Being able to do your laundry at home is something that isn’t always a luxury in the RV world. If you are tired of finding a laundromat and carrying around your laundry, this article will help! In this article we will discuss the RV Washer Dryer Combo, why you need one, what to look for, and which units are the best!
What is an RV Washer-Dryer Combo?
An RV Washer Dryer combo is the solution for laundry needs in living spaces with limited space. These appliances put the wash and dry function into one space saving appliance. An RV washer dryer combo allows RVers to do their laundry in the comfort of their RV. A traditional washer is larger and cannot fit in small spaces.
Many full time RV enthusiasts go without washer and dryers in their RVs and spend a significant amount of time coordinating the logistics of doing laundry. Opting for a space saving combo unit reduces the amount of time spent sitting in a laundromat waiting for your loads to be done.
An RV combo washer dryer is compact, so the load size will be smaller than is possible in a residential unit. These units are smaller and use the same drum for both the wash and dry cycles. These units come in both vented and ventless options, with ventless taking longer to dry.
Which is the Best RV Washer Dryer Combo?
The Splendide Vented Washer Dryer Combo is the best option for RVers. This unit is known for being reliable and efficient. The Splendide offers both vented and ventless options. This unit is available from camping world and costs around just over $1500.
If the Splendide is out of your price range, the Equator EZ 4400 is a great and affordable option at just over $900. The EZ 4400 has a slightly smaller load size than the Splendide. The Equator has a user-friendly control panel and uses wrinkle guard technology.
- Best Overall: Splendide Vented Washer Dryer Combo Unit
- Best Affordable: Equator Combo Washer Dryer
- Best Smart Washer Dryer Combo: LG Front Load Smart Washer Dryer Combo
- Best quiet washer dryer combo: Conserv Compact Combo Washer Dryer
- Largest Capacity Washer Dryer Combo: RCA Combo Washer Dryer
Types of RV Washer and Dryers
Portable:
A portable RV washer and dryers are a more lightweight and smaller option. Portable washer and dryers are easy to install and can be moved around easily. These units have smaller capacity and are not able to dry as well as larger units.
Many RVers that have strictly limited space chose to opt for portable units. These units are more compact than larger units and are great for RVers without plumbed washer/dryer hookups. These units can easily be moved close to a sink or shower drain for the duration of a laundry load.
Vented:
Vented RV washer and dryers utilize an exhaust for hot air and moisture that builds up during a wash/dry cycle. These Vented RV units are able to dry laundry approximately 30% more efficiently than ventless units. Vented units require drilling a dryer vent hole into the exterior of the RV.
Ventless:
Ventless RV washer dryers are easier to install and do not require drilling a vent hole into the exterior of the RV. A Ventless dryer works by heating and cooling air in an air exchanger. The hot air absorbs moisture from the laundry, and the moisture is removed when the air is cooled. Ventless units, also known as condenser units, take longer to dry clothes.
Stackable:
Stackable RV washer and dryers are another option that can be stacked vertically to converse space. Many RVers find that stackable units fit best in spaces with more vertical clearance and the washer and dryer can be simultaneously used. These units perform very well, but many RVers do not have the space for separate washer and dryers.
What are the benefits of having an RV Washer and Dryer?
Having an RV washer and dryer offers numerous benefits for RV owners, including:
Convenience: Allows for on-the-go laundry without the need to leave your living space to find a laundromat. With a compact unit, you can have clean clothes on the road.
Space-saving: Combo Washer and Dryers are compact and can fit into limited available space. By consolidating the washer and dryer into a single unit, less space will be needed to accommodate the appliance. Unfortunately, smaller units result in smaller wash loads with fewer clothes.
Time-saving: Allows users to remain in their RV doing other things while their laundry is being completed. With a laundry appliance in the RV you don’t have to drive to and from and wait in a laundromat for the loads to finish.
Cost-effectiveness: Laundromats charge a fee to use their appliances. Most of the time this requires carrying large amounts of quarters and small bills. Having a washer dryer combo in your RV reduces these costs.
Considerations for an RV washer dryer
When selecting an RV washer dryer, several factors should be considered. There are many washer dryer combo options that can be used as small residential units, dorms, and rvs. Some of the considerations for selecting washer dryer combo machines are:
Size and load capacity: Measure the area that you are planning to use for your washer and dryer. Ensure you select a unit that can fit in the available space. Select a unit that has an adequate load capacity for your needs. A more compact design may result in a unit that can only handle small loads.
Vented or Ventless: Decide whether you want a vented or ventless washer dryer model. If you want a vented model, inspect the area you will install the unit to ensure a vent hole can be installed.
Power and water requirements: Consider an energy-efficient model that uses less power and water. Opting for a model that uses less power and water will be better for off-grid use.
Washing and drying settings: Select a unit that has customizable cycle settings to accommodate various fabric types and soil levels.
Price: Consider the cost and long-term value of the different models available. A washer dryer combo is an investment in your RV, so it is important to balance features with affordability.
Ease of use: Prioritize a unit with user-friendly controls. Being able to easily operate the machine is important.
Noise level: RVs have small living spaces, so it is important to consider how load a unit may be in the RV. Selecting a unit with lower noise levels can minimize noise pollution in the RV.
The best RV washer dryer combos and reviews
Best Overall: Splendide Vented Washer Dryer Combo Unit
Photo courtesy of campingworld.com
The Splendide Washer-Dryer Combo is a highly recommended unit in the RV world. This washer dryer combo is known for being reliable and efficient. This unit has a decent load capacity for it’s size and makes easy work of drying. The RV washing machine has great features including a vented dryer.
The Splendide vented machine has a front-load design that allows for storage in the space above. Splendide’s vented unit makes quick work of drying and you can install it yourself, or hire a contractor to do it.
The Splendide WDV2200XCD is available for purchase through the camping world website or in store. This unit costs just over $1500 at the time of writing this article. Camping world offers installation for a fee. Always discuss the installation fee prior to adding on to the purchase.
Pros:
- ✅9 wash cycles
- ✅Quiet cycles
- ✅Faster drying cycles
- ✅Easy front-load washer design
- ✅Only uses 8 gallons of water in a normal wash cycle
- ✅Lighter than other models
- ✅High efficiency
- ✅Can wash 15 pounds of clothes
Cons:
- ❌Only 3 dry cycles
- ❌Expensive
- ❌Vented units require more hands on installation
Best Affordable: Equator Combo Washer Dryer
Photo courtesy of Amazon
The Equator Combo Washer Dryer is an affordable option for RV washer dryer combos. Equator offers 14 different wash cycles and a 24 hour delayed start function. This unit is compact and has a 13 lb load capacity. This unit costs just over $900 online at the time this article was written.
Pros:
- ✅Quiet cyles
- ✅Dual venting fans
- ✅Automatic Wrinkle Guard Technology
- ✅13-pound load capacity- 1.6 cubic feet
- ✅Color coded easy to read display
- ✅Front load design
Cons:
- ❌Vented units require more hands on installation
Best Smart Washer Dryer Combo: LG Front Load Smart Washer Dryer Combo
Photo courtesy of Amazon
The LG model is one of the best washer-dryer combos on the market. The LG name is a reliable and trusted brand by many. This unit has a slightly smaller load capacity than some of the competitors, which results in an over-all smaller unit that may fit better for some setups. This unit has a lot of great new features and is a good washer with good reviews.
The LG has 14 wash and 8 drying cycles, resulting in a more versatile approach to laundry. The LG is a ventless unit which means that there is no need to alter the RV exterior for vent installation. Ventless units take longer to dry and therefore use more energy to do so.
The LG is a smart washer dryer that is WIFI-enabled. This particular unit can pair with the LG app, which allows the users to observe their laundry status remotely.
The LG Front Load Washer Dryer Combo offers ample capacity and energy efficiency, making it ideal for RVers with larger laundry requirements. Its durable construction and advanced features ensure reliable performance, even during extended travel. This unit can be purchased for just over $1200 at the time of this article.
Pros:
- ✅14 wash cycles and 8 drying cycles
- ✅Front load design
- ✅Ventless
- ✅2.3 cubic feet capacity
- ✅Quiet cycles
- ✅Wifi enabled
- ✅Easy to use controls
Cons:
- ❌Longer drying time
- ❌Heavier unit
Best quiet washer dryer combo: Conserv Compact Combo Washer Dryer
Photo courtesy of Amazon
The Conserve Combo Washer Dryer comes with both vented/ventless options. This unit has comparable high spin cycle speeds to the other units. This is an efficient and unit that has a lightweight design and is compact. This unit can be purchased for just under $1200 at the time of this article.
Pros:
- ✅Front load design
- ✅1.6 cubic feet capacity
- ✅8 wash cycles
- ✅Easy to use controls
- ✅Quick dry time
- ✅Easy to switch between vented and ventless
- ✅Quiet cycle
- ✅Easy to install
Cons:
- ❌Ventless has longer drying times
- ❌Some say that the laundry comes out very wrinkled
Largest Capacity Washer Dryer Combo: RCA Combo Washer Dryer:
Photo courtesy of Amazon
The RCA Combo Washer Dryer has the largest load capacity of all of the units for RVs. This unit still manages to fit in tight spaces while offering more capacity. The unit has various wash and dry cycles. This unit can be purchased for just over $900 at the time of this article.
Pros:
- ✅Font load design
- ✅2.7 cubic feet large capacity
- ✅Easy to use
- ✅Easy to install
- ✅Easy to use
- ✅Ventless
Cons:
- ❌Not as efficient as other models
- ❌Takes longer to dry
Tips for Installing a Combo RV Washer/Dryer
- ❇️Before installation, weigh your RV to ensure it can support the additional weight of the washer/dryer combo.
- ❇️Measure the installation area to ensure that the unit will fit appropriately.
- ❇️Ensure that there are outlets and drainage tubing to a gray tank in the installation area.
- ❇️Gather all necessary parts and tools before beginning the installation process.
- ❇️Ensure that you understand how to winterize the unit if you will be winterizing your RV.
- ❇️Enlist the assistance of others to safely lift and maneuver the unit during installation.
Tips for doing laundry in your RV
- ❇️Smaller loads work better in washer dryer combos. Cramming an oversized load into the unit will result in uneven and extensive drying times. Oversized loads will also result in very wrinkled laundry loads. Properly sized loads will ensure the unit runs more efficiently.
- ❇️If you are off-grid in your RV, it is best to schedule your laundry when you have access to full utility hookups. A load of laundry can run through electricity and fill up your waste tanks very fast.
- ❇️Large jugs of laundry detergent can add unnecessary weight to an RV. Consider using lightweight laundry detergent sheets for convenient storage and use. Using laundry detergent sheets also can reduce the chances of a detergent spill while moving your RV.
Photo courtesy of Amazon
My favorite laundry detergent sheets are made by Poesie. This company doesn’t use any plastic in the packaging and their lavender sheets are my favorite. Check them out here.
Washer Dryer Combos aren’t the only RV appliances that can make all the difference in the world. There are convenience appliances and then there are necessary appliances that can help you extend the life of your RV. Here are some related articles:
Damage from moisture and mold is preventable in your RV. The most important step in protecting your RV from this sort of damage is by using a dehumidifier in your RV. Click here to read about the best dehumidifiers for RVs.
Electrical damage is something that every RVer should protect their rig from. Most RV insurance companies will not cover electrical damage to your RV if you did not use a surge protector. This item is necessary for every RV. Click here to see which surge protector is the best!
Many RVers will tell you that the water at different campsites can be hit or miss. I never hook up my RV without a water filtration system. These systems can protect your plumbing from sediment and also protect your body from harmful things in the water. Click here to read about the different kinds of water filtration systems.
