washer -dryer combo

[jackbuck]

What are the pros and cons to having a washer -drier machine in your 5th wheel ?

[ramgunner]

We are keeping a running list of RV washers/dryers at http://rvgunner.com/rvappliances.html. If anyone knows of something we haven't included, let me know.

We are testing a set from Pinnacle right now and have been VERY pleased. If you full-time, I'd say it's a necessity. We have a two-month-old and it's fantastic having our own washer and dryer available 24/7/365.

[GoPackGo]

I don't disagree about the fact they are expensive - at least the Splendides are. But I believe there are also cheaper brands available.

Mine also do take up one complete closet. If I was doing it over, I would probably get the single W/D combo unit as I'm a single. Regardless, there is no rush to get done so doing multiple smaller loads is not a big deal.

Since I use mine all the time (1-2 times a week), I don't know whether the gaskets will dry up or not - assuming it's the one large round door gasket, I'm sure that would be easy to replace.

BUT I do disagree about on e thing - Mine are the Splendide brand which most of us get and they absolutely do not use much water at all. They are of the new 'High Efficiency' generation. They use about a teacup of water and spin the clothes at about a million RPMs so they come out mostly dry before heading off to the dryer. I am always tempted to pour in an extra gallon or two because it does not seem possible that clothes could be washed in so little water.

IMHO it comes down to three basic things:

1. The up front cost.

2. Can you live with the loss of closet space.

3. The convenience factor.

Having said all this, I'm not sure I would get them unless I was periodically heading out for 2 week trips or was a full timer. Easier and cheaper to just bring the dirty clothes home.

[RRinNFla]

Interesting, not many cons. Maybe those were the posters who just gave you old links.

Cons
They are expensive for something you use once a week, about $1200. I can do a lot of laundromat loads for $1200.
They take up a lot of space, for something you use once a week.
They create a lots of gray water, which is important if you don't have full hookups.
If you don't use them frequently, the gaskets will dry up.

[GoPackGo]

I full time and have the stackables. I got them for the sake of convenience - not to save money. I never tried to compute whether getting them was cost effective or not. It didn't matter to me. As someone else said, I put in a load and go kick back with an umbrella drink.

[stripit]

I sat down and put a pencil to the figures and figured just a bit over 2 years of use and the Splendid would pay for itself over going to laundromats. We used ours for 8 years and would not own another rv without one.

[Nolan]

Cons. You will lose closet space. Some people think the washer/dryer is to small. Can go to a regular laundry mat and get all the clothes washed at one time.

We have had a washer/dryer stackable for eleven years. Did have the washer break down and while waiting on parts had to go to the campground laundry mat. Was glad when our washer was back working again. Not bad at all doing several loads a laundry while at home in the trailer reading a book or watching TV in the evening in the comfort of my own recliner.

[edatlanta]

2chiefsRus wrote:
We have a vented Splendide 2100XC that we have used for our entire time as fulltimers. The combo unit does have a learning curve. I wouldn't want to be without it but I understand and accept the limitations. It is NOT like using a sticks and bricks washer and dryer. For one thing it takes twice as long because you can't wash one load in the washer while you are drying another load in the dryer because you only have one machine. Add to that, the drying time is twice as long and the loads can only be half the size. What is a weekly chore in a sticks and bricks home is a daily chore in the motorhome. I try to throw in one load every other day or so. If I had the room, I would prefer a separate washer and dryer vs the combo but I don't have the room so I have adapted and learned how to make the combo work for us.

I agree with all of what you said. I have a built in dirty clothes hamper that I use for whites and I use the 2100XC for colors. When it is full enough to run I run it. I really don't care how long it takes since I run it when it needs to be run not when I have a weeks worth of dirty clothes.

[gbopp]

Our Southwind has an unvented combo. We like it but, a vented unit would be nicer.
The W/D in the RV is convenient for us

[jackbuck]

thanks to all nice responses

[2chiefsRus]

We have a vented Splendide 2100XC that we have used for our entire time as fulltimers. The combo unit does have a learning curve. I wouldn't want to be without it but I understand and accept the limitations. It is NOT like using a sticks and bricks washer and dryer. For one thing it takes twice as long because you can't wash one load in the washer while you are drying another load in the dryer because you only have one machine. Add to that, the drying time is twice as long and the loads can only be half the size. What is a weekly chore in a sticks and bricks home is a daily chore in the motorhome. I try to throw in one load every other day or so. If I had the room, I would prefer a separate washer and dryer vs the combo but I don't have the room so I have adapted and learned how to make the combo work for us.

[2gypsies1]

Takes a long time to do a small load. If you dry camp a lot it's not for you.

[horizon36]

Love it!

[WyoTraveler]

We like the vented stacked combo. Wouldn't have an RV without a W/D. However, we're old people that don't do much dry camping anymore. Just RV parks except for Quartzsite.

[2oldman]

One of many W-D posts