Whether you’re camping or going the hotel route, washing clothes is a pain, especially if your only option is a laundromat. Fortunately, there are practical and affordable alternatives for an RV washer & dryer. You’ll quickly make up your investment when you compare it to the cost of a single load. Our guide will point you in the right direction.
Source: rvweb.net
Buying Guide
Purchasing a washer and dryer isn’t much different than getting one for your home. However, there are some stark differences. The setup in your rig is going to take a lot more punishment since it’s mobile in your rig. Size, as RVers all know, is a critical factor too. Let’s discuss some points to keep in mind, such as:
- What to Consider: Dimensions and energy use are the first things to research since the unit has to fit and shouldn’t drain your batteries if you’re not using shore power.
- What Type Should You Get: Portable setups are the most practical, but you’ll also find compact and stackable ones too.
- Types of Washer-Dryer Setups: You can go with either vented or ventless models. Both have their pros and cons. The latter means drilling an opening in your RV. The latter is a more complicated installation and will take longer to dry clothes.
- Standard Features: Capacity is one spec that may surprise you since RV models are smaller than the appliance you have at home. Also, consider energy and water efficiency.
- RV versus Conventional Washer-Dryer Setups: Models specific to RVs deal with water and energy use better because it’s a limiting factor. They can also handle the rigors of travel better. Many are smaller to fit the smaller spaces in campers.
Buying Recommendations
Recommendations
Best Budget
Best Premium
Best Compact
Best Portable
Product Dimensions
23 inches long by 13.5 inches wide by 28.75 inches high
33.5 inches high by 23.5 inches wide by 22 inches deep
26 inches tall by 23 inches wide by 13.5 inches deep
27.2 inches tall by 23.6 inches wide by 15 inches deep
Drum Size
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
Hookup Type(s)
Faucet with gravity drain
Vented or ventless operation
Faucet with gravity drain
Faucet with gravity drain
Capacity
Up to 12 pounds washing; up to 8 pounds drying
13 pounds
8 pounds washing; 5 pounds drying
8 pounds washing; 4.5 drying
Warranty
60-day warranty
One-year warranty on parts and labor
Buyers must contact the manufacturer directly
Buyers must contact the manufacturer directly
Best Budget
Recommendations
Product Dimensions
23 inches long by 13.5 inches wide by 28.75 inches high
Drum Size
n/a
Hookup Type(s)
Faucet with gravity drain
Capacity
Up to 12 pounds washing; up to 8 pounds drying
Warranty
60-day warranty
Best Premium
Recommendations
Product Dimensions
33.5 inches high by 23.5 inches wide by 22 inches deep
Drum Size
n/a
Hookup Type(s)
Vented or ventless operation
Capacity
13 pounds
Warranty
One-year warranty on parts and labor
Best Compact
Recommendations
Product Dimensions
26 inches tall by 23 inches wide by 13.5 inches deep
Drum Size
n/a
Hookup Type(s)
Faucet with gravity drain
Capacity
8 pounds washing; 5 pounds drying
Warranty
Buyers must contact the manufacturer directly
Best Portable
Recommendations
Product Dimensions
27.2 inches tall by 23.6 inches wide by 15 inches deep
Drum Size
n/a
Hookup Type(s)
Faucet with gravity drain
Capacity
8 pounds washing; 4.5 drying
Warranty
Buyers must contact the manufacturer directly
Best Budget RV Washer & Dryer Setups
1. Portable Compact Washing Machine and Dryer Combo – Editor’s Pick
Specs
Product Dimensions: 23 inches long by 13.5 inches wide by 28.75 inches high
Drum Size: n/a
Hookup Type(s): Faucet with gravity drain
Capacity: Up to 12 pounds washing; up to 8 pounds drying
Warranty: 60-day warranty
Drum Size: n/a
Hookup Type(s): Faucet with gravity drain
Capacity: Up to 12 pounds washing; up to 8 pounds drying
Warranty: 60-day warranty
What we like about it
- The setup includes the hoses.
- The washer has a timer.
- The combo is fully assembled.
Drawbacks
- The dryer has a hard time spinning heavier items.
2. 4-EVER Portable Washing Machine
Specs
Product Dimensions: 28.7 inches tall by 23.6 inches wide by 14.4 inches deep
Drum Size: n/a
Hookup Type(s): Faucet with gravity drain
Capacity: 10 pounds washing; 7 pounds drying
Warranty: Buyers must contact the manufacturer directly.
Drum Size: n/a
Hookup Type(s): Faucet with gravity drain
Capacity: 10 pounds washing; 7 pounds drying
Warranty: Buyers must contact the manufacturer directly.
What we like about it
- The hookup is easy.
- It has a timer for both the washer and dryer.
- The dryer does a decent job in a relatively short time.
Drawbacks
- The washer doesn’t always drain completely.
COSVALVE Portable Washing Machine 17lbs Compact Twin Tub Washer and Dryer Combo for Apartments,Dorms,RV's,College Rooms,Camping
- ★【Compact Twin Tub Washing Design 】The portable washing machine can wash and spin-dry clothes at the same time. It's great for dorms, apartments, condos, motor homes, RV's, camping and more. Its light and small shape offers great flexibility and allows you to move it easily. For SPIN DRYER--It gets your clothes 90% drying，please hang up to complete drying.
- ★【Timer Control & Powerful Performance】Our washing machine has separate timer control settings for washer and spinner operations. Washer timer for 15 min and the spin timer to 5 minutes per load,this unit features a 1300RPM powerful motor with a max frequency of 60Hz,very save your time to clean clothes!
- ★【Quick & Easy Clean】Our compact twin tub washing machine, which is prefer for doing laundry in a compact environment. It's very easy to operate, allows you to simply put in your load of clothes, fill with water, set the timer and start washing.
3. Giantex Portable Mini Washing Machine
Specs
Product Dimensions: 23.5 inches high by 22.5 inches wide by 14 inches deep
Drum Size: n/a
Hookup Type(s): Faucet with gravity drain
Capacity: 9 pounds washing; 6 pounds drying
Warranty: Buyers must contact the manufacturer directly.
Drum Size: n/a
Hookup Type(s): Faucet with gravity drain
Capacity: 9 pounds washing; 6 pounds drying
Warranty: Buyers must contact the manufacturer directly.
What we like about it
- The washer does a decent job for its size.
- The clear drums are a welcome feature.
- The unit stays in place and doesn’t move.
Drawbacks
- The spin cycle is noisy.
Giantex 16lbs Portable Mini Washing Machine Gravity Drain Compact Twin Tub Washer Spinner, Ideal for Dorms, Apartments, RVs, Camping Blue
- 【Semi-Automatic Washing Machine】: This Giantex portable mini washing machine is designed with two separate tubs, washing tub and spin tub. It provides you two different washing function. You could only use one tub, or you could use both tubs in one washing time.
- 【Separate Time Control】Three control switches on the panel part, wash timer, wash selector and spin timer. You could adjust the different washing mode through the wash selector and control the washing and spin time through the rest switches. Different clothes have different washing and spin requirement, our separate time control could protect your clothes and be more rational.
- 【Economic and Practical Purpose】 This mini washing machine has a washing capacity rating of 9 lbs rated washing capacity and 7 lbs rated spin capacity. This capacity is very economic and practical for any washing needs. Whether you just need to wash one T-shirt or a full load, its convenient capacity suits a low waste operation for low water and electricity consuming compared to big washing machine while freeing you from unnecessary hand washing and over used resources.
Best Premium RV Washer & Dryer Setups
1. Equator Compact Combo Washer-Dryer – Editor’s Pick
Specs
Product Dimensions: 33.5 inches high by 23.5 inches wide by 22 inches deep
Drum Size: n/a
Hookup Type(s): Vented or ventless operation
Capacity: 13 pounds
Warranty: One-year warranty on parts and labor
Drum Size: n/a
Hookup Type(s): Vented or ventless operation
Capacity: 13 pounds
Warranty: One-year warranty on parts and labor
What we like about it
- The washer has a delay setting.
- The combo has a winterizing function, specific for RV use.
- It has a two-step function for maximum efficiency.
Drawbacks
- The setup is a bit larger than comparable units.
Equator All-in-One VENTED/VENTLESS Washer-Dryer 1.57cf/13lb 1200 rpm 110V
- 8 Wash cycles - Prewash + Heavy, Heavy, Standard, Quick 20, Baby, Delicates, Wool, Quiet. 4 Options Rinse/Spin, Drain only, Self-clean, Winterize
- Quick 20 - In a hurry ? Do a quick wash in 20 minutes. Quiet Function - Operate machine in Quiet Mode less than 60 dB. Perfect for babies, night time, sleeping in different shifts, campgrounds
- Winterize (For RV users) - Quick 2 minute easy to operate cycle located on knob. Pour anti freeze in drum. Press start. Self clean - Rinse and clean tub with a 9 minute rinse cycle
2. LG WM3488HW Washer/Dryer Combo
Specs
Product Dimensions: 33.5 inches tall by 25.5 inches wide by 24 inches deep
Drum Size: 2.3 cubic feet
Hookup Type(s): Ventless
Capacity: 13 pounds
Warranty: One-year warranty on parts and labor; drum motor, ten years; drum, lifetime
Drum Size: 2.3 cubic feet
Hookup Type(s): Ventless
Capacity: 13 pounds
Warranty: One-year warranty on parts and labor; drum motor, ten years; drum, lifetime
No products found.
No products found.
What we like about it
- It is both energy-efficient and eco-friendly.
- The manufacturer stands behind its products with a lengthy warranty.
- The combo is reliable and built to last.
Drawbacks
- The unit is noisy and shakes a lot during the spin cycle.
No products found.
3. Splendide WD2100XC Combo Washer/Dryer
Specs
Product Dimensions: 33.1 inches high by 23.5 inches wide by 22.6 inches deep
Drum Size: 2 cubic feet
Hookup Type(s): Vented
Capacity: 15 pounds wash; 10 pounds dry
Warranty: Buyers must contact the manufacturer directly
Drum Size: 2 cubic feet
Hookup Type(s): Vented
Capacity: 15 pounds wash; 10 pounds dry
Warranty: Buyers must contact the manufacturer directly
What we like about it
- RVers will appreciate the bi-directional drum of the dryer to reduce wrinkles.
- You have your choice of ten washing and three drying cycles.
- It is an excellent investment for full-time RVers.
Drawbacks
- The dryer does not have a lint trap.
Splendide WD2100XC White Vented Combo Washer/Dryer
- Max Spin: 1200 RPM; Cycle: 10 wash/3 dry
- Max Wash Capacity: 15 lbs.; Max Dry Capacity: 11 lbs.
- Super-silent technology
Best Compact RV Washer & Dryer
1. Compact Laundry Washer-Dryer – Editor’s Pick
Specs
Product Dimensions: 26 inches tall by 23 inches wide by 13.5 inches deep
Drum Size: n/a
Hookup Type(s): Faucet with gravity drain
Capacity: 8 pounds washing; 5 pounds drying
Warranty: Buyers must contact the manufacturer directly
Drum Size: n/a
Hookup Type(s): Faucet with gravity drain
Capacity: 8 pounds washing; 5 pounds drying
Warranty: Buyers must contact the manufacturer directly
What we like about it
- The drain and inlet are built-in to save space.
- It has three wash modes and five spin settings to optimize energy use.
- The combo is easy to use right out of the box.
Drawbacks
- The unit is noisy.
SUPER DEAL Compact Mini Twin Tub Washing Machine 13lbs Capacity Portable Washer Wash and Spin Cycle Combo, Built-in Gravity Drain for Camping, Apartments, Dorms, College, RV’s and Small Spaces
- ★ Twin Tub Design - With the Twin Tub dual function design, this washing machine can save your precious time by washing and spinning dry loads at the same time. You can move clothes directly from the washer to the spinner or run both sides together to finish your laundry.
- ★ Powerful Performance - The portable washer machine features a 1300RPM powerful motor with a max frequency of 60Hz, rotary controls for wash timer and a water efficient design. Washer: 8 lbs., Spin Cycle: 5 lbs. Watch your clothes get clean with a translucent tub container window.
- ★ Time/Space-Saving - Washer control timer runs for up to 15 minutes while the spin cycle timer runs for up to 5 minutes each load. Feel free to choose any time to wash. Easy to move and transport to anywhere, lightweight and space-saving design allows it easily fit in a bathroom or closet, ideal for camping trips, dormitories, or anywhere with limited space.
2. Kapas KPS35-735h2 Compact Washing Machine
Specs
Product Dimensions: 29.5 inches tall by 17.5 inches wide by 16.5 inches deep
Drum Size: 1 cubic foot
Hookup Type(s): Faucet with gravity drain
Capacity: 8 pounds
Warranty: Buyers must contact the manufacturer directly
Drum Size: 1 cubic foot
Hookup Type(s): Faucet with gravity drain
Capacity: 8 pounds
Warranty: Buyers must contact the manufacturer directly
What we like about it
- You can choose the water level to boost its efficiency.
- It has a timer for both washing and drying that is loud enough to alert you.
- The washer is capable and doesn’t damage your clothes.
Drawbacks
- The drainage hose is short for some uses.
kapas kps35-735h2 upgraded compact washing machine, fully automatic 2-in-1 washer and spin dryer machine build-in pump and long hose, 8 lbs. capacity 8 lbs. top load tub washer
- Fully automatic washer with 1-cubic-foot stainless-steel tub for top loading up to 7.8 pounds (3.5kg)
- Water level controller, preset washing time, 8 wash program to select and led indicator
- 10 minutes automatically powers off after washing, it's more smart and safe for kids and whole family
Best Portable RV Washer & Dryer
1. ThinkGizmos Portable Washing Machine – Editor’s Pick
Specs
Product Dimensions: 27.2 inches tall by 23.6 inches wide by 15 inches deep
Drum Size: n/a
Hookup Type(s): Faucet with gravity drain
Capacity: 8 pounds washing; 4.5 drying
Warranty: Buyers must contact the manufacturer directly
Drum Size: n/a
Hookup Type(s): Faucet with gravity drain
Capacity: 8 pounds washing; 4.5 drying
Warranty: Buyers must contact the manufacturer directly
What we like about it
- The design is attractive if you’re not going to store it between uses.
- It is lightweight and easy to move.
- The washer cleans clothes well without using a lot of laundry soap.
Drawbacks
- The capacity is a bit small for its size.
2. KUPPET Portable Mini Washing Machine
Specs
Product Dimensions: 31.9 inches tall by 27.4 inches wide by 16.1 inches deep
Drum Size: n/a
Hookup Type(s): Faucet with a drainage pump
Capacity: 18 pounds washing; 8 pounds drying
Warranty: Buyers must contact the manufacturer directly
Drum Size: n/a
Hookup Type(s): Faucet with a drainage pump
Capacity: 18 pounds washing; 8 pounds drying
Warranty: Buyers must contact the manufacturer directly
No products found.
No products found.
What we like about it
- The drums empty completely with the drainage pump.
- The included hardware makes hooking up the washer easier.
- The dryer gets clothes to damp-dry in a relatively short time
Drawbacks
- While the capacity is impressive, the difference between washing and drying is significant.
No products found.
Final Thoughts About an RV Washer & Dryer
Buying an RV washer & dryer requires some measuring and research to make a wise investment. Fortunately, the affordability of these appliances means that you don’t have to break the bank. As long as you have space, you can wash clothes while on the road without the hassle of a trip to the laundromat.
Last update on 2024-11-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
