Vented/non vented washer/dryer

[danrn]

We are considering getting a washer/dryer combo next year. Now getting a non vented one would save on having to cut a hole on the side of our camper, but do the non vented ones work as well as the vented ones, and would there be a lot of condensation in the camper?
Thanks

[almcc]

Just a suggestion regarding getting a Spendide W/D combo. If you have the space for a washer and a separate dryer, take that route. Over the years we went through two of these combos (first died with some sort of electrical melt down under warranty, second had multiple internal lint clogs, each requiring dis-assembly, then it finally died electrically). We are "half timers" and the washer and dryer gets about 5 month of continuous use each year. The Splendide vented combo unit wasn't up to the task, it seemed like more of a toy based on our experiences. It might be OK for very occasional use, however.

[atom ant]

I've always had the vented because I've heard the non-vented are not very efficient.

I've cut my 3rd 4" hole to install dryers in these rigs! After the 1st, they get easier

[travelin' texans]

I totally agree, buy the separates, the combo would be almost ok if you only did a very small load once a week & have a good iron. Get the dimensions of your closet & look at apartment size separates, would be a lot cheaper than the Splendide brand. Remember though dryer is 110 not 220 volt!!

[mhs4771]

I would not take a Non-Vented unit if you gave me one. Good friends and new RW owners just went thru that with their Jayco. Could never get the clothes dry, had to be removed while still damp and laid out or hung up to finish drying.
As for the Vented Combo, we had one in our Montana without a problem, and same type in our previous RW RL that got used every other day for the three years we had it. Now in this MB we did go with the separate units.

[piper guy]

I think in the GK there is enough room to use an apartment size Whirlpool stacked unit. That would be my choice.

In our RL, I did some research and wound up using units that come from Japan and are designed for small apartments where the W/D need to be very compact and portable. Also are lightweight.

Our washer is made by Danby, is a top loader with an agitator and conditioner dispenser and is very quiet. Weighs 65 lbs. the Dryer is by Sonya and weighs 43 lbs. I had to do a custom mount but wasn't too hard. When/if we replace our RL I will use the same units again. Very quiet, very smooth, no vibration and does a great job on clothes. Oh .... And did I mention the price $$$ was right ?

[rob_fla]

We have the Whirlpool stackable units (actually a Maytag Washer and Sears Kenmore Dryer / both Whirlpool products), larger tubs than the Splendide units and much lower purchase cost.
We have been using them for over 4 years now (3 years in our previous SOB 5er and a year and a half in our Redwood and to date no issues and very happy with the performance. About a hour for the wash cycle and about a hour for the dry cycle. (We are fulltimers so they get used regularly)

[Shane Wood]

After a year of owning our splendid 7100xc combo ventless
I would not purchase another unless we were just using the trailer on weekends. Ours has been used daily during this time and takes 3 hrs per load. We have learned all the tricks to keep the lint from clogging. If you dry the clothes until dry t hey are very wrinkled.you need to take them out damp and air dry. Would have been better to buy a wash board and put up a clothesline. I should have listened to everyone and cut the hole. It is still better than a laundromat though

[atom ant]

We have the Splendide Ariston side by sides, and they are now 8 years old. The only complaint I have is the dryer can get pretty noisy. The good side is, it is big enough to hold two of the washer loads, so even if it's slow, you can double up on it and go do your other activities while it works.

[danrn]

Thanks for all the responses. I kind of already knew vented was the way to go.
I have one more question.
Most of the responses indicated that a stackable washer/dryer was the way to go, and I can see the benefits, but I would like to keep half of the closet for storage. So, are the washer/dryer combos really a bad choice?
Thanks

[mhs4771]

In our opinion, No, it's not a bad choice
As I mentioned, we had the combo in our Montana for several years and in our RW 36RL, we wanted to save the Dryer area for extra storage. We used our combo almost every other day for three years with no problems.
We just decided with the Butler's Pantry in our MB and the additional space in the Front Bath that we didn't need the extra space, so went with the stacked washer & dryer. It is a nice feature to be able to start a second load of wash while the first is drying, but not what you would call a "Must Have Feature".

[travelin' texans]

We (or should I say DW) used ours for almost 3 years & it works & we had no problems mechanically, just do small loads & don't be in a hurry!

[atom ant]

Combo are real common. Many 5th wheels and most Motorhomes I've looked at can only accommodate a combo, and I haven't heard any complaints. My buddy has had the new Splendide 2100 vented for two years and they really like it.

[Elliott & Vicky]

Although we don't have a washer/dryer, I would never use a non-vented dryer, as the water vapor from the drying process has to go somewhere, and into the trailer is not the best.

[RWJSIM2003]

Vented is the way to go with either combo or separate units.

[atom ant]

I tried a non-vented combo in a Las Vegas hotel room (LG version). I couldn't even get them ironed out - the clothes were a mess.

[mhs4771]

Brad, your problem was, you were trying to get the clothes DRY...................my understanding is you can't do it with a Ventless unit. Have to remove them still damp and air dry them.

[Shane Wood]

Originally Posted by Elliott & Vicky

Although we don't have a washer/dryer, I would never use a non-vented dryer, as the water vapor from the drying process has to go somewhere, and into the trailer is not the best.

The non vented does not go in the trailer it goes down the drain. There is no moisture accumulation inside. They just Don dry very well

[atom ant]

Originally Posted by mhs4771

Brad, your problem was, you were trying to get the clothes DRY...................my understanding is you can't do it with a Ventless unit. Have to remove them still damp and air dry them.

Ah, kind of like removing the dishes from the dishwasher when they are done and washing off what the dishwasher left on

[Dave&Ginny]

Originally Posted by piper guy

I think in the GK there is enough room to use an apartment size Whirlpool stacked unit. That would be my choice.

In our RL, I did some research and wound up using units that come from Japan and are designed for small apartments where the W/D need to be very compact and portable. Also are lightweight.

Our washer is made by Danby, is a top loader with an agitator and conditioner dispenser and is very quiet. Weighs 65 lbs. the Dryer is by Sonya and weighs 43 lbs. I had to do a custom mount but wasn't too hard. When/if we replace our RL I will use the same units again. Very quiet, very smooth, no vibration and does a great job on clothes. Oh .... And did I mention the price $$$ was right ?

I agree! My Redwood had the set up from the factory but my new coach has the regular apartment units and they work much better.