I have a 300w inverter but it can produce 600w for short periods.

Based on that I think you are safe power wise. I'd make sure you have a 25amp fuse for it though.

I'd prefer to use one of these

https://www.rvpartsexpress.com.au/sphere-ecospin-portable-washer.html

Wedged between the A frame leaves one hand free for a stubby.

Specifications

Dimensions: 350mm x 350mm x 343mm

Load Capacity: 2L

Recommended Wash Time: 2 minutes

Recommended Spin Time: 30 seconds

Warranty: 12 months

Bobdown wrote:

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We have a NCE 2.5 kg washing machine in our van, it doesn't get used unless we are in a Caravan Park with power and water.

My question is it able to be used while we are free camping? 

The power is rated at 235W and a full load would use approx 20 L of water.

Would a 300W inverter power this machine? Can I use the van pump or does it need mains pressure to work?

It would only be used sparingly but would be handy in between CP's and Public Laundrys, might as well use where possible.

Cheers Bob

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 Hi Bob

I don't have any letters or numbers after my name, just plain gut feelings and did ask a lot of questions.

We went down this path in August 2018 and tested on a number of times shortly after, looks and works a treat. I think 4 or 5 times so far.

I believe the 300 will run it, but what I learnt was the start up of the washing machine the inverter is really not big enough wattage to handle it successfully continually. I originally was planing to purchase a 600 watt inverter then found Repco had a 1000 pure swine for a few dollars more for $285, now this size come with cooling fans, very quite operation, permanently fixed to the caravan, wired in with good size wire, short distance from our batteries.

The first test was done at home with town water, 200 amps of batteries, 340 watts of solar, a beautiful Brisbane September morning within a hour or so our batteries were fully recharged.

The other washers were done where there was town water available on site, a couple of times I just bucketed the water across, mostly to save our good tank drinkable water.

Our main thought was we were having trouble wringing the clothes well enough, having the spin dryer sitting there doing nothing and now earns its keep.

Having the the pure swine inverter fixed to the caravan allows us to plug in the electronic equipment for recharging, so much easier, I even used my small 750 watt grinder to helpn a caravaner out running it though the inverter, once so far.

A great investment that will get a workout in the coming years. Radar.

Thanks Radar,

That will solve the power issue, but what do mean you bucketed it across?

I vaguely remember being told it only works on mains pressure, does it work off the van tank water?

Don't know why Caravan manufacturers don't make everything 12 V, I know some Off Roaders come with large inverters,

But surely in this day and age everything could be simplified......like when are we going to get Solar hot water for vans.

Just don't like carting the washing machine around if we don't get the use out of it.

Cheers Bob

G'day Bob. Our NCE works well off the vans pump.

Joe.

Hi Possum, thanks for posting re the washer, I like the idea that one can spin hand washed articles of clothing without using the wash cycle, I have all the mod cons, however delicates I do by hand and I even use a 1950 wash board that stands permanently in the laundry sink . I will be off to Aldi for one of these washers.  Take care.

Regards Kisha.