Washer/dryer install

[Travelnguy]

I had camping world install our new washer/dryer combo. We have a 2009 Everest 5th wheel. It was pre plumbed for the washer/ dryer.....we thought. Power was there with breaker switch. Plumbing was there..we thought. Hooked up the plumbing and the hoses went 6 feet and stopped under a set of drawers. The plumbing was never finished!!!! Is this normal or did they screw up at the factory???
Our RV had an optional washer/dryer in the place we put it. Had all the hookups, but now it look like it could be a lot of work to finish the install.

Thanks, Robert

[Kansas Gary]

It sounds like someone during the building process forgot to finish the job. On our Alpine the plumbing was complete along with the electric for both the washer & dryer. The only thing that wasn’t was the vent for the dryer to the outside. It was marked on the wall as to where to put it though......

[chuckster57]

If the washer is in a closet in the front of a fifth wheel, it’s common for the drain to run along the inside wall and then take a 90 degree turn down. Are you sure it “ends” at the drawers, or do you see an elbow.

[Travelnguy]

Thanks for the reply, but yes the elbow is not there. That's exactly what I thought it should be. No, the hoses end. There is a hole going into the storage compartment below where the elbow should be. It just looks like they forgot to finish the job.

[Dave W]

Someone screwed up!

If you are a DIYer, it should not be too difficult to pull that set of drawers out of the way and open the 'box' along the wall to finish the piping run to the gray tank. It will take a couple lengths of ABS piping (special glue) and a few fittings

We have a W-D hookup but luckily not using it as the drain isn't fully glued together but at least it's there.

Let us know how it works out

[Travelnguy]

Has anyone heard of this happening??? What is Keystone's position on it?? I think they should finish the job!!! Its not a warranty issue!!

[Tinner12002]

This late in the game I'm guessing your on your own. As Dave W said, if you are a DIYer then plan on getting dirty or you could take the RV to a shop and let them fix it.
If CW has it now, see what they would charge to complete the plumbing.

[chuckster57]

That’s what I’m thinking. I wouldn’t count on any help from Keystone.

[JRTJH]

Just thinking out loud here....

Is this a "we bought it new" trailer or a "new to you" trailer???

Is it possible that if it's "new to you" that the previous owner modified the plumbing? We have a member who doesn't ever plan to install a washer/dryer, didn't want to have to deal with winterizing that part of the plumbing, so he "un-installed" the connections from the main plumbing run to the washer/dryer connections. That way, when he winterizes, that part no longer needs any work.

So, is it possible that a previous owner might have "helped you out" a bit more than first expected ???

If you're the first owner, then yup, maybe Keystone didn't finish the job or maybe the dealership ordered it that way ???

[Travelnguy]

Thanks guys!!! It is new to us. I don't think the original owners would have taken out the plumbing. It would never have had any water in it, so winterizeation would not have been necessary.

I am pretty sure it came from the factory like this, but Keystones responce will be interesting.

Camping world said it will be a major job to finish installation. Like $$$$. Doesn't look that hard to me...

[chuckster57]

You will need to find the gray tank, drop it and at fittings. Might be easier to finish off the plumbing in the basement, add a blade valve and termination fitting to drain straight to GC system.

[Jim2366]

We have had our Cougar 361rlw in a Keystone dealer and paid for a Splendide stackable washer and dryer. There is a closet designated for a stackable washer dryer. The dealer called Keystone because the dryer would not fit because of the side vent. He verified that he ordered the correct model for our RV but they said that the door would have to remain off and the dryer would stick out into the room. The dealer has been great they are going to refund the money for the washer and dryer. The big selling feature of our model that the washer dryer was off the kitchen instead of the bedroom. Mrs is not too happy that was a big reason we selected this RV.

[Big1]

We have had our Cougar 361rlw in a Keystone dealer and paid for a Splendide stackable washer and dryer. There is a closet designated for a stackable washer dryer. The dealer called Keystone because the dryer would not fit because of the side vent. He verified that he ordered the correct model for our RV but they said that the door would have to remain off and the dryer would stick out into the room. The dealer has been great they are going to refund the money for the washer and dryer. The big selling feature of our model that the washer dryer was off the kitchen instead of the bedroom. Mrs is not too happy that was a big reason we selected this RV.


Can you go with just the Splendide all-in-one I install the 2100XC in my Jayco I could have install the stackable but I choice to install the 2100XC.

[travelin texans]

My Splendide stackable dryer in our last 5th wheel & the Splendide combo in the prior 5th wheel both vented out the back through the exterior wall with no issues.
I installed the combo unit myself including drilling the 4" hole through the wall, not sure who was more nervous, me or the DW, but it went relatively easy.
Sounds to me someone ordered the wrong dryer!

[sourdough]

During our searching prior to buying this trailer, and the revelation that DW wanted a washer and dryer all of a sudden, we looked at lots of trailers. We did not look at the 361, our preference was the 315rls (until we found they moved the location of the island much too close to the stove on the 20s). At that time we were told that we wouldn't be happy with a combo (I know some are - the saleman had and used one) AND that the Cougar line would not accept a stackable washer and dryer (Splendide). That is the primary reason we went to a full profile and got the HC. The Cougar is a mid profile.

[JRTJH]

This isn't the first time there's been an issue with installing a washer/dryer in a Keystone fifth wheel. It's been a problem with some models for years. Back as far as 2016, installing a "stackable W/D" has brought clearance issues to the table. Here's one of several threads on this forum concerning the issue: https://www.keystoneforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26696&highlight=washer+dryer

[purebred]

Our Splendide all in one washer dryer fits pretty good in our alpine. Main problem though was installing it. Those suckers are heavy. Took me and another good size person to just get it up the stairs. Plus had to disassemble stuff just to get it to the bedroom. Works great but what a pain.

[Jim2366]

We picked up our 2019 Keystone Cougar 361rlw from the Keystone Dealer. They gave us a refund for the washer and dryer and did not charge us for labor. They could not have provided better service. The owner of the dealer had ordered the washer and dryer model that Keystone said was the correct model.

The space is too small. The depth is only 23 1/2 inches and with the dryer vented to a side wall and the door knob its impossible.

So what next. I guess I will keep using laundry mats, which we were almost robbed once at. Look at a non vented combo washer and dryer which might be the best solution. Lastly look at other brands and see about a different door that mounts on the outside wall and putting the hinges on a trim board that is 3/4 inch thick.

Thanks for your input, I sure thought a 39'4" RV had enough space. We do really like our RV, next time it will be a Montana.

[sourdough]

Jim sorry for all the troubles but glad the dealer was so good about it all. My initial choice for a 5th wheel was a Cougar (2020) but when DW decided on a stackable washer and dryer the dealer in FL where we were at the time said right up front a stackable would not work in a Cougar (mid profile) and would have to be in a Montana. I double checked that with the dealer in TX and they said the same thing so don't know what happened on your deal.

As far as unvented, that was a thumbs down from us right off the bat due to the moisture it will introduce into the camper. We have to run a dehumidifier much of the time anyway and moisture/humidity is a killer for an RV. They did tell us that a combo (vented) would work and in fact the salesman in FL had a Cougar as I recall and had one in it? Would one not work in your Cougar? If memory serves, the problem with the stackable was height and the curve of the lower Cougar front roof which pushed it forward. Maybe the combo would work - better than the coin laundry; DW is head over heels in love with it.

[KingFisher]

Jim sorry for all the troubles but glad the dealer was so good about it all. My initial choice for a 5th wheel was a Cougar (2020) but when DW decided on a stackable washer and dryer the dealer in FL where we were at the time said right up front a stackable would not work in a Cougar (mid profile) and would have to be in a Montana. I double checked that with the dealer in TX and they said the same thing so don't know what happened on your deal.

As far as unvented, that was a thumbs down from us right off the bat due to the moisture it will introduce into the camper. We have to run a dehumidifier much of the time anyway and moisture/humidity is a killer for an RV. They did tell us that a combo (vented) would work and in fact the salesman in FL had a Cougar as I recall and had one in it? Would one not work in your Cougar? If memory serves, the problem with the stackable was height and the curve of the lower Cougar front roof which pushed it forward. Maybe the combo would work - better than the coin laundry; DW is head over heels in love with it.

Unvented does not introduce moisture into the rv.

This is a way too often spread myth.

[KingFisher]

Our Splendide all in one washer dryer fits pretty good in our alpine. Main problem though was installing it. Those suckers are heavy. Took me and another good size person to just get it up the stairs. Plus had to disassemble stuff just to get it to the bedroom. Works great but what a pain.

They are heavy. I asked my neighbor at the trailer park at work if he would help me with mine, nice young guy, he said sure.

I took down the bedroom door and the closet door where the washer went.

I said how you want to do this?

He said Can you take the door off the washer/dryer? 7100xc. I said sure and took it off.

He says ok old man, stand back, picked it up and carried it all the way to the front bedroom by himself.

[purebred]

I don't know where the misconception of the moisture keeps popping up on this forum about ventless washers. We've had ours over a year and I have temperature and humidity indicators in both ends of the rv. No problems here. There is more humidity from the stove top, showers, microwave then the washer. Like Trump says fake news.:lol:

[sourdough]

Unvented does not introduce moisture into the rv.

This is a way too often spread myth.


Don't know, never had one. I do know the salesman that told me that, had one that was vented and warned me of the unvented unit.

[JRTJH]

The Splendide "unvented combo machine" uses a "condenser" to collect the steam from the dryer exhaust. It uses fresh water (about 6 gallons per hour of drying time) to cool the condenser which "causes it collect the humidity from the steam." That humidity is flushed down the plumbing along with the soapy waste water from washing clothes and into the gray/black tank to which the combo machine is connected. There is no "open dryer exhaust" to spew the air from drying clothes into the RV. Essentially, it's a closed system, air enters the washer/dryer from the RV room, is heated, collects moisture from the clothes, that air goes into the condenser where it's "dried" and flushed down the drain. The machine doesn't vent "wet air" into the RV interior

[sourdough]

Don't know, never had one. I do know the salesman that told me that, had one that was vented and warned me of the unvented unit.



I made the remark about a ventless washer/dryer combo inserting moisture into the air based on a comment made to me by a salesman that seemed to know what he was talking about....so I repeated it. Upon the rebuttals here I decided to do a little research. I have found mentions of various issues with these units but nothing about elevated moisture levels due to them. In that light it seems I was repeating incorrect information from a "salesman" which one should know better. I took it at face value because it was just offered information from a guy that I thought was familiar with them - not a conversation trying to convince us to buy one thing or another. With that in mind it might be a good option for the OP....

[travelin texans]

I made the remark about a ventless washer/dryer combo inserting moisture into the air based on a comment made to me by a salesman that seemed to know what he was talking about....so I repeated it. Upon the rebuttals here I decided to do a little research. I have found mentions of various issues with these units but nothing about elevated moisture levels due to them. In that light it seems I was repeating incorrect information from a "salesman" which one should know better. I took it at face value because it was just offered information from a guy that I thought was familiar with them - not a conversation trying to convince us to buy one thing or another. With that in mind it might be a good option for the OP....

Same here! Was told by individuals that presumably knew what they were talking, silly me.
Although if dumping 6 gallons of water per hour of drying time hopefully it drains into a dedicated tank. Our vented combo was at minimum 2 hours drying time so at 12 gallons per lower you'd best be connected to a sewer connection on laundry day.

[rbrdriver]

I'm just glad we have the separate washer and dryer, so that you can be drying while the next load is washing. Seems more productive that way.

[wiredgeorge]

Don't know, never had one. I do know the salesman that told me that, had one that was vented and warned me of the unvented unit.


We should compile a book titled "The Salesman Said" with all the knowledgeable camping and towing lore that sales staff has provided to forum members. It would extremely interesting to find out the percentage of RV sales staff that actually own and use an RV. I am guessing few do. I guess sitting inside an RV dealership all day allows cosmic RV wisdom to soak in somehow? :rolleyes:

[Jim2366]

The RV manufacter floor plan showed the space was for a stackable washer and dryer it was not the dealer. Check it out.

https://www.keystonerv.com/fifth-wheels/cougar/floorplans/361rlw-fifth-wheel/

[JRTJH]

The RV manufacter floor plan showed the space was for a stackable washer and dryer it was not the dealer. Check it out.

https://www.keystonerv.com/fifth-wheels/cougar/floorplans/361rlw-fifth-wheel/

Check back to post #16 in this thread.... Yours is NOT the first time the issue of a stacking washer/dryer pair has been "advertised in the brochures" but will not fit in the available space.... There is a documented series of "fixes" approved and provided by Keystone for other customers. If your dealership didn't push for resolution, then Keystone likely doesn't have all the facts. The factory has paid for cabinet modifications to fit a stacking pair for other customers. It all starts and, for the most part, ends with your dealership and how they provide information to the factory.

[sourdough]

We should compile a book titled "The Salesman Said" with all the knowledgeable camping and towing lore that sales staff has provided to forum members. It would extremely interesting to find out the percentage of RV sales staff that actually own and use an RV. I am guessing few do. I guess sitting inside an RV dealership all day allows cosmic RV wisdom to soak in somehow? :rolleyes:


The guy that told me about the w/d actually lived on the dealership lot (pointed it out in the back), in an RV, and had the combo unit. Seemed pretty credible but as the saying goes......

[Big1]

They are heavy. I asked my neighbor at the trailer park at work if he would help me with mine, nice young guy, he said sure.

I took down the bedroom door and the closet door where the washer went.

I said how you want to do this?

He said Can you take the door off the washer/dryer? 7100xc. I said sure and took it off.

He says ok old man, stand back, picked it up and carried it all the way to the front bedroom by himself.


I install mines by myself and I'm 66 yrs young it was no problem I just had to be smart about it.

[Jim2366]

The RV manufacter floor plan showed the space was for a stackable washer and dryer it was not the dealer. Check it out.

https://www.keystonerv.com/fifth-wheels/cougar/floorplans/361rlw-fifth-wheel/

Thanks John! I will check with another dealer and hopefully get a modification.

[sourdough]

Jim, the only Cougars I looked at had the w/d in the nose because that's where we wanted our closet. That floorplan sure looks like the stackable could/should work. Like John said, I bet there is a mod of some kind Keystone can make to fix it. Here's a little clip on the unit. Don't know if the door is exactly like yours but placement is the same. Listen to them at about the 3 minute mark explaining that it IS for a stackable w/d;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLrLjQCZNpA