Keep your clothes clean next time you are on the road with a Caravan Washing Machine!
Travelling the country can be a great experience, it can also be a dirty one especially if you are heading offroad or out bush for an extended period of time. The red dirt and dust can really make a mess of your clothing. However, just because you are away from home doesn’t mean you have to put up with dirty clothes.
Now you COULD go to a local laundromat, but that can get expensive, plus you have to find one first, OR you could install a washing machine in your caravan!
There are plenty of caravan washing machines on the market so we have saved you some time and identified some of the best below.
Choosing a Caravan Washing Machine: Buyers Guide
If you are looking for a washing machine then you must be in for a long-term purchase. You must keep some features and considerations in mind before you go to purchase a caravan washing machine.
Washing Machine Space
The biggest issue with caravans is that they are often not very big. This means that you will most probably have limited space to put all your appliances in. To keep the issue of space in mind, it is important that whichever one you opt for is small in size.
You can either get a small front load machine or try looking in the direction of mini washing machines. They are as good as the larger ones and will get the task done for you.
Loading Capacity
Next up, another crucial factor to keep in mind is the loading capacity of the machine. If you live alone, then you might not have as many clothes and can do with a machine that has a 2.5kg loading capacity. But if you have roommates with you on your caravan, then you should think of getting a 3.5kg or 4kg load capacity machine.
Loading capacity is important because if you have several people on board and little load capacity then it just means a whole day full of laundry as you keep putting loads.
Machine Weight
Caravan washing machines are designed in such a way that they are easy to transport from one place to another. Since a lot of people do not have enough space, they choose to put the machine closed in a cupboard or a storage space. If you plan on moving it and taking it out just when you need to wash your clothes then you should look for one that has handles to maneuver it.
Where handles can help in moving to some extent, the weight of the machine plays a huge role. Get one that is easy for your push and pull.
Durability
A major element is the durability of the machine. Washing machines are an expensive investment so you need to pick on that is durable and long-lasting. Caravan washing machines, specifically have to be even more resilient and sturdy because of the constant movement and rough usage they might face at one point or another.
It is advised to pick on which has a stainless steel tube inside and a long-lasting plastic exterior. This can help in keeping the machine alive and working for a long amount of time.
Front Loading or Top Loading?
This is a question often asked by people who are looking to buy washing machines. A deciding factor in this decision can be your budget. Front-loading machines are often more expensive but they offer a huge number of wash programs which makes the price worth it. These come with child lock options as well and many other advanced features such as the remaining time display, etc.
Top loading washing machines
Top loading machines, on the other hand, are relatively cheaper and give better wash quality. So, if you do not care about additional features and just want a sturdy, good wash machine then the top-loading one should be your pick.
Spin Cycle
The spin cycle of a washing machine is used to dry the clothes you just washed. This is an extremely useful feature and will give you clothes ready to wear in no time. The efficiency of the spin cycle is judged by the revolutions per minute. If you plan on drying thicker clothes, then they will need around 1000 RPM while lighters will require from 300-500 RPM.
Take a look at your wardrobe and get one accordingly. If you plan on washing and drying a lot of jeans and other thick clothes then you should get one with at least 800-1000RPM.
Wash Settings
Lastly, the wash settings of the washing machine should also be kept in mind. This is important to make sure that your delicate clothes are handled with precaution. You won’t even have to worry about the prices escalating because wash setting machines are often very cheap.
Once you find a wash setting that works best for you, you can even choose to save it as a favorite by the various controls gives out on the top.
Final Verdict
Having a washing machine for your caravan is important if you don’t want to feel like collecting coins and standing in queues at your local laundry service. But the process of purchasing one get quite complicated if you don’t know what you should be looking for.
The machines by Camec, Domestic and Devanti, etc. mentioned above are some of the best in the market right now. Take a look at the buying guide and pick one that suits your needs aptly.
Washing Machine FAQs
Q. Can you install a washing machine in a caravan?
Yes, you can install a washing machine in a caravan, campervan or camper trailer. Whilst space is always a concern in a caravan, it’s best to get a washing machine that is dedicated for a caravan. These are generally smaller and compact in size compared to a standard home washing machine. The important things to consider are water supply; water drainage and power supply.
Q. How much water does a caravan washing machine use?
The amount of water used in a caravan washing machine will really depend on the size of the washine machine. For example, a 2.5kg washing machine will use on average 20 litres of water. This can vary between brands so check with the manufactures handbook for more accurate water consumption.
Q. How much does a caravan washing machine weigh?
The weight of a caravan washing machine will really depend on the size of the washing machine. For example, a 2.5kg Camec Compact washing machine weights 16kg compared to the 4kg model which weighs closer to 47kg.
Q. Can you use a normal washing machine in a caravan?
Technically Yes, you can install a normal washing machine in a caravan as long as your caravan has the required power supply to run the washing machine. A large washing machine will use a large amount of power so it would be best to be connected to mains power when running the machine. Consider a smaller, compact washing machine if you are running off a battery system.