I am not 100% sure but I think most front load washing machines have concrete weights in them to stabilise them during the spin cycle. Top loaders don't generally have the extra wights. But the front loaders are generally more water efficient and use less.
Front loaders can obviously be built in under a work surface and although you could do the same with a top loader it would mean hinges for the top.
I have a small Lemair which is a top loader and I find that OK for everything bar the big stuff, blankets etc. Then I use CP's machines or commercial Laundromats.
I think it boils down to what you are used to and space for whatever type of machine you can fit.
I am sure you will get lots more pros and cons thrown at you so you will have to see what most people come up with.
Top loader is better for travelling, we used to have a small twin tub but found is easier to wash clothes at laundries and camp sites with facilities. Plus water is a problem if you want to use a W/M when free camping, they use heaps and it only adds to weight. For small stuff, we use a bucket and pogo stick, which probably works much better than any washing machine and take up little room.
Cost is the other factor, top loaders around $260/360 with front loader (Dometic) around $1200. The other is most top loaders are 2.2 to 2.5kg where the front loader is 3kg.
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Cheers Jeff
Ticking off the bucket list before we kick it!
200 TTD with Evernew 22'6" and 40+ years in the oil & gas industry, now retired. CMCA Member.
We have a BIG bucket .. Wash by hand first then leave a few hours wash by hand then rinse.. We have enough sheets to last till we are home or laundry in park.. All the small "important" stuff is bucket washed.. I must say when on the move with good sealing lid the bucket washes very well...
-- Edited by Aus-Kiwi on Sunday 9th of March 2014 10:54:12 PM
We have just removed our washing m/c. Although it worked just fine. we found the amount of water it used a problem for free camping and that the space it took up could be put to far better use.
Landy
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Have had a washing machine in M/h for 5 years. Have used it twice. Only yesterday we were discussing the sense in removing it. I mostly hand wash after soaking in bucket overnight & linen, towels etc I find a Laundromat. When you are free camping machine uses too much water & also if you are at a place that doesn't allow sullage water to go onto ground your grey water tank fills to quickly so you need to find a dump point more often.
have had both. can't wait for frontloader to break so I can replace it. when taking clothes out the door some always fall on the floor. don't think it cleans as well either and the one I have has no cold wash option. can't stand it.
we have a front loader. Its brilliant. When in a camp with water we do the washing, means it doesnt have to be a camp ground. Use cold wash eco when on road and put hot wash through when in CP. We did 6 months without washer and it was a pain Also cost in CP is ridiculous. To each there own. Oh and the reason we got a front loader is durability with all the top loaders made rather flimsy, space it take is same as space we would put dirty washing so dont see problem.
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I've got a top loader and wouldn't be without it. It stores the dirty clothes until I wash, and it does a damn good job. I can fit 1 QS sheet and two pillowcases in it at a time. Always wash on cold water, but never wash when I'm free camping. I got sick of dirty washing machines in some parks and public laundromat And I know mine's clean. It has 2 wash types, normal and gentle and 2 water levels, low and high. Never had a problem and as I say wouldn't be without it.
Also the cost of public/van park machines is getting ridiculous. At Anglesea Big 4, the charge is $6 per wash and $6 per dry. They only have a tiny clothesline, obviously to force people into their laundry facilities. And I always hang my clothes in the annexe or under the awning, away from light fingered louies.....and I don't have to be up at daybreak to secure a machine and clothesline space....
