Forum Discussion

bertschb's avatar
bertschb
Explorer
Jan 27, 2016

How did you get your washing machine into your RV?

My wife and I are going to get a washer and dryer for our new Grand Design 318RST 5th wheel. Camping World wants $300 to install them and I'd prefer to do this myself if possible. I have no problem cutting the hole in the side of the RV for the dryer vent and I think I can figure out how to muscle the 75lb dryer into place. But, I'm not sure how difficult it would be to get the 150lb washer in there. For those of you who have done this - how did you do it? How many people helped? Did you use ramps or lifting harnesses or?
  • Twomed's avatar
    Twomed
    Explorer
    Jan 27, 2016
    Through a window... off of a forklift. Made the sale contingent on the thing being inside.
  • bertschb's avatar
    bertschb
    Explorer
    Jan 27, 2016
    Twomed wrote:
    Through a window... off of a forklift.

    Good grief! Maybe the $300 is money well spent!
  • nivrig's avatar
    nivrig
    Explorer
    Jan 27, 2016
    My son and I carried it in. Just got to watch the door frame and walls.
  • lynndiwagon's avatar
    lynndiwagon
    Explorer
    Jan 27, 2016
    I was 66 when I installed mine. Son in Law and I got it through the front door....carefully, then I hauled it home to Oklahoma. I prepared the area where it would go with the drain pan and drain. By standing in the front of it and grasping the top back you can use your bent legs as leverage and lift it into place. I'm not a muscleman by any means but it can be done. Cutting the dryer vent was pretty easy. You can do it. Good luck.
  • Jim-Linda's avatar
    Jim-Linda
    Explorer II
    Jan 27, 2016
    Measure W/D width, measure door opening, if door opening is more than W/D, it will go thru door. Two people can usually handle units enough to fit in hole. Be sure to attach water and drain hoses and power before putting in place unless you have external inspection door.

    Jim
  • bertschb's avatar
    bertschb
    Explorer
    Jan 27, 2016
    Jim-Linda wrote:
    Measure W/D width, measure door opening, if door opening is more than W/D, it will go thru door.

    Of course I've measured to make sure it will fit through the doors. That's the easy part. I'm just trying to picture carrying the washer up the steps into the RV by hand. Sounds like it can be done with two people without ramps or other ingenious devices so I'll give it a shot.
  • Mile_High's avatar
    Mile_High
    Explorer
    Jan 27, 2016
    I've installed the same stackable Splendide set in 3 5ers now. I just get some help and lift it into the door (with the steps up). then help walking it up the steps inside. Once inside, they are not bad to lift or maneuver.
  • Cummins12V98's avatar
    Cummins12V98
    Explorer III
    Jan 27, 2016
    Mine looked like this when I first entered our factory ordered RV.

    Seriously I would think Camping World is the last place I would buy anything like that let alone have them install anything.

    Sounds like you are talking separate W/D. I would contact a local Appliance Dealer and price what they have to offer and have them do the install. You will get people that do this sort of thing every day.

    These are Whirlpool apartment models and they work GREAT!

  • justme's avatar
    justme
    Explorer
    Jan 27, 2016
    Who ever installs it, make certain that a drip pan with a drain and tie downs are installed. The factory usually does that, but dealers usually do not.

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