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One thing I’ve struggled to get right is building the right workspace inside a van. At the moment I just sit on the bench seat with my laptop on my lap, but it

One thing I’ve struggled to get right is building the right workspace inside a van. At the moment I just sit on the bench seat with my laptop on my lap, but it’s slowly taking its toll on my posture. Any advice?

JKCalhoun 6y ago
Are you able to stand in the van? If not, that's going to be problematic, I think.
fy20 6y ago
Getting a monitor would probably help, at least you won't be bending your neck down all the time to see the screen. I've seen some vans that have swivel mounts, but you could also hook it up when in use, and take it down afterwards.
deleted 6y ago
[deleted]
mkingston 6y ago
Others have mentioned an external screen. I have two ThinkVision M14 monitors (selected for USB C power + data on a single cable, and high brightness) and some tablet holders that mount on a range of different 1/4in tripod mounting hardware. Look for tripod clamp stands, gooseneck arms, swivel heads. There's a lot out there, you'll figure out something that works for you. If you want a larger monitor, a VESA mount is what you want. There's various mounting hardware available for this also. In the interim, try to put a pillow on your lap, and your laptop on the pillow. Try to tense your core a little in general, and especially if you feel discomfort in your back. You'll probably need to maintain the tension for a little while. I find this avoids or alleviates my discomfort- but is probably not a _good_ solution.
- meowster 6y ago
  > laptop on the pillow This is terrible for the thermals. You should never put a laptop on a surface that restricts airflow between the surface and the laptop.
  - mkingston 6y ago
    For sure it's bad for the laptop, I totally agree, and if you have something better to put your laptop on (a small table that goes over your lap, for example- I believe Ikea sells such a thing) do that. But given the choice between pillow and no pillow, I'd rather damage my laptop than my body.
Jon_Lowtek 6y ago
https://oshwiki.eu/wiki/Ergonomics_in_Office_Work#Ergonomics_good_practice_.E2.80.93_reducing_hazards_and_risks https://oshwiki.eu/wiki/Ergonomics_in_Office_Work#Ergonomics...
dredmorbius 6y ago
There are a bunch of van-office layouts on YouTube, Pinterest, etc. See those for inspiration. My view is that you'd likely need to design the interior around the office setup if this is a primary goal. Vans / trailers are often used as mobile offices (construction, oil/gas, video production), for more ideas, though generally these exclude or minimise living/food-prep space. Basically, there's where you, your butt, monitor, keyboard, mouse, peripherals (printer/scanner, camera/audio gear), power, net, hardware, and any materials (books, suplies, etc.) go. Thermal management. Security. Laptop or desktop system? A swivel front seat (driver, passenger, or both), may be the best chair option. It's already there, adjusts to height/tilt, and is comfortable for long periods. Alternately a fold-down / jump seat. Alternative bed / garage configurations may free up interior space, at a convenience cost. A Murphy, folding, or convertible bed especially. Fold-out work-surface / stowable monitor next. Support for keyboard, mouse, tablet. A swing-arm monitor doubling as a video display, cabinet or roof mounted. Easy access to anynecessary materials. Ability to get in or out. Other seating or lounge space (bench, bed, stool, outside chairs) can be used with laptop, tablet, or possibly a wireless keyboard & mouse with monitor swung out, as an alternate workspace for variety. CPU, storage, and networking kit can be built-in or mounted to cabinet or rack space, but will likely require airflow / cooling. Utilising or protecting from outdoor ambient conditions may assist. Then there's sorting out where other amenities / services / systems / storage go (food prep, cooking, cleaning, bathing, toilet, sleeping, cloths, gear, electric, fuel, fresh & waste water, etc.)

JKCalhoun 6y ago

Are you able to stand in the van? If not, that's going to be problematic, I think.

fy20 6y ago

Getting a monitor would probably help, at least you won't be bending your neck down all the time to see the screen. I've seen some vans that have swivel mounts, but you could also hook it up when in use, and take it down afterwards.

deleted 6y ago

[deleted]

mkingston 6y ago

Others have mentioned an external screen. I have two ThinkVision M14 monitors (selected for USB C power + data on a single cable, and high brightness) and some tablet holders that mount on a range of different 1/4in tripod mounting hardware. Look for tripod clamp stands, gooseneck arms, swivel heads. There's a lot out there, you'll figure out something that works for you. If you want a larger monitor, a VESA mount is what you want. There's various mounting hardware available for this also. In the interim, try to put a pillow on your lap, and your laptop on the pillow. Try to tense your core a little in general, and especially if you feel discomfort in your back. You'll probably need to maintain the tension for a little while. I find this avoids or alleviates my discomfort- but is probably not a _good_ solution.

meowster 6y ago
> laptop on the pillow This is terrible for the thermals. You should never put a laptop on a surface that restricts airflow between the surface and the laptop.
- mkingston 6y ago
  For sure it's bad for the laptop, I totally agree, and if you have something better to put your laptop on (a small table that goes over your lap, for example- I believe Ikea sells such a thing) do that. But given the choice between pillow and no pillow, I'd rather damage my laptop than my body.

Jon_Lowtek 6y ago

https://oshwiki.eu/wiki/Ergonomics_in_Office_Work#Ergonomics_good_practice_.E2.80.93_reducing_hazards_and_risks https://oshwiki.eu/wiki/Ergonomics_in_Office_Work#Ergonomics...

dredmorbius 6y ago

There are a bunch of van-office layouts on YouTube, Pinterest, etc. See those for inspiration. My view is that you'd likely need to design the interior around the office setup if this is a primary goal. Vans / trailers are often used as mobile offices (construction, oil/gas, video production), for more ideas, though generally these exclude or minimise living/food-prep space. Basically, there's where you, your butt, monitor, keyboard, mouse, peripherals (printer/scanner, camera/audio gear), power, net, hardware, and any materials (books, suplies, etc.) go. Thermal management. Security. Laptop or desktop system? A swivel front seat (driver, passenger, or both), may be the best chair option. It's already there, adjusts to height/tilt, and is comfortable for long periods. Alternately a fold-down / jump seat. Alternative bed / garage configurations may free up interior space, at a convenience cost. A Murphy, folding, or convertible bed especially. Fold-out work-surface / stowable monitor next. Support for keyboard, mouse, tablet. A swing-arm monitor doubling as a video display, cabinet or roof mounted. Easy access to anynecessary materials. Ability to get in or out. Other seating or lounge space (bench, bed, stool, outside chairs) can be used with laptop, tablet, or possibly a wireless keyboard & mouse with monitor swung out, as an alternate workspace for variety. CPU, storage, and networking kit can be built-in or mounted to cabinet or rack space, but will likely require airflow / cooling. Utilising or protecting from outdoor ambient conditions may assist. Then there's sorting out where other amenities / services / systems / storage go (food prep, cooking, cleaning, bathing, toilet, sleeping, cloths, gear, electric, fuel, fresh & waste water, etc.)