We're getting our 5er set up to full time. We will be traveling with a Golden Retriever & a long-haired cat. I'm unsure if I should go with a central vac system or a regular type vac. I worry that the central vac will not have sufficient suction power to adequately pick up all of the pet hair. On the other hand, where to store the canister (or upright) vac could be an issue too. Any suggestions from you traveling pet lovers out there?
Luvglass said
05:54 PM Sep 27, 2010
If you do a search you will find plenty of opinions. This subject has been discussed many times over the years.
Racerguy said
06:01 PM Sep 27, 2010
Our Dirt Devil central vac has plenty of suction but the attachments leave a lot to be desired and it is very cumbersome to use.As soon as we can get a deal on a good upright we will get it and make room for it. The toe kick dust pan in the Kitchen is handy but the bags are very small and expensive. Like Fred said do a search here and you will get a lot of feedback.
GENECOP said
07:16 PM Sep 27, 2010
We have a central vacuum, it is very easy and quick for everyday use. When we want to do deeper cleaning, every other day, we use a powerful handheld for the carpeted areas, you really need a powerful head with a beater to pull out the pet hair, G
DorisandDave said
07:28 PM Sep 27, 2010
We have the central vac and love the toe kick but like Racerguy said the hose and attachments are heavy.
Terry and Jo said
09:10 PM Sep 27, 2010
Gayle and Don,
When Jo and I were researching for the purchase of our Mobile Suites, the central vacuum was a consideration. But after posting the question on three different forums (Suites Owners International Travel Club, Fifth Wheel Forums and RV Dreams), we decided that the vast majority of those responding to us said to forget the central and get a good upright. Several have recommended the Dyson Ball in the smaller size.
One other Mobile Suites owner purchased a 2010 with the lower shelf in the bathroom "linen closet" raised up enough to put their upright on the floor under that shelf.
As for Jo and I, we are kind of leaning towards the Dyson as well. (We've seen them at J.C. Penney.) But, like one of the previous posters mentioned, it is important to have a beater head.
Terry
LakeConroePenny said
09:22 PM Sep 27, 2010
I have a little Hoover Nanolite. (Walmart). It picks up dog and cat hair out of carpet like crazy. There is another Hoover in that line that is bigger, and heavier if that's what you need.
But if you have a lot of hard floors, I would suggest anything that doesn't blow out of the front or back, as it will just blow the dirt ahead of you.
A little one gallon shop vac is a very handy vac to have in an RV as it will also suck down your Space bags. They come with an extra wand for using it standing up. Happy Trails, Penny, TX
GiniaJ said
09:44 PM Sep 27, 2010
We live in a 30 foot travel trailer with 3 dogs and 2 old cats and believe me, the hair flies and sticks. I tried to keep this place pristine initially, but........NOT!
We had a dirt devil stick vac and it worked sort of. Took too much room for something that small. So then got a little SHARK handheld with a beater brush attachment. It does GREAT but you have to get down on the carpet and crawl around. I do that. Also, picked up a gallon shop vac (as I read mentioned above that someone else suggested) and it gets everything else up with much needed suction. Also, as mentioned, can suck air out of storage bags AND suck up water when it over-runs (ask hubby about that one....ha!). Between the two, I get exercise but have managed to really clean up the pet hair and now I have to read further on here about kitty litter box smell. Yuck. We move it from our shower to the top of toilet while showering but I hate it. But lovethe kitties too much to give up so will deal with it.
DorisandDave said
06:03 AM Sep 28, 2010
Don and Gayle,
I will add to what my DH Dave said......The central vac DOES get the hair up..good suction, but it is too cumbersome for me to use all the time. We have two dogs that shed hair worse than any cat! LOVE the toe kick in the kitchen area. We like to use the CV for the truck too. Also works well for sucking the air out of storage bags.
For everyday, we have a small Eureka Optima I saved from the S&B because it works great on the pet hair. Rather small, the handle retracts to make it shorter. You can also select beater brush or just suction, so it can be used on floors or carpet. It only has two attachments but haven't needed anything extra. I keep it in the bedroom closet.
Doris
softballmom said
08:34 AM Sep 28, 2010
Thanks to all of you who've chimed in on this subject. From what I've read here on the RV Dreams forum & from the Escapees forum, I think we will pass on the central vac. I really like the shop vac idea & will research to see if I can get one with a beater brush to use on the carpet. Likewise, I will continue to check out the other options as well.
KarenInTheWoods said
06:45 AM Sep 30, 2010
We have two long haired dogs and have to keep up with the flying fur too. After trying three or four other portable and handheld vacs, we finally have the Dirt Devil smaller vac with the beater brush on the bottom and a telescoping handle for storage in a cabinet over our washer/dryer. It has the removable cup to dump instead of bags.
As for the littler box problem, I read about an idea on a forum somewhere. I don't have a cat anymore, but it sounded like a great idea. Take a Rubbermaid tote, cut a round hole in the top lid for the cat to jump in and out of, and all the litter stays inside nicely. Stick a couple air fresheners onto the bottom side of the tote lid. It can set easily in any corner or in the shower or under a table without having the kitty paws dragging the littler out onto the carpeting. Neato!
softballmom said
06:21 AM Oct 1, 2010
Karen, Do you find that the Dirt Devil works well on removing hair from carpeting? Also, thanks so much for sharing a pic of where/how you store your vac. I don't have a washer/dryer in my storage closet but I do have an enclosed litterbox in there & installing a shelf above it is an excellent idea. Thanks.
KarenInTheWoods said
10:34 AM Oct 1, 2010
Yes, our Dirt Devil seems to work well on the long dog hairs... because it has a rotating beater brush and enough suction for the dirt too. We like the idea of the telescoping handle that slides down into the unit for storage, but pulls up to a full height vac cleaner when in use. And it has a really nice long cord to reach to each end of the motorhome if i plug in somewhere in the middle of the rig.
Another thing:
We don't like to fire up the genny for vacuuming in the early morning or late night. But with the dogs we get a big case of *leaf butt* ... haha
Meaning the crispy brown crunchy leaves in the rustic sites we camp in, cling to the dogs stomach and skirts (the hair behind their legs) and gets tracked in. We try to brush the most off them before going into the rig, but can't get it all. Before bedtime or early in the morning is the time we want to walk around in our bare or stocking feet--- but that is not a good time to fire up the generator just to vacuum!
So we just bought one of these --- a Swiffer Carpet Flick.
They operate similar to the old carpet sweepers (not needing any electric) but they also have a 2 sided sticky card inside that lets the dirt and leaves cling to and easy to dispose. Refills are $2.99 for 12, but you can make your own with cut up old gift boxes and double sided carpet tape if need be.
Remi said
12:22 PM Oct 1, 2010
Karen, your pups are absolutely beautiful :D
Thanks for the vacuum input, I've been looking at options as well & I hadn't even heard of the new swiffer thing. Does it work really well? I'm finding leaves are an insane issue here in the willamette valley, OR. Not that I mind, I've been known to drive 2000+ miles for a beautiful autumn mountain, but they're rather startlingly cold on the feet at 4am or so, lol ;) so any good solution's like a lotto ticket.
softballmom said
01:35 PM Oct 1, 2010
Karen, No need to explain leaf butt. I knew exactly what you were talking about before I even read your explanation. LOL Our golden retriever has the same problem. I have never seen nor heard of that Swiffer carpet cleaner before. I want one. I'm adding o Mondays shopping list. What a great idea. Thanks again for all of your imput. You have been very helpful. Safe travels, Gayle (softballmom)
When Jo and I were researching for the purchase of our Mobile Suites, the central vacuum was a consideration. But after posting the question on three different forums (Suites Owners International Travel Club, Fifth Wheel Forums and RV Dreams), we decided that the vast majority of those responding to us said to forget the central and get a good upright. Several have recommended the Dyson Ball in the smaller size.
One other Mobile Suites owner purchased a 2010 with the lower shelf in the bathroom "linen closet" raised up enough to put their upright on the floor under that shelf.
As for Jo and I, we are kind of leaning towards the Dyson as well. (We've seen them at J.C. Penney.) But, like one of the previous posters mentioned, it is important to have a beater head.
Terry
But if you have a lot of hard floors, I would suggest anything that doesn't blow out of the front or back, as it will just blow the dirt ahead of you.
A little one gallon shop vac is a very handy vac to have in an RV as it will also suck down your Space bags. They come with an extra wand for using it standing up.
Happy Trails, Penny, TX
I will add to what my DH Dave said......The central vac DOES get the hair up..good suction, but it is too cumbersome for me to use all the time. We have two dogs that shed hair worse than any cat! LOVE the toe kick in the kitchen area. We like to use the CV for the truck too. Also works well for sucking the air out of storage bags.
For everyday, we have a small Eureka Optima I saved from the S&B because it works great on the pet hair. Rather small, the handle retracts to make it shorter. You can also select beater brush or just suction, so it can be used on floors or carpet. It only has two attachments but haven't needed anything extra. I keep it in the bedroom closet.
Doris
Do you find that the Dirt Devil works well on removing hair from carpeting?
Also, thanks so much for sharing a pic of where/how you store your vac. I don't have a washer/dryer in my storage closet but I do have an enclosed litterbox in there & installing a shelf above it is an excellent idea. Thanks.
No need to explain leaf butt. I knew exactly what you were talking about before I even read your explanation. LOL Our golden retriever has the same problem.
I have never seen nor heard of that Swiffer carpet cleaner before. I want one. I'm adding o Mondays shopping list. What a great idea.
Thanks again for all of your imput. You have been very helpful.
Safe travels,
Gayle (softballmom)
And your furry children are absolutely beautiful!