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Residential Washer and Dryer
I have convinced my wife to full time RVing; however, she said she doesn't mind downsizing all our belongings but will not part with her Speed Queen washer and Whirlpool extra capacity dryer. So I am thinking of buying an enclosed tow trailer for them to pull behind the
Lazy Daze RV (we're still debating between the 27 or 31' twin models).

My questions is can this be wired and plumbed separate from the rv to be used at rv parks to do laundry?  I was thinking when it was time to do laundry, unplug the Rv and plug in the washer, then the dryer. When finished, unplug it and replug the RV.  Can this be done?

Re: Residential Washer and Dryer
Reply #1
While you do see some of the DPs with tiny combo washer/dryers, it not something you see in small RVs.
Towing a trailer,  just to have laundry facilities, is going to extremes.
There are issues that make this somewhat impractical.
You will always need to be in a full hookup park. If you are boon docking, you will still be pulling the laundry wagon behind.
The washer needs a supply of both fresh and hot water. Your trailer will need a propane tank and water heater. The 6-gallon water heater, in a LD, is not going to be adequate for a full size washer.
If it is going to be a gas dryer, get a bigger propane tank. An electric dryer will need 220-VAC power, so a 50-amp hookup will be needed or an auxiliary generator, since an LD's generator only produces 120-VAC.

So, what it boils down to, is you will need to be in a full hookup park to use the washer and dryer, no matter if it is a mini washer/dryer combination or a set of full size machines.
Just about every RV park has laundry facilities or they are nearby. So why drag along a duplicate set of machines?
Get some sanitizing wipes for the laundromat, if hygiene is an issue.
If the extra size capacity is important, most laundromats have the super-size washers and dryers.

Most of us us carry about two weeks worth of clothes and linens, planning on spending a few hours, every two weeks or so, doing laundry and other housekeeping chores, while waiting.
It's a chance to meet the locals and other interesting characters, part of what the travel experience is all about.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Residential Washer and Dryer
Reply #2
Get a big enough trailer and you'll also have room for the pinball machine and complete weightlifting set too. Search
the archives for proof that there were people who seriously wanted to bring these camping.

Boondockers and vandwellers ask about this all the time. A five gallon bucket and a toilet plunger (preferably new) will do large loads, or if you like to multitask, get a rubbermaid tote and stomp your clothes clean while you shower. Seriously, all but the most primitive RV parks have on-site laundry facilities with machines that may or may not be newer and better than what you have. As long as you avoid using laundromats in towns with coal mines or oilfields, you'll be OK.

PS: there was a hilarious thread on reddit about the most interesting things seen on camping trips. As far as I'm concerned, the hotel-style ice machine was the runaway winner:

fu
2015TK

Re: Residential Washer and Dryer
Reply #3
The weekly trip to the laundromat (we alternate) is a little alone time.  Instead of like at home (S+B) only 1 load at a time, can do all loads simultaneously. Usually free wifi, so  can read papers etc on my iPad. Bottom line, since we share the duties of laundry, only have to do it about once every 2 weeks.
Todd (and Steve)
'17 Winnebago Minnie Winnie and '13 Honda CRV
(Former '99 RB owners from 2012-2016)

Re: Residential Washer and Dryer
Reply #4
A spray can of Lysol would be more practical for carrying around, yah? Even a bucket of bleach water and a rag to thoroughly hand wash the inside of the washer and dryer (and any filter screens) would take up less room and need no utility hook up.

I've heard horror stories about dirty washers/dryers, but have never encountered same.

Perhaps a trial run at a local laundromat might be useful before setting out on an adventure. Might put her mind at ease about the mechanics and safety of using public facilities.

When we were fulltiming in a 40-foot behemoth, we had a combination washer and dryer, but I can't say it was really very efficient. The capacity was tiny, and the efficiency was lacking. I always seemed to have wet laundry hanging all over the place because it took literally HOURS to get anything like jeans completely dry if starting from the wet state.

It did make a fairly useful, if expensive, soiled clothing accumulator for my trips to the laundry at the campgrounds! The original owner had it installed in the rig, but I would MUCH rather have had the space for storage.

Virtual hugs,

Judie

*************************************

Re: Residential Washer and Dryer
Reply #5
When we spent 12 years fulltiming, one of my "must haves" was a washer and dryer.  BUT, we fulltimed in a 32' fifth wheel with room for separate units, NOT a small Class C! 

If a washer and dryer is a "must have" for your wife, I'd suggest looking for a larger RV that comes with them -- either an "all-in-one" or separate units.  Pulling a trailer with a washer and dryer sounds eminently impractical.
Linda Hylton

Re: Residential Washer and Dryer
Reply #6
It's all about priorities, wants, and proclivities.  I've had full-sized units in my own home; separate apartment-sized, stackable units in a 40-foot fifth wheel; an all-in-one unit in a 40-foot motorhome; and nothing at all in an apartment and two different Lazy Daze units.
Maybe I've just been lucky, but looking back, I think the best experiences have been using someone else's units and enjoying the economy in time to get several loads done at one time, whilst enjoying a leisurely wander through some good reading material.  Granted, it IS handy to have full-sized units just steps away from the kitchen, but if one or the other of them were to become inoperative, and having peeked at the prices of new unit(s), I would probably opt to go to the communal laundry facilities that are just steps away from my back door rather than purchasing a new unit(s).
Virtual hugs,
Judie


Quote

When we spent 12 years fulltiming, one of my "must haves" was a washer and dryer. BUT, we fulltimed in a 32' fifth wheel with room for separate units, NOT a small Class C!

Re: Residential Washer and Dryer
Reply #7
Just guessing of course, but I am thinking that other issues are going to pop up. Have you ever taken a month long trip together?
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy


Re: Residential Washer and Dryer
Reply #9
Edmakin, perhaps we are all missing her point? I can infer of a couple of things:

Sure, I'll full time, when pigs fly.
Or
Sire, I'll full time, but you are doing the laundry, buddy.

Is this possible?
Paul
'92 Mid Bath


Re: Residential Washer and Dryer
Reply #11
Thank you for the advise and input. Perhaps when I show her everyone's feedback, she'll understand that it can't be done.

I know she loves her Speed Queen after many months searching for a replacement for the 30 year old one. She claims it does the best job of cleaning the laundry while the new units with the new regulations can't compare. She also loves the dryer because it can handle comforters, several blankets, and two wash loads.

Perhaps I can rent a storage unit for them, then deal with it later. Thank you again in taking the time to share your thoughts on this issue.

Re: Residential Washer and Dryer
Reply #12
Perhaps I can rent a storage unit for them, then deal with it later. Thank you again in taking the time to share your thoughts on this issue.
Ed

Many full timers have a lot in an Escapee's park, where they have a small storage shed, good for storing seasonal items or stuff you don't want to get rid of.
There you could build a small shrine for the Speed Queen and come visit her as often as needed.
Problem solved.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Residential Washer and Dryer
Reply #13
I know this isn't the same as her Speed Queen, but you can now find small combo washer/dryer units in the US. Created for use in small apartments in Europe and Asia. Still would take up a lot of room in a LD (roughly 2'Wx3'Hx2'D).

All-In-One Washer/Dryer - Washers & Dryers - The Home Depot
Shop Combination Washers & Dryers at Lowes.com
Washer Dryer Combos - Camping World

Mike
Central Florida
Lookin' for a LD

Re: Residential Washer and Dryer
Reply #14
Fu--  Love the icemaker...I wanted one for years!   ;D   When my daughter was in preschool the teachers hung interviews they'd done with the kids in the hallway; Maggie told them my favorite food was ice (she also told them I was 87)!  Wanting to eat everything in sight through two pregnancies--& several years after--ice had the lowest calorie count & she saw me crunching away for years (of course my molars didn't appreciate it, but I've now got about 25 years of abstinence behind me).   ;D
Lynne
LDy Lulubelle, Green '05 31' TB
Lilly, the 4-Legged Alarm

 
Re: Residential Washer and Dryer
Reply #15
New Wells Fargo laundry program...

Bring a twenty dollar bill into any Wells Fargo branch and they will give you 2 rolls of quarters.
Todd (and Steve)
'17 Winnebago Minnie Winnie and '13 Honda CRV
(Former '99 RB owners from 2012-2016)