Washing clothes in an RV is a plumbing problem dressed up as an appliance problem. There is no washer hookup, no drain standpipe and rarely a place to put a machine that stays put while you drive. The best portable washing machine for RV living is the one that matches your drain route first, fits the space you actually have second, and spins hard enough third that you can hang-dry everything before bedtime.
Our team spent weeks comparing ten of the most-reviewed portable washers on the market against the constraints that matter in a motorhome: 120V shore power, a single faucet, a shower or wet-bath drain, a shower stall that doubles as storage, and grey water you have to carry. The list below covers everything from a 22-pound twin tub you can lift with one arm to a 49-pound fully automatic machine that a lot of owners say is still the closest thing to a real washer they have used off-grid.
Every pick here is judged on RV fit rather than apartment fit. That changes the ranking in ways the spec sheets do not predict. A machine with a beautiful stainless drum is useless if its drain hose cannot reach your low-point valve, and a 20-pound tub is pointless if you cannot get the machine into the shower stall and back out again. We have flagged drainage type, stowage weight and the honest cons for each one.
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Table of Contents
Top 3 Portable Washing Machines for RV Living (October 2026)
Giantex 20 lb Twin Tub Washer
- 20 lb twin tub capacity
- Semi-automatic 15 min wash and 5 min spin
- 1350 RPM motor
- 28 pounds
BLACK+DECKER 0.9 cu ft Washer
- 0.9 cu ft with 6.6 lb capacity
- Fully automatic with 5 cycles
- Stainless steel tub
- 48.4 pounds
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The Giantex twin tub takes the top slot because RV owners report it fitting a shower stall while still washing a meaningful load, and because its 1350 RPM spin is what makes air-drying realistic in a small space. The BLACK+DECKER wins on automation: five cycles, three water levels and a stainless tub, with the caveat that it washes cold water only and needs its drain hose held high. The COMFEE is the narrowest of the fully automatic machines at 18.1 inches wide, and its drain pump pushes water up to 39 inches, which solves the wet-bath problem that trips up most compact washers.
Best Portable Washing Machines for RV Living at a Glance
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Giantex 20 lb Twin Tub Washer
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 SUPER DEAL 13 lb Twin Tub Washer
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BLACK+DECKER 0.9 cu ft Portable Washer
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COMFEE 0.9 cu ft Compact Washer
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 SUPER DEAL 9.9 lb Mini Twin Tub
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 Giantex 8 lb Full Automatic Washer
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 Auertech 28 lb Twin Tub Washer
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 Panda 1.34 cu ft Portable Washer
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 COSTWAY 12 lb Washer and 8 lb Spinner
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 INTERGREAT 18 lb Twin Tub Washer
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1. Giantex 20 lb Twin Tub Washer – Best Overall for RV Living
Giantex Portable Mini Compact Twin Tub Washing Machine 20lbs Washer Spain Spinner Portable Washing Machine, Blue+ White
- Twin tub with 12 lb wash and 8 lb spin,Semi-automatic timers,1350 RPM motor,28 pounds
Pros
- Wash and spin run at the same time
- Spin extracts roughly 85-90 percent of the water
- Light at 28 pounds for a full-size tub
- Agitation cleans well
- 1-2 tablespoons of detergent is enough
Cons
- Gravity drain only so it must sit in a shower or tub
- Included inlet hose does not fit standard faucets
- Spin tub holds about half the wash tub
- Vigorous agitation tangles delicate fabrics
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This is the machine we keep coming back to. It gives you a 12-pound wash tub without the extra height of the larger twin tubs. At 28 pounds it is light enough for one person to lift into a shower stall. Owners on RV forums report this model fitting a shower stall footprint, which is the single most common space question in RV laundry threads.
Because the wash and spin tubs run on separate motors and separate timers, you can wash a load while spinning the previous one. That sounds like a small convenience until you are doing laundry for two in a 25-foot trailer with one wet bath. The 1350 RPM motor is what separates this from the budget spin tubs: reviewers consistently report clothes coming out close to dry.
Agitation is vigorous. Reviewers who moved from a residential front loader describe it as more thorough on work clothes and towels than most full-size machines, but they also warn that delicates get tangles and snags. Use the gentler settings on anything you care about and keep the load loose.
The downsides are drainage-related, and they matter in an RV. It is gravity drain only, so the machine has to sit in the shower, a tub or on a raised stand above the drain. The included inlet hose does not fit standard US faucets, so plan on a quick-connect adapter. The spin tub is roughly half the wash capacity, which means a full wash load takes two spin batches. Instructions are widely criticised, so budget an hour of figuring it out rather than reading a manual.
Long-term durability reports are the strongest part of the story. Multiple owners describe three-plus years of continuous weekly use, with a smaller group reporting motor or drain failure within months. At 15,000+ reviews this is the highest-volume listing in the roundup, so the failure pattern is well documented rather than surprising.
Where it fits an RV layout
Best for a wet bath or separate shower where you can set the machine in the pan. RV owners confirm shower-stall fit, and the 28-pound weight means you can lift it in and out without a dolly. If your trailer has no shower at all, you will need a stand that raises the machine a few inches.
Where it will frustrate you
It is a semi-automatic, so you hand-transfer wet laundry from the wash tub to the spin basket. That is the workflow that makes most new RVers declare portable washers unusable after one trip. The aggressive agitation and small spin basket are the other two friction points, particularly for sheets and thick towels.
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2. SUPER DEAL 13 lb Twin Tub Washer – Most Versatile for Small Loads
SUPER DEAL Compact Mini Twin Tub Washing Machine 13lbs Capacity Portable Washer Wash and Spin Cycle Combo, Built-in Gravity Drain for Camping, Apartments, Dorms, College, RV’s and Small Spaces
- 13 lb twin tub with 8 lb wash and 5 lb spin,1300 RPM motor,Knob timers,26.5 pounds
Pros
- Wash and spin run simultaneously on separate timers
- 1300 RPM spin leaves clothes close to dry
- Light at 26.5 pounds
- Assembles without tools
- Marketed for RV and camper use
Cons
- Gravity drain needs a tub or shower
- Spin tub is about half the wash tub
- Very loud spin if the load is off balance
- Inlet hose is short and rarely reaches a faucet
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This is the value entry point, and the numbers back it up: more than 12,000 reviews at 4.1 stars for a twin tub with a 1300 RPM motor. Owners who bought it expecting a cheap plastic toy report that the spin cycle is the surprise, pulling water out well enough to cut air-dry time dramatically.
The workflow is the classic twin-tub routine. Fill, set the 15-minute wash timer, drain, hand-transfer to the spinner, balance the load, set the 5-minute spin timer. Buyers who pre-sort and balance their loads get a fast cycle; buyers who throw in a mixed load will hear the basket bang against the walls and stop what they are doing.
RV-specific notes: multiple owners confirm it works in a travel trailer and motorhome, and the 26.5-pound weight is fine for one person. The plastic body will not rust, which matters in a damp wet bath. Counter-top space is small, so during a trip you will need to stow it between washes rather than leave it on a counter.
The hoses are the weak point. The inlet hose is short and frequently will not reach a faucet, so a detachable shower head or a bucket is the common workaround. The drainage tube needs somewhere below the machine, which in most RVs means the shower pan. A small share of owners report pump or motor overheating after heavy daily use, so if you are washing every single day, weigh this against a machine with a warranty.
Where it fits an RV layout
Good in a small trailer or camper van where a shower pan is your only drain. The 23-inch width and 26-inch height fit most shower stalls, and the light weight makes stowing it in a closet between washes realistic. Also the machine we would put in the hands of a first-time RVer trying laundry on one trip.
Where it will frustrate you
The 5-pound spin basket is small. One wash load can take several spin cycles, and the spin is loud and shake-prone if the basket is not perfectly balanced. Long-term owners report it still running past two years, so it holds up, but it is not built for heavy daily throughput.
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3. BLACK+DECKER 0.9 cu ft Portable Washer – Premium Pick for Set-and-Forget Washing
BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu. Ft. Portable Washer, 6.6 lb. Capacity, BPWM09W, White
- 0.9 cu ft tub with 6.6 lb capacity,5 wash cycles and 3 water levels,Stainless steel tub,64 dB
Pros
- Wash
- rinse and spin in one tub with no hand transfer
- Five cycles and three water levels
- Stainless steel tub resists corrosion
- Runs quiet at 64 dB
- Roller wheels and side handles
- Quick-connect adapter and drain hose included
Cons
- Cold water wash only
- Drain hose must be held above the tub water level
- Sink adapter does not fit every faucet
- Inner lint filter needs cleaning every 10 washes
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This is the machine RV owners mention when they say they want to set the cycle and walk away. Wash, rinse and spin all happen in the same tub, which removes the single most common complaint about twin tubs. It carries more than 9,000 reviews at 4.4 stars, which is the highest rating in the compact automatic class here.
Five cycles (Heavy, Gentle, Normal, Rapid, Soak) and three water levels give you real control over small loads, and the stainless steel tub is a genuine upgrade over plastic for a wet environment. It is quiet at 64 dB, which matters when the machine sits next to your sleeping space.
The one technical issue every reviewer mentions is hose height. There is no drain valve, so water leaks out unless the drain hose is held above the level of water in the tub. That also makes the pump work harder. Secure the hose high on the shower wall or sink rim before your first load and you will never think about it again.
It washes cold water only. Forum owners who use it report that pre-treating and a quality detergent make a noticeable difference, and it is a limitation worth accepting rather than discovering mid-trip. The 0.9 cu ft tub handles 6.6 pounds, which suits one or two people rather than a family. Some owners report E1 or E2 error codes and a drive belt or spin failure after about a year, so check the warranty terms before a long trip.
Where it fits an RV layout
The 17.3-inch height is low, so it fits under a bench or in a shallow cabinet, and the roller wheels plus side handles let you move it from sink to storage. It is 48.4 pounds, so plan on two people or a furniture dolly for loading. Bucket filling works well for boondocking, though it is hands-on and uses more water per load than a faucet fill.
Where it will frustrate you
Small capacity is the honest limit. A 6.6-pound load is fine for daily underwear and tees and slow going for towels. The lint filter inside the tub needs attention roughly every ten washes, and the included sink adapter does not fit every faucet, so check your fixture before you rely on it.
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4. COMFEE 0.9 cu ft Compact Washer – Best Value for Narrow Storage Spaces
COMFEE’ Portable Washing Machine 0.9 cu.ft Compact Washer with LED Display
- 0.9 cu ft tub,18.1 inch width,Built-in drain pump to 39 inches,840 RPM spin,62 dB
Pros
- Fully automatic with no manual transfer
- Narrow 18.1 inch width for cabinets and RVs
- Stainless steel tub with lint filter
- Drain pump raises water to 39 inches
- Quiet at 62 dB
- Auto unbalance adds water instead of stopping
Cons
- Short power cord limits placement
- Drain hose is short and easily dislodged
- Beeps on every button press with no mute
- Heavy at 44.1 pounds
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The COMFEE solves the storage problem that trips people up in Class B vans and small trailers. At 18.1 inches wide it is one of the narrowest fully automatic machines in this group, and reviewers specifically note that it rolls in and out of a shower stall on its built-in rollers between uses. That is the whole point: the machine lives in the shower and is only a passenger when you are doing laundry.
Its drain pump is the other RV-specific strength. It pushes water to a drain up to 39 inches high, which means a wet bath drain at floor level or a low-point valve is reachable without building a stand. Very few compact washers can do that, and it removes the single biggest source of frustration with gravity machines in an RV.
At 62 dB it is the quietest fully automatic option here, and the 840 RPM spin leaves clothes roughly 80 percent dry. The auto unbalance detection adds water to correct a lopsided load rather than simply stopping, which saves the restart-and-re-sort loop. Operating cost is minimal, and it is DOE certified for up to 87.5 percent energy savings versus comparable models.
The ergonomic complaints are consistent across reviews. The power cord is very short, so the machine has to live close to an outlet. The drain hose is short and pops out of sinks and tubs unless you clip it down. It beeps loudly on every press with no way to mute it. At 44.1 pounds you will want a dolly, and the tub can pick up a mildew smell that owners clear with a bleach cycle every 20 to 25 washes.
Where it fits an RV layout
Best when width is the binding constraint: a narrow cabinet, a shower stall in a Class B, or a wet bath with a low drain. The pump reach means you do not need a raised platform, and the wheels make stowing it between the sink and a storage spot painless.
Where it will frustrate you
Owners report the cycle stopping mid-run on Heavy and Normal settings and requiring a re-sort of the load. The beeping is genuinely annoying in a small space, and the short cord plus short drain hose mean you are positioning the machine around the plumbing rather than the other way around. The 0.9 cu ft capacity is also modest.
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5. SUPER DEAL 9.9 lb Mini Twin Tub – Best for Boondocking and Tiny Bathrooms
SUPER DEAL Small Portable Washing Machine 9.9lb Mini Compact Washer Twin Tub Laundry Machine Top Load Spinning and Washing Combo 6.57 FT Inlet Gravity Drain Hose
- Twin tub with 5.5 lb wash and 4.4 lb spin,1300 RPM motor,True rinse with two rinses,22 pounds
Pros
- Light at 22 pounds so one person can carry it
- True rinse technology with two deep rinses
- Runs on a small amount of water per load
- Multiple owners run it in an RV shower on a shelf
- Fits in a closet between uses
Cons
- Gravity drain only
- Fill hose far too short for most faucets
- Spin basket holds about four small garments
- Knobs come loose
- Spin motor failure after years of heavy use
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This is the machine for people who are serious about weight and water. At 22 pounds it is one of the two lightest options in the roundup, which means a solo RVer can lift it out of storage, set it on a shower shelf, and put it back without a second person or a dolly. Owners running it off-grid report powering it from a lithium battery and inverter, using as little as 1 to 2 gallons for a small load.
The true rinse technology with two deep rinses per cycle is a genuine advantage when you are reusing grey water or caring about detergent residue. It accepts soap bars, powder, liquid, sheets or pods, so you are not locked into one detergent format when resupplying is months away.
RV forum owners run this machine in the shower on a small shelf and report it does an excellent job on small daily loads. That is the honest scope: this is not a towels-and-sheets machine. The 4.4-pound spin basket handles about four small garments at a time, and anything bulky will disappoint you.
Both hoses are problems. It is gravity drain only, so it must sit in a shower or tub or on an elevated stand, and the fill hose is far too short to reach most faucets. A fill adapter or a bucket is standard practice. Knobs come loose, the mode knob is hard to position accurately, and a small number of owners report the spin motor failing after several years of heavy use.
Where it fits an RV layout
Class B vans, pop-ups and any trailer where every pound and every gallon counts. The small footprint means it can live in a closet between washes rather than occupying shower space permanently, and multiple owners confirm it working in an RV shower.
Where it will frustrate you
Capacity is the limit, not quality. If you are washing for two or dealing with towels and jeans, a 5.5-pound wash tub means several loads. The short hoses and gravity drainage also mean more manual handling than the fully automatic options, which is a poor trade when your back or shoulders are already tired from a long drive.
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6. Giantex 8 lb Full Automatic Washer – Best for Bucket Draining and Simple Hookups
Giantex Portable Washing Machine, Full Automatic Washer and Dryer Combo, with Built-in Pump Drain 8 LBS Capacity Compact Laundry Washer Spin Dryer for Apartment RV Dorm
- 8 lb honeycomb tub,6 programs and 3 water levels,Built-in pump drain,1300 RPM spin,60 dB
Pros
- Genuinely full automatic with no hand transfer
- Built-in pump drains to a bucket sink or receptacle
- 1300 RPM spin leaves clothes close to dry
- Quiet at 60 dB
- Light enough for one person to carry
- Travel nurse owners use it in a car
Cons
- Only 8 lb capacity
- Hollow plastic outer casing feels flimsy
- No wheels so a dolly helps
- High water setting can overflow the tub lip
- Drain hose needs securing
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What makes this machine interesting for RV living is the built-in pump drain in a 37-pound body. A drain pump means you are not bound by gravity: it will push water into a bucket, a sink or a raised receptacle, which is exactly the flexibility you want when your grey water tank is nearly full or your drain point is awkward. Travel nurse owners report living out of a car with it and filling by hand when there is no faucet at all.
It is also genuinely automatic. Six programs including soak and rinse variants, three water levels, and a 1300 RPM spin that leaves clothes close to dry. At 60 dB it is among the quietest machines in the roundup, and one person can carry the 37 pounds without a dolly.
The honest limit is the 8-pound tub. That is roughly two pairs of jeans, or two shirts and two pairs of sweatpants, per load. It is a daily-underwear-and-tee machine for one person, and a weekend-load machine for two.
Setup is where the complaints cluster. The included inlet hose is short and thin and the adapter frequently does not fit US faucets, so have a plan. On the high water setting it can overflow the tub lip. The machine pauses mid-cycle asking for more water, and it will throw an E4 error if you miss that prompt, so a first cycle with you standing nearby is worth it. The drain hose also flops out of sinks and tubs unless it is firmly secured.
Where it fits an RV layout
Best for a wet bath with a floor-level drain, a generator-only rig, or anywhere you want to drain to a bucket rather than into the shower pan. The 17-inch width is narrower than most fully automatic machines, and the stainless steel tub plus pump make it a good fit for humid, tight spaces.
Where it will frustrate you
Capacity is the first limit and the refill prompts are the second. There are no wheels, so plan on a dolly, and the hollow plastic outer casing does not inspire confidence on a bouncing road. A minority of owners report units arriving with a defective lid hinge or factory water inside, so inspect it before the first trip.
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7. Auertech 28 lb Twin Tub Washer – Best Large-Capacity Twin Tub
Auertech Portable Washing Machine, 28lbs Twin Tub Washer Mini Compact Laundry Machine with Drain Pump, Semi-automatic 18lbs Washer 10lbs Spinner Combo for Dorms, Apartments, RVs
- Twin tub with 18 lb wash and 10 lb spin,Built-in drain pump,1300 RPM motor,31 pounds
Pros
- 18 lb wash tub is the largest in the twin-tub group
- Drain pump drains to a higher position or any receptacle
- 1300 RPM motor spins effectively
- Two inlets plus an adjustable inlet hose
- Motor overheat protection with automatic restart
Cons
- Semi-automatic so you hand-transfer laundry
- Overloading trips the overheat protection
- Spin basket must be balanced or it bangs the walls
- Drain must be under 45 inches for the pump
- 31 pounds and 32 inches tall
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Capacity is the whole argument here. An 18-pound wash tub and a 10-pound spinner is larger than anything else in the twin-tub group here, and it is paired with a built-in drain pump so you are not fighting gravity. For a couple, a family, or anyone washing towels and bedding on a schedule, that combination is hard to beat in this price class.
The motor overheat protection is a durability feature worth knowing about. It stops the motor when it overheats and restarts after a short cool-down, which protects the machine when you overload it. Two inlets on the control panel plus an adjustable inlet hose make filling flexible, and separate switches control wash time, wash mode and spin time.
The RV tradeoff is size. At 27 inches wide, 32 inches tall and 31 pounds, this is the tallest machine in the roundup, and it will not disappear into a small shower stall. It wants a dedicated corner, a slide-out, or a wet-bath floor where you are willing to give up shower space while laundry is running.
Because it is semi-automatic you still hand-transfer from wash tub to spinner, and an unbalanced spin basket will bang against the inner walls hard enough to be heard outside the RV. Keep the drain line low enough for the pump to work, and respect the recommended maximum water line. Overloading is what trips the overheat protection, so resist the urge to fill the big tub completely.
Where it fits an RV layout
Travel trailers, fifth wheels and Class C motorhomes with a dedicated storage bay or a wet bath you are willing to give up during wash hours. The drain pump is a real advantage if your only drain point sits higher than the machine, which is common where a shower drain meets a raised floor.
Where it will frustrate you
Height and weight make stowage in transit a genuine question. You need a plan for securing it so it does not walk or shift on a rough road, and a dolly for moving it. The hand-transfer workflow is the other tax you pay for the extra capacity.
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8. Panda 1.34 cu ft Portable Washer – Best Drying Result
Panda 1.34 Cu.Ft. Portable Washing Machine, Fully Automatic Portable Washer
- 1.34 cu ft tub with 10 lb capacity,10 wash programs,1600 RPM stainless drum,74 dB
Pros
- Highest rating in the roundup at 4.5 stars
- Fastest spin in the group at 1600 RPM with a 10 lb tub
- Fully automatic with 10 programs and 5 water levels
- Stainless drum with transparent lid
- Child lock delay start and unbalance detection
- Drain pump and faucet adapter included
Cons
- Heaviest machine here at 49 pounds so a dolly is required
- Loudest at 74 dB
- Needs a faucet hookup or manual bucket filling
- Larger 20 by 20 by 34 inch footprint
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The 1600 RPM spin is the reason this machine is on the list. In an RV, drying is the real constraint, and a fast spin with a 10-pound stainless drum is the closest thing to not needing a dryer. Reviewers report clothes coming out close to dry, and several say the machine outperforms models that cost considerably more.
It is fully automatic with ten wash programs including Normal, Quick Wash, Heavy Duty and Soak and Wash, plus five adjustable water levels. The sapphire blue transparent lid lets you watch the water level and the wash, which is a small quality-of-life thing you notice at hour two in a dark trailer.
Ten pounds of capacity is more than any twin tub here, and review owners report washing bath mats and sheets in it, which nothing else here does well. Child lock, delay start and auto unbalance detection round out a feature set that is genuinely more complete than the budget machines.
The costs are physical. At 49 pounds it is the heaviest machine here, so a dolly is effectively required, and at 74 dB it is also the loudest, which will carry through a Class B van at night. The 20 by 20 by 34 inch footprint means storage planning matters, and the inlet hose is not universal, so you will be filling with buckets when there is no compatible faucet.
Where it fits an RV layout
Best in a larger travel trailer, fifth wheel or motorhome with a closet, cabinet or dedicated bay that can swallow a 20 by 20 by 34 inch footprint. It is marketed for RV, condo, apartment and dorm use, and the drain pump plus included faucet adapter make the hookup straightforward if your fixture cooperates.
Where it will frustrate you
Weight and noise. Moving 49 pounds up a step or across a wet bath floor is a two-person job, and if it lives near your bed the spin cycle is audible through the wall. In a small van the footprint and the volume together are a lot to ask for.
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9. COSTWAY 12 lb Washer and 8 lb Spinner – Best for Travel Trailers and Cabins
COSTWAY Portable Washing Machine, 12Lbs Washer and 8Lbs Spinner, Blue+White
- Twin tub with 12 lb wash and 8 lb spin,330W wash and 110W spin power,15 minute wash timer,29 pounds
Pros
- Spin removes roughly 80 to 95 percent of the water
- Light at 29 pounds
- Twin tub washes and spins at the same time
- Very economical on water detergent and power
- Side lint filter catches pet hair well
- Small footprint suits RVs and travel trailers
Cons
- Inlet hose rarely fits US sinks
- Short drain hose needs to run downhill
- Gravity drain means a tub or shower is required
- Spin basket is about half the wash tub
- Vigorous agitator tangles garments
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Reviewers single out the spin extractor on this one more than anything else. Owners report it removing around 80 to 95 percent of the water, better than what they get from full-size residential machines. Combined with a 12-pound wash tub, that is a workable weekly rhythm for two people.
Economy is the other argument. Low water use, tiny amounts of detergent, minimal electricity, and a 330W wash draw with 110W spin power. That draw is genuinely modest for a 120V circuit, which matters when you are running it alongside other appliances on shore power.
It is heavily recommended in RV and travel trailer contexts, with owners praising the small footprint and the ease of lifting it in and out of a bathtub. The three knob controls are simple enough for older users, and the side lint filter on the wash tub catches pet hair well, which RV owners with dogs will appreciate.
The filling problem is universal on this machine. The included inlet hose typically does not fit US sinks, so most owners fill with a handheld shower head or buckets. The drain hose is short and has to run downhill, meaning the machine needs a tub, shower or elevation. The spin basket is about half the wash tub, and the agitator is aggressive enough to tangle garments and pull threads.
Where it fits an RV layout
Any RV with a shower pan and a faucet. At 29 pounds and 25 inches wide it is easy to move, and the modest power draw makes it comfortable on a 15A circuit. It works for sheets, towels, aprons and everyday clothing according to owners, which is more than most twin tubs in this size range can claim.
Where it will frustrate you
You will be handling hoses. Plan on a detachable shower head or a fill adapter, and secure the drain hose every time or you will find out how it works. The tangling agitator is hard on anything delicate, and the half-size spin basket means two passes for a full load.
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10. INTERGREAT 18 lb Twin Tub Washer – Best for Light Daily Loads on a Budget
INTERGREAT Portable Washing Machine, 25.3lbs Twin Tub portable Washer with Spin Cycle and Dryer, Semi-automatic Washer Machine Combo for Dorms, Apartments, Grey
- 18 lb twin tub,1300 RPM motor,250W wash and 140W spin power,Three wash modes,Knob timers
Pros
- Light enough to carry up stairs alone
- 1300 RPM motor washes better than expected
- Low noise and low water consumption
- Drains in a bathtub for RV use
- Lid safety switch
- Filter net on the wash tub
Cons
- Spin basket takes up to four cycles per wash load
- Spinner wobbles loudly when off balance
- Cannot handle sheets or blankets
- Gravity drain needs a tub or elevation
- Short power cord
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Reviews of this machine split sharply along capacity lines, and that is the whole story. Owners washing small, light loads for one person or a couple rate it very highly for portability and value. Anyone expecting to spin sheets or blankets is sharply disappointed by the spin basket.
Three washing modes (Gentle, Normal, Drain), a lid safety switch that blocks operation while the lid is open, and a side filter net round out a sensible feature list. At 250W wash and 140W spin power, it is a light draw on an RV circuit, and owners report low water and electricity consumption.
It fits in a closet, and it drains directly in a bathtub, which is the standard RV arrangement. Owners describe it as lighter in practice than the spec suggests, light enough to carry up stairs alone, which is a real advantage in a trailer where the shower is at the far end.
The issues are concrete: the spin basket takes up to four cycles per wash load, the spinner wobbles violently and loudly if the load is even slightly off balance, and it cannot handle anything larger than a regular bath towel in the spinner. The gravity drain needs the machine in a tub or on an elevation, the 3-prong power cord is short, and the instructions are confusing with a lint trap that is hard to remove and refit. A few buyers report motor failure after roughly six months of near-daily heavy use.
Where it fits an RV layout
Solo travellers, weekend campers and anyone in a small trailer who washes in the bathtub and does not have a towel problem. It is a practical entry point for anyone who wants to find out whether RV laundry suits them.
Where it will frustrate you
Four spin cycles for one wash load is a lot of hands-on time, and the wobble is genuinely loud in a small space. If your laundry includes jeans, towels or bedding, look at a machine with a larger spin basket and a pump drain instead.
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How to Choose a Portable Washer for RV Living
Ignore the brand for a second and look at your plumbing. The decision order that matters in an RV is drainage, then power, then footprint, then capacity. Get the first one wrong and the machine will not work at all, no matter how well it cleans.
Drainage decides whether the machine works in your layout
There are only two drain types in this roundup. Gravity drain machines drain out of the bottom, so the machine has to sit below the water in the tub and physically above your drain point, which means in a shower pan or on a raised stand. Drain pump machines actively push water and can reach a drain that sits higher than the machine, which in an RV is frequently the difference between workable and impossible.
The COMFEE pump reaches 39 inches, and the Giantex 8 lb automatic and the Panda both include a built-in pump. Everything else in the list is gravity only, which means a shower pan, a bathtub, a low-point drain valve or a bucket with a raised stand.
Grey water rules matter here. Washing loads into a bucket is fine if you dispose of it properly and are not discharging onto the ground, but running a full load into a tank you cannot dump for days is how people end up carrying too much water. A machine with a pump and a hose that reaches the shower waste keeps things simpler.
Power draw and the 120V circuit
Every machine here runs on 120V, which every RV has. The question is whether it shares a circuit with your coffee maker and hair dryer. The fully automatic machines in this roundup draw the most, and the twin tubs draw the least. The COSTWAY, for example, is listed at 330W wash and 110W spin, while the INTERGREAT is 250W wash and 140W spin, and the Giantex twin tub is 300W wash and 110W spin.
RV owners report portable washers tripping a 15A circuit when other appliances are running. Two habits prevent it. Run the washer on a circuit by itself rather than sharing with heating or refrigeration, and avoid running it at the same time as the microwave or air conditioner on a 30A shore power connection.
Footprint, weight and stowage in transit
Measure the shower stall before you buy, and measure the depth with the door open. The machines in this roundup range from 22 pounds and 22 by 22 by 14.6 inches for the smallest twin tub, through 28-pound twin tubs around 24 by 25 by 28 inches, up to the Panda at 49 pounds and 20 by 20 by 34 inches and the BLACK+DECKER at 48.4 pounds and 31.1 inches wide.
Weight matters twice: getting it into the shower, and getting it somewhere safe while you drive. Anything over about 40 pounds wants a furniture dolly. Securing the machine in transit is the part most guides skip, and it is the part that matters. A machine that walks across the floor during a spin cycle in a parked RV is one thing; a machine that shifts in a cabinet on a bad stretch of highway is another. Strap it down, set it on a non-slip mat, and keep it below the axle line if you can.
Capacity and honest load math
Capacity is the number most inflated by marketing. A 20-pound twin tub is 12 pounds of wash tub and 8 pounds of spin basket, and you are washing and spinning separately. A 0.9 cu ft automatic is 6.6 pounds of wet capacity. Plan on roughly one to three days of clothing per load for a single traveller, five to eight days for a couple, and treat anything above ten pounds as a weekend project for a family.
The spin basket size is the number people get wrong. On twin tubs it is often half the wash tub, so a full wash load takes two spin passes, sometimes more. On the INTERGREAT it can be four. If you wash sheets and towels regularly, buy the large spin basket or buy a fully automatic machine with one tub.
Tub type, automation and the faucet hookup
Twin tub means two basins, separate timers and manual transfer. Single tub with a pump means you set a program and walk away. If your laundry is underwear, tees and workout gear, a twin tub is fine and cheaper. If you are washing a week’s worth for two people, the automation is worth the extra weight.
Then there is the aerator problem, which is the most common setup failure in RV laundry. The quick-connect adapter needs a faucet thread, and many faucet aerators will not come off, or come off only with the right tool. That is the failure we documented in our own first-person hookup story, and RV owners repeat it constantly. Check whether your faucet aerator unscrews before you buy, and buy the adapter that matches, or plan on filling with a detachable shower head or a bucket.
Portable Washer vs Built-In RV Washer-Dryer Combo
A portable washer and a built-in combo solve different problems, and RV forums consistently tell buyers to take the built-in if they have the space and the hookups. iRV2 owners with Splendide units describe them as working well once you learn them, while also warning you to stick to small loads and skip the combined wash and dry cycle. The portable route wins on flexibility and on the ability to remove the machine entirely.
The built-in combo is plumbed permanently, uses a dedicated water line and drain, and draws meaningfully more power, which usually means running it on 30A shore power rather than a 15A circuit. It is the right choice when you have a dedicated bay, a full-time itinerary and a need to wash large loads without thinking about it. It is the wrong choice in a small Class B van where the bay does not exist.
The portable washer is the opposite: nothing is plumbed, you can remove it between seasons or trips, and it can run off a faucet you borrow or a bucket you carry. You give up large loads, drying performance and the walk-away workflow unless you buy a fully automatic model. If your RV already has washer hookups and a bay, buy the built-in. If it does not, a portable machine is the only realistic answer.
Drying Laundry in an RV After a Portable Wash
No portable washer on this list dries clothes. The closest is the Panda at 1600 RPM, and even there the clothes come out damp. Spin performance is the single factor that most affects whether RV laundry is bearable, which is why the machines with 1300 RPM and above are the ones we lean on in this list. A machine that extracts 85 to 95 percent of the water turns a two-day hang-dry into an overnight one.
Plan the rack before you plan the washer. A folding rack over a shower door or a suction-mounted line in the wet bath uses space you already have. Run the spin, then hang everything while you are still in the shower so the heat from the shower helps. A small fan pointed at the load moves air across damp fabric and shortens drying more than almost anything else you can add.
In humid climates, a dehumidifier matters more than a rack. Condensation in a closed trailer in summer will undo a dry load overnight if the air is still damp when you go to bed. Owners also warn that a mildew smell in a plastic tub after weeks of use clears with a bleach cycle every 20 to 25 washes, and that leaving a damp load folded in a drawer for a week is how that smell starts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best portable washing machine for an RV?
The best portable washing machine for RV living is one that matches your drain route before anything else. If you have a low shower or wet-bath drain, a fully automatic single-tub machine with a built-in drain pump is the easiest to live with. If you are running on a wet bath with the machine sitting in the pan, a twin tub with a 1300 RPM or faster spin handles the biggest loads for the least money. For us, the Giantex 20 lb twin tub came out as the best balance of shower-stall fit, weight and wash performance.
Do portable washing machines actually work well?
Yes, with the right expectations. A 1300 RPM or faster spin cycle extracts 85 to 95 percent of the water, which is what makes air-drying realistic in a small RV. Cold-water-only models wash less effectively than hot-water machines, so pre-treating and a quality detergent matter more there. Twin tubs clean well but require hand-transferring wet laundry from the wash tub to the spin basket.
How do I drain a portable washing machine in an RV?
There are two methods. Gravity drain machines have a hose out of the bottom and must sit above your drain point, so they work in a shower pan, a bathtub or a low-point valve, often on a raised stand. Drain pump machines actively push water and can reach a drain up to 39 inches higher than the machine, which solves awkward wet-bath layouts. Keep the drain hose secured so it cannot pop out of a sink mid-cycle.
How much water does a portable washing machine use?
Small twin tubs running on low water settings can get through a load in 1 to 2 gallons, which is why they are popular with boondockers running off a battery and inverter. Bucket-filling owners of fully automatic machines report roughly 8 to 16 gallons for a small load. Either way, the figure is a fraction of what a household machine uses, and it matters a lot when your grey water tank has a limited capacity.
Can you use a portable washing machine off grid?
Yes. Every machine in this roundup runs on 120V, so on shore power it is straightforward. Boondocking owners run the smaller twin tubs from a lithium battery and an inverter at low wattage, and any of them can be filled by hand with a bucket when there is no faucet. A hand-crank unit is the only truly zero-power option, but it cannot extract water, so clothes come out soaking wet.
Which brand is best for a portable washing machine?
For RV living there is no single best brand, because layout beats brand. The machines that come up most often in owner reports for RV use are the Giantex twin tub, the SUPER DEAL twin tubs, the COMFEE and the Panda, primarily because they fit a shower stall, drain where the plumbing allows, and spin fast enough to dry. BLACK+DECKER wins on quiet automatic operation, with the cold-water-only limitation to accept.
Which portable washer fits inside an RV shower stall?
The compact twin tubs are the ones that fit, and RV owners confirm models with a footprint around 19 by 19 inches and a weight under 30 pounds going in and out of a shower stall. Among the machines here, the Giantex 20 lb twin tub at 28 pounds and the SUPER DEAL 9.9 lb mini at 22 pounds are the realistic candidates. The fully automatic machines at 44 to 49 pounds need a wet bath or a dedicated bay rather than a shower stall.
Is a portable washer better than a built-in RV washer and dryer?
If your RV already has a dedicated washer bay, plumbing hookups and a 30A shore power connection, the built-in combo wins on large loads and walk-away operation. A portable washer wins when there is no bay, when you want to remove the machine between seasons, and when you travel across different vehicles. Forum consensus on iRV2 is to buy the built-in if you have the space and hookups, and a portable otherwise.
Our Verdict
The best portable washing machines for RV living come down to your drain route and your storage space, not to the biggest number on the box. The Giantex 20 lb twin tub is our top pick because RV owners confirm it fits a shower stall, it is light enough for one person to lift, and its 1350 RPM spin makes air-drying in a small space realistic. It is the machine we would put in a 25-foot trailer without hesitating.
If your drain sits higher than the machine, or you do not want to hand-transfer laundry between tubs, go automatic. The COMFEE is the narrowest at 18.1 inches with a pump that reaches 39 inches, and the Panda spins at 1600 RPM and leaves the driest clothes in the group. The BLACK+DECKER is the quietest automatic option and the easiest to live with, as long as cold-water-only washing does not bother you.
Measure your shower stall, check whether your faucet aerator comes off, and secure the machine before you drive away. Get those three things right and RV laundry stops being a chore you tolerate and starts being five minutes of work once a week.