Adding washer and dryer to FW

[way2roll]

Our FW is prepped for a washer and dryer so I am thinking of adding them. In shopping for RV specific (not sure what makes it RV specific) they are expensive. So I started looking at apartment style W/D at big box stores. I don't want stackable as the I think the weight distribution needs to be spread out. The outlets are for 120V.

Is there any reason why models like this wouldn't work?

Washer

dryer

For the vent it looks like I need this:
vent kit

[blaczero]

It's not possible on my unit to reinstall the support brackets for moving. They came out of the back of the machine.

You can go with any unit, same argument as an "RV" specific TV. The only thing that means to me is it's ready to run off DC.

Anyway, go with any unit that works you'll be fine. I posted the link of my unit mainly because of it's shape and all-in-one nature and the space you save. I don't see it marketed as "easier to winterize" or "will stand up to the earthquake of traveling in an RV".

[Community Alumni]

Just my 2¢ here I had a washer fail and I replaced it with a Splendide. They issue I had was finding a washer that had dimensions that would fit. The width was good on a lot of brands but the depth was the issue most were 2 inches to deep.

JimR

[riah]

Do they sell 12 volt versions? Just curious since we will most likely be building off grid and haven’t started researching what can be run in 12 volt Dc (vs using AC.) I noticed that people have mentioned 12 v refrigerators so just curious if there are also 12 v washer and dryers as well! Tia!

[ScottG]

Years ago, when Sears was still a going concern, lots of people here used their stackable W/D set for RV's with great success. They even used the propane models without problem and enjoyed much shorter dry times.
Argue if you want but I never read of any problems with this scenario.

[way2roll]

Lots of reading on this and there doesn't seem to be anything special about Splendide W/D units that are any different than any other except they are made in Italy and marketed almost exclusively for RV's. Lots of manufacturers putting other brands in RV's without issue. The Splendide specs say to remove the packing supports and re-install prior to moving, just like any other W/D. Does anyone do this? And I haven't heard of anyone with an apartment or residential units having issues from travel. Again, I think "RV Specific" is a marketing tool in this case. If Spendide were to go out of business tomorrow I am sure that any manufacturer would be installing LG or some other brand the next day. The same used to be said for Fridges and TV's - they had to be RV specific for the rigors of travel. And here we are.

[mowermech]

Lantley wrote:
While I imagine any washer dryer can be winterized if you run anti freeze through it. The RV models are designed to be bounced down the road and winterized. Not sure that makes them worth the extra $$$ though.
My splendid is an all in one. Washer and dryer are same unit its not a stackable. I bought it used for $250.00

I think the "bounced down the road" is the key. Household units are not designed and built to take the abuse of mobile use. Most of them have shipping supports that must be removed before use.
We had a Splendide vented combination unit in a fiver many years ago. We used it twice a day nearly every day for about three years with no trouble.
Would an apartment sized unit for home use have survived the many miles of travel and heavy usage? I don't know. Maybe, maybe not. Personally, I would not be willing to try it.

[Lantley]

While I imagine any washer dryer can be winterized if you run anti freeze through it. The RV models are designed to be bounced down the road and winterized. Not sure that makes them worth the extra $$$ though.
My splendid is an all in one. Washer and dryer are same unit its not a stackable. I bought it used for $250.00

[way2roll]

blaczero wrote:
Why wouldn't you get this?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Magic-Chef-24-in-2-7-cu-ft-Front-Load-Compact-Washer-in-White-MCSFLW27W/308910839

Just put it in my TT and it's awesome. I think I'll use that over a traditional washer/dryer in a house if/when I buy a house again.

Thanks! That seems to be in the same line of thinking.

I think "RV Specific" washer and dryers are a bit like "Rv specific" toilet paper. Sure they are designed and work in an RV, but so will cheaper non RV specific ones.

I just can't fathom a reason why any 120V washer and dryer wouldn't work if I have the space to fit them. And we don't travel full time to justify a full size. An apartment size will not only fit better but be lighter weight. Although I do expect their performance to be a bit less than residential ones.

Anyway, I appreciate the link, if anyone has any other models they like, send 'em over.

[blaczero]

Why wouldn't you get this?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Magic-Chef-24-in-2-7-cu-ft-Front-Load-Compact-Washer-in-White-MCSFLW27W/308910839

Just put it in my TT and it's awesome. I think I'll use that over a traditional washer/dryer in a house if/when I buy a house again.

[way2roll]

Second Chance wrote:
What makes a washer or dryer "RV-specific?" They operate on 120VAC and will fit in the space you have. We have Whirlpool stackables (vented dryer) since our fiver has a dedicated W/D closet designed for that configuration (and it's on the opposite side from the heaviest slides).

Rob

That's kind of the point to my question. Any W/D that fits the space and is 120V should work. Doesn't have to be a Splendid or some other "RV specific" machine. They cost over $1k for each. I can get an apartment or residential unit that runs on 120V for 1/3 that price. The space it fits I can be fairly flexible. It's in a closet that I can remove shelves etc as needed.

[Second_Chance]

What makes a washer or dryer "RV-specific?" They operate on 120VAC and will fit in the space you have. We have Whirlpool stackables (vented dryer) since our fiver has a dedicated W/D closet designed for that configuration (and it's on the opposite side from the heaviest slides).

Rob

[jdc1]

It might take two hours to dry a load, but it will do the job.

[2oldman]

If you spend much time in a dry climate you can get by sans dryer.