As the gig economy continues to grow and remote work becomes more commonplace, more people than ever are choosing the van life or are investing in RVs to enjoy life while on the road.
If you own an RV, you may be thinking of purchasing and installing a brand new RV washer and dryer but you are unsure of where to begin or how much they weigh.
For a standard RV washer and dryer, you can expect the duo to weigh approximately 148 pounds when purchased as a combo and with RV size in mind.
Related: Do Some RVs Have a Washer and Dryer?
Are there special RV washer and dryer units?
Yes. There are specific RV washer and dryer units that are designed with standard RV vehicles in mind. RV washer and dryer units are not as large as typical household washers and dryers and take up significantly less space than standard washers and dryers as well.
Are RV washers and dryers the same as portable washers and dryers?
No. RV washers and dryers are designed and manufactured with the idea of semi-permanent living in mind. A portable washer or dryer is often much smaller and is not designed ergonomically or with an RV’s layout and design in mind.
How much do portable washers and dryers weigh?
Depending on the type of washer and/or dryer you purchase, you can expect portable washers and dryers to weigh anywhere between 14 and 20 pounds in total.
Keep in mind that portable washers and dryers are not capable of completing large loads of laundry and can only wash a few pieces of clothing at a time.
How big are RV washers and dryers?
This will depend on the unit(s) you purchase and whether or not the washers and dryers you intend to use in your RV are stackable and/or portable. Standard stackable appliances will typically measure at least 70 inches tall and 30 inches wide.
However, portable solutions for washers and dryers are approximately 18 to 20 inches tall by 13-14 inches wide, depending on the model you choose for your RV.
How much does it cost for an RV washer and dryer?
This will depend on the type of washer and dryer you are interested in using in your RV as well as the current setup and connection available for the washer and dryer system you are thinking of purchasing.
If you are interested in a ventless combination system, you can expect to pay anywhere between $1200 and $1500 for an RV washer and dryer combo setup.
However, if you are considering the option of going portable, expect to pay anywhere between $100 and $300, depending on the type of washer and dryer you are interested in using as well as the laundry capacity you require.
It is important to remember that stackable RV washers and dryers will typically cost more than those that are singular and standalone. Stackable portable RV washers and dryers can run anywhere from $700 to more than $1500 in total.
However, it is possible to find standard RV washer and dryer combo machines starting at $225 if you are open to the idea of using smaller units or portable solutions.
Benefits of Using RV Washers and Dryers
Rather than stopping to do your laundry at a local public facility, investing in your own RV washers and dryers provides numerous benefits and can pay off over time. Some benefits of investing in and using RV washers and dryers include:
- Save money over time: If you are living the RV life, you will need to cut costs as much as possible. Having your own laundry setup and RV washer and dryer can help save on laundry and cleaning costs over time.
- Reduce transportation costs: If you are no longer in need of traveling to various locations to clean your clothing and bedding, you can save on your RV’s wear and tear as well as on gas and oil expenses.
- Convenience: Having your own laundry setup can feel as if you are living in luxury when traveling in an RV and living on the road.
Combination vs. Stackable Solutions vs. Standalone
If you own an RV, you understand that space limitations are very real and can quickly sneak up on you. If you want to maximize the space you have inside of your RV, you may be wondering if you should invest in an RV washer and dryer as standalone units, a stackable solution, or you should go for combination solutions.
Keep the following in mind when familiarizing yourself with each type of RV washer and dryer solution that is available:
- Standalone: Standalone washers and dryers in RVs will require additional space and may appear nearly as large as standard washers and dryers. Keep this in mind when planning the layout of your RV or purchasing any standalone washer or dryer for an RV. If the washer and dryer are not designed for an RV, the standalone units will take up significantly more space.
- Stackable solutions: Stackable washer and dryer solutions designed for RVs are less wide than standard standalone units. Additionally, stackable RV washers and dryers allow you to avoid using up too much space horizontally throughout your RV.
- Combination units: A combination unit for an RV is a washer and dryer in one machine. These machines are designed for portability and many are designed with RVs in mind. With a combination washer and dryer, you will not need to move your clothing from one unit to the next to complete the drying cycle.
Do RV washer and dryer combination units actually work?
Yes, combination washer and dryer units work, although some RV owners do complain about the amount of time required to wash and dry clothing from start to finish.
Choosing between vented and non-vented units
When investing in a new washer and dryer for your RV, you will also need to choose between vented and non-vented unit solutions.
While a non-vented unit may be appealing to those who are living in traditional houses, it typically takes a much longer time to wash and dry clothing, regardless of the amount of clothing you intend to wash with each cycle.
What type of RV washer and dryer is right for me?
Choosing an RV washer and dryer solution that is right for you will not only depend on the size of your RV, but also on your preferences, budget, as well as the type of traveling you intend to do when inside your RV.
If you intend to live on the road 24/7 and travel the country using your RV, you may be better off investing in standalone or stackable units.
However, if you are open to washing larger items at rest stops or in public locations or if you are short on space, you may want to choose an alternative such as a combination unit or stackable portable RV washers and dryers.
Choosing the right washer and dryer set up for your RV will also depend on whether you are interested in a vented or a non-vented solution.
You will need to consider the current configuration and setup of your RV to also determine if a certain washer or dryer you are interested in installing and using is compatible with your RV unit itself.
What to consider when shopping for an RV washer and dryer
Before making a decision when shopping for an RV washer and dryer (as standalone units or as a combination), keep the following in mind:
- Using a compact RV washer and dryer is the most common solution for RV owners, regardless of how much they travel.
- Always use a laundry detergent that is classified as ‘High Efficiency’, or HE when using an RV washer or dryer.
- Using a stackable RV washer and dryer unit will provide the most space and efficiency when on the road.
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