6 Best All-In-One RV Washer Dryers For Full-Time Travelers Nomads Swear By
Explore the top 6 all-in-one RV washer dryers trusted by full-time nomads. Our guide compares compact, efficient models for ultimate laundry freedom on the go.
There’s nothing that shatters the romance of life on the road faster than a mountain of dirty laundry and a pocketful of quarters at a sketchy laundromat. For full-time travelers, an all-in-one washer dryer isn’t a luxury; it’s a critical piece of gear that reclaims time, money, and sanity. Choosing the right one means the difference between seamless freedom and a constant, frustrating chore.
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Key Factors for Your RV Washer Dryer Combo
Before you even look at models, you have to understand the unique constraints of an RV. The big three are size, weight, and power consumption. A unit that fits perfectly in a residential closet could be a non-starter in a rig, where every inch is precious and every pound affects your gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Measure your intended space three times, and always check the unit’s weight against what your RV’s chassis and flooring can safely support.
Next, you need to decide between a vented or ventless model. A vented unit works like a traditional dryer, pushing hot, moist air outside through a hose and an exterior vent. This means faster drying, but it also means cutting a 4-inch hole in the side of your RV—a permanent decision you can’t undo. Ventless (condenser) models use a heat exchanger to cool the moist air, collecting the water in a drain line. Installation is far simpler, but drying cycles take significantly longer and can introduce some humidity into your living space.
Finally, consider water usage and capacity. Your freshwater and gray water tanks are finite resources, especially when you’re boondocking. A water-efficient machine is non-negotiable. Capacity is a personal trade-off; a larger drum means fewer loads, but it also means a heavier, bulkier machine that uses more water per cycle. For most couples, a 1.5 to 2.0 cubic foot capacity is the sweet spot, allowing you to wash a full set of sheets or a few days’ worth of clothes.
Splendide WDV2200XCD: The Nomad’s Top Choice
This Splendide 24-inch washer is RV-ready with reinforced internal components and cULus approval. Enjoy reduced fabric creasing and wear thanks to the Reduce Wrinkles wash feature and bi-directional dryer rotation, all managed via a digital display with multiple wash options.
If you ask ten seasoned RVers what washer dryer they use, at least seven will say Splendide. This brand has dominated the market for decades for one simple reason: its machines are purpose-built for the abuse of a mobile environment. The WDV2200XCD is a vented combo unit designed to handle the constant vibration and temperature swings that would wreck a standard household appliance.
This is the workhorse of the RV world. Its vented design means it dries clothes much faster and more efficiently than its ventless counterparts, which is a huge quality-of-life improvement. The controls are straightforward, and the build quality is exceptionally solid. While its 1.5 cubic foot capacity seems small, it’s perfectly adequate for one or two people who prefer to do smaller loads more frequently rather than letting laundry pile up.
The key to loving a Splendide is managing your expectations. It’s not the whisper-quiet, 45-minute-cycle machine you had in your sticks-and-bricks home. A full wash and dry cycle can take two to three hours. But the payoff is immense: the ability to do laundry while you’re parked in a national forest, hundreds of miles from the nearest town. That’s a freedom you can’t put a price on.
LG WM3488HW: Quiet and Reliable Performance
This LG all-in-one washer/dryer offers 2.3 cu. ft. capacity and smart, Wi-Fi enabled operation. Enjoy quiet performance and fabric-protecting steam cleaning with 14 wash cycles.
Sometimes, a residential appliance is simply built so well that it thrives in an RV. The LG WM3488HW is a prime example. This ventless condenser combo is a favorite among owners of larger fifth wheels and Class A motorhomes who have the space and weight capacity to accommodate it. Its biggest selling point is its incredibly quiet operation, thanks to a direct-drive motor with fewer moving parts. In a small space, less noise and vibration is a massive win.
With a 2.3 cubic foot drum, the LG offers one of the largest capacities you can find in a compact combo unit. This is a game-changer for families or anyone who wants to wash bulkier items like blankets or multiple towels at once. Being a ventless unit, it also simplifies installation, as you don’t need to cut an external vent. Just secure it, hook up the water and drain, and plug it in.
However, there are important trade-offs. This is a heavy machine, tipping the scales at over 150 pounds, so you must confirm your RV can handle the load, especially if it’s installed in a slide-out. As a ventless condenser dryer, it uses more electricity and takes longer to dry than a vented model. It’s a fantastic, high-performance option, but it demands a robust electrical system and a well-supported installation location.
Equator Pro Ultra Compact: For Tiny Spaces
Charge up to four devices simultaneously with this fast QC3.0 car charger. Its durable, fire-retardant design includes essential safety protections and a helpful LED light for nighttime use.
For those in smaller rigs like Class B vans or compact travel trailers, finding space for any appliance can feel impossible. The Equator Pro Ultra Compact is designed for exactly these scenarios. At just 22 inches deep, it’s one of the slimmest combo units on the market, allowing it to be installed in tight closets or cabinets where other models simply won’t fit.
This is a ventless machine focused entirely on space-saving. It offers a modest 1.6 cubic foot capacity, which is enough for a solo traveler or a couple who doesn’t mind doing laundry every other day. It includes features like a "quiet" mode and winterization options, showing a clear understanding of the needs of the RV community.
Living with the Equator means embracing the small-load lifestyle. You won’t be washing a week’s worth of jeans in one go. But for the vanlifer who thought onboard laundry was just a dream, this machine makes it a practical reality. It’s the ultimate compromise of capacity for convenience, proving that even the tiniest of homes can have this incredible amenity.
GE GFW148SSMWW: Trusted Household Brand Power
This GE frontload washer tackles tough stains with steam and offers a quick wash cycle for lightly soiled items. Its 2.4 cu. ft. capacity and streamlined controls make laundry efficient and effective.
There’s a certain comfort in buying from a brand you already know and trust. The GE GFW148SSMWW brings the reliability and advanced features of a modern home appliance to the RV space. This 2.4 cubic foot ventless combo is another excellent choice for larger rigs, competing directly with the popular LG model.
What sets the GE apart are its cycles and features. It often includes options like a steam cycle to de-wrinkle clothes or a "quick wash" setting that you won’t find on more RV-specific models. For those who want residential-style performance and don’t want to compromise on features, this unit delivers. The backing of GE’s extensive service network is also a significant plus if you ever need repairs on the road.
Like other residential units, this one is heavy and was not specifically engineered for road vibrations. You must bolt it down securely using transport bolts and brackets to protect its internal components. It’s a powerful and capable machine, but it requires a proper, thoughtful installation to ensure its longevity in a mobile setting.
RecPro RP-2008: Designed for the Road Life
RecPro is a company that lives and breathes the RV lifestyle, and their RP-2008 washer dryer combo reflects that. Unlike repurposed residential units, this machine was designed from the ground up with the RVer in mind. It’s a compact, lightweight, and durable ventless unit built to fit the specific dimensions and challenges of life on the move.
The design philosophy here is "simple and effective." It doesn’t have a dozen fancy cycles, but the ones it has work reliably. It’s engineered to be water and energy-efficient, which is crucial when you’re running off a limited supply of resources. The ventless design is a nod to modern RV construction, which increasingly aims to minimize the number of holes cut into the exterior walls.
This unit is for the pragmatist. It’s not the quietest or the largest, but it’s a dependable workhorse that gets the job done without fuss. For many full-timers, that reliability is more valuable than any high-tech feature. It’s a testament to the idea that the best tool is often the one designed specifically for the job at hand.
Panda PAN760SFT: A Solid Budget-Friendly Pick
Keep your Panda or Sonya portable dryer running smoothly with this durable replacement drum belt. Engineered for a precise fit and heat resistance, it ensures consistent drum rotation for efficient, quiet drying.
Proving that you don’t need to break the bank to ditch the laundromat, the Panda PAN760SFT is a fantastic entry-level option. It’s significantly more affordable than the big-name brands, making it accessible to nomads on a tighter budget. It’s a perfect fit for those who value function over frills.
Interestingly, the Panda is a vented model. This is its secret weapon in the budget category, as it allows for much more effective and faster drying than similarly priced ventless machines. Its compact size and light weight (around 100 pounds) make it a viable option for a wide range of RVs, from older travel trailers to truck campers.
Of course, at this price point, you’re making some compromises. The 1.5 cubic foot capacity is small, and the build quality isn’t as robust as a Splendide. But for the cost, the performance is impressive. It represents an incredible value and empowers more people to experience the convenience of having laundry facilities right in their rig.
Installation and Maintenance Tips for Your Unit
No matter which unit you choose, proper installation is the key to its survival. Your machine must be securely fastened to the floor or cabinet structure to prevent it from shifting, vibrating excessively, or breaking during travel. Always use shipping bolts or brackets when the RV is in motion, and ensure the unit is perfectly level when you’re parked and using it.
Regular maintenance is simple but critical. For ventless models, you must clean the lint from the condenser unit and drain pump filter regularly—this is the most common cause of poor drying performance. For all models, run a cleaning cycle with a dedicated washing machine cleaner every month or two to prevent mold and mildew. And if you travel in freezing temperatures, you absolutely must winterize the unit by draining all water from the pumps and hoses to prevent catastrophic damage.
One last pro tip: only use High-Efficiency (HE) liquid detergent, and use it sparingly. HE detergents are low-sudsing, which is essential for front-loaders. Using too much soap or the wrong kind can create a suds-lock that damages the machine and leaves a residue on your clothes. A tablespoon or two is usually all you need.
Ultimately, the best RV washer dryer is the one that fits your space, your budget, and your travel style. Whether it’s a road-tested Splendide or a space-saving Equator, adding one to your rig is a profound upgrade to your quality of life. It’s one of the final steps in transforming your RV from a vehicle into a true, self-sufficient home.