Portable Work Desk

[MaximusTX]

I work remote for my job so I am able to work from wherever. I just got starlink installed in my JT. Over christmas vacation I decided to try out starlink and instead of using PTO I just worked from the car as my wife and kid drove. I realized that is not the most comfortable thing to do for 8 hours a day. I wanted to see if anyone else also happens to work out of there JT or when they are overlanding and if they have some portable desk they use or something. I was thinking just using this from Rebel Off-Road since I have their rack but also interested if anyone else that may have something better.

JT XPLOR Bed Rack Table Mount

Sponsored

 

[Thunderspud]

I work directly from my tailgate almost daily. Starlink on top of the SmartCap for the various rural locations we like to do business with. A small table stored in a net underneath, where the overpriced SmartCap table would normally mount. Similar to the image you posted. And a nice camp chair on board for the rare occasion I feel the need to sit.

I do have a SpecGate branded tailgate platform that I use for various things. A magnetized plate for keeping track of hardware during assembly/disassembly, a Pipeliners umbrella holder I fabricated for when working somewhere without shade, aircraft rail aluminum L-Track for anything I need to keep secure between job sites, and a small flip out HDPE surface I normally use as a cutting board of sorts. Unfortunately, that company is now defunct, and I am not aware of any similar options out there.

All that said, I own an IT company that does a lot of implementation work for hospitality and retail networks and the nature of my work is not exactly predisposed to sitting at a desk all day. Your needs are probably different and things do tend to get rather disorganized quickly. But for my specific purposes, it allows me to get out of the office without making any sacrifices that would affect the quality of our work.

Although not a great representation....here are a couple really shitty pictures I just took of what all that looks like after a day spent at a craft brewery install we have this week.

 

[MaximusTX]

I work directly from my tailgate almost daily. Starlink on top of the SmartCap for the various rural locations we like to do business with. A small table stored in a net underneath, where the overpriced SmartCap table would normally mount. Similar to the image you posted. And a nice camp chair on board for the rare occasion I feel the need to sit.

I do have a SpecGate branded tailgate platform that I use for various things. A magnetized plate for keeping track of hardware during assembly/disassembly, a Pipeliners umbrella holder I fabricated for when working somewhere without shade, aircraft rail aluminum L-Track for anything I need to keep secure between job sites, and a small flip out HDPE surface I normally use as a cutting board of sorts. Unfortunately, that company is now defunct, and I am not aware of any similar options out there.

All that said, I own an IT company that does a lot of implementation work for hospitality and retail networks and the nature of my work is not exactly predisposed to sitting at a desk all day. Your needs are probably different and things do tend to get rather disorganized quickly. But for my specific purposes, it allows me to get out of the office without making any sacrifices that would affect the quality of our work.

Although not a great representation....here are a couple really shitty pictures I just took of what all that looks like after a day spent at a craft brewery install we have this week.

Thanks for the response. Seems like you have a pretty decent setup for working remote. I do IT so pretty much just working at the computer the whole time. My JT has a 6.5inch lift on 42s so unless I bring a bar stool with me working off the tailgate doesn't work for me. I'll probably start with the folding table and go from there.

 

[RealTruck]

I work remote for my job so I am able to work from wherever. I just got starlink installed in my JT. Over christmas vacation I decided to try out starlink and instead of using PTO I just worked from the car as my wife and kid drove. I realized that is not the most comfortable thing to do for 8 hours a day. I wanted to see if anyone else also happens to work out of there JT or when they are overlanding and if they have some portable desk they use or something. I was thinking just using this from Rebel Off-Road since I have their rack but also interested if anyone else that may have something better.

JT XPLOR Bed Rack Table Mount

Is there any better way to work than remote from your Jeep with the family? Sounds awesome!

Definitely not getting any ideas....

 

[ericw.]

Lifetime makes a plastic table that's really sturdy and folds into a 2'x2' square. Setup it's 2'x4'.

https://www.amazon.com/Folding-Adjustable-3-Level-Foldable-Portable/dp/B0FL2BBS9P

I hate driving and working. I'll plan out how to get to a destination so I can be stationary for work.

 

[Thunderspud]

Lifetime makes a plastic table that's really sturdy and folds into a 2'x2' square. Setup it's 2'x4'.

https://www.amazon.com/Folding-Adjustable-3-Level-Foldable-Portable/dp/B0FL2BBS9P

I hate driving and working. I'll plan out how to get to a destination so I can be stationary for work.

I have the smaller 2x2 version. Better in pretty much every way than any of the aluminum camp tables that seem to be so popular these days.

 

[ericw.]

I have the smaller 2x2 version. Better in pretty much every way than any of the aluminum camp tables that seem to be so popular these days.

Agreed, I have the aluminum roll top tables also and they stay at home. I carry 2 of these Lifetime tables and it serves all my needs for work, prep, cooking, eating. The lifetime tables do everything and fold small enough.

 

[Thunderspud]

Agreed, I have the aluminum roll top tables also and they stay at home. I carry 2 of these Lifetime tables and it serves all my needs for work, prep, cooking, eating. The lifetime tables do everything and fold small enough.

They also make a foldable bench. Not something I pack regularly, but I have been known to chuck it in the back for days at the lake or tailgating.

https://www.lifetime.com/lifetime-80503-5-foot-portable-folding-bench

 

[MassMopar]

I have a couple of these field desks that are both heavy and uncomfortable I'd be happy to part with! The "chair" (suitable for kids) collapses into the lid/table, which then attaches to the front of the drawer area to seal it all in.

https://www.grainger.com/product/12A007

 

[Thunderspud]

I have a couple of these field desks that are both heavy and uncomfortable I'd be happy to part with! The "chair" (suitable for kids) collapses into the lid/table, which then attaches to the front of the drawer area to seal it all in.

https://www.grainger.com/product/12A007

This is one of those things that I have absolutely no use for........but want nonetheless.

That said, I will never be able to convince my cheap ass to spend what they are probably worth, lmao.

 

[MassMopar]

This is one of those things that I have absolutely no use for........but want nonetheless.

That said, I will never be able to convince my cheap ass to spend what they are probably worth, lmao.

They are very cool, and super beefy, but once you load them up you definitely need 2 people or a cart to move them around as they head over 100 lbs pretty quick.

 

[Thunderspud]

They are very cool, and super beefy, but once you load them up you definitely need 2 people or a cart to move them around as they head over 100 lbs pretty quick.

I bet. I use Pelican-Hardigg containers (originally Marine Corps issued for a Hawkeye satellite system) on our offroad trailer and I would wager that they weigh more than their contents. That Pelican stuff is indestructible.

 

[m-l_johnny]

My wife has used the skottle with a carpeted board on top. When we're on the road, she'll either use a smaller piece of plywood I cut or a pillow on her lap. As I was typing this, I recall that someone makes a padded "lap desk"
I thought your question was in regard to while moving down the road. Most of the responses have been while at camp.

 

[MaximusTX]

My wife has used the skottle with a carpeted board on top. When we're on the road, she'll either use a smaller piece of plywood I cut or a pillow on her lap. As I was typing this, I recall that someone makes a padded "lap desk"
I thought your question was in regard to while moving down the road. Most of the responses have been while at camp.

Yeah, sorry I probably worded it wrong. I was looking more for at camp. I was realized sitting in the JT trying to work on a laptop wasn't comfortable. Trying to look for a better solution. Haven't really got the opportunity to really go out and see what actually works yet. Just used to day trips. Did a week at the Rubicon last year but used PTO. Trying to be able to take more trips and spend time outdoors.

 

[MaximusTX]

I have a couple of these field desks that are both heavy and uncomfortable I'd be happy to part with! The "chair" (suitable for kids) collapses into the lid/table, which then attaches to the front of the drawer area to seal it all in.

https://www.grainger.com/product/12A007

That looks like a decent desk to work from but not sure I would want to lug that thing around everywhere or pay for shipping plus the asking price given the retail price on it but I appreciate the offer.

Sponsored