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via merchantIf a portable washer and portable dryer is what you’re after, you have to see this Giantex Portable Mini Compact Twin Tub Washing Machine. It weighs less than 30 pounds (say what?!) and can fit an impressive 12 pounds of clothes for wash cycles and 8 pounds for dry cycles.
It’s a top-load design, so be sure to have plenty of vertical space above the unit. This washer-dryer only has one cycle of each type, so it may not be the best fit for those looking to launder delicates or very dirty or muddy clothes on the road. For basic laundry needs, though, it will get the job done.
At a very palatable price point of less than $200, this is a fantastic choice for RV owners who are on a tighter budget.
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight at less than 30 pounds
- Costs less than $200 (!)
- Impressive 12-pound wash capacity for its size
- Very compact and portable
- Simple ventless design
Cons
- Small load capacity compared to other options
- Only one wash and one dry cycle
What to Look for When Buying an RV Washer-Dryer Combo
Carr provided some critical factors to look for when shopping for an RV washer-dryer combo. The following specs should inform your purchase depending on what type of RV you have and what type of camping you want to do. Think: backcountry boondocking versus using campsite hookups.
Size
First and foremost, “Be sure you have enough space and cargo capacity for a combo unit,” Carr says. “They can weigh around 150 pounds, which is a huge chunk of weight, depending on your RV type.”
Quality
Carr’s No. 1 pro-tip? Be sure to buy from a well-known and reputable brand, store, or website so that you have post-purchase support if you run into issues. Trustworthy brands will also typically offer the best warranties.
“Finding a reliable make and model combo unit may seem daunting if you are just starting your research, but sticking with a brand such as Splendide, who has been making them for a really long time and has a good reputation, is a smart choice,” Carr says.
Efficiency
“Power and water efficiency may or may not be critical, depending on your RV travel style,” Carr says. “If you stay mostly in RV parks, water and power usage doesn’t have to be your top priority when shopping for a unit, but if you spend a lot of time boondocking off-grid, as I did when I had one, you will want to pay attention to these specs a lot more.”
Water
Carr says that most units use between 7 and 16 gallons of water per cycle, depending on the cycle/options you choose. For a normal wash/dry complete cycle (dryer uses water too), Carr says to look for usage between 13 to 15 gallons on a combo unit.
Power
“Power consumption on RV washer/dryer units will vary depending on make and model, size, quality, among other factors,” Carr explains. “Some will use upwards of 15 amps, some as low as about 10.”
Most RV washer-dryer combos are 110-volt machines that use a standard household outlet, so look for ones that are around 11 amps of power consumption, Carr says—unless you need an extra large unit, which will use more power for drying (the power-hungry part of the cycle).
Installation
Before buying, determine where you will put the unit and whether there are already hookups for it. Consider the following:
- Will you have to run plumbing or power to that spot?
- Will you be able to vent to the outside?
Answering these questions and planning this out will help you determine your specific needs before even starting to shop, Carr says.
Noise Level
“Depending on where you intend to install your washer-dryer combo unit, and when you see yourself using it, you may want to look at the decibel ratings of different models you are considering,” Carr advises. A quiet unit will be in the 71- to 73-decibel (dB) range, while louder models can be 78 or more decibels. “In my experience, if installed in a cabinet in the bedroom of a larger RV, the noise wasn’t much of an issue if you choose your laundry times wisely.”
I created this guide to the best washer-dryer combos for RVs by heavily researching the available options, reading hundreds of customer reviews, and speaking with seasoned RV owner Evin Carr, publisher of DIYRVLiving.com. Carr has been a full-time RV dweller for more than five years and has lived in and owned three different RVs.
How We Found the Best Washer-Dryer Combos for RVs
During my research, I looked at more than 20 washer-dryer combo options for RVs before whittling down my list to the six options on this guide. As an avid outdoors person and traveler, it’s important to me to recommend solid products since I am also a consumer looking for similar products and ways to make my travels smoother.
FAQ
What size washer and dryer do I need for an RV?
The size you need depends on several factors, but primarily, how much space you have for the unit and how many clothes you want to wash and dry at once. By nature, washer-dryer combos are compact and can’t accommodate the same size loads as separate washers and dryers. Your best best is to measure the space you plan to place the unit in and go from there. You may have to reduce your expectations regarding the load size if you have a smaller RV.
Does an RV dryer need a vent?
RV dryers don’t necessarily need vents. Evin Carr, full-time RV-er and owner of DIYRVliving.com, says, “RV owners can determine if they need a vented or ventless combo unit by determining where they are going to install the unit. If it is up against an outer wall that you feel confident you can make a large hole for the vent to the outside, a vented unit will be more efficient and dry better. If it’s not feasible to cut a large hole for the vent, then a ventless unit would be the right choice.”
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