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09-07-2003, 03:13 AM
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#1
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3 Rivet Member 
Cary
, North Carolina
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 156
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Washer/Dryer
Hello friends!
Any of you full timers installed a W/D in your A/S?
How did you did it? hows it working? etc...
I have '80 Excella II Rear bath,center twin and i thought of taking the roadside twin out and making a custom closet to hold hanging clothes, W/D combo with the vent going through existing cargo storage door.................i would not have to make any cuts for the exhaust vent and it would be relatively close to the water heater (line would have to run thru the roadside closet to the water heater....no big deal)
Thoughts?
-Jason
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09-07-2003, 06:17 PM
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#2
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3 Rivet Member 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 158
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Don't do it, Go to home depot or lowes and get one of those small shed buildings. Most dryers require a 220volts to run.
As for hot water that you could easily plumb to your outside and end it with a spicket so you can easily disconnect. You can run your electricity to the small bldg and wire up a plug for your a/s. Now you can still go camping if you wish.
__________________
Greg
1976 Soveriegn 31'
F250 Turbo 7.3L Diesel
WBCCI # 3516
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09-07-2003, 08:34 PM
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#3
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3 Rivet Member 
Cary
, North Carolina
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 156
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Thanks Greg,
My plan is to install one that is specifically designed for TT applications.
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09-07-2003, 08:58 PM
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#4
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Just a member
1978 28' Argosy 28
Lutz
, Florida
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 4,549
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You need to look closely at the capacities and weight of that type of unit. My understanding is that a set of sheets is a full load and can that 2+ hours to wash and dry. Many of the bigger Motor Homes have them, but most of the owners I have spoken to use them on travel days while running the genset.
I can understand the desire, but I would be concerned about the weight and how it could affect the towing characteristics of your trailer.
__________________
Brett G
WBCCI #5501 AIR # 49
-------------------------
1978 Argosy 28 foot Motorhome
Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something. -- Plato
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09-08-2003, 03:37 AM
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#5
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Rivet Monster

1975 31' Sovereign
1980 31' Excella II
Sprung Leak
, North Carolina
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 7,172
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IIRC the unit you are looking at actually has a 110volt dryer and they are brutally slow. We had an apartment sized unit that was 110v and it took all day to dry a load of clothes(or so it seemed). If the load happend to be blue jeans it would take 2.5 hours to dry. You can dry them faster than that outside on a sunny day. We have looked at a unit like the one you are considering, for what they cost I can make a lot of trips to the laundromat. Besides if I go to the laundromat I can use more than one machine at a time and get done faster
Aaron
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09-08-2003, 01:38 PM
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#6
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2 Rivet Member 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 73
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I really lusted for the washer/dryer in our 34.5 motorhome and then we started traveling.
No one has mentioned that next to walking your dog the best place to met other full-timers is in the laundry.
I had a real thing against using the laundermats after not doing it for so long. But seriously it is a great way to find out about the area you are in from others. You are all stuck there in the campground laundry for the same reason. Also some of the campgrounds we have been in have the library, internet hook-up next to the laundry.
mareinmn
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02-19-2008, 09:44 AM
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#7
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New Member
Currently Looking...
Fort Scott
, Kansas
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 4
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We Had One
Although not in an Airstream, we did have one of the one piece units that both washed and dried. We had the unvented and our friends got the vented. One set of queen sheets took about an hour to wash and 90 minutes to dry. We had a lot of problems with leaks and the washer in general - my husband's "hobby" became that unit and he says he doesn't miss it but... The floor began to squeak in the area of the washer/dryer. I loved the convenience but it was a hassle. I would love to see someone come up with something really small and great that didn't shake, rattle and roll. Cathy
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02-19-2008, 12:21 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master 
2005 25' International CCD
1954 22' Flying Cloud
1957 22' Flying Cloud
Simi Valley
, California
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,251
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i have a washer/dryer and ice maker that work like magic...
U.S.A. *: Miele, Inc. — Anything else is a compromise
don't get your panties in a wad, if you can't rub two nickles together, don't consider this company.
just sayin,
k.
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02-19-2008, 08:59 PM
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#9
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1 Rivet Member 
1958 22' Flying Cloud
1993 34' Limited
Quartzsite
, Arizona
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 15
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Hello,
I have a vented Splendie in my motorhome (not an AS :O ), and it works great! Just keep in mind that it is a SMALL machine, and the unvented will be very slow to dry. I wash the queen fitted sheet with a pillowcase (or other small items) and it will wash and dry in a timely manner....then wash the flat sheet and the laundry is done. I use the solar dryer when possible.
As for those heavy denim things....I don't have any. (it's a nudist thing!)
I think if you want the laundry system, install it....it is your AS, right? Just keep in mind the weight issues.
Enjoy your day!
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02-19-2008, 10:06 PM
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#11
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Rivet Master 
2007 23' International CCD
Lapeer
, Michigan
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 7,082
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02-20-2008, 12:48 AM
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#12
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Rivet Master 
2012 25' FB Eddie Bauer
Vintage Kin Owner
Virginia Beach
, Virginia
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,801
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I bet it does!
Quote:
Originally Posted by wheel interested
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In college one of the girls in my dorm had a garment bag she regularly used with her hair dryer on low - it would dry one or two blouses with no trouble. Seems like a good idea if you have the space - of course a space heater in the shower with the roof vent open and running would probably work too. (Hm, I'll try it this weekend.)
For a washer, try a 5 gallon drywall compound bucket with lid, bungie cord it to the bed of your truck, drive and let the vibration agitate the water detergent and clothing. Not so good for jeans, but works for undies, blouses. Drain and refill to rinse.
Paula
__________________
Today is a gift, that's why they call it the present.
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02-20-2008, 06:46 AM
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#13
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Rivet Master 
Commercial Member
Vintage Kin Owner
Naples
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,514
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The single unit combo washer/dryers that I sell and service are from Splendide (made in Italy). They are sold in lots of RV outlets too, but very few folks know how to service them (not that they need a lot of service). I would NOT touch the Majestic brand machines, as they have very high repair rate and not-so-good tech support.
They are small units that run strictly on 120VAC and I see them in just about every large MoHo I go into (had one in mine also). Most folks use them all the time. The larger Pevost, Newell and other high-end coaches use true domestic 240VAC stack machines, but they also have 20KW generators that could power a small city!
They wash a load quite well, but you can't really dry the full load effectively with a 120VAC heating element. You have to halve the load, and then it dries in about an hour or so. The ventless units reguire a constant water flow to dry the clothes, and THEY take forever!
Also, remember, these machines weigh about 120lbs, so you have to plan very carefully for it's location with-in your trailer. I would also add a second sheet of plywood under the unit for additional strecgth and weight distribution.
__________________
lewster
Solar Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
Victron Solar Components and Inverters, Zamp Solar Panels, LiFeBlue and Battle Born Lithium Batteries, Lifeline AGM Batteries
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02-20-2008, 11:21 AM
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#14
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3 Rivet Member 
Currently Looking...
Los Angeles
, Massachusetts
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 146
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I had a low-voltage machine that I used in my apartment once. It took all day to do a few loads of laundry. I think it's easier to go to a laundromat.
__________________
"You just have to decide if you’re a Tigger or an Eeyore." - Randy Pausch
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02-20-2008, 11:46 AM
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#15
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Rivet Master 
2012 25' FB Eddie Bauer
Vintage Kin Owner
Virginia Beach
, Virginia
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,801
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an immodest proposal
Ever tried using a salad spinner to wring out your undies?
 P.
__________________
Today is a gift, that's why they call it the present.
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02-20-2008, 12:07 PM
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#16
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Rivet Master 
2007 23' International CCD
Lapeer
, Michigan
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 7,082
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LOL, you crack me up Paula.  I am waiting to see how your test of the heater in the shower goes, our heater seems as if it might be too intense for the walls for any length of time, but not sure if we turned it down just how low it will heat.
I saw a towel warmer here.
Warmrails Towel Warmer - Wonderbar Towel & Drying Rack (wxw/wxc)
Wonderbar Towel & Drying Rack Features: - Portable - No assembly required
- Hanging all purpose Warmer and Dryer Rack
- Hangs on existing towel bar. Instructions included
- Plugs into standard electrical outlet
- Assembled dimensions - 18.5” w x 26.5” h x 1.75” d
- 7’ power cord, entry on left or right side
- Filatherm dry element, 45 watt rating, 120v AC
- UL and CUL Listed
- Chrome or White finishes
On average, Warmrail uses between 35 – 150 watts of electricity (compared to dryers that on average use 4,900 watts). You can really save on unnecessary laundry loads by keeping your towels dry and fresh between uses. Use your Warmrail instead of the clothes dryer and make some real energy savings
Keeps Towels Dry and Fresh Your Warmrail is designed to run safely and efficiently 24 hours a day. After using your towel, fold it to double thickness* and hang it over the Warmrail. The next time you reach for your towel it will be dry and warm. Even in the humid summer months the Warmrail will keeps your towels dry and stop them from smelling musty.
Control Bathroom Damp and Mildew Warmrails aren't designed to heat rooms, but they do help to reduce dampness in poorly ventilated bathrooms. This is great news for rooms that suffer from mold and mildew growth. For this same reason, boat owners find that Warmrails are invaluable in drying out humid, damp sea air from boat cabins.
I would like dry undies, always a plus, LOL. And socks and washclothes and towels drying faster would be some more good things.
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03-29-2008, 09:23 AM
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#17
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1 Rivet Member 
1972 29' Ambassador
Morris
, Indiana
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 10
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I have a Splendide. And have been using it for over 7 months outside the AS. It beats going to the laundry mat. It saves time and money. We are currently looking at ways to install it in our 73 AS.
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03-29-2008, 05:55 PM
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#18
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Vintage Kin
Fort Worth
, Texas
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,014
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We considered adding one to the Silver Streak, but realized, in talking with those who already had a Splendide that there was no time savings. We would ask around about laundromats to find the one that had the newest machines and best appearance. We "filled out" our wardrobe of clothes to be able to go about 10-14 days and then would hit the laundromat with 7washer loads and be out in a couple of hours with everything dried, folded and hung. I also made this my day to wash the truck and we would also go for any non-grocery shopping.
Worked very well for over seven months.
Splendide was the only machine I heard reasonable comments about from the three service techs I asked; all cautioned that difficult installations also made for difficult service.
I had the space in the bathroom (one of two closets) and the hookups would have been easy. Decided I'd rather spend the same money on a built-in vacuum and some electrical system upgrades.
Good luck.
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06-20-2008, 07:24 AM
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#19
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1 Rivet Member 
1972 29' Ambassador
Morris
, Indiana
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 10
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I have a Splendide in my AS. Works great. We took out the heater and oven. And put the W/D in that space. Bought a convection/Micro to replace the oven. And we never used the heater.
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06-20-2008, 08:34 AM
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#20
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Rivet Master 
Airstream Dealer
1975 31' Sovereign
Searcy
, Arkansas
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,714
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Foiled Again
Ever tried using a salad spinner to wring out your undies?
 P.
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Hey Paula,
Did that one time, but the next time I fixed salad my wife wouldn't eat it!
G
__________________
Airstream of Arkansas
www.airstreamofarkansas.com
877-Air-hog1
877-247-4641
Keeping the Airstream Dream Alive!
AIR #8844
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