Washer/dryer input please

[SeaGal]

Our 5th wheel came with a washer/dryer all-in-one unit. One machine...washes and dries. Common in Europe, but have never used one myself. Anyone have any experience with one? How do you like it? Pros/Cons? Any tips?

 

[docj]

We have a combo in our MH and use it several times a week. This is always a hot topic among RVers because some people, like us, wouldn't be without their combos and some hate them.

A key thing to understand is that any dryer (combo or standalone) that operates on a 120V 20A circuit will dry clothes 3x slower than a residential dryer operating on 240V and 30A. That's just physics because Power = voltage x current. As long as you aren't bothered by the dryer running for a relatively long time, it's not a big deal.

Another important fact about the combo units is that they can wash larger loads than they can dry effectively. This is clearly stated in the user guide but people tend to ignore it. I think there is something like a 15 lb wash capacity but only an 11 lb dry capacity. We typically take some clothes out to hang in the shower to dry so that weight difference is "automatically" met by doing that.

For us, the bottom line is that we wouldn't be happy full-timing if we didn't have a way to do our luandry!

 

[Kcmusa]

another point about the drying cycle. do you have a vented or vent-less unit? vented will keep humidity down in the RV.

 

[docj]

another point about the drying cycle. do you have a vented or vent-less unit? vented will keep humidity down in the RV.

This is an often repeated misunderstanding of how the unvented combos work. They DO NOT release humidity into the RV. They condense it on an "outer drum" from which it is directed down the drain. We've had an unvented combo for >10 years and they work just fine.

 

[SeaGal]

We have a combo in our MH and use it several times a week. This is always a hot topic among RVers because some people, like us, wouldn't be without their combos and some hate them.

A key thing to understand is that any dryer (combo or standalone) that operates on a 120V 20A circuit will dry clothes 3x slower than a residential dryer operating on 240V and 30A. That's just physics because Power = voltage x current. As long as you aren't bothered by the dryer running for a relatively long time, it's not a big deal.

Another important fact about the combo units is that they can wash larger loads than they can dry effectively. This is clearly stated in the user guide but people tend to ignore it. I think there is something like a 15 lb wash capacity but only an 11 lb dry capacity. We typically take some clothes out to hang in the shower to dry so that weight difference is "automatically" met by doing that.

For us, the bottom line is that we wouldn't be happy full-timing if we didn't have a way to do our luandry!

Appreciate your input! Thank you. I don't mind if drying takes longer or has to be done in batches. I'd prefer to just hang clothes on a line, but don't think I can get away with that. There's a laundromat just a few minutes away where I could take the bedding and/or heavier things. I really don't mind laundromats either, occasionally.

 

[FL-JOE]

When we had our first fiver and started full timing we were limited for space and tired the combo unit. We struggled with it for about 2 years and wasn't impressed. The loads took a long time and for us we were doing a load about every day. Over the years since then we have always had separate washer/dryer units (vented). Except for slightly lower capacity than a large residential they work great. All are all 120V of course so no special wiring or plug-ins required.

 

[docj]

I'd prefer to just hang clothes on a line, but don't think I can get away with that.

We have a large shower enclosure and have two dowels serving as rods in it. Its enough for the couple of things per load that we choose to hang to dry.