RV Washer and Dryer units are compact devices specially made for life on the road. One finds them in some different setups, stackable sets of Washer and Dryer, separate units, and ventless combined models, that do both tasks in one machine. That works well for RV campers, fifth-wheel trailers and motorhomes equally.

About brands, names like Splendide, Pinnacle, Whirlpool and Contoure appear quite commonly in talks between owners. There is also the compact line of LG that you can find at places like Costco and Lowe’s. Those units usually are more reliable and more quiet than some alternatives, and they have more capacity, while they take about the same space as Splendide.

How to Choose an RV Washer and Dryer

A combined Washer Dryer does both washing and drying in one device. The EZ 4600 RV model, for instance, has capacity of 1.62 cubic feet and measures 33.5 x 23.6 x 21.8 inches. You get 15 different programs shared between wash and dry cycles, for instance Prewash, Rinse, Clean and others.

Also Contoure offers some solid choices, with features like steam cleaning and ventless mode built in. They have several drying cycles with various heat settings, from which you can choose. Some newer models even add programs for pet hair and allergy settings, which really helps when you deal with narrow spaces like RVs or small apartments.

Here is one thing worth understanding right away: the difference between vented and ventless Dryer units is real. A vented machine uses room air to dry your clothes, but you must cut a whole through the wall for the vent tube. A ventless unit dries by heating air in the drum itself, no outside output required.

However the most complaints from owners seem to come right from the ventless models. A Dryer that vents out? That changes the whole game regarding how well it actually works.

RV Washer units have only part of what home machines can handle. We talk about load capacity 50 to 60 percent smaller than a home unit. Sheets and heavier items commonly still need a trip to a laundromat.

For everyday laundry though, those machines are very useful and save you from searching for laundry rooms at the campground. The Washer Splendide uses around 12 gallons of water during a standard cycle. The Dryer can finish drying a full load in about 50 minutes.

Because the Washer spins at 1200 RPM, it removes most of the moisture before the drying even starts.

Installing units is pretty simple, if your vehicle already has connections for Washer and Dryer. However the Dryer vent tube still must go to the outside wall. Cutting that hole can feel scary on a brand new vehicle, so many folks ask the dealer to do that.

Make sure to check the door clearance and measure twice before buying, that really matters.

For full-timers, a combo Washer and Dryer feels almost essential. You pack less, because everything comes back clean. Those machines are built smaller than regular, perfect for tight spaces like vans and RVs.

Bigger RVs commonly already have dedicated space and connections, but the devices you buyspecially. A stackable setup usually beats a combo unit, because combos can be a bit hard to keep stable on campground floor.