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Topic: Happy Wife - Happy Life - new project [any way to stack washer and dryer?] (Read 720 times) previous topic - next topic

Happy Wife - Happy Life - new project [any way to stack washer and dryer?]

The wife has become very frustrated with our Splendide Washer/Dryer combo. Granted, we have had this model, 2100xc, on other coaches, but this one is showing its age. For whatever reason, Foretravel never seemed to offer a stackable set in the Unibody series.
Like most other "U" series, the washer/dryer is placed in a hall closet by the bathroom.  Were it not for the heating vents below it, there would be ample room to install a stacked washer/dryer set. The cabinet already is the right width and the potential height available is nearly 75 inches.  This space under the washer/dryer - is this the gas furnace heater? Though our system has two "furnace" heat zones - is there really just one actual heater unit? 
The options - remove the gas furnace and cap the vents.  That would remedy height issues. Our A/C's have heat pumps and our home domicile is in Florida.  Or, is there enough space in that area  under the current washer unit that I could just lower the floor to get the height area I need.  With the big number of Unibody Foretravel's out there - surely someone has already thought about this and/or tried it.  Thanks to all for your help and advice.
2002 U295
Build  # 5989
Former:  Alpine Apex (2006 Prototype), Fleetwood Discovery LXE, Berkshire 40 XL

Re: Happy Wife - Happy Life - new project [any way to stack washer and dryer?]

Reply #1 –
We have a 92 GV with stackable combo , next to are closet was a dressing table that I removed and been working g for 8 years. Not a great picture.
Andy & Eileen
MONTROSE COLORADO
1992 U300  40' 6V92 TA
2016 4 Runner
1998 Jeep Grand cherokee

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee) Build # 4135 Skp# 122921

Re: Happy Wife - Happy Life - new project [any way to stack washer and dryer?]

Reply #2 –
bobkathy95,

When asking questions, it is helpful if you specify your exact coach year and model.

Your profile page says that you have a 2002 U295.  The specs sheet (below) shows that model could have either two propane furnaces, or the factory optional Aqua-Hot.

https://wiki.foreforums.com/lib/exe/fetch.php?media=through_the_years:2002-u295-specifications.pdf

It sounds like you have the propane furnaces.  If so , and if your coach is still factory stock, then you do indeed have two independently controlled heating units.  It would be technically possible to remove one.  Whether or not you could get along with only one furnace is up to you.  Depends on when and where you plan to travel.

1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Happy Wife - Happy Life - new project [any way to stack washer and dryer?]

Reply #3 –
My contribution here will probably be nothing more than an excitement builder for your wife - but because the thread title is "happy wife" - show her this thread. 

If you do have the 2002 U295 with 2 propane furnaces, our install was different than what you'll encounter, but YES, lots of people are THRILLED with stackable units.  :D 

The selected media item is not currently available.Amanda and Douglas
Lily *meow* (RIP 7/19/23) and B.T. *meow* (RIP 9/12/18)
1997 U320 40' - "Brawley"
Motorcade #17266
Escapee #113692

Re: Happy Wife - Happy Life - new project [any way to stack washer and dryer?]

Reply #4 –
Our 1999 U295 40' had a front and back furnace. Front furnace was removed for install of large residential refrigerator. Furnaces operated independently, so now, no Zone 1 furnace operation on thermostat. Zone 2 operates fine. If we are somewhere cold, and we try not to be, we always have the heat pump option and also a small plug in ceramic heater that can heat front area of coach. Both these options require electric though, in some form....good luck with your renovation
Keith and Dawn Hudson #18766
Current- 1999 U295 DFGE 40ft. - Build #5405
Coach Name: 4BUS4US
Previous- 2008 Nimbus CE338: 40th Anniversary Edition- Build #6486. 
Toad: 2021 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk

 "I know something about a lot of things..a lot about something's..and everything about nothing "

Re: Happy Wife - Happy Life - new project [any way to stack washer and dryer?]

Reply #5 –
Quote from: bobkathy95 –
The wife has become very frustrated with our Splendide Washer/Dryer combo. Granted, we have had this model, 2100xc, on other coaches, but this one is showing its age. For whatever reason, Foretravel never seemed to offer a stackable set in the Unibody series.
Like most other "U" series, the washer/dryer is placed in a hall closet by the bathroom.  Were it not for the heating vents below it, there would be ample room to install a stacked washer/dryer set. The cabinet already is the right width and the potential height available is nearly 75 inches.  This space under the washer/dryer - is this the gas furnace heater? Though our system has two "furnace" heat zones - is there really just one actual heater unit? 
The options - remove the gas furnace and cap the vents.  That would remedy height issues. Our A/C's have heat pumps and our home domicile is in Florida.  Or, is there enough space in that area  under the current washer unit that I could just lower the floor to get the height area I need.  With the big number of Unibody Foretravel's out there - surely someone has already thought about this and/or tried it.  Thanks to all for your help and advice.
I did the basic same thing as Siren only I didn't use the splendide dryer I used a apartment 220v dryer from lowes --Yes We can only use it when plugged into 50A but that is OK.  This past summer the old splendide w/d combo finally died and I replaced it with a splendide washer only which DW likes a lot better.  Siren's w/d was on top with pantry on bottom ours was washer on Bottom so I installed the dryer on top and ran an adjustable rectangular plenum (lowes/HD) from dryer down to the existing vent hole.  I also had to pull a new 220v 10-3 W/g wire from breaker box to receptacle behind dryer.
As they say HAPPY WIFE HAPPY LIFE
Chris
1999 U 320 DGFE
Build Number 5523
Chris & Elka Lang
In the field, Lonoke AR

Re: Happy Wife - Happy Life - new project [any way to stack washer and dryer?]

Reply #6 –
Yes, we have the stock 2002 U295 with 2 furnaces. 
Thanks to everyone for all your help.  In our case, Zone 2 furnace is under the Splendide combo unit. I will now focus on seeing what size washers and dryers are the best fit. We have had Whirpool units on other coaches and the wife liked those.  Depending how much space I need, I will either remove the #2 furnace and cap it or just lower the base the current Splendide sits on.  Other than a lot of work, the engineering should not be to complicated.  If anyone has any favorite washers and dryers - or ones they would totally avoid,  your comments would be welcome.  Thanks again.
2002 U295
Build  # 5989
Former:  Alpine Apex (2006 Prototype), Fleetwood Discovery LXE, Berkshire 40 XL

Re: Happy Wife - Happy Life - new project [any way to stack washer and dryer?]

Reply #7 –
Quote from: bobkathy95 –
If anyone has any favorite washers and dryers - or ones they would totally avoid,  your comments would be welcome.  Thanks again.

I've seen most if not all of the SOB brands give up on the Whirlpool options and go back to the Splendide twins.  Whirlpool units aren't designed to go bumping down the road; Splendide models are.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Happy Wife - Happy Life - new project [any way to stack washer and dryer?]

Reply #8 –
Everything I looked at while researching the washer led me back to the splendide washer.  It had the best reviews overall for doing a good job to not wearing out.
Chris
1999 U 320 DGFE
Build Number 5523
Chris & Elka Lang
In the field, Lonoke AR

Re: Happy Wife - Happy Life - new project [any way to stack washer and dryer?]

Reply #9 –
I replaced my Splendide washer/dryer combo with a Bosche Axxis washer and dryer years ago. I have been very satisfied with there performance.
1995 U320C SE 40'
Jeep 4x4 Commander - Limited - Hemi
"The Pack"  Yogi and Diesel our Airedales -  Charlie our Boxer/Akita mix. Gone but NEVER forgotten Jake our yellow Lab.
NRA Law Enforcement Firearms instructor - Handgun/shotgun
Regional Firearms instructor for national Armored Transp. Co.

Re: Happy Wife - Happy Life - new project [any way to stack washer and dryer?]

Reply #10 –
I LOOOVVVE our Splendide Ariston stackables.  I can do quite large loads of laundry, and I can wash AND dry at the same time.  This is important to point out.  If you decide to go with one of the apartment style units (Kenmore, GE, Whirlpool) you'll want to be very careful in verifying whether they can wash and dry at the same time.  At the time of our install (2016), you could only wash OR dry with any of those units.  The units were not designed to do both simultaneously.

Also, we give 2 thumbs up to Splendide customer service.  Westland Sales has been totally professional and incredibly helpful every time we have called them.  ^.^d
The selected media item is not currently available.Amanda and Douglas
Lily *meow* (RIP 7/19/23) and B.T. *meow* (RIP 9/12/18)
1997 U320 40' - "Brawley"
Motorcade #17266
Escapee #113692

Re: Happy Wife - Happy Life - new project [any way to stack washer and dryer?]

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Chris m lang –
Siren's w/d was on top with pantry on bottom ours was washer on Bottom so I installed the dryer on top and ran an adjustable rectangular plenum (lowes/HD) from dryer down to the existing vent hole.

I'll whisper because this is totally not important or relevant to the conversation....BUT the statement above is incorrect.  Our coach came plumbed to have the washer or combo unit installed in the bottom cabinet.  The 2 previous owners never wanted laundry, so let it remain a cabinet.  The above cabinet was a coat rack space.  FOT cut a hole in the side of the coach for the vent dryer.  Note we didn't have a vent dryer previously.    ;)
The selected media item is not currently available.Amanda and Douglas
Lily *meow* (RIP 7/19/23) and B.T. *meow* (RIP 9/12/18)
1997 U320 40' - "Brawley"
Motorcade #17266
Escapee #113692

Re: Happy Wife - Happy Life - new project [any way to stack washer and dryer?]

Reply #12 –
We installed an apartment 220v dryer and never have had a problem doing washing and drying at the same time
Chris
1999 U 320 DGFE
Build Number 5523
Chris & Elka Lang
In the field, Lonoke AR

Re: Happy Wife - Happy Life - new project [any way to stack washer and dryer?]

Reply #13 –
Quote from: Chris m lang –
We installed an apartment 220v dryer and never have had a problem doing washing and drying at the same time
Chris

----I also had to pull a new 220v 10-3 W/g wire from breaker box to receptacle behind dryer.
That is exactly correct. A 220 volt apartment style WILL run simultaneously IF you run that 220v wire like you did.  And only on 50amp.    ^.^d  Did that require even more modifications to run it off your generator?

If you do one of the Kenmore, Whirlpool, GE ones that are 120 volt, you will not be able to wash AND dry at the same time. 

One more vote for Splendide - you can wash AND dry on 30 amp.  :))
The selected media item is not currently available.Amanda and Douglas
Lily *meow* (RIP 7/19/23) and B.T. *meow* (RIP 9/12/18)
1997 U320 40' - "Brawley"
Motorcade #17266
Escapee #113692