Driving to the sea, setting up camp in wide open fields, visiting waterfalls, festivals, and concerts sounds all fun and games until there is a huge pile of dirty laundry in your RV and barely any clean clothes left.
RV camping is a really fun experience and a great way to go on long trips without having to make frequent stops and lugging your things around from hotel to hotel. RV’s are fully equipped with a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and, in some cases, a living room to give you an at-home experience while on the road.
When you are traveling in an RV, space is a sore issue as one needs to create an open, easily accessible environment without having to sacrifice important things. A washer for an RV and a dryer are points of debate regarding things that are essential or worth having in an RV.
Types of RV Washers and Dryers
There are three types of washers and dryers available for RVs. The pros and cons of each of these make them unique for everyone’s needs.
1. Stackable
A stackable washer and dryer is a smaller and lighter version of the ones found at home. Depending on the manufacturer, these stacking machines can carry loads of up to 13 pounds, and both the washer and dryer can be run simultaneously. Many also have a unique water-saving technology to make them effective and environmentally friendly. They might be the better choice if you have the room and plan to do several loads of clothes while traveling.
Pros
- You can wash and dry clothes at the same time
- They use water to dry clothes because they were vented
- They dry clothes more quickly
Cons
- They take up a lot of space and might not fit into smaller RVs
- They may use up more water than RV-specific units
2. Portable
If you do not have a pre-fitted washer and dryer in your RV, they are a great option for you. They are basically not hooked up to vents or water lines. Portable washers allow you to do laundry anywhere with an electrical outlet, water, sink, and a drain.
Some models do not even need electricity and can be used manually. A lot of these dryers do not have vents. Some dryers have sensors that can track how wet your clothing is and use heat as necessary. Most models also come with multiple heat and drying cycle options.
Pros
- They are compact, affordable, and can be stored easily
- They use water efficiently
- They require only a little electricity to function
- Your laundry gets done quickly
Cons
- Some units are quite heavy
- A lot of them have to be operated manually
- They are not as good in quality as the ones that are pre-fitted in RVs
3. Washer and Dryer Combo
A washer and dryer combo is a machine that both wash and dry your clothes. Most of these units can switch from one task to the other without your input.
Pros
- They are easy to use
- They do not take up a lot of space
- You need to put your input only once, and the machine itself does the rest
Cons
- It takes a lot of time, and It can take up to three hours to complete one cycle
- It uses up a lot of electricity because of how long it takes to complete one cycle
- They use a lot more water than other types
- You can only put in small loads
Each of these types of washer and dryer has its pros and cons. You should go with the one that is most suited to your needs.
Pros and Cons: Having a Washer and Dryer in Your RV
Here are some pros and cons of having a washer and dryer in your RV that can help you decide whether it is worth it to have one in your RV
Pros
- Convenience: The most significant advantage is the convenience of doing laundry on the go. You will not have to search for laundromats or campground facilities, and you can do your laundry whenever it’s convenient for you.
- Time-Saving: Having an onboard washer and dryer can save you time. You can multitask by doing laundry while traveling, cooking, or relaxing in your RV.
- Cost Savings: Over time, having your washer and dryer can save you money compared to paying for laundry services at campgrounds or laundromats.
- Hygiene: When you do your laundry in your RV itself, you know that the equipment is clean, hygienic, and uncontaminated. Laundromats can often have unseen issues like a loose paper left from someone else’s load that can ruin your clothes or spilled bleach.
Cons
- Space: RVs have limited space, and washers and dryers can take up a lot of precious space.
- Water and Energy Usage: Onboard washers and dryers consume much water and electricity, which can be an issue.
- Maintenance: There can be a lot of wear and tear in the RV due to constant movement and vibrations of the machine on the road.
Conclusion
Tedious household chores are on nobody’s vacation bucket list but must be done anyway. The best way to deal with them is to make them easier and quicker. Washing clothes can be a time-consuming process if you do not have a washer and dryer.
If you travel for short periods, like maybe a weekend or a couple of days, you will not need a washer and dryer, and it will just take up precious space.
However, if you travel long distances over long periods, having a washer and dryer in your RV can be a good thing.