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Most RVs fit a compact washer that is about 20 to 24 inches wide. Capacity often ranges from about 1.0 to 2.4 cubic feet. Larger fifth wheels and motorhomes may have space for a 24-inch washer-dryer combo or a small stackable set. The right size depends on the cabinet opening, door clearance, hookups, floor strength, and available power.
Common Washer Sizes for RVs
RV washers are much smaller than standard home machines. They are designed for tight spaces and smaller loads.
| Washer type | Common width | Typical capacity | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portable washer | About 18 to 22 inches | About 0.8 to 1.6 cubic feet | Small trailers, occasional washing |
| Compact RV washer | About 20 to 24 inches | About 1.5 to 2.4 cubic feet | Motorhomes and fifth wheels |
| Washer-dryer combo | About 23 to 24 inches | About 1.5 to 2.4 cubic feet | RVs with one appliance opening |
| Compact stackable set | About 24 inches | Varies by model | Larger RV laundry closets |
These are general ranges. Always check the current product listing and installation guide before buying. Two machines with the same width may have very different depths, door swings, hookups, and ventilation needs.
Measure the RV Laundry Space First
Do not choose a washer based only on its advertised width. An appliance must fit through the RV door and into the laundry cabinet.
Measure:
- The width of the cabinet opening
- The height from the floor to the lowest shelf or ceiling
- The full cabinet depth
- The width of the RV entry door
- Narrow hallway and bedroom door openings
- Space for hoses, cords, and venting
- Space needed for the washer door or lid to open
- Room around the machine for installation and movement
A washer that is 24 inches deep may need several extra inches behind it for hoses. A front-loading door may also need clear floor space in front.
Check whether cabinet trim, hinges, or nearby drawers reduce the usable opening. Measure the narrowest point rather than the largest part of the cabinet.
How Much Washer Capacity Does an RV Need?
Washer capacity is usually listed in cubic feet. This describes the space inside the wash drum.
A smaller washer can handle everyday clothes, pillowcases, lightweight sheets, and towels. It may not fit bulky bedding.
Around 1.0 to 1.5 Cubic Feet
This size works best for:
- A few shirts and undergarments
- Small towel loads
- Baby or children’s clothing
- Pillowcases
- One or two lightweight sheets
Loads need to stay small. Overfilling can reduce cleaning and make the washer shake more during spinning.
Around 1.5 to 2.0 Cubic Feet
This is a practical middle range for one or two travelers. It can often handle:
- Several days of clothing
- A small set of sheets
- Lightweight bath towels
- Thin blankets
- Pet bedding that fits loosely in the drum
You may need to divide a sheet set into separate loads.
Around 2.0 to 2.4 Cubic Feet
This larger compact size is useful for full-time RV living or shared travel. It gives clothing and sheets more room to move.
It may handle some lightweight RV bedding, but bulky comforters and thick mattress pads can still be too large. Use a campground or laundromat machine for items that cannot move freely inside the drum.
Which Washer Type Fits Your RV?
Portable Washer
A portable washer is often the easiest option for a small travel trailer or camper without a built-in laundry cabinet.
Some portable models connect to a sink. Others have separate wash and spin tubs. Storage can be an issue because the washer must be kept secure while the RV is moving.
Check the product instructions for:
- Water connection requirements
- Drain hose placement
- Electrical needs
- Machine weight
- Storage position
- Whether the unit is approved for the intended setup
A portable washer still needs a stable, level surface. It should not block an exit or move during travel.
Washer-Dryer Combo
A combo machine washes and dries in the same drum. This is common in motorhomes and fifth wheels because it uses one appliance space.
The main benefit is space. The tradeoff is that drying can take longer, and a drying load may need to be smaller than a washing load.
Some models use vented drying. Others are ventless. A vented model needs a proper exterior vent. A ventless model does not need a dryer vent, but it may use more time or water depending on its design.
Check the manufacturer’s installation guide before changing from one type to another.
Compact Stackable Washer and Dryer
A stackable set usually needs a taller closet and stronger installation area. It may suit a large fifth wheel, toy hauler, or Class A motorhome.
This setup allows one load to wash while another dries. However, it adds more weight and uses more vertical space.
Do not assume that any compact washer and dryer can be stacked. Use only an approved stacking arrangement and hardware listed by the manufacturer.
Check the RV’s Weight Limits
A washer adds more than its listed dry weight. During use, it also holds water and wet laundry.
Check:
An RV washer is usually about **24 inches wide, 33 to 36 inches tall, and 22 to 26 inches deep**.
- The RV’s cargo carrying capacity
- Axle and tire limits
- Weight distribution
- Cabinet and floor support
- Manufacturer guidance for appliance installation
A heavy washer placed at the rear of an RV may affect balance differently from one installed near the center. Water tanks, batteries, gear, food, and passengers also count toward the total load.
The RV’s weight label and owner’s manual are better guides than cabinet size alone.
Confirm the Water and Drain Connections
A built-in washer normally needs:
- A cold-water connection
- Sometimes a hot-water connection
- A drain connection
- Shutoff valves
- Hoses rated for the machine
- Access to inspect the connections
Some RVs are prepped for a washer, but “washer prep” does not always mean every washer will fit. Confirm the location and type of each connection.
Also consider tank capacity. Washing clothes while dry camping can use a large share of the fresh-water supply and fill the gray tank quickly.
Check campground rules before draining or running appliances at a campsite.
Check Electrical and Venting Needs
Many compact RV washers use a standard 120-volt outlet, but electrical requirements vary. A washer-dryer combo may draw more power during drying than during washing.
Look at:
- Required voltage
- Circuit rating
- Outlet type
- Whether the circuit is dedicated
- Generator or inverter capacity
- Campsite electrical service
- Dryer vent requirements
Running a washer while using an air conditioner, microwave, water heater, or other high-draw appliance may overload the available service.
Follow the appliance installation guide and RV manufacturer guidance. Electrical or venting changes should be handled by a qualified professional.
Front Loader or Top Loader?
Front-loading washers are more common in built-in RV laundry cabinets. They can fit under a counter or below a dryer.
A front loader needs:
- Space for the door to swing open
- Room to load and unload
- A level floor
- Access to clean the door seal and filter
A top loader may be easier to use in an open area, but it needs clear space above the lid. It may not fit under shelving or a countertop.
Measure the washer with the door or lid fully open.
Can an RV Washer Handle Bedding?
An RV washer is best for smaller bedding items.
It may handle:
- Pillowcases
- Lightweight sheets
- Thin throws
- Small pet blankets
- Light mattress protectors
It may struggle with:
- Thick comforters
- Bulky quilts
- Foam mattress toppers
- Heavy blankets
- Large waterproof mattress pads
- Oversized pet beds
Bedding should fit loosely inside the drum. It needs enough space to move during washing. Forcing a bulky item into a compact washer can lead to poor washing, uneven spinning, leaks, or excessive shaking.
Always check the bedding care label and the washer’s load guidance. Large bedding is often easier to wash in a commercial machine.
Installation Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing by Width Alone
Depth, height, door swing, hoses, and venting are just as important.
Ignoring the RV Entry Door
The washer must pass through the entry door and any interior doorway before it reaches the cabinet.
Filling the Cabinet Too Tightly
The machine may need clearance for airflow, hoses, vibration, and service access.
Forgetting Travel Movement
An appliance must be secured according to manufacturer and RV guidance. Loose machines and hoses can move while driving.
Assuming Washer Prep Fits Every Model
RV washer-prep spaces vary. Confirm all measurements and utility connections.
Buying Too Much Capacity
A larger washer may sound useful, but it can add weight, use more space, and require more electrical or water capacity than the RV can support.
A Simple Size Choice
For many RV owners, a washer between 20 and 24 inches wide with about 1.5 to 2.0 cubic feet of capacity is a practical starting point. It is usually large enough for clothing and light bedding without taking up as much room as a home washer.
Choose a smaller portable unit for occasional use in a compact trailer. Consider a 24-inch washer-dryer combo for a larger RV with a prepared laundry cabinet. Use a stackable set only when the RV has enough height, weight capacity, utility connections, and structural support.
The final decision should come from your exact measurements and the current installation instructions for both the RV and appliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a standard home washer fit in an RV?
Usually not. Standard washers are often too wide, deep, heavy, and demanding for an RV laundry space. Most RVs need a portable or compact appliance.
What is the most common width for an RV washer?
Many built-in RV washers and washer-dryer combos are about 23 to 24 inches wide. Smaller portable models may be narrower. Check the full appliance dimensions before buying.
Can I put a washer in an RV that is not washer prepped?
It may be possible, but the RV may need plumbing, drainage, electrical, ventilation, floor support, and cabinet changes. Check with the RV manufacturer and qualified installers before making changes.
Can an RV washer wash queen-size sheets?
Many compact washers can wash lightweight queen sheets when the drum is not overloaded. You may need to wash the fitted sheet, flat sheet, and pillowcases in separate loads.
Can an RV washer wash a comforter?
Most compact RV washers are not suitable for thick queen or king comforters. A thin RV-size comforter may fit in some machines, but it must have room to move. Check the washer instructions and comforter care label.
Does an RV washer need a dryer vent?
A washer alone does not need a dryer vent. A vented washer-dryer combo or dryer does. Ventless models have different installation needs, so follow the current manufacturer instructions.
How do I keep an RV washer from shaking?
Keep the RV and washer level, avoid overloading, distribute laundry evenly, and follow the installation instructions. Excessive movement may also mean that shipping bolts were not removed or the floor needs inspection.
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