ideas
NorCal Dan


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I need something to keep me busy.  I m looking for a paying job that can be done from anywhere we happen to be with the RV.  I haven't figured out a way to get decent results from internet searching so thought I would ask here and see if anybody has some ideas.  No get rich quick schemes, just something to keep me busy and make a few bucks for my time.

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dgorila1


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I have been trying to think of a business that could be run from the "garage of an RV or a trailer towed behind it. Ideas that come to mind are woodworking, repair business, home repair/remodeling/painting, welding, mobile sewing shop, pet grooming shop, mobile massage studio, gunsmithing/machinist, jewelry/craft manufacture/repair. There are many others I missed including ones that could be run without a shop (computer/internet based, consulting, etc). 
I'd like to hear from others if you are doing businesses like this or have seen them in your travels. Thanks.


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TXRVr


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Norcal> You and a thousand other traveling RVers ask themselves the same question…. Including myself.

I’d suggest that you sit down with some paper and make a list of everything….I do mean everything…that you are capable of doing. If you carried newspapers as a kid, put it down. It’s still a job today.

Carry a notepad with you and each and every day you are on the road make a note of who does what work and where. Match it with your talents and ability.

Take advantage of opportunities. My wife and I got a job directing parking at a sporting event.  We actually drove into the parking lot to attend the event, but when we saw that they were short handed we asked to be hired on for the day. We got a fee bucks and we did get into the event free.

If you are interested in work camping, I’d suggest you sign up on the http://www.workamper.com/

 



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Dixie


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Hi Dan,

We are hoping to sell the house this spring or summer and go fulltiming so I am considering whether to continue the business that I  established over the last 6 years when we are in the rv.

I do antique pottery restoration.  I won't get into the exact type of pottery but they are all from the 1700 and 1800's.  It started off an interest and hobby for fun and it boomed and became a jobcry

If we did buy a fifth wheel with a garage I could easily continue doing this.
Fortunately, I don't have to, but I am going to keep all my equipment just in case things change down the road.

If nothing else, I could maybe have some fun using my airbrush painting tattoos or doing some custom rv detailing etc.

Dixie




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NorCal Dan


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Thanks all. We already do workamping (camp hosts) in the summer time. But that doesn't keep me busy so I am looking for something to do in my spare time and make some gas money. Doing research and so far have not found anything that interests me.

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thebearII


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I sold these at auto swap meets, RV shows & Good Guys Hot Rod shows throughout California, Nevada & Arizona. I could count on $200 plus profit for a one day show and up to $1600 for a three day show, best ever was $3200 at a Good Guy 3 day event in Bakersfield.

Good to sell at boat, gun, farm, fairs and other shows, especially in the mid-west or farm/ranch country.

It requires a demonstration of the tool to sell well, so you spend the day talking and doing demos....

Here's the website for the distributor: www.clamptool.com

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Larry
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KerouacisKing


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Leather craft, sounds abit random I know, but it is great fun and I have found it sells really well. Family friends of mine ran leather craft as business for years. The great thing about it is experimentation. You can go from simple patterns and designs on wallets or belts right up to carving pictures, or making beautiful gun or knife holsters the only limit is your imagination. There are websites that could get you started if you were interested,

Just a thought smile.gif

Katy

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thebearII


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There's a couple that visit RV parks throughout Southern California and they make and install sun screens on RVs. Looks like they stay busy and spend a day or two in each park. Since the RVers constantly change at the parks they have new possible clients each week.

I've seen them at several RV parks.

They carry a sewing machine, tables, ladders and material. They both measure, she sews while he installs.

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Larry
"Small House, Big Yard "
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NorCal Dan


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Some great ideas...thanks. I met a guy in Benson who washes (and waxes) rigs. He seemed to stay very busy. But I could set my own schedule and work or not.

My expertise is computers, networks, etc. But it's hard to keep up with the industry as changes happen quickly.

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pierreandcolleen


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Here are some ideas

1. Computer Classes Instructor
2. Computer Repair Service
3. RV/Truck Washing Service
4. Carpet Cleaning Service
5. RV Repair Service
6. Mobile Satellite Dish Installation

If you have hobbies that you are passionate about, find a way to make some money doing what you love.

-Colleen


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NorCal Dan


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Thanks Colleen, some great ideas. I do enjoy helping with computer software problems and network issues. RV repair would be interesting if I got certified and could find a job at a local repair center. And since we will always be around RV's it seems like a good choice.

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pierreandcolleen


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For RV Repair, you might be better off just putting a sign on your rig rather than work at a service center.   Most people would rather pay someone in the park then to take it to a service center - especially since many service centers tend to rip us Rvers off.  Although working in a service center first would be  a great way to get experience.  There is a guy that drives through our RV park at least once a week, really nice, has fair prices, and usually has at least few jobs when he's here.  These RVs aren't really made all that well so there is always something breaking on them.

-Colleen

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Luvglass


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I agree with Colleen. The advantage is doing work on site, since most RV'ers really hate to have to go to the service center and sit around all day while the rig is being worked on.

Also, I would assume you wont need to charge the $90-$120 and hour that we pay at a dealer or Camping World.

If you have the necessary skills, either RV or computer tech would bring you more than enough work, I would think. Us old, non technical folks are always looking for help. :)

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Fred Wishnie

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Cindy T


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You might consider reading a book called - Internet Riches by Scott Fox.  It offers practical advice about starting an online business on a shoestring budget.  I found a copy at my local library.

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Cindy T

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rwarner22


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Do you work with photos or blogs or something like Picasa or Flikr? Most folks are looking for a way to turn a box/album of old photos into something useful like a personalized greeting card, calendar or book etc.

Everyone has a story.

I recently started working with HeritageMakers.com as a way to make some additional income and develop a business I can take on the road. I'd be glad to talk to you more about it if you are interested in that kind of thing.

Randy

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NorCal Dan


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Interesting Randy. While I am not a sales type person your post did force me into some lateral thinking so I thank you for that...

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