RV adventuring can be fun and relaxing, but sometimes it tests your patience. To eliminate some of the more common camper hassles, manufacturers are adding appliances and accessories to meet consumer demand for more convenience and ensure their success. 

There are various appliances you can add to your camper. And one, in particular, could make camping a bit easier for you and that’s a washing machine and a dryer. What benefits do they bring, and what are the drawbacks to owning a set?

The pros of having a washer and dryer in your RV

Some newer RVs come equipped with washer and dryer units, and others have hookups and plumbing so you can install the appliances yourself, RV Life reports.  

Having a washer and dryer in your camper is handy because you don’t accumulate piles of dirty laundry. Otherwise, you’d have to set aside your stinky clothes to take care of later at home. Either that, or you’d have to haul your loads (and quarters) to nearby laundromats. That’s a hassle. Plus, with countless other customers using laundromat washers and dryers, you don’t know if there will be space for your loads or even if the machines have been well-maintained. 

Another advantage to having a washer and dryer in your RV is efficiency. They provide a way to clean your clothes in a pinch while you get other tasks done. Using a campground’s laundry facilities is fine, but not everyone is comfortable starting a load and leaving to do something else. 

By having your own machines, you can start a load anytime you want while you relax, watch a movie with your family, or get other tasks done. Walk only a few feet to check on your laundry instead of traipsing to the other end of the campground and back. 

The cons of RV washing machines and dryers

Sure, having a washing machine and dryer in your camper seems like a luxury, but sometimes they’re not so convenient after all. There are also a few disadvantages to consider.

For instance, if you’re into boondocking, it’d make no sense to have your own washer and dryer, RV Life explains. You’d need electricity to run these machines. You’d also need water and sewer connections, which aren’t possible when you’re roughing it in the wilderness. 

Another problem you might run into is the limited amount of laundry you could do at a time. These machines are typically small and can handle only tiny loads. If you have a large family and tons of laundry, you might expect to use your machines several times throughout the day. 

Yet another issue is they take up quite a bit of space. RVs have little space as it is, so you need to be mindful of how you’re using every square inch in your camper. By taking up a large amount of room for your laundry set, you can expect to have less room for storage. A large set wouldn’t be feasible for small RVs like camper vans and teardrop trailers.

Are there any alternatives?

A few alternatives could help you get your laundry done and help you avoid the hassles a washer and dryer could pose. One popular choice is a portable unit that you power with a hand crank or electricity. 

A manual washer doesn’t require electricity, and you don’t need to use up your gray tank or connect to a sewer. They’re also inexpensive, costing around $60 or so. The drawbacks are you’ll have to hang your clothes to dry, and you can wash only a few items at a time. 

Another alternative is a washer/dryer combo. This appliance is a washer and dryer rolled into one. They can be installed in your RV, and some campers already include them. The drawback is these units can be costly. Expect to pay around $1,000 to $1,200 for one. 

If none of the other options appeals to you, you could use your campground’s laundry facilities, head into town to the nearest laundromat, or hand-wash your clothes and hang them to dry. 

RVs nowadays make cruising and camping more convenient with appliances like washers and dryers. Though they’re not always the best option, plenty of other alternatives can make RV life less of a hassle.