Key Takeaways
● The amount of electricity an RV dryer uses depends on how large the model is, how long it takes to dry a load of laundry and what settings are selected.
● Different types of dryers have different average amp ratings
● To reduce the amount of electricity an RV dryer uses, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and maintain the dryer properly.
An RV dryer can be a great addition to your rig, allowing you to do laundry on the go. But have you ever wondered just how much energy an RV dryer uses? The answer may surprise you.
In general, an RV dryer will use between 10 and 20 amps of electricity, depending on the size and power of your machine. It’s essential to check with the manufacturer for exact measurements before purchasing any appliance.
If you’re curious about more information as to how many amps an RV dryer uses, read on. We’ll break it down for you and offer tips on saving energy while drying your clothes.
Table of Contents
- 1 What Is An RV Dryer?
- 2 How Does An RV Dryer Work?
- 3 What Are The Benefits Of Having An RV Dryer?
- 4 How Many Amps Does An RV Dryer Use On Average?
- 5 Other Factors That Impact the Amount Of Power Used By An RV Dryer
- 6 Tips to Reduce the Amount of Power Used by Your RV Dryer
- 7 Frequently Asked Questions
- 8 Conclusion
What Is An RV Dryer?
An RV dryer is a convenient appliance that allows you to do LAUNDRY while on the go. It runs off electricity and can be plugged into your RV’s power system, allowing you access to an effective and efficient way of drying your clothes.
The best part about these dryers is that they require MINIMAL outside venting and doesn’t produce large amounts of lint in regular washer/dryer sets.
How Does An RV Dryer Work?
RV dryers use WARM air to help dry your clothes. The machine draws in a small amount of air from outside the RV, heats it and circulates it through your laundry. This helps to quickly and efficiently dry your garments without producing excessive lint or wasting energy.
You can also choose a model with ADJUSTABLE settings like temperature, spin speed and more to customize your drying needs.
Most RV dryers also have automatic shut-off features that will stop the machine from running when it senses that the clothes are dry, helping you CONSERVE energy and save money on electricity bills.
Additionally, some models come with reversible doors that allow for CONVENIENT loading and unloading of laundry.
Pro Tip: Some RV dryers come with a “refresh” setting, which is excellent for damp clothes sitting in the washer for a few days.
What Are The Benefits Of Having An RV Dryer?
Having an RV dryer in your rig offers several benefits. Here are some of them:
Convenience
Doing laundry on the go is fast and easy, allowing you to ENJOY your travels without worrying about tracking down a laundrette.
Energy Savings
RV dryers are designed to be energy efficient, helping you save on electricity COSTS. It also produces less lint than traditional washer/dryer sets [1].
Time Savings
An RV dryer can help you SAVE time by quickly drying your clothes in one go without having to worry about switching machines or waiting for them to finish.
Space Saving
Most RV dryers are small and compact, making them IDEAL for RVs with limited space. Compared to a washer/dryer set, an RV dryer takes up much less room.
Versatility
You can choose from a variety of models to suit your NEEDS, with some featuring adjustable settings and reversible doors.
Ease Of Use
RV dryers are easy to install and use, so you can be sure that your laundry needs will be taken care of with MINIMAL effort.
Low Lint
RV dryers produce LESS lint than conventional washer/dryer sets, making them a great option for those who want to conserve energy and keep their laundry looking its best.
How Many Amps Does An RV Dryer Use On Average?
On average, an RV dryer will use between 10 and 20 amps of electricity. This range can vary depending on the size and power of the specific model you purchase [2].
The best way to determine exactly how many amps your particular machine uses is to CONSULT the manufacturer or check their website for more information.
Additionally, depending on their settings, different RV dryers may use more or less power. Take a look at the different kinds of RV dryers and their average power usage below:
- Gas-powered dryers use 10 to 15 amps of power
- Electric dryers use 12 to 20 amps of power
- Portable dryers use 5 to 10 amps of power
- Vented dryers use 16 to 22 amps of power
- Non-vented or condenser RV dryers use 10 to 17 amps of power
Once you reach the limits of your RV’s power system, you’ll need to consider other options, such as a generator or solar power. But try not to worry, as a circuit breaker will trip if your RV’s power supply is exceeded.
Pro Tip: If you want to save even more energy and money, consider investing in a solar-powered RV dryer.
Other Factors That Impact the Amount Of Power Used By An RV Dryer
In addition to the type of dryer you choose, other factors can impact the amount of power an RV dryer uses. Here are some of them:
Load Size And Weight
The size of your load and the weight of your clothes can affect how much power is required to dry them. The larger the load, or heavier the clothes, the more POWER it will take to dry them.
Settings
Different settings on an RV dryer can affect its energy consumption, so you should always try to use the LOWEST setting possible.
Duration Of Use
The time it takes for your clothes to dry will also influence how much power your RV dryer uses, so be sure to check the manufacturer‘s instructions for the appropriate drying TIMES.
Amount of Other Appliances Used
Be sure to know how many appliances in your RV you are using at once, as this will increase the number of amps you use. Make sure you know how many amps your RV’s electrical system can handle before you add any MORE appliances.
You can connect a high wattage to a separate outlet to distribute the electrical load.
Tips to Reduce the Amount of Power Used by Your RV Dryer
To help reduce the amount of power used by your RV dryer, here are some helpful tips:
Set Timers And Use Sensors
Set a timer for the shortest drying time possible, or use a humidity or temperature sensor to help ensure that your clothes are dried efficiently.
Clean The Lint Filter Regularly
Ensure that you clean the lint filter regularly to help your dryer run more EFFICIENTLY. It is an easy and quick job that will help keep your dryer in good working order.
Dry Small Loads Separately
Try to avoid overloading your RV dryer and drying large loads at once. Instead, try to break up larger loads into smaller ones and dry them SEPARATELY.
Hang Clothes Up To Dry
If possible, try to hang your clothes up to dry when you’re NOT using the RV dryer. This can help you save energy and money in the long run.
Choose A More Efficient Model
Choose a more efficient model and check the Energy Star ratings to find one that uses LESS power.
Turn Off Other Appliances
Turn off any other power appliances, especially high-powered ones like an RV air conditioner, coffee makers, hair dryers, TVs and computer systems, when using your RV dryer.
This will help ensure that your dryer runs at its most efficient LEVEL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need A Special Outlet For An RV Dryer?
Yes, you will likely need to install a dedicated outlet for your RV dryer. Check with a qualified electrician to ensure that the wiring is up to code and that the circuit can handle the extra load of an RV dryer.
How Often Should I Clean The Lint Filter In My RV Dryer?
You should clean the lint filter in your RV dryer once a month or after every couple of loads. This will help to keep your dryer running efficiently and help prevent a potential fire hazard.
If I Dry My Clothes On A Low Setting, Will It Take Longer To Dry?
Drying your clothes on a low setting will not take much longer than on a high setting. However, if the load is large or heavier clothes are being dried, it may take a bit longer.
What Voltage Level Does An RV Dryer Operate On?
Most RV portable dryers will operate on either a 120-volt or a 240-volt level, depending on the size of your load and the type of dryer you have.
Check with your manufacturer for more information about the recommended voltage level for your specific model.
Conclusion
Overall, an RV dryer is a convenient appliance on board your recreational vehicle. It uses slightly more power than a standard home clothes dryer but is still relatively efficient.
Knowing how much power your RV dryer uses will help determine if it’s the right choice for you and your family!
