Community Forums

scottandanna · 06-03-2017, 03:10 PM

We are purchasing a fully loaded Montana 5th wheel, but it does not come with a clothes washer and dryer, and we are tired of using the campground facilities, especially if we have the hookups for our own machines.

I just started researching them today, but figured I could get better info, more quickly, from the experts on this site.

So, we are thinking we want stackable washer and dryer, so we can use both simultaneously.

I am coming across various models, some with vents, some without, and there appears to be three or four popular brands (not necessarily "good" brands, but popular names).

So, what should we know while shopping?

What would we be happiest with, in the long run.

Cost is not much of an issue, since I would rather pay more for a strong and reliable machine, than save money and be less than satisfied with the performance.

**Lt Dan** · 06-03-2017, 03:45 PM

We have had two sets of the Ariston Splendide washer/dryer stacked units and have good success with both. The dryer will not dry as fast as a residential since it is only 120v, but it does a good job. Avoid the combination units that are washer and dryer combined. They are terribly slow and will only do small loads at a time. I would say you want a vented unit to send the moisture from the dryer outside.

Mr_D · 06-03-2017, 03:50 PM

I also have the Ariston stacked washer dryers, but my dryer is a 240 volt. To run it I have to run the generator and be on a 50 amp shore power. I consider that to be a disadvantage but it is supposed to dry quicker than the 120 units. I have no way of knowing since the late DW and I bought the unit in 2015 but the engine rebuild, her poor health and subsequent death kept us from using it.

gnlandrus · 06-03-2017, 04:47 PM

I have the Ariston stacked washer and dryer too . They are great!!! Got mine from Dryers RV. Best price I could find and AMAZING customer service!!!!!
The first washer and dryer I received were damaged. I called Dryers and they sent a new set before I had even returned the damaged ones. Didn't charge my card for the new one and then issue a credit like most companies do.
Really great people to deal with !!

scottandanna · 06-03-2017, 05:06 PM

I am learning that the 120v ones are going to dry a little slower, and that is OK. One of the compromises of living in an RV. I can live with that.

Glad to hear that I am on track by wanting two separate units, and not the combo units.

vsheetz · 06-03-2017, 07:54 PM

Definitely stacked separates. Our previous coach had combo unit - too small, too slow. Marginally useful. We seldom used. Current coach has stacked separates - much larger capacity and work well. We use often.

**TonyDi** · 06-03-2017, 08:51 PM

Combo units are probably better then nothing. However you can't beat stacked washer/ dryers, much faster.

jim27358 · 06-04-2017, 08:48 AM

We have a stackable Kenmore W&D. They are separate units and work well. Like others have said the dryer is slow as compared to a home unit, but I'm not paying for the electricity and we aren't pressed for time. I would piggy back on the others to say don't get the all in one unit.

BigSkyBob · 06-04-2017, 08:58 AM

I've been using the Splendide Ariston model stacked units for 10 years and love the units. My dryer is 120 VAC too but it dries at about the same speed as my 240 VAC dryer at home. I think the difference is the washer will spin the clothes at 1200 RPM removing most of the moisture where my dryer at home only spins at 600 RPM. The Splendide dryer will dry a full load in 50 minutes so I have always been happy with that.

sbleiweiss · 06-04-2017, 08:59 AM

I'll join the recommendations for Splendide, but weigh in on the other side for the combo. We are happy with ours. Yes, it is smaller and slow, but its RVing, c'mon. We prefer the extra pantry space we get by not having the second machine. Definitely go vented.

Steve Ownby · 06-04-2017, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbleiweiss

I'll join the recommendations for Splendide, but weigh in on the other side for the combo. We are happy with ours. Yes, it is smaller and slow, but its RVing, c'mon. We prefer the extra pantry space we get by not having the second machine. Definitely go vented.

X2 for the combo. Our Splendide 2100 is a perfect machine for us. It's 14 years old and going strong. Will do 4 pair of jeans in a load.

Mobile scout · 06-04-2017, 05:31 PM

While I wanted a vented combo my 5th wheel didn't have the depth in the designated area and no vent so I bought the dometic all in one.

Yes it's small and slow, takes about 2 hrs but I'm off the treadmill of dirty public machines and finding qtrs.

If you have the space then 2 units with dryer vent is the way to go.

bigben · 06-04-2017, 05:42 PM

We have a combo Splendide. Whether you get a combo or a stacked, you will probably not go back to not having one. DW wouldn't be without ours.

patmsp · 06-04-2017, 05:51 PM

We have a Splendide washer/dryer combo. We live 6 months in Florida with it. We use the resorts washer/dryer for our bed linens and blankets. Otherwise the small washer works just fine.