Class A RV with Washer Dryer
A Class A RV with washer dryer represents the pinnacle of luxury, full-time mobile living, eliminating the inconvenience of coin-operated RV park laundromats. Built on heavy-duty commercial bus and truck chassis with powerful diesel pusher or gas engines, these 30-to-45-foot motorhomes possess the structural payload capacity, ceiling height, and holding tank volume necessary to accommodate residential-style laundry equipment. However, operating an onboard laundry system requires a thorough understanding of water consumption, electrical load management, and winterization protocols.
RV Laundry Architecture: Stackable Units vs. All-in-One Washer/Dryer Combos
For full-time RVers and digital nomads traveling across North America, onboard laundry is one of the most sought-after amenities. Modern Class A motorhome manufacturers—such as Newmar, Tiffin, Entegra Coach, and Winnebago—design dedicated laundry closets in rear master bedroom suites or mid-coach bathroom layouts.
Prospective buyers must navigate two primary appliance architectures: stacked separate washer and dryer pairs, and all-in-one combination units. Each configuration presents distinct tradeoffs regarding water consumption, drying speeds, electrical hookup requirements, and interior cabinet storage space.
Comparing separate stacked units against combo washer/dryers highlights laundry throughput and resource usage.
| Laundry Appliance Feature | Separate Stacked Washer & Dryer (e.g., Splendide) | All-in-One Washer/Dryer Combo Unit | Best Operating Environment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Laundry Cycle Time | 60 to 90 minutes (Simultaneous wash and dry) | 2.5 to 3.5 hours per small load | Stacked: Families / High throughput; Combo: Couples / Space-saving |
| Cabinet Space Footprint | Tall vertical closet (24"W x 24"D x 60"H) | Single lower cabinet (24"W x 24"D x 34"H) | Stacked: Requires large Class A; Combo: Fits smaller coaches |
| Water Consumption per Cycle | 10 to 14 Gallons per load | 9 to 13 Gallons (Wash only) or 18 Gal (Ventless dry) | Both require sewer hookup or large grey tanks |
| Electrical Service Requirement | Dedicated 20A circuit for washer + 20A for dryer | Single standard 15A/20A 120V electrical outlet | Stacked: Operates best on 50-amp shore power |
| Dryer Heating Efficiency | High (Dedicated 120V/240V heating elements) | Moderate to Slow (Compact 120V drum heating) | Stacked delivers crisp, fast drying comparable to home |
Resource Demands: 50-Amp Shore Power, Grey Tank Capacities, and Inverters
The definitive advantage of a Class A motorhome for laundry is structural payload capacity. Unlike lightweight travel trailers with narrow cargo margins, a Class A diesel pusher built on a Freightliner or Spartan chassis possesses a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 32,000 to 50,000+ pounds. This substantial chassis strength easily carries the 250 to 300 pounds of deadweight represented by two heavy commercial washing machines, plus the dynamic centrifugal vibrations generated during 1,200 RPM high-speed spin cycles.
Water management is a primary operational consideration. A single wash cycle consumes between 8 and 14 gallons of fresh water, which discharges directly into the RV grey water holding tank. While boondocking (dry camping) off-grid on public lands, running two loads of laundry can instantly fill half of a standard 65-gallon grey tank. Consequently, veteran RVers primarily operate their washer and dryer when connected to full-hookup campsites with active city water lines and open sewer dump valves.
Evaluating vented versus ventless dryer systems explains moisture management inside an RV.
| Drying Technology | Moisture Exhaust Method | Drying Speed & Performance | Wall Penetration Required? | Internal Humidity Impact on RV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vented Dryer System | Exhausts moist, hot air through exterior wall vent | Fast (40 to 60 minutes per cycle) | Yes (Requires 4-inch exterior chrome/plastic louver) | Zero (All humidity expelled outdoors) |
| Condenser (Non-Vented) System | Condenses moisture with cold water into drain pipe | Slow (90 to 150 minutes per cycle) | No (Zero exterior wall cuts needed) | Low (Water pumps down grey tank drain) |
| Heat Pump (Ventless) System | Recirculating closed-loop refrigerant compressor | Moderate (60 to 90 minutes per cycle) | No (Zero exterior wall penetrations) | Zero (High electrical efficiency, cool operation) |
Venting Protocols: Vented vs. Condensation Non-Vented Dryers in Motorhomes
Electrical load management requires monitoring 50-amp versus 30-amp shore power hookups. Class A motorhomes feature 50-amp service, which supplies 12,000 total watts of electrical power across two 120V legs. On 50-amp power, owners can effortlessly run the washer, dryer, two rooftop air conditioners, and residential refrigerator simultaneously. However, if plugged into an older 30-amp campground pedestal (offering only 3,600 total watts), running the dryer heating element alongside an air conditioner will immediately trip the campground pedestal breaker.
Venting architecture significantly affects living comfort. Exterior-vented dryers are universally preferred by full-timers because they expel hot, humid air through a dedicated chrome or color-matched louver on the exterior fiberglass sidewall. Ventless condensing dryers, while eliminating the need for a wall hole, use cold fresh water to condense hot steam, consuming an extra 5 to 10 gallons of fresh water purely for drying and extending cycle times up to three hours.
Winterization is vital to prevent cracked valves and costly repairs. The internal water inlet valves, drain pumps, and P-traps of an RV washing machine trap residual water. When winterizing a coach with RV antifreeze, owners must run the machine on a warm wash cycle until pink propylene glycol antifreeze pumps visibly through the drum and into the waste drain, preventing freezing temperatures from bursting internal plastic pump housings.
How to Run Laundry in a Class A RV in 5 Steps
Follow this operational procedure to safely wash and dry clothes using an onboard RV laundry system.
Verify Full-Hookup Sewer and Water Connections
Ensure your fresh water hose is connected with a water pressure regulator, and verify that your sewer hose is hooked up with the grey tank valve opened.
Inspect Electrical Pedestal and Power Management
Confirm your motorhome is connected to 50-amp shore power or that your onboard Cummins Onan diesel generator is running to support heating elements.
Sort Clothes into Small Compact Loads
Load the drum to roughly two-thirds capacity; compact RV drums (typically 1.9 to 2.4 cubic feet) wash and balance best with smaller loads.
Add High-Efficiency (HE) Low-Sudsing Detergent
Use strictly 1 to 2 tablespoons of HE liquid detergent; excessive suds cause drain pump errors and back up into RV plumbing vents.
Clean Dryer Lint Filter and Check Exterior Vent Louver
Clear the internal lint screen before starting the dryer cycle, and ensure the exterior wall flap is swinging freely to exhaust hot moist air outside.
Frequently Asked Questions (8 Questions Answered)
Q1: Can you run an RV washer and dryer while driving down the road?
Yes, if your onboard generator is running or you have a massive lithium battery bank and inverter system capable of supplying 120V power to the heating elements.
Q2: How much water does an RV washing machine use per load?
A modern high-efficiency RV front-load washer consumes between 8 and 14 gallons of fresh water per load, depending on soil level and rinse cycles.
Q3: Why is my RV washer shaking the whole motorhome during spin?
Heavy items like wet jeans or towels can clump unevenly. Pause the cycle to redistribute laundry manually, and verify the RV hydraulic leveling jacks are firmly deployed.
Q4: Are stackable washer and dryers better than combo units in an RV?
Yes, for performance and speed. Stackable units allow you to wash and dry simultaneously in 60-90 minutes, whereas combos take 3+ hours per load.
Q5: Can you dry camp (boondock) and use an RV washer dryer?
It is difficult. Laundry uses significant fresh water and fills grey tanks rapidly. It is best reserved for when you have full campground sewer hookups.
Q6: Do RV dryers need a 240V electrical outlet like a house?
No. Almost all RV dryers are engineered to run on standard 120V household current, drawing between 12 and 15 amps of electricity.
Q7: How do you winterize a washer in a Class A motorhome?
Run the washer on a warm fill cycle until pink RV non-toxic antifreeze is sucked through the water solenoids, and spin to pump antifreeze into the drain trap.
Q8: What detergent should be used in an RV washer?
Always use High-Efficiency (HE) liquid detergent in small quantities (1-2 tablespoons). Avoid powder detergents, which dissolve poorly in cold water.
Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways
In conclusion, understanding class a rv with washer dryer provides essential clarity, practical strategies, and actionable advice. By incorporating these foundational insights, adhering to verified safety guidelines, and following structured best practices, you ensure reliable, long-term outcomes while preventing common mistakes. Stay informed, consult certified professionals when needed, and maintain consistent quality care.