The RV is your sanctuary on the road. As such, you’d need everything in it to enjoy your travels. This includes a bedroom, entertainment, a kitchen, dining room, and more. 

One other thing that can make life great on an RV is a washing machine. “A washing machine on an RV?”, I hear you say. Absolutely. It is possible to install a washing machine on your RV. 

Having a washing machine on an RV has so many advantages. For one, you’ll no longer need to stop at certain places to wash clothes. This also means that you won’t need to spend money in laundromats. Take note that you save two things with this: money and time. 

There are a variety of things that people need to know before installing washing machines in an RV. These include the types of washing machines, their pros and cons, certain problems, and finally how to install one. 

There are three kinds of washing machines that are relevant to RVs. These are:  

First comes the compact stackable washer dryers. These types of washing machines are very common in many households. Chances are that if you have lived in a house and used a washing machine, these are the ones you are using.

As the name suggests, you stack the washing machine and the drying machine on top of one another. The thing about this combination is that it is a very bulky set to own. In an RV where space is limited, this may be a problem. You’d also need to think about where to store it.

The portable / storable dryer washer combination solves the problem of bulkiness. They can easily be put away and don’t use as much space.

The portable washers usually don’t require electricity. It must be set up near an outlet, a sink, and a drain. It must also be connected to a faucet to get water for the washing.The portable dryer is also quite handy. The water here can be drained by hand or through a faucet. This one though is a little heavier.

For the combination option, it may require some heavy lifting and elbow grease to make it work.

Finally comes the Combination RV Washer Dryer. This is the best option for having a washing machine on an RV. It is just one machine that handles both actions.

This combination specifically even has the function to switch from washing to drying automatically. Apart from that, they are also built for cost and energy efficiency. It is a great choice for RV owners.

If neither of these options sound good, people can also just get washing machines. Afterwards, they can hang their laundry out to dry outside.

Before we move on, there is also a need to be familiar with the vented vs. non-vented varieties.

Vented washing machines use air from the room to dry their loads. This means that a hole must be made for the exhaust vent. A non-vented washing machine makes the air inside hot to dry the load.

Now that you know the different types of washing machines for an RV, it is time to go on to the installation process.

One route to go is to hire someone to install it. This may cost a bit more, but you wouldn’t need to worry about the installation process. You’ll only have to understand the do’s and don’ts of using a washing machine on an RV.

The installation process begins with preparing the tools that you need as well as reading the instructions completely. Depending on which model you buy, the instructions will vary.

Another thing that installation requires is a good amount of manpower. These units are usually very heavy. Thus, it is good to have a good amount of people around who can help carry and set the unit in place.

Also, with the limited space of the RV, it may be hard to maneuver the washing machine into place.

The first tip we’re offering is with the vent hole. As discussed above, a vented washing machine will require a hole for the air. Most washing machine models will have instructions on where and how to place the hole.

However, placing a hole into an RV would cause some problems with the warranty. Choose the washing machine that will allow you to put a vent hole in the most favorable spot.

Next thing to consider is the drain pan. It is one other thing that you need to install. The drain pan acts as the protection if any water should leak while the washing machine is being used.

Apart from the protection, the drain pan also acts to hold the washing machine in place when you are travelling.

For the drain pan, you need to find a spot on the RV near the holding tanks where you can drain water. All you need to do is secure the drain pan on the floor.

Our final tip is that if you have any other concerns or problems with the washing machine installation, it is best to seek help. You can do this by hiring or consulting professionals. You can also consult the manufacturers of the washing machine.