Future owner question for advice

jms1963 · 01-07-2018, 08:52 PM

We are in the process of purchasing a 2018 3821rl. We are have a washer & dryer added to it. The dealer said due to the location of the washer&dryer in the hall closet we could get a single combo unit or a separate washer and dryer. I would like y'alls opinion on which would you prefer and why. And the pro's and con's. Thank you in advance . We can not wait to take delivery of our new Redwood !

**piper guy** · 01-07-2018, 10:34 PM

I would do separate unless you really need the storage. Also, in that unit since it's stacked I would do a Whirlpool apartment style stacked rather than the Splendide. Whole lot less $$$

MuddFlap · 01-08-2018, 12:52 AM

I agree with the stack unit. Either way you go, make sure the dryer is vented. One
bit of caution: I got a stainless steel vent and the exterior vent is in an area of black paint. I should have had it color matched.

travelin' texans · 01-08-2018, 02:34 AM

If you're ordering the unit have factory install the separates, they work great & the dryer vent will be painted.
Unless you like to iron, DO NOT get the combo!! EVERYTHING comes out wrinkled & each load is about a 2 hour cycle!

rob_fla · 01-08-2018, 03:26 AM

I agree with the Stacked Washer and Dryer being the best way to go.
We have Whirlpool units, been flawless for 5 years of fulltime use.
The drums / capacity on the Whirlpool units is slightly larger than RV Branded units.

atom ant · 01-08-2018, 04:42 PM

Go with separate units. The dryer has a large enough capacity to take nearly 2 full washer loads. I installed our Splendide units in two fifth wheels and they were trouble free for the 9 years we had them, and now we have a 4 yo set that came with our MH and they work perfectly.

Be careful of what the factory is selling you - A friend had factory units installed in his Avalanche, and I never heard of the brand he got from Keystone. Make sure they are Splendide or Whirlpool. Majestic was a terrible brand out there, and some may be just trying to get into the market. I'm sure Lippert must have something they will try to shove at you

They make their own awnings now I see.

MuddFlap · 01-08-2018, 08:50 PM

When I bought my RW last year the salesman told me that the factory no longer installs w/d, the dealer has to do it.

atom ant · 01-08-2018, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MuddFlap

When I bought my RW last year the salesman told me that the factory no longer installs w/d, the dealer has to do it.

I think the salesman is full of beans, but maybe so. It was always far cheaper to have the factory do it because their labor was cheaper, and the options were discounted along with MSRP. Plus, the factory had a better chance of placing the vent and exterior paint over the vent cover. Very expensive to come in later and do it. My vent would have required 3 colors.

Highcountrybarry · 01-08-2018, 09:58 PM

My 2018 required a dealer install. There wasn’t a choice on the order sheet either.

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xtasee · 01-08-2018, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Highcountrybarry

My 2018 required a dealer install. There wasn’t a choice on the order sheet either.

I just looked at the 2017 build sheet and it shows 2 piece from the factory available on every model except the 31SL (my unit). They must have changed it for 2018.

The interesting thing is that my 2017 31SL is plumbed for the W/D in the front walk-in closet. There is not much room there so I assume the single would be the option if I wanted dealer installed.

LeWaDi · 01-15-2018, 05:08 AM

We ordered our new 5th wheel in April of 2017 and took delivery of a 2018 3991RD in July. We also were told that the factory no longer installs W/D combos, but that we could order and have the installation done by the dealer. We opted for a combo due to the confined closet space and concern for the additional weight. We were given a quote for a Splendide Combo. We also requested that the dealer install keyless entry, as that was not a factory option either.
When we picked up the RV we noticed they had installed a Pinnacle Super Combo. Having done extensive research on the Splendide, it was back to the drawing board with the Pinnacle since we were not provided with a user manual. After much research we were able to determine that the dealer installed a 2013 Model 4000. Pinnacle also offers an upgraded Model 4400 introduced in 2016.
After using the washer the first time, and having it leak profusely, we had to uninstall the unit and correct the shoddy plumbing job performed by the dealer. The p-trap was barely attached and the drain pipe was at least an inch too short. Fortunately the dealer did install a drain plug through to the exterior and the water that poured out of the poorly installed plastic pipes ran directly outside.
We use Splendide detergent and Downey liquid softener. No complaints about the Combo itself - yet. The upgraded model would have been more appreciated as it has some much improved features. Pinnacle detergent: $172.30 for 5 lb or 200 loads. Splendide detergent: $29 for 5 lb.

travelin' texans · 01-15-2018, 04:49 PM

DW uses the detergent pods (Tide or Gain) in our Splendide washer, has never bought Spendide detergent, no problems in 5 years doing approximately a load daily.

ted 95 · 01-18-2018, 03:13 AM

Some Extended warranties require that any item that are covered be installed at the factory. Not by you or a dealer.
The Whirlpool for me is a better deal for if you ever need parts or replacement they are easier to source and less $$$$.
And last but not least on the washer in the lower right corner there is a filter that the cover unscrews. Clean it out every 6 months. We didn't and it caused the pump to go. ( you will need FEW TOWELS when you open it up)

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