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Being able to do your laundry at home 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 combine the wash and dry functions 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 washers and dryers in their RVs and spend a significant amount of time coordinating the logistics of 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 smaller units use the same drum for wash and dry cycles. These units come in 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. It offers both vented and ventless options. This unit is available from Camping World and costs 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 Washers and Dryers
Portable:
A portable RV washer and dryer are a more lightweight and smaller option. Portable washers and dryers are easy to install and quickly move around. These units have a smaller capacity and cannot dry, as can larger units.
Many RVers with strictly limited space choose to opt for portable units. These units are more compact than larger units and are great for RVers without plumbed washer/dryer hookups. They can easily be moved close to a sink or shower drain for the duration of a laundry load.
Vented:
Vented RV washers and dryers utilize an exhaust for hot moist air that builds up during a wash/dry cycle. These Vented RV units can dry laundry approximately 30% more efficiently than ventless units. Vented units require drilling a dryer vent hole into the RV’s exterior.
Ventless:
Ventless RV washer dryers are easier to install and do not require drilling a vent hole into the RV’s exterior. They work by heating and cooling air in an air exchanger. The hot air absorbs moisture from the laundry, which is removed when the air is cooled. Ventless units, or condenser units, take longer to dry clothes.
Stackable:
Stackable RV washers 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 used simultaneously. These units perform very well, but many RVers lack space for separate washers 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 leaving your living space to find a laundromat. With a compact unit, you can have clean clothes on the road.
- Space-saving: Combo washers and dryers are compact and can fit into limited 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: It 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. A washer-dryer combo in your RV reduces these costs and gives you flexibility on laundry day or when you need to do a quick wash.
Considerations for an RV Washer and Dryer Combo
When selecting an RV washer and dryer, several factors should be considered. Many washer-dryer combo options 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 you plan to use for your washer and dryer combo. Ensure you select a unit that fits in the available space and 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 and dryer model. If you want a vented model, inspect the area where you will install it to ensure a vent hole can be installed.
- Power and water usage requirements: Consider an energy-efficient model with less power and water usage. This model will be better for off-grid use.
- Washing and drying settings: Select a unit with 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 vital to balance features with affordability.
- Ease of use: Prioritize a unit with user-friendly controls. It is important to be able to operate the machine easily.
- Noise level: RVs have small living spaces, so it is important to consider the load a unit may be carrying. 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. Because of its size, it has a decent load capacity, which makes drying easy. The RV washing machine has excellent features, including a vented dryer.
The Splendide vented machine has a front-load design, allowing storage in the above space. Its 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. At the time of writing this article, this unit costs just over $1500. Camping World offers installation for a fee. Always discuss the installation fee prior to adding it to the purchase.
I have had this exact unit since 2022. I installed it by myself, and it was very easy to do. I was able to maneuver the unit by myself, but others may find it easier to do with two people. The installation required drilling a vent hole on the exterior wall of the RV and bolting the unit to the floor. I have used this unit for anywhere from 1-2 loads of laundry per week and have never had an issue with it.
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 affordable for RV washer-dryer combos. It offers 14 different wash cycles and a 24-hour delayed start function. This compact unit has a 13-lb load capacity and cost just over $900 online when 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 competitors, resulting in a smaller unit that may fit better for some setups. This unit has many great new features and is a good washer with good reviews.
The LG has 14 wash and eight drying cycles, resulting in a more versatile approach to laundry. It is also 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.
The LG is an intelligent, WiFi-enabled washer and dryer. This particular unit can pair with the LG app, which allows users to observe their laundry status remotely and works for an overnight wash.
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. At the time of this article, this unit can be purchased for just over $1200.
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 compact unit with a lightweight design. 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 RV units. It still fits in tight spaces while offering more capacity for large loads. The unit has various wash and dry cycles. At the time of this article, it can be purchased for just over $900.
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 Washer and RV Dryer Combo
- ❇️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
Poesie makes my favorite laundry detergent sheets. This company doesn’t use plastic in its packaging, and their lavender sheets are my favorite.
Washer-dryer combos aren’t the only RV appliances that can make all the difference. There are convenience appliances and necessary appliances that can help you extend the life of your RV. Damage from moisture and mold is preventable in your RV. The most crucial step in protecting your RV from this sort of damage is by using a dehumidifier in your RV.
Besides these things, follow along as I share more RV tips for beginners. I cover things like: trouble shooting oven problems, selecting the best outdoor speakers for your RV, and how to select the right RV mattress for your new living space.
This post may contain affiliate links. Check out our disclosure for more information.