Adding Washer/Dryer that's not plumbed... - RV-Dreams Community Forum

ourZbiz · RV-Dreams Family Member

Adding Washer/Dryer that's not plumbed...

Luvglass · RV-Dreams Family Member

The washer drains into the gray tank and the electricity comes off your shore power input. The dryer especially needs a pretty heavy line. You also have to vent the dryer outside. Unless you are REALLY handy, this is a job for a pro.

Good luck,

ourZbiz · RV-Dreams Family Member

Luvglass wrote:

The washer drains into the gray tank and the electricity comes off your shore power input. The dryer especially needs a pretty heavy line. You also have to vent the dryer outside. Unless you are REALLY handy, this is a job for a pro.

Good luck,

Thanks Fred!

I wasn't sure if adding an extra gray tank was worth it or even possible; or just draining it straight to the sewer was better since I'd be starting from scratch.

As for the electrical...hubby's BF is an electrical engineer, this is easy stuff for him, lol. Again, wasn't sure if we should run a dedicated line straight to the pedistal if it makes it easier. Venting outside...absolutely!

Of course we'd look at all options and make sure we're not biting off more than we could chew, lol. If it involves removing walls or whatever then definately have the pro's do it. Which is why I'm asking here first.

Judy · RV-Dreams Family Member

I might suggest for you to find out how much water it takes to fill your washer in gallons and how big a gray tank you already might have. Why would you want to drain it into your black (sewer) tank ? You will want the gray water to wash out your black tank after draining it first.
southwestjudy

ourZbiz · RV-Dreams Family Member

Judy wrote:

I might suggest for you to find out how much water it takes to fill your washer in gallons and how big a gray tank you already might have. Why would you want to drain it into your black (sewer) tank ? You will want the gray water to wash out your black tank after draining it first.
southwestjudy

I wouldn't drain it to the black tank...I was thinking if I had "full" hook-ups, draining straight to the sewer but that wouldn't be good. The gray tank is 85.5 so that should be fine.

As for the washer size? Don't know but thinking of the stackable one if it will fit in the closet.

Judy · RV-Dreams Family Member

I think when you find a washer in the directions sometimes it will tell you how many gallons it takes to fill it. We have a seperate washer and dryer in our unit. That way I can wash and dry at the same time. We had dealer install them and they put in a Kenmore. I love them. There is also a link on washers and dryers in this forum. Search it at top of page.
southwestjudy

Luvglass · RV-Dreams Family Member

When we have full hookups we leave the gray tank valve open, so the washer is in effect hooked directly to the sewer. we only close the gray a day or so before we are going to dump the black, so we have enough rinse water to clean out the hose.

DagoRanch · RV-Dreams Family Member

Something else to consider if you want to "add" a washer/dryer to a rig that didn't come with the hookups, is weight. You would be adding to the dry weight of the rig, thereby reducing your cargo carrying capacity accordingly. It's at least a couple of hundred pounds, and maybe not a big deal, depending on the situation, but it could also be make or break depending on the amount capacity you have.

My grandfather had a Park Model in Bullhead City with one of those all-in-one small washer/dryers... To be honest... they kinda suck. I wouldn't use one, it's easier to just hit the laundry-mat.

And yes, I DO do my own laundry!

-- Edited by DagoRanch on Thursday 8th of October 2009 05:06:20 PM

ourZbiz · RV-Dreams Family Member

oh again something I didn't consider...the weight. Well I could off set it by carrying certain things in the bed of the truck. That is a possibility.

so much to consider but again I've got time on my side.

Thanks everyone for the input.

-- Edited by ourZbiz on Thursday 8th of October 2009 10:08:22 PM

Workinrvers · RV-Dreams Family Member

the easiest option it seems to me would be to get a non-vented combo unit. We have the Spledide model and love it. The unit is plugged into it's own circuit with it's own 20amp breaker (110 volts). The drain is connected to the main dump pipe and does not empty into either grey or black tanks so we do have to be hooked up to sewer to do laundry (ours did come from the factory with the w/d option). Installation would be a straight forward affair of running the power, water (both hot and cold) and plumbing up to the drain.

The combo units don't take up as much space as the stackables but you will still lose the majority of room in a closet for the unit.

There are pros and cons to all the differant types, use the search function as these have been discussed at length here.

Hope this helps,

Phil

-- Edited by Phil Bob on Friday 9th of October 2009 09:19:33 AM

-- Edited by Phil Bob on Friday 9th of October 2009 09:21:50 AM

flyone · RV-Dreams Family Member

Zbiz, it might not be as easy as moving something to the bed of the truck. The truck has a weight limit too. They each (truck & tralier) have indivudual weight limits and together as a rig they have still another weight limit. You want to obey all 3 weight limits with the lowest being the real limiting factor. When you are rolling down the highway all weight in the truck and trailer, including people, fuel, water, washing machine and dryer must be taken into consideration.

Flyone

Luvglass · RV-Dreams Family Member

If you are planning on fulltiming, you should be looking for a trailer or MH with a carrying capacity ( CCC ), of at least 3000#. In that context, 200# for the washer / dryer isn't that important.

Carrying capacity is one of the most important specifications that is overlooked when purchasing a rig. A lot of people get enamored with the appearance and doodads, and end up making a poor long term choice. Since the average RV is only used for about 30 days a year by vacationers, the industry is geared in that direction and designs and markets accordingly.

Fulltimers are still a small percentage of the market, so you have to be careful in your choices.