Community Forums

Poncet · 02-09-2007, 12:38 AM

Does anybody have a combination washer/dryer in their unit? How do they perform? Brand recommendations?

Poncet · 02-09-2007, 12:38 AM

Does anybody have a combination washer/dryer in their unit? How do they perform? Brand recommendations?

Road Pilot · 02-09-2007, 02:51 AM

We have a Splendide and think it's great. We opted for the combo versus the two piece for the extra storage space.

footdoc · 02-09-2007, 03:30 AM

Splendide works fine...just slow and small loads as expected since it dries on 110V..but it SURE does spin up

paz · 02-09-2007, 04:33 AM

I'm sure you will get a variety of opinions on washer/dryer combos. Some people don't think they are worthwhile. They would rather save the weight and have the storage space. Others, like ourselves, wouldn't be without our Splendide. Still others who have the space opt for a stack combo.

I agree that the Splendide is a good unit - IF you know what to expect and IF you get the VENTED unit. It is slower than your washer and dryer at home. You can't wash and dry at the same time (this is where the stack combo has a big advantage if you have the room). It will only do small loads. Sometimes you need to "fluff" your clothes during the cycle to speed drying and to reduce wrinkles. Full hookups are very beneficial (although not absolutely necessary if staying at a particular location only a short time), so if you camp without full hookups a lot, a washer/dryer may not be for you.

However, we feel the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. Since we are fulltimers, we get good use from our Splendide. Finding a good, clean laundromat while on the road can be a chore. Washing a load every day or two allows us to keep up with our laundry. If we don't have hookups, we just save up until we do. Sometimes we do have to use a laundromat, which we hate. We dry our towels after each shower to extend the use between washings. Warming your towel in the dryer before your shower on a cold morning is a real joy.

As I said, you will get a variety of opinions on washer/dryers. There is no right or wrong answer. Evaluate how YOU might use one and whether it will be a benefit for you and fit in with the way you camp. If you decide to go with Splendide, make sure you get a vented unit as the unvented ones use more water and are much slower drying. If you decide not to go with a washer/dryer, at least get the prep installed by the factory (faucets and drain) if at all possible. That way you could add a washer/dryer in the future if you wanted.

Ol'Joe · 02-09-2007, 05:06 AM

I continue to ask myself it it's worth it. The Wife does a load of laundry at least daily when we're stopped. Sometimes more becuase of the small capacity of the unit. There are definate pros and cons. Pro: Wife does not have to leave rig to do laundry. Con: When machine spins or dries entire rig becomes Disney ride I call shake and bake! Pro: Wife can do luandry any time of day or night. Con: Wife is an OCD type that has to do laundry before morning coffee is poured.... I prefer to sleep in. NOT HAPPENING. Pro: Wife can do "Just a couple of things!" whenever she wants to. Pro: I get the "SOAP SUDS SERENADE" during ball games, races, old movies, and worst of those wonderful litte naps on the couch that are so dearly needed. (Note second Pro). Con: Lastly cost outlay for a combination unit can approach 5000 quarters. How many $.25 coins of laundry will you run through your machine in it's servicable life. PRO: As long as I keep my wisecracks to my self I get fed!!

GaryKD · 02-09-2007, 05:29 AM

We have the Splendide vented model W/D. It is worth it for us to have the unit. We would make the purchase again. I agree with what has already been posted. Understanding the capabilities of the unit and adjusting to them is very important, for continued happiness. We do a load a day, when parked. We understand our unit well enough we can leave the coach and when we return permenant press cloths are dried and do not need additional ironing! Not having to transfer clothes from the washer to the dryer is a big + for us.

RustyJC · 02-09-2007, 05:46 AM

We had the non-vented (condensing) Splendide in our previous 5th wheel. Although we never had any mechanical problems with it, the condensing design used lots of water, took forever to "dry" clothes, and the clothes came out damp and wrinkled.

When we bought our current 5th wheel (which is plumbed/wired for a washer/dryer), we didn't even bother moving the Splendide unit into it. When we decide that we're in the 5th wheel enough to justify it, we'll go with a stackable pair.

Rusty

RV Wizard · 02-09-2007, 08:11 AM

For those that full time and have the room for a stack or two seperates; think about putting in a gas (propane) dryer. Now you can do laundry!

Two Sides · 02-09-2007, 08:54 PM

Who makes a propane dryer and is it compact enough to put in a RV closet?

RV Wizard · 02-10-2007, 01:50 AM

I know Whirlpool does and I am sure there are others. A gas dryer can be set up for natural or lp gas by changing the orfice in the burner.

Greyhound · 02-10-2007, 03:32 PM

The wife and I recently purchased an Alfa which came with the Splende washer/dryer combo. This being our first MH with a washer/dryer, I have been trying to find information as to whether or not it is practical to use the unit while traveling.
The manual states the grey water valve must be open when in use otherwise you stand a chance of flooding the inside of the coach.

In the past I have talked with folks that had older models and they indicated they did a load while traveling.
Comments/thoughts are appreciated.

Bob

paz · 02-11-2007, 05:59 AM

Greyhound - We've never done laundry while moving, but I have read that many prople do. We have, however, done laundry while parked without sewer hookup and with the gray valve closed.

I think the warning to keep the gray water valve open is just to cover themselves. The amount of water the Splendide will use depends on the size of the load and the cycle selected. I don't know what the maximum water usage would be, but I would estimate we have never used more than 8 or 10 gallons of water for a load of wash. We have an aftermarket tank monitor (SeeLevel II) which gives fairly accurate level indications (5% increments on gray water). The 8 to 10 gallon water usage is for a vented model. As mentioned above, the non-vented models use more water. As long as you KNOW you have enough gray tank capacity you should have no problem.

bdpreece · 02-11-2007, 08:15 AM

We have a Splendide 2100 vented model which works great. The only complaint is that the clothes come out wrinkled. At the RV show a couple of weeks ago we met a couple who full timed who said to put tennis balls in the load when drying to help avoid wrinkles. We will try that on our next trip.