The Best Portable Washing Machines For RV Camping, According To Consumer Reports

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Life on the road has had a surge in recent years as people have embraced nomadic living, trading in traditional homes for the freedom of RVs, vans, and budget camping around Europe . Many people now roam hidden lake campgrounds, remote sleeper national parks, and scenic rocky mountain roads triggered by a desire to be closer to nature and create more simplicity and adventure. Yet this lifestyle comes with it's own drawbacks and requirements, especially when it comes to washing your laundry. Finding a laundromat can mean detours into towns far off your route, long waits in crowded facilities, and unwanted price tags, often around $5 per load plus the fuel required to get there. For full time RV dwellers, the inconveniences can add up. Thankfully, there's a modern solution.

Portable washing machines offer a practical remedy by allowing users to wash their laundry at their campsite. The compact devices connect to a standard water intake and drain into a sink, tub, or bucket. They're designed for mobility, so expect lightweight models with wheels and handles for portability. While they lack the advanced features of full-sized models like multiple temperature settings, they excel at small loads and are compact. Investing in one can save full time roadies a real headache. Last year, Consumer Reports ran some very thorough tests to discover the best portable washing machines on the market. Here's what they came up with.

This compact unit stands out as a favorite for RV campers looking for a reliable wash without the bulkiness of a traditional machine. It measures 31.1 inches in height, 17.3 inches in width, and 17.7 inches in depth. Weighing just 44 pounds, it can easily be taken out from storage within an RV for use when needed. It offers 0.9 cubic feet in capacity which is about two pounds of laundry with testers saying it's the perfect size for a few outfits and undergarments. It's priced at $260 and offers five wash cycles: heavy, gentle, normal, rapid, and soak, for a flexible wash no matter the material. 

This portable washer earned top marks from Consumer Reports for its superior stain removal, outperforming other washers in tackling the tough stains acquired from life on the road. They also appreciated its quiet operation which won't disturb peaceful campgrounds or natural settings. It features an LED display which shows the remaining cycle time. There's also a delay start option and a quick, 15-minute wash for urgent situations. The built-in filter prevents clogs in RV drains, which is a common issue in mobile setups. 

There are some drawbacks, though. It operates solely on cold water (which could limit its effectiveness with greasy stains) and the tub fills slowly. No wheels means it will need to be carried for repositioning, though it's size, which has been compared to a kitchen trash can, eases storage and portability issues. It receives 4.4 out of five stars on Amazon from more than 8,000 ratings praising its ease of use and cost savings for full time RVers.

The Auertech Portable Washing Machine shines for budget-conscious nomads who want to wash small loads. This machine is 23 inches in height, 22 inches in width, 14 inches deep, and weighs only 22 pounds; half as much as the previous model. Its small size means it's highly portable and easy to stow in an RV or van compartment. Capacity tops out at two pounds of dry laundry, great for the daily essentials like socks and smelly t-shirts. It's available for $110, one of the cheaper models, and offers two cycles: normal and soft. 

Consumer Reports highlighted it as a great semi-automatic option, stating it excels in stain-removal and load balancing during spin cycles (which can shake the RV). Users control the water temperature and volume directly from the faucet, allowing customization. Its compact footprint is great for limited spaces and the spin function leaves clothes damp but ready to air dry quickly on the line. 

It's short hoses do require proximity to faucets and elevation for drainage and the lack of clarity in the user manual might confuse first-time users. If you aren't willing to stick around during the wash cycle, this might not be the portable machine for you. The Auertech requires users to transfer the wash load between tubs for rinsing and spinning cycles — a slightly hands-on process. Amazon reviewers average 4.2 stars from nearly 2,000 users praising its compact size and impressive spin efficiency. It's a good option for patient RVers seeking a budget friendly and portable machine.

The GE Space-Saving Portable Washer is made for those seeking more capacity in their washer. This 2.8 cu. ft. tub fits up to 8 pounds of laundry — enough for family washes or bedding. It's dimensions are 37.4 inches by 24 inches by 24.5 inches, with a weight of 99 pounds. It offers wheels and handles for aid in maneuvering, but this machine might be better off in a designated spot within the RV. Its price tag is just under $1,000, so it's on the more expensive side, but it provides eight different wash cycles and four temperature options.

Consumer Reports praise its versatility, noting good stain removal and the ability for permanent installation at home as well as temporary installations in RVs. The basket is made from stainless steel which resists rust over time (ideal for humid camping conditions), the LED readout tracks the time of cycles, and it has detergent and softener dispensers, a rare feature in portable machines. This machine is best for those with a permanent spot for it within their RV.

Some might be deterred by its size which could easily crowd a smaller RV, while others might be challenged by its water outlets which sometimes require extra hoses. If you're a smaller human, reaching into the bottom of the machine could be awkward as well. Wayfair customers give it 4.6 stars, with many loving how quiet it runs and its large capacity. It bridges the gap by being small and portable while also providing the full features long-term campers need.

The Magic Chef 1.7 cu. ft. Portable Compact Top Load Washer excels for RV users who desire a balance of size and function. It offers a nice middle ground between the previous machine and the first two. It measures 36.7 inches by 20.3 inches by 20.7 inches and weighing 73 pounds. It has wheels and handles for assistance in moving it around the campground. At $460, the Magic Chef offers six different cycles: normal, heavy, delicate, quick, bulky, and spin-only; offering great versatility. 

Consumer Reports recommended it for permanent setups, but noted its solid stain removal and quiet performance as well as its delay start feature for timing washes around travel schedules. The detergent tray and lint filter make for a more luxurious portable machine and it's basket fits surprisingly bulky items like towels without tangling them. 

It is unfortunately slow to fill and its wheels aren't the greatest for moving around, nor is its size — akin to a chest freezer. The Spruce echoes handling issues but praised its load capacity. Amazon reviews hit 4.4 stars with users highlighting its cleanliness and silence, affirming its role for use on the road. It's best for those that have a large enough space for it in their RV as more of a permanent fixture. If you need to make more room in the RV for the machine, check out these space-saving and gear organizational tips road trippers swear by.

For eco-conscious nomads that prioritize ultra-portability, this non-electric portable washing machine might be a game changer. The WonderWash is only 5.5 pounds with dimensions of 12 inches by 12 inches by 16 inches, easily slipping into an RV storage space, van storage, or a trunk for those living in their cars. The capacity is 0.6 cubic feet, offering smaller wash loads. At $70, it is easily the most affordable option. It doesn't offer any cycles as this is a manual crank machine but it is offered in four colors and backed by a three-year warranty. 

This machine is best for off-grid scenarios where no power is available or for those that don't want to hook a portable machine up to a faucet. Simply pour in the water, spin to wash your clothes, and drain. The Spruce called it the most portable machine they tested, yielding great results for those keen on sustainable living or where electricity is scarce. 

Know that this machine is hands-on, requiring effort and energy and possibly a YouTube tutorial for optimal use. Reviews average 4.2 stars out of 5 on Amazon from more than 5,500 users highlighting its effectiveness and longevity even after years of use. It's a basic and reliable portable washing machine for anyone on the road. 

This article compiles insights from Consumer Reports' lab tests on portable washing machines where experts installed models, washed standardized stained loads, measured removal efficacy, evaluated usability, manuals, noise, and portability. We supplemented the list with details from The Spruce, Amazon, and Business Insider for broader context on usage and reviews and real-world RV applicability and feedback.