Community Forums

Neverhome · 02-15-2016, 08:15 AM

When a fifth wheel is advertised as "washer and Dryer Ready", how ready is that? Does it mean all you have to do is buy one, attach hoses and plug in, or is there more to it? Local RV dealer wants $300.00 to install a ventless unit. Is it necessary to bolt them to the floor with brackets? Do the brackets come with the unit and is a drip tray necessary? I understand that the vented units can handle bigger loads and dry more effectively. Any issues with installing a vent in the side of the trailer if professionally done? Fiver is a Montana with Polar Package. Will not be camping in extremely cold weather. October in the Northeast would be on the far end of our season.

Thanks.

Neverhome

Skip426 · 02-15-2016, 08:43 AM

How ready for an install of a washer/dryer combo, might be slightly different , depending on the manufacturer. You would have to look at the RV to be sure.
My coach , had all the water supply and plumbing in the closet and the location for the vent install marked on the wall. Getting the unit into the RV was more of a problem ( had to come though the emergency escape window, onto the bed then into the bathroom ) than putting it in the closet. No brackets on mine , it sits directly above the rear axle , and moves more on spin cycle than when the coach is on the road; but ; in a fiver , tie downs would probably be necessary.

mel s · 02-15-2016, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neverhome

When a fifth wheel is advertised as "washer and Dryer Ready", how ready is that? Does it mean all you have to do is buy one, attach hoses and plug in, or is there more to it? Local RV dealer wants $300.00 to install a ventless unit. Is it necessary to bolt them to the floor with brackets? Do the brackets come with the unit and is a drip tray necessary? I understand that the vented units can handle bigger loads and dry more effectively. Any issues with installing a vent in the side of the trailer if professionally done? Fiver is a Montana with Polar Package. Will not be camping in extremely cold weather. October in the Northeast would be on the far end of our season.
Thanks.
Neverhome

Neverhome
1.) I suggest you call the manufacturer of the particular 5th wheel you are talking/thinking about and ask what "washer and dryer ready" means.
2.) NEVER rely on a RV salesman, or a RV dealer, for for a correct answer to ANY question.
3.) Before you have anything installed in any RV read and understand the installation instructions for the item being installed.
4.) Never assume that an installer knows what he's doing.

Mel
'96 Safari

clifford j · 02-15-2016, 09:26 AM

I like Mel's answer. My 5er was wash/dry ready. Plumbing run with on/off valves and drain plus roof vent. 120 volt 20 amp outlet in closet.

CLIFF

ralphie · 02-15-2016, 10:21 AM

WD ready means water supply and drain, and electrical, are in place. As you know, a vented machine is better, but yes, you will have to install the venting run. There is a specific location designated for the vent in my Wildcat and the Montana I have on order, so contact Montana central for assistance in locating yours.

Nana25K · 02-15-2016, 10:47 AM

That depends on the definition of washer dryer. Some RVs have only a space large enough for a combo unit. Others are full size closets that will accommodate either a combo with room left over for storage or it would accommodate an apartment size washer and dryer (separate units).
When it says its washer dryer ready it means all the plumbing and electrical should be in place. Drilling the vent out requires a suitable sized hole saw.
We installed ours in both our rigs. We removed the top hinge on the main door so it would open out flat against the rig and removed the screen door

Neverhome · 02-15-2016, 09:10 PM

Thanks to all who responded. Contacted MFG. Appears all I have to do is install vent hole if I go with the vented unit which appears to be the best one.

Nevehome

Mr_D · 02-15-2016, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip426

How ready for an install of a washer/dryer combo, might be slightly different , depending on the manufacturer. You would have to look at the RV to be sure.
My coach , had all the water supply and plumbing in the closet and the location for the vent install marked on the wall. Getting the unit into the RV was more of a problem ( had to come though the emergency escape window, onto the bed then into the bathroom ) than putting it in the closet. No brackets on mine , it sits directly above the rear axle , and moves more on spin cycle than when the coach is on the road; but ; in a fiver , tie downs would probably be necessary.

Same with our previous rig, an '02 DSDP. Removed the passenger seat and front door stop and two of us brought it in the door. Wasn't real hard either. Took a holesaw (Harbor Freight unit) and bored through from the inside, then when the pilot went through I went outside and came from that side. That avoided any fractures or splintering of the full body paint. I had already bought a chrome vent cover when I was at Newmar so I installed that. Nothing to the install, no surprises at all. And I didn't need any brackets either and it never moved much if at all.