Wash Laundry in an RV – Recommended Portable Washing Machines

Portable washing machines are a game changer for full and part time RVers that want to clean their laundry from the comfort of their rig. No more inconvenient trips to the local or campground laundromat after scrounging for quarters to feed poorly maintained machines. No more physically repetitive labor spending hours agitating your clothing in a bucket with a tool that looks somewhat like a plunger. The portable washing machine is an appliance that allows you to wash your clothes in the comfort of your RV without spending hours manually plunging and agitating or half the day at a laundry facility.

Over the past several years, portable washing machines have steadily improved with every new generation offering higher quality, effective machines that give expensive traditional RV washer/dryer combos a run for their money.

Unfortunately, the progress and success of these machines is a double edged sword because they are becoming harder and harder to find. People that used to wash their laundry in the local laundromat (prior to the pandemic) are learning about portable machines that fit into a small apartment, dorm room or RV and are buying them up. Being able to wash your clothing in your home without a traditional washer and dryer setup is changing people’s lives. I’ve seen many posts online from new portable machine owners that say they’ll never go back to a laundromat again.

In this article we’ll explore why a portable washing machine might just be the solution to all your RV laundry needs.

A quick note on managing expectations. These portable machines are only able to wash a third or a half of what you’d expect to load into a regular sized traditional washing machine.

Types of Portable Washing Machines
Recommended Portable Washing Machines
How big of a load can I wash?
How long does it take to wash a load?
What about drying my laundry?
How big is the machine and will it fit in my rig?
How much does a portable machine weigh?
Lack of Supply
How much does a portable machine cost?
Features to look for when buying a portable machine
How well do they clean clothes compared to a residential washer?
Consider these 5 areas when picking the machine
What do I need to start washing laundry?
Conclusion – Is a portable washing machine worth it?

Related Questions:
How many loads would it take to recoup your investment?
Can I run a portable machine while boondocking?
How does a portable unit compare to a mounted RV washer/dryer unit?

Types of Portable Washing Machines

There are two main types of powered portable washing machines: the twin tub and the single tub.

The twin tub washers have two separate areas with distinct functions. One side has a larger plastic agitation tub to wash the laundry and the other side has a smaller high speed metal spinning tub to extract as much water as possible from the clothing. The twin tub design requires you to move clothes from the washer tub to the spin tub so this is not a set-and-forget type of machine. The spin side of the machine is typically half the size of the wash side so you’ll need to run 2 spin cycles for every wash cycle.

Manually moving the laundry from the wash tub to the spin tub is a quick straightforward process and you won’t have to worry about losing a sock or two between two machines like you would transferring clothing from a washer to a dryer in the laundromat.

The single tub washers have a singular stainless steel inner tub that both washes and spins the load. Many of the single tub units are fully automatic so you can set your desired water level and washing program and you can come back to a load that’s both washed and spun dry. There’s no manual transfer of laundry like there is between the two tubs in a twin tub model and you won’t have to run multiple spin cycles for every wash cycle like the twin tub models. The combination of higher quality materials, automation, and convenience make this type of machine a user favorite. I’ve read nothing but great things about the higher quality model single tub portable machines.

I recommend purchasing a mid to high end single tub portable washer if it’s within your budget and you have the space and weight capacity. A single tub machine may cost more and weigh more than a twin tub washer but they are generally higher quality machines that will last longer and wash your clothing more efficiently and effectively. In a single tub washer, you can set your wash, soak, and spin cycles all at once. You won’t have to worry about transitioning clothing from a wash cycle to a spin cycle.

I’ve compiled two Master Charts with the most popular and recommended machines currently on the market. You can use this chart as a reference for specific topics like load capacity or dimensions as you continue reading the article.

Single Tub Portable Washing Machines – Our Recommended Models

Brand	Model	Cost	Unit Weight (lbs)	Capacity (lbs)	Dimensions (inches)	Tub Type	Drain Type	Voltage	Max Power Draw
Giantex	EP22761	$219.99	37.4	8	19.2×18.9×31.5	Single	Powered Pump	110V	240W
Panda	PAN6320W	$259.99	60	10	20x19x34	Single	Powered Pump	110V	310W
Black & Decker	BPWM09W	$273.00	44	3.5	17.7×18.1×31.5	Single	Powered Pump	120V	240W
Giantex	EP23113	$329.99	51	9.92	19.7×19.8×33.6	Single	Powered Pump	110V	330W
Black & Decker	BPWM16W	$335	70	7	20.3×20.7×36.6	Single	Powered Pump	120V	6A
Panda	PAN60SWR1	$340.72	57	13	20×19.5×35	Single	Powered Pump	110V	325W

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Twin Tub Portable Washing Machines – Our Recommended Models

Brand	Model	Cost	Unit Weight (lbs)	Capacity Lbs (Wash/Spin)	Dimensions (inches)	Tub Type	Drain Type	Voltage	Max Power Draw
Giantex	EP22931	$139.99	28.1	8/4.5	23x14x27	Twin	Gravity Drain	110V	240W
Giantex	EP21684	$179.99	28	11/6.6	34.8x15x28.5	Twin	Gravity Drain	120V	300W
Giantex	EP20313	$199.99	29.3	12/8	24.8x15x28.5	Twin	Gravity Drain	120V	260W
Kuppet	1040603400#kuus	$162.99	21	14.4/6.6	24.8x15x28.5	Twin	Powered Pump	110V	260W
Kuppet	1040603600#kuus	$190.99	26	18/8	27.4×16.1×31.9	Twin	Powered Pump	110V	280W
Kuppet	1040606100#kuus1	$175.99	33	17.6/8.8	27.7×15.3×32	Twin	Powered Pump	110V	360W

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How big of a load can I wash?

Every washing machine whether portable, residential, or commercial has a rated weight capacity. The weight capacity determines the quantity of laundry you can safely load into the washer and can typically be found in the user manual or on the manufacturers website. I’ve included the load capacity in our recommended model charts above.

It’s important not to overload these washers. If you do, there is a good chance the washer won’t last for long. Too much weight can cause the motor to overheat and fail.

All of the best manufacturers will include a quick start guide or cheat sheet that will clearly tell you what you should be able to load into the washer. Use your best judgement when creating a load, it’s better to go light than load heavy to try and reduce the number of loads you need to wash.

The size of your clothing matters. There’s a big difference in weight between a youth medium t-shirt and a men’s XXL. A pair of large men’s jeans will weigh more than a pair or medium women’s jeans. Take that into account when loading the washer. You can use the chart below to calculate how much your laundry load will weigh. If you want to be highly accurate on your weight, you can use a bathroom or postal scale to weigh your typical load of laundry or items individually.

Clothing Weight Table

Laundry Item	Weight in LBS
XL T-Shirt	.5 – .8
Blue Jeans	1.5 – 2
Sweatshirt	1 – 1.5
Queen Sheet Set w/ Pillowcases	3 – 4
Cotton Bath Towel	1.5
Underwear	.2 – .4

How long does it take to wash a load?

The answer to this question depends on how you like to wash your laundry. A typical wash cycle takes between 10-15 minutes. The spin cycle on most models can be set between 0-5 minutes. There are several models that offer a soak time cycle between 0-20 minutes that will help the wash cycle clean your clothing more effectively.

For twin tub machines, If you wash, rinse, and spin your clothing, you’re looking at around a 30 minutes cycle plus whatever amount of time it takes you to transfer the laundry from the wash tub to the spin tub.

The load time for a single tub machine is around the 30 minute mark but you won’t need to add additional time because there’s no need to transfer the clothing between two tubs.

What about drying my laundry?

Once the spin cycle is complete, your clothing will still be a little damp so you’ll need to hang the laundry up on drying racks or clothes lines either inside or outside your rig to get them completely dry. Unfortunately, most RV Parks and Campgrounds have rules prohibiting hanging clothing outside your rig so you may be stuck with clothing hanging all over the inside of your rig whenever you have to wash laundry. If you do a lot of boondocking, you’ll need an outdoor hanging solution because the only restriction will be the weather.

There is one thing you can do to drastically speed up both washing and drying time; change the types of materials you buy and wear.

Here are a couple of examples:

Purchase microfiber or Turkish towels that dry in a fraction of the time it takes to dry a normal cotton bath towel. They’re also lighter and smaller than a cotton towel so you’ll be able to wash them in a portable machine instead of having to take them to a laundromat.

Microfiber towels are more expensive than a cotton towel at around $10 per towel. There will also be an adjustment period as your skin gets used to the feeling of microfiber rather than cotton. Successfully transitioning from cotton to microfiber may take some effort but trust me, it’s worth it to ditch the forever damp bath towel.

You can buy a pair of oversized microfiber towels in a variety of colors for around $20

Alternatively, you can get a set of 6 regular microfiber towels for $39

Try to change up your wardrobe. This isn’t always possible depending on your needs but think about swapping out heavy cotton fabrics for lighter weight fabrics that are faster to wash and dry. You’ll be able to fit more in a wash load and it wont take an eternity for those items to hang dry (especially in humid climates).

Here are a couple of recommended drying racks and clothes lines you can keep inside your RV. The racks were chosen for their collapsibility and versatility.

Standing Floor Drying Racks

Low end folding floor rack

Mid range folding floor rack

Inexpensive travel hanging option with carabiners

Installed Clothesline

GorillaLine – Retractable Clothesline

Dual line Retractable Clothesline

How big is the machine and will it fit in my rig?

With the exception of the largest single tub models, most portable machines can fit in a standard sized RV shower or tub. I’ve included a chart of common dimensions below so you can see if you have enough space to store and operate a portable washer. You’ll need to break out your tape measure for this one. Be sure to include any corridors, doorways and tight spaces in your measurements.

View the dimensions for our recommended models.

You may also want to factor in the weight of the machine when you think about moving the machine around your RV. If you purchase a single tub machine that weighs 50 lbs, are you going to be able to move it where you want it? If you have to carry it up a few stairs from where you store the machine to the bathroom where you plan on using it, will that be a deal breaker?

How much does a portable machine weigh?

The answer to this question varies depending on the type and quality of machine you purchase. The lightest twin tub machines can weigh as little as 17-26 pounds while the larger more expensive single tub machines can weigh a little over 50 pounds. It’s important to keep the machine’s weight in mind when selecting a portable machine. If you’re not able to move 30-50 pounds around your rig manually or on a wheeled cart, the high-end single machines probably aren’t for you.

Weight is something that RVers always have to be aware of. Twenty or fifty extra pounds may not seem like a lot but every pound adds up.

There is one specific benefit to having a heavy machine, the heavier the machine, the more stable it is when running the agitator or spin cycles

Please reference the chart above for the weight of the portable machines we recommend.

Lack of supply

Just like many other staple items that seem to be in scarce supply these days, portable washing machines can be difficult to obtain. Lack of supply coupled with high demand has slowly pushed the retail price of these units higher than ever before. But even at the higher prices, I think these machines are well worth the money, especially for full and part time RVers.

There are several major manufacturers of portable washing machines:
>Giantex – both single and twin tub models with a wide price range
>Panda – higher end single tub models
>Kuppet – primarily twin tub models with a couple single tub designs
>Black & Decker – single tub models

There are many other manufacturers that produce the same types of machines with slight variations but the three companies mentioned above are well established in the market. Personally, I would wait to purchase a machine from one of the companies mentioned above before buying an unknown brand.

How much does a portable machine cost?

You can purchase a compact, portable washing machine for between $150-$350. There are a few models around the $100 price range but we cannot recommend them due to user reported reliability and durability issues. The washing machines on the lower end of our recommended price range typically have a smaller capacity and are made using cheaper, lighter materials (plastic). The machines in the $180-$250 price range are a little larger with a bigger capacity and more durable materials. At the high end of the spectrum, you have the largest portable machines with the highest capacity and made of much heavier materials. The high end single tub machines range between $300-450

Click HERE to view my master recommendation list with low, mid, and high range machine prices:

Low-end Twin Tub Model

Mid-range Single Tub Model

High-end Single Tub Model

Features to look for when buying a portable machine:

Drain Pump vs Gravity Draining
Load Weight Capacity
Program Cycles and Control Modes
Material Quality

Draining the Washer

It’s important to buy a machine with the proper drain system that fits your needs. If you need to pump the grey water from floor level into a sink, you’ll want a machine with a drain pump. If you plan on washing your laundry in the RV shower or directly into the grey tank through a downward sloping hose, a gravity drain will work just fine. In general, a drain pump will increase the price of the machine. It can also become a point of failure if it ceases to work. Drain hose extenders are available for $15-20 if you are unable to locate or use the washer near a sink or shower.

Load Capacity

Every washing machine whether portable, residential, or commercial has a rated weight capacity. The weight limit can typically be found in the user manual or on the manufacturer’s website. It’s very important to abide by this limit. If you overload the machine, even by a pound or two, you can significantly degrade the performance of the washer and potentially shorten its lifespan.

Program Cycles and Control Modes

The functionality of portable washers is fairly basic. Most machines have three basic functions: soak, wash, and rinse. Each of these functions can be set using dials or buttons and are typically incremented in minutes (i.e. 15 minute wash, 5 minute spin, etc). Machines on the lower end of the price spectrum will usually have simple manual dial controls like you’d find in an old fashioned egg timer. As you move into the mid and high end washers, the more functions and automation are available. You’ll find digital displays and control buttons programmed to automatically run a load of laundry through a set cycle pattern.

Washer Durability and Reliability

The reliability and durability of most portable washing machines are a function of their price. What I mean by that statement is you usually get what you paid for. As a general rule of thumb, the more expensive a washer, the better the materials are that were used to construct it. Rather than a plastic agitation drum with a low powered motor in a low end washer, you’ll find stainless steel drums and higher powered motors used to spin those drums. As you can imagine, a stainless steel drum will last much longer than a thinner plastic material.

There are some drawbacks to the higher quality materials. They are typically more expensive increasing the cost of the unit and they are typically heavier which can become a concern if you’re traveling with your RV and need to be mindful of weight for towing safety reasons. Weight can also be a concern if you need to move the unit around your rig when it’s time to wash a load (from storage to the shower)

How well do they clean clothes compared to a residential washer?

Portable machines are surprisingly efficient and effective when used properly. Assuming you properly treat stains and soak clothing that needs to soak before washing, the higher end machines are just as effective as a traditional residential washing machine. The biggest difference between the portable machine and the larger residential machines is the load capacity. Residential machines are larger and can wash larger loads.

If you’d like to see a comparison test between a portable washer and a residential washer, check out this YouTube video:

Consider these 5 areas when picking the machine:

Available space

Break out a tape measure and walk through your RV. Eliminate any machines that won’t fit where you want to store or use it.

Weight

Where will the machine be stored? If it isn’t stored where you plan on using it, are you able to lift or move 50lbs regularly? If the answer is no, a twin tub model may be the best solution for you. If you are able to keep the machine on a small castered furniture dolly, I’d highly recommend a single tub model.

Cost – Budget

If you plan on using the machine regularly as your main laundry washing machine, I would recommend paying up for a higher quality machine. The mid and high end single tub options are a sweet spot between cost and effectiveness. It’s better to pay a little more for a machine that lasts than pay the minimum for a machine that only lasts a few months.

Brand

I would recommend purchasing from the three main brands discussed in this article: Giantex, Panda, and Kuppet.

Reviews

You’ve narrowed down your available options using the criteria above and have a few specific models in mind. When you’re considering a specific model of portable washing machine, I suggest you look at both video reviews and text reviews for that machine. YouTube is a great source for video reviews. You can see real people using the product rather than a promotional video trying to sell you the machine.

While a star rating may initially indicate which machines you should start looking at, they can’t always be trusted. Spend more of your time reading text reviews that were thoughtfully crafted and well written. The single line product reviews found on sites like Amazon can’t give an accurate picture of the quality or reliability of any particular portable washer. In fact, you’re likely to find ‘fake’ Amazon product reviews that are left by bots or disingenuous buyers that are trying to get a kickback gift card from the company (paid review).

What do I need to start?

All you’ll need to start washing your laundry using a portable machine in your RV is detergent, access to sufficient water and power, and a way to dispose of or store the grey water.

You may need to buy a hose adapter to connect the water inlet hose to a sink faucet

If you’re at an RV park or campsite with water and power hookups, you’ll be able to wash as many loads of laundry as you need without having to worry about water or power limitations. If you don’t have access to the normal water and power hookups, you might be able to use the portable machine while boondocking depending on your water supply, electrical/battery system, and grey water storage.

I highly recommend using a high efficiency or concentrated liquid laundry soap. The amount of water you’ll be using in the smaller portable washers is significantly less than the amount of water you’d use in a traditional residential washer. Less water means you need to use less soap. A few test loads with varying amounts of soap should allow you to get the volume you need to use dialed in.

If you’re concerned about your detergent’s impact on the environment, here is a great option that is plant based and grey water safe.

Conclusion – Is a portable washing machine worth it?

There are three major factors I considered when pondering this question:

Cost – operational costs and the cost of the machine itself
Time – convenience and time savings, time = money
Space – storage of the washing machine in my rig

Cost

I discussed the cost of purchasing a machine earlier in this article. If you subscribe to the idea that “time equals money”, the line between time and cost becomes a little blurred. The cost of owning a portable machine is very reasonable when you consider the amount of time you’ll save compared to hand washing and the amount of time and money you’ll save compared to washing your laundry at a laundromat.

Time

Portable washing machines are the perfect compromise between the cost and convenience. You can wash your laundry more effectively and efficiently compared to traditional hand washing and you can avoid the expense and inconvenience of a laundromat.

If you’re only able to use a few machines at a busy laundromat, it can take up a significant chunk of your day if you factor in driving and the time it takes to wash and dry a few loads. With a portable machine, you’ll be able to wash your laundry from the comfort of your rig. All it will take is a few minutes of setup and your able work on other chores while the cycle is running. When you’re washing clothes in a laundromat, you’re stuck until you’re done so you’d better have a good book or a few podcasts to listen to.

There is a very significant exception to the idea that a portable washing machine is more convenient than a commercial laundromat. If you have a large family that generates a large amount of laundry, a laundromat is probably a better solution. The load capacity of a portable washer is not large enough to keep up with a large family unless it’s running 24/7. That isn’t to say it wouldn’t be useful to have a portable machine to wash loads of laundry as needed, but it won’t be able to do the heavy lifting necessary for a big family. If you want to see an example of a large family that requires a commercial laundromat, check out this video from one of my favorite RV lifestyle channels: Keep Your Daydream

Space

If you don’t have sufficient space in your RV to store and use a portable washing machine, this article is moot. If you do have sufficient space, you’ll have to weigh the benefits of owning a unit discussed above versus the significant amount of storage space a washer can occupy. If you keep the machine in your shower, are you willing to move it every time you need to shower? Can you tolerate having to step around the heavier single tub machine being stored in a hallway on casters? Before making a purchase, I highly recommend you thoroughly plan where the machine will live and how it will affect your movement and lifestyle in the RV. If the washer will significantly disrupt your everyday routine due to where it’s being stored, a portable washing machine might not be right for your RV lifestyle.