Are pop up campers worth it?

Are pop up campers worth it? For St. Cloud weekenders...

Kevin Jimoh

September 28, 2026

How to find propane leak in RV

recent post How to find propane leak in RV recent...

Kevin Jimoh

September 6, 2026

How Much Does an RV Inspection Cost in Minnesota?

recent post Depending on the RV, this may include: How...

Kevin Jimoh

August 26, 2026

Do RVs Have Washers and Dryers?

So, do RVs have washers and dryers?

Some RVs do have washers and dryers, but many do not. Larger motorhomes, fifth wheels, and travel trailers are more likely to have them. Smaller RVs and campers usually do not have enough room for a full laundry setup.

Some RVs come with a washer and dryer already installed. Others are built with hookups so you can add one later.

Below, we’ll go over the different RV laundry options, what you need to install one, and whether having a washer and dryer in your RV is worth it.

What Types of RVs Have Washers and Dryers?

Washers and dryers are more common in larger RVs because they have more living space, storage, water capacity, and electrical power.

You are more likely to find a washer and dryer in:

Smaller travel trailers, pop-up campers, and Class B camper vans usually do not have traditional washers and dryers.

That does not always mean laundry inside a smaller RV is impossible. There are portable washing machines and compact units made for small spaces, but they work differently than a regular home washer and dryer.

Do RVs Come With Washer and Dryer Hookups?

Some RVs have washer and dryer prep, which means the RV already has the connections needed for a laundry unit.

Depending on the RV, this may include:

If an RV is advertised as “washer/dryer prepped,” that usually means the machine itself is not included.

Before buying a washer or dryer, check the RV owner’s manual or have the hookups inspected. The available space, electrical system, plumbing, and weight limits all matter.

What Kind of Washer and Dryer Can You Put in an RV?

There are a few common choices.

RV Washer and Dryer Combo

A washer-dryer combo uses one machine for both washing and drying.

You put your clothes in once, run the wash cycle, and then the machine moves into the drying cycle.

Combo units are popular in RVs because they take up less room than two separate machines.

The downside is that loads are usually smaller, and a full wash-and-dry cycle can take quite a while.

For one or two people traveling together, that may not be a big problem.

Stackable RV Washer and Dryer

Some large RVs have enough room for a separate washer and dryer stacked on top of each other.

This setup feels more like doing laundry at home.

A stackable setup can usually handle laundry faster than a combo machine because you can wash one load while another is drying.

The tradeoff is space. Two machines take up more room and add more weight to the RV.

Portable RV Washing Machine

A portable washer can be an option when your RV does not have regular washer hookups.

Many portable washers are small enough to store when they are not being used. Some can connect to a sink or use water that you add manually.

You may still need to air-dry your clothes or use a separate portable dryer.

Portable units can be useful for small loads, but they are not as convenient as a built-in RV laundry setup.

Can You Add a Washer and Dryer to an RV?

Sometimes.

If your RV already has washer and dryer hookups, adding a machine may be fairly straightforward.

If it does not have hookups, the job can be much more involved.

You may need changes to:

You also need to think about the added weight.

RV weight limits are important. A washer, dryer, water, clothes, and installation materials all add weight to the camper.

Before modifying an RV, it is a good idea to have someone familiar with RV electrical and plumbing systems look at it.

At All Campers in St. Cloud, MN, we work on RVs and campers and can help you figure out what makes sense for your setup.

Do RV Washers Use a Lot of Water?

They can use a fair amount of water, especially if you are doing several loads.

This matters more when you are camping without full hookups.

If you are connected to campground water and sewer, doing laundry is much easier. When you are relying on your RV’s fresh water and holding tanks, every load uses some of that limited capacity.

Your gray water tank will also fill faster because the water from the washing machine has to go somewhere.

If you camp off-grid often, an RV washer may not be something you use every day.

Do RV Dryers Need a Vent?

It depends on the dryer.

There are two main types commonly used in RVs.

Vented Dryers

A vented dryer sends hot, damp air outside through a vent.

These dryers generally dry clothes faster, but your RV needs the proper vent installed.

Ventless Dryers

A ventless dryer does not need an outside exhaust vent.

That can make installation easier in some RVs.

However, ventless units may take longer to dry clothes.

Before installing either type, make sure it is approved for your RV setup and that you have the correct electrical connection.

Can You Run Them on 30-Amp Power?

This depends on the machine and what else is running in the RV.

A washer or dryer can use a good amount of electricity. In a 30-amp RV, running a dryer at the same time as an air conditioner, microwave, water heater, or other large appliance may overload the electrical system.

RVs with 50-amp service usually have more room to run several appliances at once.

Always check the electrical requirements of the washer or dryer before installing or using it.

Can You Use Them While Boondocking?

You can in some situations, but it may not be practical.

When camping without water, sewer, or shore power hookups, you have to think about:

Washing clothes can quickly use water and fill your gray tank.

Drying clothes can also require a lot of power.

For people who spend most of their time at full-hookup campgrounds, an RV washer and dryer can be very handy. For people who spend most of their time boondocking, a laundromat or portable washing setup may make more sense.

Are They Worth It?

For many RV owners, yes.

They can be especially useful if you:

They may not be worth giving up the storage space if you only take short weekend trips.

A washer and dryer also add weight and another appliance that may eventually need maintenance or repair.

Think about how you actually use your RV before deciding.

What Should You Check Before Buying?

If you are looking at an RV that already has a laundry setup, test it if possible.

Check for:

Water leaks
Slow draining
Strange noises
Dryer vent blockages
Loose hoses
Water damage around the machine
Electrical problems
Mold or damp smells

A small leak behind a washing machine can cause a lot of damage if nobody notices it.

It is also worth checking how easy the machine is to access. RV laundry spaces can be tight, and repairing or replacing a unit may be difficult if there is very little room around it.

RV Washer and Dryer FAQs

Do all RVs have washers and dryers?

No. Many RVs do not have them. Washers and dryers are most common in larger motorhomes, fifth wheels, and travel trailers.

Can you put a regular home washer in an RV?

Usually, an RV-specific or compact machine is a better choice. Home washers may be too large, too heavy, or require more power and water than the RV can handle.

Can I install a washer if my RV has no hookups?

Possibly, but it may require plumbing, electrical, drainage, cabinet, and vent changes. Have the RV inspected before starting the project.

Where does the washing machine water go in an RV?

In most setups, the washing machine drains into the RV’s gray water system or directly into the campground sewer connection.

Can an RV washer and dryer run at the same time?

With separate machines, sometimes. Whether you can run both at once depends on your RV’s electrical system and the power requirements of the appliances.

Are RV washer and dryer combos good?

They can be a good choice when space is limited. They save room but usually have smaller load sizes and longer drying times than separate machines.

Need Help With Your RV in St. Cloud, MN?

Having a washer and dryer in an RV can make long trips much easier, but the setup has to work with your camper’s plumbing, electrical system, space, and weight limits.

If you already have an RV washer or dryer that is giving you trouble, or you are thinking about making changes to your camper, All Campers can help.

We provide RV and camper repair services in St. Cloud, Minnesota, and work with RV owners to keep their campers ready for the road.