You’ve decided to hit the road for the next six months, and you know you’re going to need access to a washer and dryer. Lugging a basket of dirty laundry around won’t cut it. So what travel trailer options are there? Let’s look at a few travel trailers with washer and dryer hook-ups to make life easier while traveling.
Do Travel Trailers Come with Washer/Dryer Units?
Most towable RVs don’t come with washer and dryer units. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t have them. You can find travel trailers with washer and dryer hook-ups, although they are limited. If you search for newer models, you’ll have more luck finding a travel trailer prepped for a washer and dryer.
Which Travel Trailers Come with Washer/Dryer Hook-ups?
Because travel trailers are usually smaller than fifth wheels and motorized RVs, it’s harder to find travel trailers with washer and dryer connections. The wardrobe space where these hook-ups tend to hide in fifth wheels usually isn’t as large in travel trailers.
Sometimes you’ll find a washer and dryer space in the master bedroom closet. But you lose clothing space with those set-ups. Let’s take a closer look at three travel trailers that offer this connection.
Grand Design Reflection 300RBTS
Grand Design is a leading manufacturer of travel trailers and fifth wheels, especially for full-time travelers. In the 300RBTS model, you’ll find a rear bathroom, middle living area, and front master bedroom. There’s a space prepped for a washer and dryer in the very front of the travel trailer, where the master bedroom wardrobe sits.
This model features two slides, one in the master bedroom and one in the living area. It’s about 35 feet with a GVWR of almost 10,000 pounds. The Grand Design Reflection 300RBTS retails for around $45,000-$50,000.
2020 Coachmen Catalina Destination Series
Coachmen is another leading manufacturer of towable campers. The Destination Series features travel trailers that tend to sit stationary. A couple may want to live in a travel trailer for a few months while waiting on home construction. A family may purchase an annual spot at a campground where their camper stays year-round. The Coachmen Catalina Destination Series is a good choice in these situations.
The 39RLTS model features washer and dryer hook-ups in a small closet in the master bedroom. If you do choose to add a washer and dryer, you’ll have limited wardrobe space for clothes in this model. The 39MKTS model has the same space for a washer and dryer in the master bedroom but also offers a separate larger closet space for clothes.
Both Coachmen Catalina Destination Series travel trailer models are about 41 feet with a GVWR of about 11,000 pounds. That makes them larger options compared to the Grand Design Reflection 300RBTS.
Recreation By Design Navigation Travel Trailer
With three slides, the Recreation By Design Navigation NV2 offers a lot of space over its 32 feet. Recreation By Design also offers custom floor plans that feature washer and dryer connections. However, these models are more limited than the Grand Design and Coachmen models, so you may have a harder time finding an available unit.
Pro Tip: No washer or dryer in your RV? No worries! This is How To Do RV Laundry On The Road
Can You Add Plumbing for a Washer/Dryer Unit to Your Existing Travel Trailer?
All hope is not lost if you fall in love with a model that doesn’t feature a washer and dryer hook-up.
If you have an older travel trailer and want to add a washer and dryer, you can add plumbing and do some modifications to put in a unit. You’ll have to decide whether to drain the washer into your gray or black tank and then get the correct piping. If you’re a good handyman, you might be able to do this yourself. However, hiring a professional to add the correct plumbing is also an option.
You’ll also want to pay attention to the voltage of the dryer. Some 30 amp travel trailers won’t support a 220-volt dryer. Read the owner’s manual before buying and installing a washer and dryer. An electrician will need to do some rewiring unless this is something you’re comfortable doing on your own.
What Are Your Options for Travel Trailer Washer Dryers?
Depending on the space available in your travel trailer, you have three options for a washer and dryer. If you’re in a tiny space, a stackable unit isn’t a good option. Another factor to consider is the length of time to complete a load of laundry. If you’re constantly traveling and on the go, you’ll want a quicker option. Let’s take a closer look.
Combo Units
An RV washer dryer combo unit is the most popular choice for full-time RVers. They’re efficient and take up less space since one unit does both the washing and drying. The downside is they’re smaller, so the loads must be smaller, and they take several hours to finish just one load.
Stackable Units
Similar to stackable units in a sticks-and-bricks house, stackable units are common in RVs. You can use both units at the same time. For larger families, these stackable options make a great choice when multiple loads of laundry are waiting. However, since they’re twice the size of a combo unit, they take up twice as much room. A stackable unit won’t fit in a smaller travel trailer.
Portable Options
A portable washer needs an electrical outlet, drain, and sink. Usually, you’ll find these portable units connected to the outdoor kitchen sink or the inside kitchen sink.
Don’t start your research from scratch: check out the 5 Best Small Washing Machines for RV Living for your portable options.
Most portable dryers are non-vented. These portable options are affordable, require little electricity, and are water efficient. But if you’re looking for a more permanent solution, these aren’t the best options. They’re also heavy and lower quality compared to combo and stackable units.
Pro Tip: Say goodbye to hanging your clothes out to dry while on the road. These are the 5 Best RV Dryers for Doing Laundry on the Move.
Do You Really Need a Travel Trailer with Washer and Dryer?
This is a question that only you can answer. If you’re planning on camping often for long periods, you may want to consider a travel trailer with a washer and dryer. However, if you’re only traveling a few weekends a year, then you can get by without a washer and dryer connection.
Likewise, if you don’t mind carrying a load of laundry to the campground laundry facilities and spending anywhere from $6-$10 for each load, then a washer and dryer hook-up may not be high on your priority list. Consider how often you camp, the length of your stays, and your own comfort with laundry facilities.
Many families who have traveled for years will say that having a washer and dryer in their camper is a game-changer. Other couples will say having the extra space in their wardrobe for storage is more important. What about you? What fits your travel lifestyle?
Do you need laundry hook-ups in your next travel trailer? Drop a comment below!
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Jan
Saturday 19th of March 2022
i will definitely need laundry hook ups installed in my next travel trailer!