Community Forums

abnjim6 · 09-15-2012, 07:57 AM

Hello everyone,

I have a 29' Fleetwood Tioga and have been thinking about doing laundry while on the road. Does anyone have any ideas about the feasibility of a compact on-board washing machine? Yeah, I know this might seen odd to some, but if I could find a small washing machine, that would be great.

Of course I could get out the "board" and wash in a nearby creek, but how would that look

Thank you.

James

TXiceman · 09-15-2012, 08:34 AM

Why use a rub board? Just beat ones clothes on a rock in the creek.

Generally it is easier to find a laundromat and do them there.

We have a Splendie in our trailer and it takes about 2.5 hours to do a small light load. In 2.5 hours you can have all the laundry done a laundromat. So the small RV washer/dryers are OK fro the occasional small load, but fro extensive laundry, it takes a long tome.

Ken

BFlinn181 · 09-15-2012, 08:43 AM

I find that those small machines do such a small load, plus you've got to hang everything, to be a major drawback. We've never minded stopping at a laundromat or doing it in the campground when we arrive. Many times we've met interesting folks and found out about the local area through encounters at the laundromat. Also gives me a chance to catch up on reading. I'd rather do it once a week or so instead of daily in a small machine. My MH is plumbed and wired for a machine, but the space, weight just doesn't seem worth it.

Jack1234 · 09-15-2012, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BFlinn181

I find that those small machines do such a small load, plus you've got to hang everything, to be a major drawback. We've never minded stopping at a laundromat or doing it in the campground when we arrive. Many times we've met interesting folks and found out about the local area through encounters at the laundromat. Also gives me a chance to catch up on reading. I'd rather do it once a week or so instead of daily in a small machine. My MH is plumbed and wired for a machine, but the space, weight just doesn't seem worth it.

Hey....we have a Splendide in our MH, but for all the reasons you have mentioned I'm trying to fight pre-out how to convert it to a "wine cellar".

MRBB · 09-15-2012, 09:25 AM

All of the above plus installing one with the wiring and plumbing would be a major task. We had a double W/D in our last 5th. Used it 1 time. Took forever to do a small load of cloths and the DW stil had to hang them out to dry. Not worth it.

larrydp · 09-17-2012, 12:18 PM

Just go swimming in the creek with the clothes you want cleaned......

Larry & Rita · 09-17-2012, 02:00 PM

We just bought an '06 Holiday Rambler and found a Splendie tucked in a small area in back--It looks like the day it came from Italy, I don't think the previous owner even used it.
Most of the people (save One) are ready to take it out and use the space to a better advantage.
We haven't tried ours yet---?????

TXiceman · 09-17-2012, 05:14 PM

Our Splendie works well if you remember to use it as designed. Use if for small loads and follow the instructions. It will not do a 20# load like a home unit.

Ken

ncason · 09-17-2012, 06:57 PM

We have been all over the US and winter for 3 months at a time. Laundy only takes 2 hours at the CG laundromat. Most campgrounds have coin operated washer and dryers. I keep a roll or two of quarters in the camper. Of course you have to hide them or the husband will lose them on poker night.

Socks and underwear can be washed by hand if you have to. I make sure we have two weeks worth of underwear available.

Nancy

RanCarr · 09-19-2012, 01:57 AM

I'd rather use the space for other things and do our wash at the CG laundromat. It also gives me a chance to socialize and meet other campers.

Sometimes I do wash small stuff by hand and hang it in the shower or outside to dry.

Tony Lee · 09-19-2012, 03:30 AM

Quote:

I make sure we have two weeks worth of underwear available.

4 pairs - that many?

Another problem, especially if like us you avoid campgrounds, as much as possible, is that washing machines use a lot of water.

Laundromats rule. Save up the clothes for a week or two and then find a laundromat with a huge washing machine and a giant dryer. If they wreck your clothes, then buy some that will stand up to the treatment.

The casual wrinkled look is in!

Ed-Sommers · 09-19-2012, 07:52 AM

I boondock, no parks for me, so as such I have room for a clothesline.

Washing is accomplished using a large plastic tub and a hand washer. The real trick is letting the clothes soak for a full 24 hours using only a thimble full of soap as water itself is a weak solvent, and takes care of most of the work that agitation does in a machine.

Simple, effective, little work! Not for prudes, or the vain.

Ed

docj · 09-19-2012, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman

Our Splendie works well if you remember to use it as designed. Use if for small loads and follow the instructions. It will not do a 20# load like a home unit.

Ken

X2 We have a Splendide and wouldn't give it up for anything. We use it nearly everyday. Contrary to what has been posted, if used properly clothes don't come out wrinkled and don't need to be hung up afterwards to dry.

datrbone8 · 09-19-2012, 08:25 AM

We used to save quarters all year for the laundromat at the campground in Mexico where we spend winters. I think the reason my wife wanted the motor home was for the Splendide washer. She could care less about the rest of it. She still wants a clothesline for drying though.