If you full-time RV or are just tired of using campground or local laundry facilities to wash clothes, you need to consider adding a washing machine and dryer to your camper.
However, fitting two units into an already small floor plan won’t work for most RVers. The solution is to buy an RV washer dryer combo that can handle both tasks in a single, compact machine.
Stay here to learn the benefits of a washer-dryer combo, which brands are best, important features, and tips on using them most efficiently.
Having clean clothes, towels, and bedding at your convenience is a camping game-changer, so check out this guide to learn more!
How a Washer Dryer Combo for RV Works
The design of a washing and drying combination machine allows a single unit to fill the drum with water to wash the clothes, then drain dirty water away and blow in air to dry the clothes.
Combination laundry units automatically switch roles according to the settings you select when starting the load.
On the downside, most washer-dryer combo machines for RVs have a smaller drum, limiting the load size.
Another downfall is that it takes longer for the entire washing and drying cycle to finish before you can begin another load.
Types Of RV Washer Dryer Combo Machines
There are three types of washer dryer combos for RVs to consider:
Portable RV Washer Dryer
Portable washer dryer combo machines are typically plastic and lightweight, with long hoses for you to connect an RV faucet. However, the machines are basic, with limited capacity and a weak spin/dry cycle, which leaves clothes damp and requires extra air-drying time to finish the task.
The benefit is portable units are very affordable and do a good job washing the clothes in a short time.
Vented RV Washer Dryer
Vented washer dryer combos for RVs are the most efficient because they use air from your RV interior to dry the clothes quickly and then vent the humidity and hot air outside through a pipe.
The biggest drawback to a vented machine is finding a good location to put a sizable hole in your RV wall or roof.
Ventless RV Washer Dryer
A ventless washer dryer combo is a top pick for RVs because they’re easier to install, and you can put it anywhere since you don’t need a vent pipe.
Ventless units have a heat exchanger that heats recycled air in the drum to pull dampness from the clothes. However, this drying method is less efficient than a vented unit, so it takes longer to dry clothes and uses more energy.
Reasons to Consider an RV Washer Dryer Combo
You Can Wash Dirty Laundry On Your Time Schedule
The number one reason to have any washing machine and clothes dryer in your recreational vehicle is to clean dirty laundry when it’s convenient for you, not when a campground or local laundromat is open or has machines available.
To Avoid Unsanitary Public Laundry Facilities
Installing a washer dryer combo in your motorhome, travel trailer, or fifth wheel gives you control over your machine’s cleanliness and clothes during the process.
Public machines can be filthy, especially in high-traffic laundromats where staff can’t keep up with clearing lint traps or wiping up dirt or pet hair.
A Washer Dryer Combo Saves Space and Weight In Your RV
Even in the biggest of RVs, space is at a premium, so it makes sense to purchase a washer-dryer combination machine that does both tasks in a single compact unit.
Keeping your RV under its GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is another critical reason to go with a washer dryer combo, as installing one machine weighs less than two separate units.
An RV Washer Dryer Combo Can Save Money
Paying to use public or campground washers and dryers can add up quickly.
In my experience, most RV parks and public laundromats charge $1.50 to $3.00 per wash or dry cycle.
For RVers who need to wash several loads of laundry a week, this expense can easily exceed the cost of purchasing and operating a washer dryer combo inside your recreational vehicle over several years.
5 Best RV Washer Dryer Combos
1. LG WM3998HBA Front Load Washer Dryer Combo
| Dimensions | 41.75 x 31.5 x 29.5 inches |
| Weight | 213.8 Pounds |
| Type | Ventless |
The LG Front Load Washer Dryer Combo is an investment, but this full-size machine is worth every cent if you RV with a big family and your camper can handle the extra weight.
This combo is a top choice for the ultra-large capacity to keep your RV dirty laundry under control without using excessive water or power to get the job done.
The TurboWash setting is fantastic, allowing you to cut 30 minutes off the regular wash cycle when you want to finish getting a load done in a hurry. The average wash/dry cycle takes around 2 1/2 hours.
Suppose you have pets or suffer from allergies. In that case, this washer is also certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America to sanitize and nearly eliminate dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens through its steam dry cycle.
Top Features:
- 4.5 cubic feet capacity
- LoDecibel Quiet Operation
- 6 wash motion settings
- AAFA Certified LG Allergiene Cycle
2. Equator Version 2 Pro Combo Washer Dryer
| Dimensions | 22 x 23.5 x 33.5 inches |
| Weight | 116 Pounds |
| Type | Vented or Ventless |
- All-in-one unit combines a washer and dryer into a compact size to take up…
- Easy to use with color-coded LED display, redesigned control panel, and…
- Customize your wash cycle with delay function and begin up to 24 hours later for…
- Delay wash allows you to set the washer to begin up to 24 hours later for added…
- Shipping rods must be removed before the installation of the unit, otherwise,…
The Equator Version 2 Pro is the ideal washer-dryer combo for RVs because it offers a compact and lighter design, super-quiet operation, and a hefty load capacity. In addition, the unit can operate with a vent for 30% faster drying time or without a vent, increasing installation flexibility inside an RV.
You can easily control each load for various fabric weights and materials between the color-coded digital display (with child-lock) and the impressive eight wash cycles. Dual fans help dry clothes faster and completely, so you can avoid air-drying items.
Smart sensors select the right amount of water necessary for each load, saving money, and efficient drying cycles reduce energy consumption. You can even use the delay function to load it before bed but not have it start until you leave the next morning on an outing.
Top Features:
- 13-pound load capacity
- Super-easy operation with more wash and dry settings
- Low noise, operates at less than 60 decibels
- Eco-friendly for water and energy savings
- 100% stainless steel drum
3. RCA RWD270 Combo Washer Dryer
| Dimensions | 23.1 x 23.4 x 33.5 inches |
| Weight | 100 Pounds |
| Type | Ventless |
- All-in-one unit combines a washer and dryer into a compact size to take up…
- Easy to use with color-coded LED display, redesigned control panel, and…
- Customize your wash cycle with delay function and begin up to 24 hours later for…
- Delay wash allows you to set the washer to begin up to 24 hours later for added…
- Shipping rods must be removed before the installation of the unit, otherwise,…
The RCA RWD270 Combo Washer Dryer is the most affordable and lightweight combo unit for RVs that also delivers efficient operation and the largest load capacity in any 24-inch model on the market.
The front-load door makes it easy to load and unload clothes, and with an astounding 16 wash cycles, four drying options, and five temperature settings, you can match every type of laundry batch with the ideal fabric and energy-saving mode.
The RCA RWD270 takes longer than other models to complete a wash and dry cycle, but the payoff is spotless clothes that come out completely dry.
Top Features:
- 2.7 cu. ft. load capacity
- LED display, 16 wash/5 dry settings
- Operates at less than 70 decibels at full-spin
- Programmable delay start
- Stainless steel drum
4. KoolMore FLC-3CWH 2-in-1 Front Load Washer Dryer Combo
| Dimensions | 23.4 x 23.1 x 33.5 inches |
| Weight | 172 Pounds |
| Type | Ventless |
- Electric All-in-One Washer Dryer Combo – This front loader washer and dryer…
- Adjustable Wash and Dry Cycles – Along with a fast 20-minute wash cycle there…
- Smart, Space-Saving Combo Unit – As a 2-in-1 washer dryer this versatile unit…
- High-Powered Performance with LED Display – Designed with a 1300 RPM max spin…
- UL Energy Verified with Manufacturer Warranty – Service, safety, and…
The KoolMore 2-and-1 is a high-tech machine that features plenty of wash-and-dry settings and straightforward push-button operation.
The 1300 max RPM spin-cycle does a great job pulling excess moisture from clothes so they dry faster, and with quality construction, the machine can handle light to heavy loads without fail.
The quick-wash option is a top feature owners love, significantly reducing load time. Follow setup (take out the rear bolts) and cleaning instructions carefully, and this machine will run smoothly and quietly for years of RV travel convenience.
Top Features:
- Large load capacity
- Push-button operation with 16 wash and 4 dry settings
- Low noise and vibration
- UL Energy Verified
- Pull-out detergent drawer
5. Splendide WD2100XC Washer Dryer Combo
| Dimensions | 33.1 x 23.5 x 22.6 inches |
| Weight | 148 Pounds |
| Type | Ventless |
The Splendide WD2100XC Washer Dryer Combo delivers clothes that are clean, dry, and with fewer wrinkles due to the bidirectional drum rotation and powerful motor.
Another great feature is the self-cleaning filter, making maintenance chores a breeze because it whisks away lint with the drain water. However, this machine’s quality makes it a real standout with heavy-duty springs, stainless steel drum, and shock absorbers that allow you to wash and dry heavy loads with much less noise and vibration.
The controls are simple, turn the knob to your desired wash or dry settings and start the machine. Loading is also more effortless with the extra-wide door.
Top Features:
- 15 lbs. wash / 11 lbs. dry load capacity
- 10 wash / 3 dry settings / 10 special options including key lock
- Advanced spin technology for quieter operation
- Swing-out dispenser drawer
- First-of-its-kind winterization cycle
Features to Look for When Buying an RV Washer Dryer Combo
Consider all these features when shopping for a washer-dryer combination machine for your RV:
Size
Measure the space inside your RV where you plan to set the machine. If the plumbing and wiring are not in place, give yourself extra room to install these items.
Combo washer-dryers for RVs are not cheap, so don’t make a mistake buying one that won’t fit in your camper.
Load Capacity
Combo laundry machines often measure capacity in pounds, so if you have a scale around your home, it pays to weigh everyday items you wash to get an idea of what capacity is best for your needs.
Wash and Dry Settings
The more options and settings you have for the wash and dry cycles, the better you can tailor your loads so they remove all the dirt and dry thoroughly in the time allotted.
Energy and Water Consumption
You’ll need to know the level of watts the unit requires to operate and how many gallons of water it takes to complete a load, so you don’t blow RV fuses or overflow waste tanks during use.
Level of Noise during Operation
Want to Connect With a Community of Over 1,078 RV Enthusiasts?
Look for washer-dryer combos with noise-reducing features like rubber mats or footpads, extra insulation, or better-machined parts.
Tips for Using an RV Washer Dryer Combo
Pay Attention to Load Size Capacity
Many combo washer-dryers have different capacities for each cycle. If a washer can handle 18 pounds of clothes, but the manufacturer states the dryer can only take 9 pounds of clothes, you’ll be stuck either air drying half your wash load or splitting it into two drying cycles.
This common problem can be a real pain and time waster if you don’t plan how you want to finish each load. For example, if you want to be able to wash and dry a load in one go, you’ll need only to load half the capacity of items for the wash cycle. Most RVers prefer this method as it streamlines the task.
On the other hand, if you have plenty of items you prefer to line dry going in the wash, you can fill it to capacity and hang half the load to dry while letting the rest run through the dryer cycle.
Pay Attention to Non-Stop Load Capacity
Manufacturers recommend a specific load capacity when using the non-stop cycle, which automatically washes and dries the laundry in one session, which can be much less than individual cycle capacities.
Always Choose the High-Speed Spin and Extra Dry Setting
If your RV washer dryer combination has an option on spin speed, always select the highest setting to remove as much moisture during the end of the wash cycle as possible.
A faster spin-out will help reduce drying time, especially for towels or bedding. The extra-dry setting adds minutes to the dry cycle, but it’s worth pulling out dry laundry once the timer buzzes.
Take Notes to Decrease Drying Time and Wrinkles
When you begin using an RV washer dryer combo, it pays off to take notes on load size, what types of items are in the load, what settings you used, and the final result.
By tracking loads, you can get the dry time and settings right and reduce wrinkles dramatically, as over-drying seems to bake them in.
Over time, you’ll learn how to load your RV combo laundry machine for maximum results, but having notes at the beginning is extremely helpful, especially if others will be using the machine.
Tricks to Avoid Musty Odors
The interior of an RV washer dryer can get smelly from the moisture and often long spells between uses when the camper is in storage.
Read and follow the manufacturer’s directions for cleaning the machine to remove built-up lint or hidden mold growth that creates musty odors.
Another easy tip is to leave the door open when not in use to allow air circulation to dry out any moisture between loads.
More Tips to Reduce Wrinkles
Wrinkles are the most common complaint from RVers with combo washers and dryers, if you can’t tell by now. But, if you still have wrinkle issues, then it’s time to try these other tricks owners find effective.
The first tip is to remove and shake out laundry items before placing them back into the machine to dry. This trick helps fluff up and straighten out fabrics, making them less prone to dry in a squished or folded fashion.
Non-water-absorbing dryer balls are another accessory that will aid in keeping clothes separated during drying to finish wrinkle-free.
Many users also swear by removing clothes from the dryer while slightly damp and letting them finish drying by air.
Most people who use this hack say it only takes a few extra minutes to hang and hand smooth the items, and they dry much more quickly than you expect. The bonus is that once they’re dry on the hanger, you can pop them right into your closet.
Don’t Forget to Winterize your RV Washer Dryer Combo
Once you install a combination laundry machine in your motorhome, fifth wheel, or travel trailer, you’ll need to make sure you add it to your winterization checklist to avoid damaging the unit.
Most modern washer-dryer combos for RV use have easy-to-follow winterization instructions in the manual.
RV Quick Tip – How the Washer-Dryer Combo Works (Video)
Final Thoughts
If you’re tired of laundromat runs during RV camping trips, then you need to look into adding a washer-dryer combo to your recreational vehicle.
An RV washer-dryer combo is the best solution to keep laundry clean on the road while also saving on time, space, weight, and cost.
I hope you take a closer look at the top RV washer-dryer combo machines above and find the perfect unit to upgrade your camping experience!
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