7 Best Washer-Dryer Combos for Your RV

Last updated on May 6th, 2023 at 05:36 pm

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Whether you’re a full-timer or a weekend warrior, RVing can be a dirty experience! How many times have the kids shown up at the RV after a day on the beach covered in sand and dirt?

Don’t even get me started on the number of towels I have to wash after the dog runs around in the rain!

The last thing you need to be thinking about is where to find a laundromat while you’re supposed to be unplugging in the woods. If you’re a full-timer like me, your budget may feel stretched after weekly trips to town just for clean clothes! You’re in luck, however, as RVs these days can do it all, including every amenity you have in your traditional house. 

Looking to add a washer and dryer to your home away from home? Look no further! Using my full-time RVer knowledge, I’ve compiled a list of the best washer-dryer combos for your RV, as well as answers to all of your important questions!

You can see the full list here but if you want to see a detailed review of each keep reading:

What Washer-Dryer Do I Need For My RV?

Choosing an RV washer and dryer can be an overwhelming process. Many people question how much drum capacity they realistically need, along with water usage, portability, and venting options. There’s a lot to consider, and the last thing you want is to choose a washer and dryer that can’t meet your needs and make some RV regrets!

The top things to consider when shopping for a washer-dryer combo for your RV are:

• Wattage
• Drum capacity
• Stackable, combo, or portable
• Quietness while operating
• Vented vs. ventless
• Weight and dimensions
• Budget

Since laundry is a familiar task for most people, you shouldn’t have any trouble knowing your washer and dryer needs! 

Are you hoping to get most of your laundry done in one go? Or are you comfortable doing frequent, smaller loads? Can your RV handle the amperage needed for certain machines? And are you in a warm enough climate to hang dry your clothes? 

No matter what, there’s a washer and dryer out there that’s a perfect fit for you and your rig. You just need to prioritize your needs and wants.

There are a lot of questions to answer, so let’s get started!

Wattage

RV owners will likely have had to think about their wattage and amperage usage, and this is something not to be forgotten about when choosing a washer/dryer system. Washers and dryers are large appliances, so their energy usage is something worth considering. The last thing you need is to blow a circuit when all you wanted to do was dry some socks!

If your rig can’t handle more than 30 amps, don’t worry, as there’s still a washer and dryer out there for you, it just may not be as powerful as the one waiting for you back at home.

If you have an old conventional washer and dryer waiting for a new home, it probably shouldn’t find its way into your RV as it may require a hefty amount of power. There are washers and dryers designed with your RV amperage in mind, that are a far wiser choice than a household system.

Drum Capacity

RVs may be compact spaces, but you still may be able to fit a substantial-size machine in your rig. Drum capacity is essential to consider, especially if you’re traveling with your partner, kids, and dogs who will all add a considerable amount to the laundry pile!

Solo RVers may prefer to choose a smaller option with less drum capacity as they won’t have large volumes of laundry to deal with. If you know you’ll be washing a lot of bedding, towels, and clothes, keep an eye out for larger-capacity washers and dryers.

Stackable Washer/Dryer

How many different types of washers and dryers are there!? You wouldn’t believe the options available for both home and RV use nowadays. What style of machine you get depends entirely on your needs and the space in your rig, and don’t forget it will need winterizing too!

Stackable washers and dryers take up the most space (and amperage) given that they are two separate machines. There are compact versions available if you want to have two separate units to complete your laundry.

Keeping the machines separate will mean a more efficient wash and dry so that you won’t have to worry about musty or damp clothes that can come with a combo washer and dryer.

Combination Unit

Combination washers and dryers get the job done using much less space. This seems to be a popular choice among RVers, especially full-timers. The amount of money and space saved using one of these units is significant! However, you’ll still need to make sure you have adequate dedicated amperage and space to fit one of these units. 

Plus, there is the risk of slightly damp or musty clothes given that a combo washer-dryer does what the name implies: washes and dries in the same drum. This can easily be overcome, however, by hanging out any damp laundry in the sun to be aired and dried naturally. This is something I have done before in my camper, although it only works when the sun is shining!

The weight of combination washers and dryers is worth considering as they can weigh upwards of 150 pounds. This may be an issue if your RV is already heavily loaded as adding a 150-pound combination unit may make your rig too heavy. 

Portable Washer/Dryer

If you have a dedicated cupboard or section of your RV for a washer and dryer, you’re in luck! However, if you’re like me and own a small or vintage rig, neither of these two options is a possibility for you. That’s where the portable washer and dryer come in! There are plenty of options out there, including units as lightweight as 20 pounds.

These units usually have separate washing and drying tubs to avoid musty odors on your clothes, but heat drying is not an option. You’ll have to consider hang-drying your clothes or drying them in another efficient way. However, this little guy can be placed and stored anywhere, as well as needing much less amperage than larger units!

Unsure what unit best fits your lifestyle? Hopefully, the rest of these considerations will help you narrow it down!

Quietness While Operating

When you’re hiking all day and enjoying the campfire at night, when is there time for laundry? Many RVers like to run their washers and dryers during inopportune times, like dinner or when they’re sleeping. The last thing you want is to be woken up or disturbed by a noisy machine!

Some washers and dryers are quieter than others. If you’re nervous about your new unit waking up the kids during their afternoon nap, then definitely make note of which of these washer-dryers is the quietest!

Vented Vs. Ventless

Are there too many options already? Well, guess what? There are even more things to think about before purchasing your rig’s washer and dryer! If you’re considering a stackable or combo washer and dryer, you need to be concerned about venting.

These units use heat to dry your clothes, which is the ultimate option in terms of comfort and convenience. However, the moisture and heat need to escape. Where can this happen inside an RV? 

You may have an easy time installing a vented washer and dryer in your RV. Perhaps it came built with an exhaust vent and all you have to do is hook up your new unit. However, if it didn’t, the idea of cutting into your RV’s wall to vent your dryer can be a daunting task.

Ventless washer-dryer combos are all the rage these days. The moisture is pulled from your laundry and stored in a pan that you empty from time to time, much like a lint trap. Your washer and dryer won’t need to be vented outside, meaning you can install the unit anywhere you’d like! However, ventless options often come with a big price tag, so be prepared for some sticker shock.

Weight And Dimensions

I live full-time in a 19-foot vintage travel trailer. I tow my rig, so weight is always on my mind. I don’t have the right layout for a 200-pound combo washer-dryer, and you may not either!

The size and weight of your new washer and dryer will be key in narrowing down your options. Do you have a dedicated cupboard built with very specific measurements? How about a bit of wall space where a larger appliance won’t get in the way? Or are you like me: utilizing your RV’s bathtub as storage for your portable washer-dryer?

There are many options out there, but the weight and dimensions of the washers and dryers on this list should be a high priority!

Budget

As with everything, a budget can be the number one deciding factor when shopping for a washer and dryer. There are enough options on this list to meet every budget, and chances are your new unit will be cheaper than a laundromat! However, the upfront cost of some of these appliances can be high, so make sure your priorities are clear before you get excited!

The Best Washer-Dryer Combos for Your RV

Hopefully, after getting clued up on everything you need to know before purchasing an RV washer or dryer, you’re feeling confident about your laundry needs and wants! There are so many options out there, but with the right priorities in mind, you’ll be able to find your perfect match, in no time.

Have you measured your dedicated washer-dryer cabinet or space? Do you know if you’re ready to vent or if you need a ventless option? How about a drying rack if you’re going portable?

I’m sure you’re ready, so let’s get started!

Best Combo Choice: Splendide WD2100XC

The Splendide WD2100XC is an excellent match for RVers like me, who need a decent capacity at an affordable price, and since this combo unit has a 15-pound wash and 11-pound dry capacity, I know I won’t be struggling to get everything fresh and clean. I also love that this washer-dryer has a super silent motor, as it means I can get on with the laundry without waking up my partner, or fellow RVers who are staying at the same campground.

Something I often find frustrating when visiting the laundromat is the lack of options on some old-school machines, along with how noisy they can be! When I have particularly dirty clothes or stinky towels in need of a thorough wash, I prefer to have the freedom to choose a specific wash cycle to make sure everything gets cleaned well!

This Splendide combo unit has 10 wash and 3 dry cycles, allowing me to choose the best setting for the items I plan to wash and dry. This comes in handy with delicate items of clothes that I don’t want to ruin by washing and drying on a setting that’s too high. Like many other of you busy RVers out there, I’m often juggling multiple things at a time, and when I need to put the laundry on, I need a convenient machine to work with me, not against me!

The extra wide door makes loading and unloading effortless. No longer do I have to juggle clothes and drop socks on the floor, instead I can fill and empty the machine with ease. A unique feature I also want to point out is the bi-directional drum rotation, which helps reduce the wrinkling of clothes. I don’t know about you, but I definitely don’t tend to iron things when I’m out in my camper, so this feature is a big bonus in helping keep your clothes looking their best.

Rotating up to 1200 RPMs means laundry gets washed and dried pretty quickly, allowing me to focus on the more important things in life such as spending quality time in nature or with loved ones. This little guy fits most rigs, measuring 23.5 x 22.6 x 33.12 inches, but as it is a vented option, you’ll need to consider where to cut your vent hole, if you don’t already have something in place.

I often struggle to move things around that are heavy, especially when no one is around to give me a hand, so this unit weighing 145 pounds, isn’t ideal. If your rig is already on the heavier side of things, it may be worth considering a lighter option.

All in all, this machine will keep on ticking with yearly maintenance (clearing the lint out, cleaning soap buildup in the drum, etc). It is on the upper end in terms of budget, but it packs a punch with features, and if you’re looking for an easy and efficient machine, this one can’t be beaten among full-timers!

You can find the latest price on Amazon by clicking here.

Best Stackable Choice: Equator Stackable Set EW824N

I find there’s nothing more frustrating than drying your freshly cleaned laundry, only to open the door of the unit and discover damp clothes that haven’t been dried properly. To help avoid problems like this, stackable units are a great option, and the Equator Stackable Set EW824N is an option worth considering if you have the space in your RV. 

These units use minimal water and electricity, a big consideration for travelers like me who enjoy heading off into the wilderness and only venturing to a campground or service station to top up power and water! As this stackable option has both machines on 110V plug options, I don’t need to worry about coming across any issues when hooking them up to my rig.

The minimal water makes this a relatively eco-friendly option, as it won’t be guzzling liters of water every time you use it. I find this useful as it means the water on board my RV can be used for drinking and cooking, not for my laundry! Although the units use only a small amount of water, they can both handle a 13-pound load capacity, so I can get my clothes washed along with blankets, towels, and even my partner’s clothes.

This Equator set is neighbor-friendly with a Quiet Mode under 60 dB and remains compact with the washer measuring 33.5 x 23.5 x 22 inches, and the dryer’s dimensions being 26.5 x 23.5 x 21.5 inches. Although compact, these machines are a bit too heavy for me, weighing in at around 200 pounds. It’s worth having a helping hand to move around these units, I know I can’t tackle them alone!

Once inside the RV, the units reach a height of 60 inches when stacked, meaning they can fit in a slim space without encroaching on the rest of my rig, keeping the space light and breezy. It’s also simple to use both units as they have 12 programmable wash and dry features along with 180-degree front-loading doors, making things a lot easier when it’s time to tackle the laundry.

Like our last unit, these Equator units need venting, which can be a pain if you don’t already have one in place. I find it helpful to note down the pros and cons of potential purchases to help determine which one is the best option for me. If a ventless choice is what you are looking for, keep on reading our list and you may find exactly what you’re looking for.

You can find today’s price on Amazon by clicking here.

Best Ventless Choice: Summit SPWD2202W Washer and Dryer Combo

I chose the RV lifestyle for many reasons, but a big driving force was the simplicity life on the road can bring. A ventless combo unit takes the stress away from cutting a hole in your RV, and if you want an easier installation option, the Summit SPWD2202 Washer and Dryer Combo might tick the right boxes, as it’s intended for a 115V non-vented setup. I like that this unit is compact, with a width of 23.38″, a depth of 23.5″, and a height of 33.25″, so it doesn’t take over on the inside of a camper.

Having compact components in my rig is essential, as I don’t want to feel cramped or closed in just because I’m living in a small space. Along with being one of the smaller units on our list, this Summit combo also has several features I’m impressed by, with a delayed start option, delicate, hand wash, and permanent press cycles.

Not all laundry is created equal in my eyes, and some pieces of clothing may require a cooler, less intense setting. With a wide range of options, 5 temperature settings, and 16 wash cycles, my clothes are washed thoroughly, smelling like a field of flowers once again! The dryer function on this unit, however, may not be as efficient as other machines as it can take a considerable amount of time for laundry to be bone-dry.

It may be worth hanging clothes out to air after the laundry has been dried in this Summit unit, as I don’t know about you, but I can’t stand the smell of damp clothes, especially after they’ve just been through the wash! Generally, this 170 lbs combo unit is a relatively lightweight option that really packs a punch, but if you want clothes coming out of the dryer warm and ready to be put away, you may need to consider using a laundry line or purchasing a different unit.

You can find the latest price on Amazon by clicking here.

Quietest Choice: Equator Ver 3 Combo Washer

Laundry in my eyes, shouldn’t feel like a daunting task, but often, washing clothes, bedding, and towels in an RV can feel like the biggest chore on the planet, but an efficient, quiet washer-dryer can help reduce this stress substantially. The Equator Ver 3 Combo Washer washes and dried clothes at a low RPM, reducing noise to under 60 dB, although it still has a spin speed of 400 RPM.

I enjoy the freedom of putting the washing on without having to be concerned about waking my partner up in the morning or disturbing other campers parked nearby, so the Quiet Cycle mode is my best friend! As I can often be indecisive, the option to use this machine vented or ventless is a game-changer, and with a high spin speed, my laundry still gets cleaned thoroughly but with less water, and a reduction in drying time.

Sometimes, things don’t always go to plan in an RV and it can be hard trying to get to the bottom of the problem. This Equator unit, however, has an error code system that displays a specific code if there is a problem with the machine. I find this feature priceless as I can get to the bottom of problems far quicker, and also have the satisfaction of resolving an issue by myself!

The unit is also self-cleaning, so I don’t have to wash the machine after each use or worry about bacteria building up inside. Weighing 190 pounds, this is a big piece of kit that you may struggle to install if you don’t have much space or weight to play with in your rig – it’s definitely out of my lifting capabilities. When installing, be sure to make the unit level, as otherwise you may be faced with leaks and a soggy floor in your RV.

It’s said this unit has an 18-pound capacity, which is an impressive amount, especially for living on the road. Many RVers, however, have stated they can’t get anywhere near this amount in their machine, and if they do fill up the unit, the laundry doesn’t tend to get washed well enough. My biggest piece of advice would be to avoid over-filling this unit if you want clothes to be cleaned as well as possible. 

You can find the latest price on Amazon by clicking here.

Editor’s Personal Choice: SUPER DEAL Portable Compact Mini Twin Tub Washing Machine

Before I began my full-time journey, I knew I didn’t want to worry about laundromat costs, however, given my 19-foot rig, where was I going to keep a whole washer and dryer?! Plus, my budget was tight, and I had almost resigned myself to cleaning my clothes in my bathtub. Enter the SUPER DEAL Portable Compact Mini Twin Tub Washing Machine. 

Portable washers and dryers are amazing little inventions, I love that they are typically light in weight and easy to move around. The Portable Compact Mini weighs less than 30 pounds, and with easy handles and compact dimensions (23 x 13.5 x 26 inches), I can move this unit around to just about anywhere without straining myself. The lightweight feature of this unit is also thanks to the main material being plastic, so you won’t ever need to worry about any rust formation either. 

Budget is a huge factor with RVing, and with many like me, choosing life on the road to keep living costs down, an expensive washer and dryer may be too much of an investment. I like that this unit, however, maintains an affordable price among many other washers on this list, meaning I can get clean clothes for a fraction of the price.

Given the portable style of this unit, I find it’s wise to hang dry my clothes after the 1300 RPM spin cycle, to ensure the clothes are fully dry before I put them away. With an 8-pound washer capacity and a 5-pound spin dry capacity, I know I can knock out a lot of laundry in a load or two, cutting down my jobs for the day. This can be useful if your laundry pile has been growing larger over a few days, a bit like mine does when I go hiking back to back!

I do enjoy having a digital or LED display on my washer, and this machine doesn’t offer advanced features like this. However, for the budget, practicality, and low power consumption, this twin tub washer is well worth considering.

You can find the latest price on Amazon here.

Best Portable Choice: Giantex Portable Mini Compact Twin Tub Washing Machine

If you’re looking for a portable machine with the best reviews, it’s worth turning your attention to the Giantex Portable Mini Compact Twin Tub Washing Machine. Coming in strikingly similar to the SUPER DEAL Portable machine, the Giantex makes it out ahead due to its slightly larger capacity and more attractive design. A bonus feature for me is the material that it’s made from; polypropylene. This is useful as it’s a durable plastic that’s easy to keep clean, something particularly useful in my rig!

This portable washer-dryer can handle up to 11 pounds per wash and 6.5 pounds per spin cycle. I prefer to spend most of my time adventuring in nature, outside my rig, and as this unit has a quick 15-minute wash cycle and a 5-minute dry cycle, I can do just that.

It isn’t the quietest machine in the world, and I find this is a big drawback as it means you are limited somewhat with where to do laundry. Common courtesy is important in the RV world, so I find it’s best to wait until a friendly hour of the day to get your dirty clothes clean! The flexibility of this portable machine, however, takes away any limitations of other heavier machines, measures 31 x 27 x 16 inches, and is lightweight at 28 pounds.

Overall, this machine remains affordable and portable, meaning you don’t have to break the bank for a summer camping trip. Just keep in mind that it will need a place to drain and your clothes will need some time on a clothesline, but your water, electricity, and soap usage remain minimal!

Check out the latest price and customer reviews on Amazon by clicking here.

Best of Both Worlds: Giantex Full-Automatic Washing Machine

So you’re looking for a portable washer and dryer, but want to find one that’s more automated and chock-full of settings, along with having an affordable price tag. Well, you’re in luck, because Giantex strikes again!

Giantex’s Full-Automatic Washing Machine may be billed as only a washing machine, but it features an air drying option that spins almost as well as other portable counterparts. I find as long as I can hang-dry my clothes, this machine can do as much as the portable machines on this list and more.

RVing as a family is a wonderful experience, and introducing little legs to the beauty of nature creates long-lasting memories. For those traveling with young family members, safety is of paramount importance, and thankfully, Giantex has fitted this unit with a child-lock function to make the unit as child-proof as possible.

When hooked up to a water line, including a sink or other faucet, this machine will automatically fill, empty, and spin dry, boasting 10 wash settings and 8 water level selections. I find it helpful to switch the settings on a washer depending on the items I’m washing and how dirty they are, as nothing is worse than removing laundry from the machine to find stains that didn’t get cleaned off.

I enjoy being able to choose the specific wash setting with the easy-to-use LED display, which gives me more control over my laundry and ensures my clothes are fresh and clean. The size of this unit makes it compact, and along with a stainless steel inner tub, and nearly a 10-pound drum, it only measures 19.7×19.8×33.6 inches, a friendly size for my RV setup!

This unit does measure significantly taller than other units on the market, so if you have a small camper, with limited ceiling height, it may be worth grabbing the measuring tape. It may be tall, but this Ginatex only weighs about 50 pounds, far lighter and easier to maneuver than many of the other units on this list. 

Overall, this little washer gets the job done and allows me to have more control over my washing, giving me the freedom to wash and dry items at varying temperatures and settings. Check out the latest price and customer reviews on Amazon by clicking here. 

Frequently Asked RV Washer-Dryer Questions

Despite all the information I’ve already listed, I’m sure you still have a lot of questions about what washer and dryer might be right for you. Let’s take a look at a few frequently asked questions when it comes to washer-dryer shopping!

What Is A Combo Washer-Dryer?

A combo washer-dryer is essentially what its name implies: a washer and dryer combined into a single machine! They are designed to save you time and space, given that one machine will do it all. It’s a no-brainer for RVers, especially those of you with lots of activities planned and no time to do laundry!

You don’t have to worry about switching your laundry over, which can be a dream for those of us with a full day planned. Your clothes will be clean and dry, all in one machine, just be sure your RV electrical system can handle the power draw. 

How Does A Combo Washer-Dryer Work?

These machines work simply enough: most machines are capable of regulating the amount of water needed for a wash cycle as well as efficient draining processes. Everything happens in one drum, and, depending on the style of the machine, you may not even need to drain the evaporated water from the drying process!

Essentially, washer-dryer combos work similarly to your separate machines at home. Once plugged in and ready, they just usually need a bit more time to complete both cycles.

Which Style Is The Best?

Everyone has their own preferences and needs, especially given that appliances such as fridges, ovens, and washer-dryer units can’t be made incredibly small. I’m sure you know by now what size machine you can handle, and often this will be how your decision is made for you. 

Every style of washer and dryer has perks as well as issues. It all depends on your RV’s layout, how much convenience you’re looking for, and your budget!

Conclusion

Clean clothes are a comfort and a necessity, whether you’re a full-time RVer or just having a busy weekend camping. You don’t have to sacrifice your time or budget for a laundromat! There are plenty of washers and dryers out there for you and your family so that you can enjoy your time together while still staying clean and comfy!