Buyers Guide to Caravan Washing Machines
Complete Buyer’s Guide to Caravan Washing Machines
Dusty tracks, beach days, long hauls, laundry piles up fast on the road. A caravan washing machine keeps you fresh, saves money, and gives you the freedom to wash when and where it suits you. This guide explains portable washing machines, top load washing machines, wall mounted options, and washing machine and dryer combo units, then steps through installation, power and water planning, and the exact process to do a wash in a van.
Why install a washing machine in your van
Benefits
- Save on caravan park machines, those five to eight dollar cycles add up on long trips.
- Wash on your schedule, no queues, no hunting for laundromats.
- Better hygiene on dusty or humid runs, clean bedding and towels when you need them.
- Pack lighter, less clothing carried, more space for useful gear.
- Fewer town stops, more time at camp, more time on the road.
Cons of skipping it
- Reliance on laundromats and park machines increases cost and kills time.
- Hand washing is hard on your back, never fully clean, often wastes water.
- Dirty clothes linger between towns, humidity can lead to musty smells.
- You pack extra outfits to compensate, that is more weight and storage used.
Pre purchase checklist
| Item | What to confirm | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2.5 kg for frequent small loads, 3.0 to 3.5 kg for bedding and towels | Right size means fewer loads and less water used overall |
| Space and access | Measure cavity, allow lid clearance, hose routing, ventilation | Prevents vibration issues and pinched hoses |
| Mounting type | Portable top load, semi fixed top load, or wall mounted | Choose stowable convenience or a permanent, tidy fit |
| Power supply | 240 V mains at parks, inverter or generator off grid | Ensures you can run a cycle without nuisance trips |
| Water in and grey water | Tank capacity, hose connections, grey water collection or plumbed trap | Stays compliant in parks and low impact at camp |
| Noise and vibration | Solid base or wall brace, isolation pads, level cabinet | Keeps spin quiet and reduces wear |
| Programs and controls | Short, eco, rinse and spin options, simple dials or buttons | Makes daily washing straightforward for anyone to use |
Types of caravan washing machines
Portable washing machine
Light, compact, easy to move, best for solo travellers and couples doing frequent small loads. Stow away when not in use. A great starting point if space is tight.
Top load washing machine
Familiar to use, balanced footprint, suits medium vans and longer trips. Easy to fill and empty, reliable choice for most caravans.
Wall mounted washing machine
Fixed and secure, saves floor space, ideal for daily loads in family vans. Requires solid bracing and careful installation, very tidy once fitted.
Washing machine and dryer combo
Wash and dry in the same cabinet, handy in wet or cold climates, useful when moving daily. Plan for longer total cycle time and ventilation needs.
NCE models, features and benefits
NCE 2.5 kg Top Loader — small washing machine
The compact option for tight spaces. Simple controls, light cabinet, easy to move in and out. Ideal for couples on regular trips who prefer frequent, light loads.
- No wall mount needed, stows away fast
- Short and eco programs that suit tank management
- Top load drum is easy to fill at ground level
- Gentle wash action that suits light fabrics and travel wear
Best for travellers who value space and flexibility over larger per load capacity.
NCE 3.5 kg Top Loader, Black — bigger capacity top load washing machine
The practical step up when you want fewer loads. Still compact in footprint, yet manages towels and light sheets. Suits couples on long trips and small families.
- Higher capacity for bedding and towels when needed
- Simple, reliable controls that anyone can use
- Balanced drum and stable spin when correctly levelled
- Works well as semi fixed or portable within a dedicated nook
Best for regular use when you want a familiar, home like load size without the bulk of a residential machine.
NCE 3.0 kg Wall Mounted Washing Machine — space saving fixed install
The tidy, permanent solution. Saves floor area, locks down for corrugations, ready to run without unpacking. Great for mid to large vans that wash daily.
- Fixed wall mount keeps the walkway clear
- Good balance between compact size and useful drum volume
- Quick daily loads so things never pile up
- Secure cabinet that copes with regular travel conditions
Best for busy family vans and anyone who prefers a dedicated laundry spot.
NCE Wall Mounted Washer Dryer Combo — wash and dry in one
All weather independence. Washes and dries in the same cabinet, no clothesline when it is raining, no waiting for things to dry when moving daily.
- Integrated drying for cold, wet or humid trips
- Wall mounted, permanent and tidy
- Multiple programs to match fabric and time constraints
- Great for full time touring and winter travel
Best for travellers who want true set and forget laundry in any conditions.
Comparison table
| Model | Type | Capacity | Mounting | Dryer | Best for | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCE 2.5 kg Top Loader | Portable top load | 2.5 kg | Portable, stow when not in use | No | Solo travellers, couples, tight spaces | View |
| NCE 3.5 kg Top Loader, Black | Top load | 3.5 kg | Semi fixed or portable in a nook | No | Couples on long trips, small families | View |
| NCE 3.0 kg Wall Mounted | Wall mounted | 3.0 kg | Fixed install | No | Family vans, daily use | View |
| NCE Wall Mounted Washer Dryer Combo | Wall mounted combo | Wash 3.0 kg class | Fixed install | Yes | All weather, full time touring | View |
Power and water planning
Power, parks and off grid
- At parks plug into 240 V mains, confirm your lead and outlet are rated, avoid sharing power boards.
- Off grid run through a quality inverter or a generator, wash in daylight to use solar input, avoid running high draw appliances at the same time.
- Circuit protection use RCD protected outlets, keep cords short and tidy, avoid daisy chains.
Water, in and out
- Water in use caravan rated hoses and washers, hand tighten and then nip gently, recheck after the first cycle.
- Grey water most parks require collection, run the drain to your grey tank or to an approved point, never discharge on the ground.
- Saving water choose short or eco programs, wash smaller loads more often, use cold water as your default.
Installation and safety
Portable and semi fixed top loaders
- Place on a level base, use anti vibration pads, check the cabinet is not rocking.
- Route inlet and drain hoses without kinks, keep bends gentle and accessible.
- Secure with a strap or bracket for travel so the cabinet cannot move.
Wall mounted machines
- Brace to a solid wall structure, not just thin panel, use the supplied bracket and fasteners suited to your van frame.
- Follow clearances for ventilation and service access, never block vents.
- Engage a licensed professional for electrical works when required.
Safety first isolate power before plumbing or moving a machine, never lift by the lid or door, and recheck mounts and fasteners after your first long tow.
How to do a wash in a caravan
| Step | What to do | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Prep the space | Level the machine, check hoses, place drain into grey tank or approved outlet, close windows if dust is blowing. | Stable spin, no leaks, clean air around the drum. |
| 2. Sort and shake | Shake dust and sand off clothing outside, sort by light and dark, avoid overloading. | Less grit in the drum, better wash and rinse. |
| 3. Load the drum | Fill loosely to just under the top of the agitator or line, leave space for water movement. | Improves wash quality and reduces strain on the motor. |
| 4. Add detergent | Use a small dose of low suds detergent designed for compact washers, avoid pods. | Prevents excess foam, improves rinsing, saves water. |
| 5. Choose a program | Pick short or eco for daily loads, standard wash for heavily soiled items, cold water by default. | Saves water and power while keeping clothes fresh. |
| 6. Run and monitor | Listen for unusual vibration, pause if the load bunches, redistribute and continue. | Protects bearings and keeps the cabinet stable. |
| 7. Spin and drain | Use an extra spin if it is a wet day, confirm grey water routing is correct. | Reduces drying time and avoids spills. |
| 8. Drying | Line dry under the awning, in poor weather use the washer dryer combo or a portable airer with ventilation. | Dry clothes faster and avoid damp inside the van. |
| 9. Air the drum | Leave the lid or door ajar after the cycle, wipe the seal and detergent drawer. | Prevents odours and keeps mould at bay. |
Care, cleaning and troubleshooting
Simple care routine
- Monthly drum clean, run an empty short cycle with a cleaner suitable for compact washers.
- Wipe seals and the lid or door after each wash, leave ajar to dry.
- Check inlet filter screens and hose washers each season.
- Re level the cabinet after rough roads or big weight changes.
Troubleshooting quick list
- Cabinet shaking reduce load size, re level, fit isolation pads, check mountings.
- Slow fill clean inlet filter, check tap, inspect hose kinks.
- Poor rinse reduce detergent dose, run an extra rinse, sort smaller loads.
- Musty smell air the drum, run a drum clean, switch to low suds detergent.
FAQs
Can you add a washing machine to a caravan?
Yes, many caravans can fit a compact washing machine. Choose portable for easy stow and go, or wall mounted for a tidy, permanent setup. Confirm space, water in, grey water out, and a suitable 240 V supply.
Is the NCE 2.5 kg top loader portable?
Yes, it is designed to be moved and stowed, a compact option for tight spaces and frequent light loads.
How to use a caravan washing machine efficiently
Shake dust out before loading, choose short or eco programs, wash during peak solar hours when off grid, and spin twice on wet days to shorten drying time.
How to wash clothes in a caravan
Sort, shake, and load lightly, use low suds detergent, run a short cycle for daily wear, line dry under cover, or use a washer dryer combo when the weather will not play nice.
How much water does a caravan washing machine use
Usage varies by program and model. As a guide, compact machines are designed to be frugal, short and eco programs keep water use low for tank management.
Can I run a caravan washing machine from an inverter
Yes, many travellers do. Choose a quality inverter sized to handle start and spin draw, wash during the day to pair with solar, and avoid running other high draw appliances at the same time.
Do I need hot water
Most caravan washing is done on cold water to save power. If your van has a hot water service and the machine supports it, connect as directed for occasional hot cycles.
What detergent should I use
Use a low suds or compact washer detergent. Avoid pods, liquids and powders are easier to dose correctly in small drums.
Do I need to collect grey water
In most parks, yes. Use your grey tank or an approved container. When remote, follow local guidance and always keep soap impacts in mind.
Shop caravan washing machines at Home & RV
Quick links, NCE 2.5 kg Top Loader, NCE 3.5 kg Top Loader, NCE 3.0 kg Wall Mounted, NCE Washer Dryer Combo.