washing machines

Hi Prue/Rob/Liz......we have one of the Lemairs. Our van is 18 foot and we were carrying it under the bed, where it fitted perfectly, as long as it was sitting directly on the floor. Since Copeton, we have put more stuff under the bed, so the Lemair had to shift to the shower cubicle where it travels quite happily as long as you place it on some of that non slip rubber matting. If left directly on the floor of the shower, it tends to mark it as it walks around. Because it's so light, it's really easy to pick upand shift if you have a potty stop anywhere and need to use the dunny. One thing you do have to get used to is the time it takes to do a lot of washing if you let it pile up. I am a bit impatient, and was spinning my wheels the first few times I washed with it,but once I realised that I am supposed to be relaxing and having fun whilst on my big trip around, I mellowed out a bit and went and did other things while the wash was doing. 60 ltr per wash is about the norm if you don't catch and recycle. The water is pumped out, although if you don't have the hose up high enough, the machine tends to syphon and that is a big pain in the bum until you learn to correctly position the hose the first time. There is a little notch in the side of the machine where you would think the hose would clip into for washing, but this is not high enough to stop syphoning happening. I hook the hose over a portable clothes airer positioned next to the machine to keep it up high, and also find it better to have the end of the hose inserted into a length of pvc pipe to direct the waste water to whereever, instead of it splashing down on the ground and all over the side of the machine. As far as washing 2 q/s sheets etc. you can do it, but one sheet at a time with a pillow slip otherwise you overload and the wash is not as thorough. I have used mine on the inverter too. It draws very little power, and I took all afternoon to wash with no problems. I would recommend this mighty little machine anytime. Bought mine from a small franchise in Brisbane for $290 if my memory serves me correctly, but beware, you can be looking at up to $495.00 from some rogues who run the larger camping shops and think they see a sucker coming! No I am NOT mentioning any names Dave!!
Hope this bit of chat helps. Regards from Jan O (Rockgoc)

Hi Helen,
Lucky you off again. We are stuck here until December but we are getting in lots of weekend practice!!!
You mention that you originally stored wm under bed. Did it stand upright? How difficult was it to get out? Where do you move it on an overnight stop when stored in shower?
Can you tell me the height/angle of the hose and that worked best to stop syphoning effect.
So far I am very impressed with the dear little thing and it certainly saves stopping in towns just to do the washing.
Prue

Now that WAS a dumb question....how to you get the washing out when it keeps filling up with water???

Found another solution though:- a 100 litrel collapsible rubber water tank from which I can pump to fill the machine and have the drain outlet of the machine connected to the inlet of the tank for recycling. The new whizz-bang combined in-line and submersible pump can push 18 litres/min with 15 psi pressure, and can operate with up to 10m head. That's 3min 20sec to fill the washing machine and 51/2 mins to fill the tank from a creek or bore trough. It is an AMAZON 12v, 4.5amp pump, 150mm long and 40mm diameter, available from Boating Warehouse (and perhaps other) Marine suppliers...About $120.

Cheers............Rob