Hey, I’m Kayla. I live on the road a lot. I’ve had two RV washer dryer combos in two different rigs. I actually used them, like… a lot. Mud, towels, baby clothes, dog blankets—you name it. So here’s the good, the bad, and the “why is the breaker tripping again?”
If you’d like an even deeper dive into the pros, cons, and messy realities, you can read my full write-up on RV washer-dryer combos.
What I Used and Where I Put It
- In our 2019 Grand Design Reflection 303RLS, I used a Splendide WD2100XC. It’s the vented one.
- In our older Class C (small closet, tiny life), I ran an Equator EZ 4400 N in ventless mode.
Both fit fine, but the Splendide felt more “RV-ready.” It slid into the front wardrobe spot. I had washer/dryer prep, but I still cut a 4-inch vent hole in the sidewall for the Splendide. I measured three times. My hands still shook. I used a hole saw, butyl tape, and a bead of Dicor to seal the outside vent. It took me a Saturday and two cups of coffee.
The Equator went in a little hallway closet by the bath. No vent. Simple. That part was nice.
First Wash Nerves (And Early Wins)
You know what? The first wash felt like a little miracle. No laundromat. No pocketful of quarters. I ran a small load of trail clothes after a muddy hike in Zion. Splendide washed and dried them in about two hours. Not fast, but I didn’t have to leave the rig. I folded clothes while soup simmered. It felt cozy.
With the Equator, the first week was sweet too—quiet wash, easy controls. But the dry time stretched longer. Shirts came out warm but a touch damp. I had to hang two or three on a door hook to finish. It worked, just slower.
Real Life Tests That Made Me Believe (Or Grit My Teeth)
- Rain week on the Oregon coast: I washed towels every other day. Splendide handled two towels, a hoodie, and socks in one go. Dry time ran 75–90 minutes. The vent sent steam outside, so the rig stayed comfy.
- Dusty boondock near Moab: I tried a wash on the generator. It ran, but I watched my power. The dryer heat pulled a chunk of amps. I shut off the water heater and didn’t use the microwave. It finished, but I kept it small. Lesson learned.
- Baby blowout in Idaho (sorry, it happens): Quick wash, extra rinse. I used just a tablespoon of HE liquid. No suds overflow. That spin cycle? It’s strong. If the rig isn’t level, you’ll feel it. I now check the bubble level before pressing Start.
- Wet dog blanket: Splendide did it, but it sounded like a small plane taking off during spin. I paused, rearranged, and ran an extra spin. It worked, but I won’t shove a big blanket in again. My ears said no.
Power and Water Notes You’ll Care About
- On 30-amp hookups, I can wash and dry, but I don’t run the A/C and microwave at the same time. I tripped the breaker once when my husband made coffee during a dry cycle. Oops. We laughed. Then we reset it.
- The Splendide heats its own water. So your RV water heater can chill. But the machine draws more power while it warms things up.
- Water use felt like about a sink full and then some. Let’s call it 8–13 gallons per wash, depending on cycle. On full hookups, no stress. On a small gray tank? Two loads can fill it fast. I learned to do a single load, then dump.
Keeping the water flowing smoothly matters just as much as keeping clothes clean, so I also documented my RV water pump story—what worked and what didn’t if you’re troubleshooting pressure issues.
If you’re ever near western North Carolina, the full-hookup sites at Riverhouse Acres are a perfect low-stress spot to run a marathon laundry day without worrying about power or tank space.
Vented vs. Ventless: The Real Gap
- Vented (my Splendide): Faster dry times. Less humidity. Clothes come out actually dry.
- Ventless (my Equator, set that way): Longer dry time. The rig felt a bit damp unless I cracked a window or ran the fan. Clothes sometimes felt “almost dry.” Not bad, just not crisp.
If you have room to vent, I’d go vented. If you can’t, ventless still beats a laundromat in a storm.
Noise, Vibration, and That Little Shake
It’s not silent. Wash is fine. Spin is loud. In a fifth wheel, I felt a gentle thump-thump during high spin. If we weren’t level, it got worse. Rubber pads under the feet helped. So did smaller loads. On the Class C, the Equator was quieter but still wiggly. I wouldn’t nap during spin, but I could read.
Care That Saves Headaches
- Use HE detergent—tiny amounts. I usually use one tablespoon. For pods, I cut them and use half.
- Don’t overstuff. Combos like small, honest loads.
- Clean the lint filter after every dry. For the vented Splendide, I also vacuum the vent hose monthly.
- Leave the door open a bit after a wash. No musty smell.
- I run a hot wash with a cup of white vinegar once a month. Keeps it fresh.
- A kink-free drinking water hose makes tank fills faster and less messy. I put three popular hoses to the test and shared what actually worked in this comparison.
The Good Stuff
- No laundromat runs. Huge win.
- Wash and dry in one tub. Set it and forget it.
- Vented dry is faster than I expected for an RV.
- It fits in small spaces, even with hangers and shoes trying to steal the spot.
The Not-So-Great Stuff
- Dry time is still slow. Plan on two hours for a mixed load.
- Spin is noisy. The rig can shake if you’re not level.
- Ventless mode adds moisture. You’ll want a fan or window open.
- Power juggling is real on 30 amps. No hair dryer during the dry cycle.
- Lint builds up faster than in a house unit.
Sometimes you need a little entertainment while that two-hour cycle spins on. If scrolling social media feels stale, you might enjoy my candid look at a very different kind of online pastime—check out my in-depth Jerkmate review to see pricing details, model quality, and smart privacy tips for streaming from campground Wi-Fi.
While we’re on the theme of finding grown-up fun once the laundry’s done, I’ve also bookmarked a few resources for when the wheels roll into new states. If your route ever takes you through Oklahoma and you’re curious about its after-dark scene beyond the campground, this Oklahoma sex guide lays out reputable venues, local regulations, and traveler-friendly etiquette so you can decide where to park the rig for a laid-back drink or a spicier night out.
Little Tips I Wish Someone Told Me
- Sort by fabric, not just color. Towels alone. T-shirts alone. It balances better.
- Use two wool dryer balls. They help lift fabric and speed dry time a bit.
- If a load feels damp at the end, run a 20-minute dry with the door cracked for a minute first. It helps reset humidity inside the drum.
- Label your panel with a tiny note: “Dryer on? No microwave.” Saves arguments.
Who Should Get One
- Full-time or long-trip RVers who hate laundromats.
- Families who do small, frequent loads.
- Folks who have hookups most weeks and don’t mind slower dry times.
Who might pass? Weekend campers with tiny gray tanks and no power to spare. Or anyone who wants hotel-fast dry times. This is more “steady and chill” than “speed race.”
My Bottom Line
I’d buy the Splendide WD2100XC again in a heartbeat if I can vent it. It’s steady, strong, and RV-friendly. The Equator EZ 4400 N worked when space was tight, but I had to time things and crack windows. Both saved me from coin-op drama, which is worth a lot to me.
If you want to see the precise unit I’m talking about, the Splendide WD2100XC is available through RV Upgrade Store, and there’s an in-depth overview with specs and user impressions on WasherDryerComboz.