Converting Whirlpool Thin Twin to 120v

[ginger]

In blissful ignorance I excitedly bought a Whirlpool Thin Twin off Craigslist for my RV. I have Parkinson's & other health issues that makes carting my duds to a laundromat an overwhelming chore. I was so excited! And then horrified to find out that my Whirlpool unit was a 220v and I only have a 110 outlet. I also have a VERY tight budget and really can't afford a pricier unit. I have done a LOT of research on line & have found that I may have a few options besides selling my lovely new unit. These options include a power converter (WAY too pricey for the watts that I need!), a conversion plug/cord or to rewire the dryer cord/plug. Thoughts? Personally, I think I want to rewire. I fully realize that I will have about 1/4 of the heating power & that drying times could take up to 2 hours & I am perfectly OK with that. I just need very DETAILED instructions/pictures on how to do this. Can anyone help me?

 

[askolover]

I know these were available in 120V but you just couldn't run the washer and dryer at the same time, it had a switch to toggle between "wash/dry".  I'm sure it can be done and I'm sure you will get an answer on here.  I think I know how, but I'd rather one of the real experts tell you.

 

[vacerator]

Sure,

I don't know if it is possible to install a 220 volt circuit in an RV, because of the generator capacity, or if it is even legal, or if parks even have 220 volt supply. Is you RV cook stove electric? Is it 120, or 220 volts? It should say on the rating label on the oven frame inside the door.
That would be most economical though, because a 120 volt dryer also takes a long time to dry.
The unit you have isn't designed to use 120 volts for the dryer, but a knowledgable electrician with access to the machines schematic may be able to split the 220 volt wiring at the terminal block, and feed half of it to the dryer. It may or may not require a switch, depending upon how it is wired now.
I am saying this because I can operate my JET table saw on either 120, or 220 volts by simply changing the wiring order inside the motor connection point inside the box on the saw. It uses more amperage on 120 volts, but it was easier to install an extra 120 volt circuit for it with it's own circuit breaker. I also use it way way less than my dryer, of course.

 

[tolivac]

Aren't cooking machines on RVs propane powered?Beleive RVs run from a 30A 120V supply-either park hook ups or the RVs own genset.Beleive the issue for the washer dryer to run from 220V would be a little more complicated than retapping a motor.If the washer dryer is run from 120V the problem of using only one function at a time.The ultimate solution would probably a dryer that can run from propane.Its motor-like a regular gas dryer would run from 120V-that way the user could use both machines at the same time-faster laundry days.Of course a propane heated dryer would use the fuel quicker.If you are at a moble home park-could you wash the loads with your washer and use the parks dryers-many parks have coin operated washers and dryers.

 

[foraloysius]

The cheapest and easiest thing to do would be to trade your combo at a used appliance dealer for a model that works on your voltage.

 

[vacerator]

Buying new

may not be in her budget. A used appliance dealer will give her nill for it. Used stacking units are rare to come by. Ginger may be better off to use the coin operated park laundry facility.

 

[Chetlaham]

Tech sheet

With the tech sheet and nameplate its doable. Most likely as mentioned you can only use the washer or dryer, but not both.

 

[Chetlaham]

* Not both as in both at the same time. You can use the washer and then the dryer, but not both.