So, do RVs have washers and dryers?
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.
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.
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.
There are a few common choices.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
There are two main types commonly used in RVs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you are looking at an RV that already has a laundry setup, test it if possible.
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.
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.