Washing Machines in Caravans: Wall-Mounted vs Floor-Mounted – What’s Best for You?

Aussie Traveller Outdoor Washing Machine

For many travellers, having a washing machine on board a caravan isn’t just a convenience, it’s a lifestyle upgrade. No more hunting for laundromats or hauling clothes around. But if you’re considering adding a washer to your caravan, where and how you mount it can significantly affect your space, usability, and travel experience.

Let’s break it down.

Wall-Mounted Washing Machines

Wall-mounted washing machines are designed to save floor space while keeping your laundry area neat and functional. At Offroad Grit, we use the NCE Wall Mount, engineered specifically for caravan life. While some people talk about “external” access, these are still fully internal washing machines, you simply access them from the side of the van through a hatch.

Advantages

• Space-Saving: Ideal for smaller caravans or layouts where every square metre counts.

• Ease of Use: Typically mounted at waist or shoulder height, so you don’t have to bend down to load or unload laundry.

• Neat Appearance: Keeps your laundry area uncluttered and visually streamlined, which is great for tight van interiors.

Considerations

• Structural Requirements: Your wall must be strong and reinforced to support the washer’s weight and absorb vibration during operation.

• Installation Complexity: Mounting a washer on the wall is slightly more involved, requiring careful alignment, bracing, and secure plumbing/electrical connections.

• Weight Limitations: Smaller wall-mounted units are usually the only practical option; full-size machines may be too heavy.

• Smaller overall capacity

  
  

  

  Aussie Traveller Wall Mounted

  
  

Floor-Mounted Washing Machines

Floor-mounted washers are a classic option for caravans with more interior space. We commonly use both the Aussie Traveller Floor Mounted and Camec Floor Mounted units.

Advantages

• Stability: Lower centre of gravity reduces vibration and movement while driving, helping prevent damage.

• Less Wall Strain: These units don’t rely on walls for support, meaning less structural stress and easier fitment in different layouts.

• Easier Installation & Removal: Floor units can usually be slotted in, secured, and removed without complex wall modifications.

• Larger Capacities: Floor-mounted units often allow for slightly larger machines, giving more flexibility for families or heavy users.

Considerations

• Space Usage: Takes up floor space that could otherwise be used for storage, seating, or other utilities.

• Ergonomics: Loading/unloading may require bending or kneeling, which can be uncomfortable for some users.

• Potential Noise: Being closer to the floor, vibrations and noise may transfer to the van’s structure, though anti-vibration pads can help.
  

  

  Aussie Traveller Floor Mounted Internal Washing Machine.

  
  

Internal vs External Access

Internal Access:

• Provides privacy and keeps laundry protected from weather.

• Allows you to do laundry any time, regardless of outside conditions.

• Keeps all plumbing and electrical connections contained inside the van.

External Access (via hatch):

• Lets you load or unload laundry directly from outside the van.

• Makes it easy to go straight from the washer to an outdoor clothesline.

• Keeps the interior cleaner by reducing foot traffic.

• The machine is still internal — the hatch simply provides an alternative access point.

  
  

Orientation Matters: North–South vs East–West

One factor many people don’t think about is the orientation of the washing machine inside the van. At Offroad Grit, we like to install washing machines north–south (lengthways) rather than east–west (across the van).

Why? When a washing machine ramps up to spin speed, it can produce significant movement. A north–south installation allows any vibration to run lengthways with the van, the strongest and most stable axis meaning much less side-to-side rocking. This setup dramatically improves stability and reduces strain on your cabinetry and fittings during use.

Which Option Is Right for You?

At Offroad Grit, we design our caravans with both flexibility and functionality in mind:

• Wall-Mounted: Best for smaller layouts or when maximising interior storage is a priority. The Aussie Traveller Wall Mount provides a secure, space-saving solution without compromising usability.

• Floor-Mounted: Best for larger vans or when stability is crucial. Aussie Traveller or Camec floor-mounted washers give you a lower centre of gravity and easier installation options.

• Access Choice: Internal access is convenient and protected, while external hatches make outdoor clothesline transfers simple and reduce foot traffic inside.

• Orientation: North–south placement helps stabilise the van and reduce shaking when the washer spins.

Key Factors to Consider:

1. Van Size: Smaller vans benefit more from wall-mounted units; larger vans from floor-mounted units.

2. Frequency of Use: Heavy users might prioritise larger, stable floor-mounted machines.

3. Storage vs Stability: If storage is at a premium, wall mounts win. If you want maximum stability, go floor-mounted.

4. Ergonomics: Consider your comfort when loading and unloading laundry — height matters.

   
   

Our Takeaway

Installing a washing machine in your caravan transforms the way you travel, adding convenience, self-sufficiency, and comfort. The “best” setup is personal and depends on your van’s layout, your travel habits, and what you value most, space, stability, or accessibility. At Offroad Grit, we ensure every solution is robust, practical, and designed for the realities of life on the road.