Some discussion recently on various caravan and motorhome forums and chats recently regarding brands of washing machines suitable for motorhomes. Small front-loaders are quite common and twin tubs are popular with coach owners (who have them installed in the bin area). This person was asking a question about a Lemair model that people have been mentioning:

"I am led to believe the Lemair (model XQBM20-C) automatic mini washer can be used through DC batteries and an inverter. The current draw quoted was 225 watts on wash cycle and 260 watts on spin cycle.
2.2 kg capacity
17.5kg - weight of unit
H 76.3 W 41.6 D 42.5
Fast wash 23-25 mins
Medium 43- 44 mins
Heavy 62-64 mins
Fully automatic 2 years warranty

ANSWER:
"There is usually no problem running a washing machine from an inverter - our big 28-module (solar) home system drives our ASKO dishwasher and washing machines with no problems.

What the sales person may be referring to is that the timers in some such machines do not like running on 'square wave' or 'modified square wave inverters'. But they will run just fine on proper 'sine-wave' inverters. The data you quote is watts. A 250-watt inverter will be fine.

If running from DC via batteries and/or solar you will need either to feed the unit with hot water (max is usually 50 degrees C) or run it on the cold cycle only, because the energy draw (whilst low for a washing machine) is still too high for all but a substantial sized system."

Trust this helps, Collyn Rivers

From Bob Eustace: I'm posting this because Lemair DON'T have a website . Harvey Norman and Good Guys etc. don't list the thing on their sites and Camec seems to be $100.00 more than other places!!! We got ours from this guy - EXTREMELY helpful. Expect to pay around $350.00

The Lemair xqbm20-c automatic mini washer
Martin Hames at Beenleigh RetraVision,
Shop 40/50 Beenleigh Market Place, George Street
BEENLEIGH, Phone 07 3807 5018
Email beenleigh@retravision.com.au

I've seen a Lemair Washing Machine at Caravan Accessories in Sydney. Not sure if it is what you are after - but I think they were around $360.

Save your money re handwashing using "bucket" gadgets - I will give you mine if you want to come to NSW! They are okay for undies but you still have the same problem as handwashing - wringing out the clothes is the hard part and if you have RSI or tendonitis or just weak wrists - forget it. We thought of using a handmangle but they are as scarce as hens teeth and, if you can find one, expect to pay big $$$. We have purchased the Lemair 2.5kg. fully automatic washing machine. It is 40cm x 40cm and uses 20 litres for heavy load washing. Best investment so far.
Regards Jenny, The Shepmobile