Washer/Dryer question

[coloradolivin]

Was wondering if anyone has seen or heard of anyone installing an apartment style stack washer/dryer in an RV. Why, you might ask would I ask this question. Well, my local RV guy said he installed one on a Travel Supreme and the only difficulty was in getting the 220V to the dryer. However, they tapped both sides of the converter to gain 220, installed a breaker and were able to run the wiring up the wall behind the closet for the dryer. I think that is all doable on the 38GK. Again, why not just go with the Splendide stack units ?? I have heard that parts availability is an issue as well as winterizing. Also, a 24" apartment unit is significantly cheaper than the Splendide pair. Any feedback greatly appreciated.

[heros3]

We just had an issue with our splendide washer. I have been very happy with the unit using it several times a week. We called westland the washer is still under warranty and the tech walked my husband through what to test the parts are on the way. We could not be happier with their help and response.

[atom ant]

Winterizing is probably easier on the Splendide than it would be an an Apartment stack, and the one time I had to get parts it was easy, but a bit pricey (I broke my cold water solenoid installing the washer - $80).

But with that - I did help a buddy install a stacked Whirlpool in his Montana. The 220 was easy because the electrical panel was above the W/D closet on the 3400RL where it faced the bathroom wall for access. The only issues was he couldn't dry at a 30A site. He liked the faster dry on the 220V dryer. The bigger issue the the hoses - Montana had them fed from the side and it was tight with the apt stack because they had side braces that held up the dryer over the top load washer.

[ted 95]

As for me you don't want to start playing with "true" 220/240 in an RV. That is the simple reason 30a will not do it on true 220. You will always need true 220 ( A and B) phasing. And what happens if you wind up at a CG where your outlet is supplying 2 legs of phase A. You will have your 2 lines of 50a but not 220. We have enough problems with voltage drop - brown out - do you want to get into this????

[rob_fla]

Lots of people use the 24" Apartment Stackable units.
I have a Maytag Washer (made by Whirlpool) and a 120 Volt Sears Dryer (made by Whirlpool)
Bought them at a Sears store in Tampa FL a little over 5 years ago.
I have been using them regularly (been fulltime for over 5 years now) without any problems.
The Maytag Washer takes about 1 hour to complete its cycle, the Sears Dryer takes about the same amount of time to complete its drying cycle.
For me there is really no benefit to going to a 220 Volt Dryer as when the Washing machine is done, I take the clothes out of the dryer and put the just finished load out of the washing machine into the dryer and load the washing machine with the next load if needed.
The Drum capacity is slightly larger on the Whirlpool units than some of the "RV" units and the cost is much lower.

[coloradolivin]

Originally Posted by heros3

We just had an issue with our splendide washer. I have been very happy with the unit using it several times a week. We called westland the washer is still under warranty and the tech walked my husband through what to test the parts are on the way. We could not be happier with their help and response.

That is good to hear.

[coloradolivin]

Originally Posted by atom ant

Winterizing is probably easier on the Splendide than it would be an an Apartment stack, and the one time I had to get parts it was easy, but a bit pricey (I broke my cold water solenoid installing the washer - $80).

But with that - I did help a buddy install a stacked Whirlpool in his Montana. The 220 was easy because the electrical panel was above the W/D closet on the 3400RL where it faced the bathroom wall for access. The only issues was he couldn't dry at a 30A site. He liked the faster dry on the 220V dryer. The bigger issue the the hoses - Montana had them fed from the side and it was tight with the apt stack because they had side braces that held up the dryer over the top load washer.

Thanks Brad, local rv tech said it might be an easier winterize with the apartment than the Splendide...I don't think he knew...

[coloradolivin]

Originally Posted by ted 95

As for me you don't want to start playing with "true" 220/240 in an RV. That is the simple reason 30a will not do it on true 220. You will always need true 220 ( A and B) phasing. And what happens if you wind up at a CG where your outlet is supplying 2 legs of phase A. You will have your 2 lines of 50a but not 220. We have enough problems with voltage drop - brown out - do you want to get into this????

All true concerns, I guess price was a big motivating factor. But considering the time and money spent running the 220, may not work out

[coloradolivin]

Originally Posted by rob_fla

Lots of people use the 24" Apartment Stackable units.
I have a Maytag Washer (made by Whirlpool) and a 120 Volt Sears Dryer (made by Whirlpool)
Bought them at a Sears store in Tampa FL a little over 5 years ago.
I have been using them regularly (been fulltime for over 5 years now) without any problems.
The Maytag Washer takes about 1 hour to complete its cycle, the Sears Dryer takes about the same amount of time to complete its drying cycle.
For me there is really no benefit to going to a 220 Volt Dryer as when the Washing machine is done, I take the clothes out of the dryer and put the just finished load out of the washing machine into the dryer and load the washing machine with the next load if needed.
The Drum capacity is slightly larger on the Whirlpool units than some of the "RV" units and the cost is much lower.

Thanks for the feedback, I did not know Sears had a 120 volt dryer....will have to do more research.

[atom ant]

I was pretty shocked how many companies had a 110v stackable. Whirlpool is common in RVs now, I think GE makes them, Samsung, etc.

[RWJSIM2003]

We had a Whirlpool stack set in our Fleetwood Discovery MH before the RW is was larger than the Splendid set in the RW and I think worked much better. I know it took less time to dry. We thought about switching out the sets when we bought the RW but in the end did not want to mess with pulling them out. Another plus was the Whirlpool washer never smelled like the Splendid does. Seems like we have to really clean out the current washer and run a cleaner through it or it will smell. I leave the door open when not in use or it will start to smell.

[coloradolivin]

Originally Posted by RWJSIM2003

We had a Whirlpool stack set in our Fleetwood Discovery MH before the RW is was larger than the Splendid set in the RW and I think worked much better. I know it took less time to dry. We thought about switching out the sets when we bought the RW but in the end did not want to mess with pulling them out. Another plus was the Whirlpool washer never smelled like the Splendid does. Seems like we have to really clean out the current washer and run a cleaner through it or it will smell. I leave the door open when not in use or it will start to smell.

Do you know if the Whirlpool was an apartment unit that was 110V ??? Had not heard about the Splendide smelling...

[coloradolivin]

Originally Posted by atom ant

I was pretty shocked how many companies had a 110v stackable. Whirlpool is common in RVs now, I think GE makes them, Samsung, etc.

Thanks Brad, I did find a lot of options other than Splendide. I guess at the end of the day, the issue of running 220 just for a dryer is just not going to be cost effective

Thanks all for the feedback

[RWJSIM2003]

The model numbers for the Whirlpool ones we had in the MH are


Dryer Model # LDR3822PQ
Washer WFC7500VW


They worked very well and were stacked in the cabinet of the MH.

[coloradolivin]

Originally Posted by RWJSIM2003

The model numbers for the Whirlpool ones we had in the MH are


Dryer Model # LDR3822PQ
Washer WFC7500VW


They worked very well and were stacked in the cabinet of the MH.

Thanks you guys very much. They were the exact models I looked at. I guess at this point, there is no point in running the 220. Winterization and parts availability seem more of an issue, although, not much of one in all reality.

Thanks for the input

[atom ant]

The Spendides in our Redwood were some we bought in 2007, and now we have a set that were in the coach from 2013 and I've never had a smell.

I have heard on all front load machines there is a potential for some mold to collect on the door seal. I always leave the washer door cracked open when not using it.

[proteus]

I have this same setup maytag washer. Whirlpool 125 v dryer seems to work fine

[Char & Steve]

We purchased the Splendide ventless combo unit right after we purchased the RW and after about 6 months out it came!
We took Rob's advice above and purchased the same washer but got the Electrolux dryer. Now vented out the side and wife loves it.

Steve

[riciren]

We have the stacked whirlpool washer and dryer, both work great, which makes the DW happy. Happy wife makes for happy husband!!