Best Caravan & Campervan Washing Machines in Australia [2023]

Are you tired of using coin-operated washing machines and dryers while out on the road?

You may want to think about investing in a small washing machine for your caravan. The camping world is constantly evolving and now it’s possible to buy appliances designed specifically for your vehicle.

A caravan washing machine can save you money in the long term. They’re also great if you’re going off the grid or simply don’t want to wait at a laundromat. Just throw in your clothes, choose your settings, hit start and you’re done!

Spend less time looking for laundromats or using campground coin laundries and more time enjoying yourself! I don’t know about you but I’d rather be cracking open a cold one than sitting in a laundromat waiting for the spin cycle to finish...

Many people won’t have even considered a caravan washing machine as a potential option. However, they can be a great investment if you get the right one.

But where do you start?

Let’s look at the different products to help identify the best caravan washing machine for your needs.

Best Caravan Washing Machines Australia

Camec Compact 4kg RV Washing Machine

This advanced Camec appliance offers all of the advantages of a home washing machine in a smaller package.

Its 15 wash programs include three quick wash modes so you can choose the time and intensity that you desire. Meanwhile, it also has a delicate wash mode that ensures all of the detergent is fully removed from your clothing.

Unlike many other portable washing machines, you can even wash your clothes in hot water. There’s a heating element included in the machine which heats up the cold water supply to your desired temperature.

With a spin speed of between 400-1000 RPM, you can trust this appliance to wash your laundry properly.

This Australian RV washing machine has a large capacity for a small washing machine (4kg) so you can fill it with a decent load. It’s a great option for families.

However, there are some potential disadvantages.

Firstly, this caravan washing machine is very big and heavy. Most people won’t dedicate so much space and weight to an appliance like this. It's different if you have a large motorhome because then you can carry more weight without worries, but for those with small caravans, this unit might simply be too big.

Another problem is that this is a hungry washing machine.

The Camec will guzzle a maximum of 45 litres, which makes it difficult to use off grid. In saying that, the shortest cycle uses just 19 litres, which is a little better.

The final issue is the cost.

This machine is worth $899 because of all of its features and the one-year warranty. But there’s also no denying that this is more than a lot of people are prepared to pay. In the end, it depends on your budget and how much you plan to use it.

Sphere 3.3 kg Automatic Mini Washing Machine

This multi-cycle caravan washing machine is a great mid-sized option.

It’s not excessively heavy at 18.5kg but still has a 3.3kg capacity. This will potentially make it more attractive than the 4kg Camec to some customers. At $350 it also costs almost $600 less than its competitor.

However, the Camec has an advantage in that it has hot water cycle functions. The Sphere offers five settings but all of these are cold water. Despite this, Sphere is adamant that their 38-minute wash-rinse-cycle will remove tough stains.

As an Australian brand, Sphere understands its consumer’s demands. This gives them more credibility in the market.

The appliance is also easy to use with a clear control panel. As a top-loader, it’s very easy to empty without having to bend down to find that elusive sock.

But there is one eye catching pitfall.

According to their website specifications, this caravan washing machine can use a maximum of 78L. That’s a massive figure and many people won’t consider it sustainable if true.

Of course, you can choose their other cycles that use less water, but the point remains that you need to carefully select your cycle when using this machine to avoid draining your water tank in one fell swoop.

Camec 2.5KG Wall Mounted Washing Machine

This wall mounted caravan washing machine is one of the most popular on the market.

With a capacity of 2.5kg, this Camec is smaller but perfect for caravans. It only weighs 18kg when empty.

Unlike the previous caravan washing machines, this appliance is wall mounted. It’s excellent for restricted spaces because of its compact and refined design. Camec uses vibration testing to ensure that it will stay in place when you’re on the road.

Also, it has nine functions, making this a high-performance caravan washing machine. These include a cotton wash for delicate laundry and even drum cleaning.

Like it’s 4kg bigger brother, it comes with a one-year warranty. This Camec also provides a heated wash at up to 95°C.

Other nice features include a child lock, temperature control and an illuminated touch screen operation. With its sci-fi aesthetic, it’s also a very attractive appliance.

The price tag will be a sticking point for some potential customers. It retails at about $1,000, but make no mistake, this is the best caravan washing machine available today. The only question is, do you really need it?

Devanti 3kg Portable Top Load Washing Machine

This portable washing machine for caravans fills a great niche in the market.

Unlike the Camec washing machines which offer hot water and advanced features, this Devanti is much more basic. It has a 2-in-1 cold wash and spin dry function that does the job in a no-nonsense manner.

You can also wash several pairs of shoes with the Devanti’s removable shoe brushes. It has a powerful wave pulsator for enhanced cleaning. Devanti claims that it runs silently so it won’t annoy anybody in the van.

At just $125 it’s an excellent budget option. However, be warned, it only comes with a three-month warranty. Bear in mind that you usually get what you pay for when it comes to caravan appliances.

This small washing machine for caravans is extremely lightweight at just 6.5kg. Despite this, it has a surprising 3kg capacity. But the less you put into it, the more effective it is.

It’s unlikely that you will want to replace your home appliance with this caravan washing machine. However, it can be very useful if you’re on a shorter trip and need something that can get the job done.

Companion Ezywash Twin Tub Washing Machine

Finally, let’s take a look at this great caravan twin tub washing machine.

The Companion Ezywash Twin Tub Washing Machine is simple but incredibly efficient. If you don’t want all of the bells and whistles, then this is the appliance for you.

It costs around $230 so it’s more expensive than the Devanti. But despite its smaller capacity (2kg), it's a more powerful and effective caravan washing machine.

Unlike the Dometic, it offers normal and gentle modes so you can choose the appropriate one for your laundry.

The Ezywash is made from ABS plastic so it has a solid construction. Companion builds it to last and to do the job without any frills. It also has a one year warranty.

Points To Consider When Getting A Caravan Washing Machine

The best portable caravan washing machine for your situation depends on a number of factors. Check off on each of the points below before locking in a purchase!

How To Use A Portable Caravan Washing Machine

It’s very easy to use a campervan washing machine. You should ensure that you’re on level ground (use some levelling ramps) or it won’t work efficiently. Here’s a basic guide but your model will come with its own instructions.

1. Fill your washer with water from the sink or a hose (remember that these units usually aren't connected to your caravan water pump and water filter).
2. Wash small loads of clothes at a time. It’s advisable not to fill a portable washing machine to maximum capacity.
3. Drain the dirty water (to a grey water tank, if you have one). Advanced machines will do this automatically.
4. Rinse clothes. Your machine may have this as a standard function or you may have to refill it again with cold water.

Alternatives to Washing Machines

Do you really need a caravan washing machine?

A lot of people consider this appliance an unnecessary indulgence. They’ll point at other methods to clean your clothes. We disagree with this sentiment but let’s look at some alternatives.

Laundromats

The most obvious substitute for a caravan washing machine, laundromats are widely available on camping sites and urban environments.

Of course, this is down to personal preference. Many buyers get their portable washing machines because they don’t want to deal with laundromats.

However, if you only need to do one or two batches of laundry then this facility may suit your needs. You’ll need to have a stash of coins and your own detergent.

The problem is that some laundromats aren’t well maintained. This probably won’t be an issue at a nicer campground but it can be the case when at a more budget site.

The Bucket Method

Did you know that you can wash your clothes while you’re driving?

Simply fill a bucket of water with water and detergent. Leave it in a secure place like the shower. Then place your dirty laundry inside the bucket.

Driving will create turbulence and wash your clothes. If you use a wool wash, you won’t even need to rinse your laundry.

Of course, this isn’t going to provide a deep clean and it’s limited. But if you just want fresh underpants and shorts, it’s a great camping hack.

Scrubba Wash Bag

This wash bag takes the principle of handwashing to a new level.

Insert your clothes before filling the bag with water and detergent. Then scrub the bag with your hands and rinse it out.

It’s a very handy and economical alternative but it’s much more limited than a washing machine.

If you are interested in more portable units like this one, take a look at this list of camping washing machines.

Caravan Sink

There’s nothing wrong with this back-to-basics approach.

Fill your sink with soapy water and hand wash your clothes there. You won’t be able to do a full bed sheet but you can clean smaller articles.

Drying Your Clothes

Don’t forget that you’ll have to dry your clothes after you wash them. Luckily, our climate here in Australia is ideal for drying - often you can just hang out the clothes and they’ll be dry before long!

Your awning is a great place to hang your laundry!

You can, of course, always invest in a caravan clothes dryer instead.

Final Thoughts

Caravan washing machines offer a great alternative to laundromats because you have total freedom and control over hygiene.

The Camec 2.5kg caravan washing machine is the best in the business. Its design is arguably better than the brand’s 4kg alternative. Meanwhile, it offers all of the functions of a home appliance. This model is ideal for any camping vehicle.

If you have an RV and want a bigger option, then go for the Camec 4kg.

For those who don’t want fancy features or to spend so much on a caravan washing machine, the Companion Ezywash is excellent. It’s basic but does the job in an excellent and reliable way.

Remember, if you have any questions, you can leave a comment below!