The Best RV Skirts for Winter - RV.com (2023)

Installing a Skirt Provides Warmth and Protection for Your RV in Cold Weather.

More and more people are discovering the joys of camping during the winter. Sure, the temperatures are colder, and the snow can sometimes make things challenging, but campsites are often empty, and the landscapes are always beautiful.

However, cold temperatures can play havoc with an RV, pulling heat from the interior and potentially freezing vital equipment. Thankfully, skirting can help your vehicle stay warmer and burn less fuel, making for a more comfortable and reliable cold-weather shelter.

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Photo Credit: Arnett/Getty

What is Skirting?

In RV parlance, skirting is the process of enclosing the vehicle’s undercarriage to protect it from cold temperatures and frigid winds. Typically, this involves wrapping the camper in a removable protective layer—known as a skirt—that acts as a shield against the elements.

The goal is to trap warmth in and keep cold air out. Adding a skirt helps the interior of the RV stay cozier by preventing warm air from escaping beneath the vehicle. It also keeps fragile parts—like water tanks and pipes—from freezing and reduces the amount of propane or electricity needed to heat the interior.

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Photo Credit: RV Skirting Pros

(Video) Airskirt Review // Winter RV Skirting // Fifth Wheel Toy Hauler // Full-Time RV // GNAR Outdoors

Types of Skirts

RV skirts come in various shapes, sizes, and styles, but all of them have the same fundamental goal in mind: keeping cold air from reaching the vehicle’s undercarriage. Some are made from thick fabrics, while others are constructed out of durable, weather-resistant vinyl. Other skirts consist of inflatable tubes placed under the motorhome and inflated to fill the open space, preventing cold winds from passing through.

A skirt can come in a one-size-fits-all option, or it can be custom-made for a specific motorhome. Some RV manufacturers design their own for their most popular models, while others rely on third-party manufacturers. Most can be easily adjusted, allowing them to accommodate a wide variety of vehicle shapes and sizes.

Which type of skirt works best for you generally comes down to three factors: how well it fits, how easy it is to install, and how much it costs. The fit will usually be dictated by whether the skirt was made specifically for your RV or if it features a generic design for use with various vehicles. The ease of installation depends on how it connects with the camper—with snaps, clips, and Velcro all commonly used. The skirt’s price will depend on its material and whether it was custom built or is an off-the-rack model.

The Best RV Skirts for Winter

Now that we’ve defined skirts and their use, which one should you buy for your RV? Here are a few suggestions for your shortlist.

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Photo Credit: EZ Snap

EZ Snap

EZ Snap RV skirtsare some of the most popular in the industry, and for good reason. These skirts are durable, affordable, and easy to install without the need for drilling. RV owners connect the skirt by first installing a set of adhesive studs to the side of their vehicle. Once that process is complete, the weather-resistant vinyl pieces that make up the skirt simply “snap” into place.

The company sells its skirts in kits of various sizes based on the type of RV, with options ranging from small camper vans to large fifth wheel trailers. This approach helps keep costs down but requires owners to do some of the work by cutting the pieces to fit their specific motorhome. Once that initial setup process is complete, the skirt installs quickly, providing excellent protection from the elements.

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(Video) EZ Snap RV skirt (diy)

Photo Credit: ICON

ICON J-Wrap Panel Skirting

Made from rugged ABS plastic, theICON J-Wrap Panel Skirtingcreates a hard-shell layer of protection around the base of an RV. The panels are 52 inches and have a “J” shape that connects while wrapping under the vehicle. And, priced at $168 per panel, this option provides excellent versatility without breaking the bank.

The durable plastic panels connect using hook and loop joiners, making them easy to attach and remove as needed. Getting an exact fit may require some of the pieces to be trimmed down in size, so a jigsaw or similar tool may be required. Once in place, the plastic skirt serves as a protective shield for the vehicle’s undercarriage.

AirSkirts

Another option for toolless installation is theAirSkirt. The concept behind this approach is that RV owners place long, heavy-duty inflatable cylinders under their vehicle and then inflate them, filling in gaps that would allow cold air in. This is a straightforward process, but inflating the tubes can take time, depending on their size and the air temperature.

AirSkirts are also sold in kits based on the size of the vehicle, with options ranging from “tiny” to “extra-large.” The kits include tubes of various lengths for filling in the gaps between the tires under the RV. The package includes a handy storage bag and an 800-watt electric air pump. Pricing starts at $2099 and can go as high as $3399, depending on which kit is required.

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Photo Credit: RV WindSkirt

(Video) Winter Prepping Our RV with a Canvas Skirt

RV WindSkirt

TheRV WindSkirtis another affordable option for creating a protective barrier around a motorhome. The lightweight and durable skirts come in two sizes—48- and 82-inches—with owners selecting the individual pieces they need to fit their specific vehicle. The skirts are made from high-quality canvas, which provides durability without becoming overly bulky. The bottom of the skirt is also weighted, which helps keep it connected to the ground when forming a sealed barrier around the RV.

Installation for this skirt does require drilling snaps to the side of the camper, which means the initial setup can take some time. Not everyone likes adding holes to the frame of their RV either, but the panels can then be locked into place quickly and easily.Best of all, the individual panels cost just $108 and $118 for the 48- and 82-inch versions, respectively.

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Photo Credit: Fabricover

Fabricover RV Skirting

Available in a wide variety of lengths and heights,Fabricover RV Skirtinghas options for just about every type of motorhome. The individual panels made from heavyweight vinyl resist wind, rain, snow, and subzero temperatures. The material is also tear-resistant, designed to not fray around the edges, yet it cuts easily to fit around stairs, pipes, hitches, and other features.

When selecting the size of the skirt panels, customers can also choose one of four colors and from three different methods of attachment—Velcro, twist ties, or snaps. This lends the Fabricover RV Skirting a level of versatility not found with some other models, allowing RV owners to choose the type of installation that works best for them. The panel size determines the price, ranging from as little as $93 to as much as $391 per piece.

RV Skirting Pros

For RV owners looking for a skirt that provides the absolute best fit, a custom-made option may be the way to go. The team atRV Skirting Prosare experts in making bespoke skirts built for a customer’s specific RV. Their models are made to exacting standards, creating a tighter, more efficient seal around the vehicle’s base, keeping the interior warmer as a result.

(Video) Top 3 Ways To Skirt Your RV ~ Part 2 Keeping Warm in your RV Series

These skirts are held in place using a track system installed along the sides of the RV. The tracks are connected using a 3M adhesive component that keeps the required drilling to a minimum. Best of all, customers can decide to install the skirt themselves or have the pros do it for them. Pricing starts at $963, which is surprisingly competitive compared to some other options on this list.

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Photo Credit: RVSkirting.com

RVSkirting.com

Another option for RVers seeking a custom skirt isRVSkirting.com. A family-run business for more than two decades, the company specializes in making bespoke skirts cut to exact vehicle measurements. When completed, most skirts consist of 5 to 11 panels, which can be installed at the campsite in about 20 minutes.

Pricing starts at $2000, with the average cost of a custom model coming in at $2550. That includes all of the necessary panels—made from durable vinyl fabrics—as well as custom fitting around steps, hitches, and other features. The skirts include a dedicated outlet to accommodate a generator and have extended lengths to ensure ample coverage when parked on uneven ground. There is even a built-in 5-inch pocket along the bottom edge of the skirt to accommodate a PVC pipe. This gives the panels additional weight, holding them more firmly in place during windy conditions.

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Photo Credit: coolimagesco/Getty

DIY Skirts

Some RV owners choose to go the DIY route and create their own makeshift skirts. This approach can take various forms ranging from placing bales of straw underneath the vehicle to creating a custom vinyl skirt from scratch. Other popular options include lining the base of the motorhome with styrofoam panels, plywood, or even snow.

The significant advantage of making your own skirt is that it can be very cost-effective and efficient when providing insulation. The drawback is that these options are usually not as quick and easy to install and may not provide as tight of a fit as a commercial skirt. Still, they often get the job done at a fraction of the cost, which is always worth considering.

(Video) How To DIY Vinyl RV Skirting - Including Tips, Cost, & Lessons Learned!

As the RV market continues to expand, look for more skirting options to become available. Winter camping continues to grow in popularity, and those new to camping during that season will be seeking solutions to protect their motorhomes from the cold. This could lead to some innovative new approaches to designing and installing a skirt, but these are the best options available for now.

FAQs

What is the best material for RV skirting? ›

Foam Board

Insulated foam board is a great option when making your own RV skirt. It is lightweight, easy to work with, and inexpensive. Any regular, rigid foam board will do. Simply, measure the amount of board you'll need, cut the board to size, and secure to your rig.

Do RV skirts work? ›

RV skirts will help save on energy costs and prevent your AC from working so hard by holding the cold air that sinks through the floor in place and preventing the warm air from reflecting off the ground/pavement into your underbelly.

What is the best way to skirt an RV? ›

There are several methods for attaching skirting to your RV. The most common method is using a snap or twist-lock fastener. You install one end of the snap on the RV and the other end is attached to the fabric. Some attachments require drilling, while others—like EZ Snap—attach to the RV using adhesive tape.

What brand of RV is best for the winter? ›

Best Cold Weather RVs for Winter
  • Windjammer 3008W Travel Trailer. ...
  • Forest River Arctic Wolf. ...
  • Northwood Arctic Fox. ...
  • Jayco Redhawk 26XD. ...
  • Keystone Raptor. ...
  • Jayco 327CKTS Eagle. ...
  • Heartland Bighorn. ...
  • Keystone Montana.
28 Jan 2022

How thick should RV skirting be? ›

Your RV Skirting would need to have a sewn-in insulation that is 4 to 5 inches thick to achieve this R-value. Most RV Skirting that claims to be insulated is less than a half an inch thick.

What is the best skirting material? ›

Natural is always the best option, and if you are looking for REAL timber, FJ Pine is the most sustainable and economical option. If you're looking for a traditional feel with stained or raw timber skirting, then hardwood is the top choice.

How do I keep my RV underbelly warm? ›

How is an RV underbelly heated? The way that most underbelly heating systems works are simply by exhausting an open RV ducting vent to the underbelly area. Some manufacturers will also strategically run ductwork to provide radiant heat to this area.

How do I keep my heavy skirt from falling down? ›

You will need two things for our next hack: a pair of tights, and a top that covers your skirt's waistband. Step 1: Pull on a pair of tights (or stockings) under your skirt. Step 2: Fold the waistband of your tights over the waistband of your skirt. Step 3: Adjust, and cover waistband area with your top.

What temperature should RV skirting be? ›

Yes, but it's typically only necessary if you plan to spend considerable amounts of time where temperatures sit 15 or more degrees below freezing for most of the season. What is this? If that's not the case for you, you'll likely spend more money than necessary on your RV skirting.

How do you weight down RV skirting? ›

It is recommended to make a 3/4 inch PVC plastic pipe frame around the bottom of the skirting and attach the skirting to the pipe frame using EZ Snap Pipe Clamps. When using the pipe frame to secure skirting against wind, place weights in behind the skirting to hold the frame and skirting in place.

Is insulated skirting worth it? ›

It certainly can. If installed properly, insulated mobile home skirting can save you a lot of money. If you notice that your energy costs are through the roof in summer and winter (the seasons with the most extreme temps), then most likely you have an energy-efficiency issue on your hands.

Should I put tarp over RV in winter? ›

You should cover your RV in the winter if you don't have a garage large enough to store it and want to avoid storage rental fees. Keeping your RV out of the snow, ice, and wind is essential to avoiding weather-related damage and defects.

How do you stay warm in an RV in the winter? ›

How to Keep a Trailer or RV Warm in Winter?
  1. Reduce Heat Loss. There are lots of practical ways to reduce heat loss and trap heat inside. ...
  2. Insulate Your Walls. RV insulation is essential to keep your RV cool in the summer and warm in the cold weather. ...
  3. Insulate RV Windows. ...
  4. Use Your Heater.
17 Dec 2021

What brand of travel trailer is best insulated? ›

The Northwood Arctic Fox is generally considered to be the best RV for winter living. There are several comfortable floor plans, as well as great insulation, powerful furnaces, and heated holding tanks. Other good RV options include models from Jayco, Heartland, and Bigfoot.

How cold is too cold for an RV? ›

There's nothing wrong with camping in the winter with your RV, but some temperatures are just extremely too cold. When the temperature outside reaches the teens or below 0°, you should consider storing your recreational vehicle in an enclosed environment.

How much gap should you leave under skirting? ›

Put skirting boards on wall, leave approx 6mm gap (I used the masonite spacers that came in the brick packs). Skirting boards nailed on with second fix nail gun (50mm nails), but could be hand nailed. When painting is finished carpet is put down.

What is a normal height for skirting? ›

Generally speaking, the standard skirting board height is around 145mm, which is about 6 inches. This size is a mid range height of the ones we offer, as we offer heights from 70mm to 350mm. As mentioned already it is all down to overall look you want to create.

How much does it cost to skirt an RV? ›

Custom RV skirting usually starts around $1,500 and can easily cost over $2,500 for a big fifth wheel.

What is the most popular skirting? ›

There are an infinite number of possible skirting profiles, but the four most popular are bullnose, chamfered, ogee, and torus.

What is the easiest skirting to fit? ›

The easiest skirting boards to fit and fix are pine. The hardest are probably MDF. MDF is great in that it doesn't bow, twist or split and can come primed already.

What do you use for skirting? ›

There are several different kinds of materials that can be used for mobile home skirting. Brick, stucco, tin (metal), cinder block, T1011, plywood, hardy board, faux rock, and vinyl are just a few. You can use just about any material but the following are the most popular.

How do I insulate the bottom of my RV for the winter? ›

There are several ways to insulate the bottom of your RV:
  1. Buy some 2×2 lumber and attach insulation to it, then attach this to the bottom of your RV. ...
  2. Attach snaps to the bottom of your trailer and use a heavy-duty waterproof material to make a snap-on curtain.
27 Dec 2010

How do I make my RV below freezing? ›

8 Tips for Cold Weather Camping in Your RV or Van
  1. 8 Tips for Cold Weather Camping in Your RV or Van. ...
  2. Insulate! ...
  3. Use a Heated Battery or Battery Heat Pad to Keep Batteries Operating Optimally. ...
  4. Use a Portable Propane Heater. ...
  5. Use a Heated Water Hose. ...
  6. Insulate Pipes to Prevent Freezing. ...
  7. Use an Electric Space Heater. ...
  8. Layer Up.

Does Hairspray stop skirts from riding up? ›

- Stop dresses and skirts from riding up

To keep everything in place when wearing a short skirt or dress, put a thin layer of hairspray over your legs and the top of your thighs. It's the same trick used by gymnasts to keep their leotards in shape.

Why does my skirt keep shifting? ›

If a skirt sits on your hips, then the movement of your hips as you walk constantly moves the fabric up, down, and sideways. This movement is more likely move the skirt and twist it around. The waist, on the other hand, stays level, so a waistband that rests at your natural waist has a more stable base.

How many hours below freezing before pipes freeze in RV? ›

How Long Does It Have To Be Below Freezing For RV Pipes To Freeze? It will only take about 24 hours of below-freezing temperatures (lower than 32 degrees Fahrenheit) for the pipes to freeze in your RV. Since the average trip lasts a great deal longer than that, you should definitely take action ahead of time.

Should you leave your RV slides in or out? ›

The simple answer is NO, you should not leave the slide-outs on your travel trailer open during winter storage. Here is why: 1. You will not be around in case of a heavy snow fall to clear the snow off of the slides roof.

Is it better to leave RV slides in or out? ›

Water leaks in your RV slide can cause structural damage and can also cause damage to furnishings or stored items in the RV slide. To protect your RV and your belongings from unwanted moisture, it's best to store your RV with the slides in.

Does RV need to be perfectly level? ›

Minimize Stress on the Frame and Structure

If your RV is not level, you are adding stress to many areas including door frames, plumbing, cupboards, and even the chassis. An RV was built to be level so you could be causing long term issues and damage if you are using it without it being properly leveled.

How do you keep trailer skirting from blowing away? ›

To prevent this from happening, try adding screws to the bottom track of your skirting. Be careful to not add these screws too close or too far apart. We recommend you add a screw about every other panel.

Is peel and stick wallpaper good for RV? ›

RM: Do you have any tips for RV owners who would like to use peel and stick wallpaper for their RV renovations? Yes! Make sure your wall surfaces are clean, dry, and even. The only area we had trouble with was one where the wall had uneven defects.

Do skirting boards keep heat in? ›

Even Heat Distribution

Due to the placement all-around a room, skirting board heaters give a much more even distribution of warmth than traditional wall-mounted radiators.

Does wood insulate better than insulation? ›

Most homes built since the mid-20th century are wood-framed. This material is lightweight, inexpensive and provides better insulation than brick but is still a relatively poor insulator. In general, denser woods, such as oak, have a lower R-value than less dense woods, such as pine.

Does wood insulate better than glass? ›

Answer and Explanation: Wood is a better insulator than glass. Wood may have several pores in it, but still, wood does not have the air-trapping property.

How do I keep my RV damp free in winter? ›

Get leakages fixed straight away, and fight the damp by keeping doors and windows ajar on relatively mild days. Prop cupboards and cabinets open, too, while you're stationary. Trapped air is one of the main culprits in the dampness department, so fresh air is a great remedy.

How do I keep mold out of my RV in the winter? ›

Run a dehumidifier: If your rig has electricity, dehumidifiers cut back the moisture inside your RV, helping to keep it free from mold. Desiccant dehumidifiers can also be purchased which utilize specialized crystals to keep moisture at bay and require no electricity.

Should I cover my RV air conditioner in the winter? ›

No, you don't need an RV air conditioner cover and many RVers don't use them. However, the small purchase price and ease of storage won't hurt. Are you are someone who uses your RV in colder weather? if so you will most likely want to have a cover to help with drafts.

What is the cheapest way to heat an RV? ›

RV Gas and Diesel Heaters

They are the cheapest option to heat your RV (after initial installation) and they provide dry heat so you don't need to worry about condensation. Diesel heater RV is usually mounted below the front seats of the camper.

How can I keep my RV warm without electricity? ›

Using these methods, you can keep your camper nice and toasty no matter where you are.
  1. Use Your RV Propane Furnace. ...
  2. Use a Portable Space Heater in your RV.
  3. Use Your Vehicle's Heater.
  4. Keep Your Camper Warmer by Using Insulation.
  5. Use Warm Bedding for Spot Warming Your Camper.
  6. Install a Wood Stove in Your Camper for Heating.
4 Aug 2022

Is it cheaper to heat an RV with propane or electric? ›

Propane is more cost-efficient

In addition to its unmatched versatility that makes it an ideal RV power source, propane is also more cost-effective. Throughout the year and the country, propane is a lower-cost fuel than electricity or other petroleum-based energy sources.

What is the number 1 selling travel trailer? ›

Jayco's Jay Flight is the number one selling travel trailer and has been for more than a decade. The versatility of the product line makes it an excellent option for a variety of people and camping styles. Whether you enjoy camping in campgrounds or boondocking, you have many options to consider.

What is the number 1 travel trailer? ›

1. Airstream. About the Brand: Airstream is a classic brand that keeps improving its technology and innovation every year. They offer eight models of travel trailers.

What is better on travel trailer fiberglass or aluminum? ›

Fiberglass wins hands-down in durability, shine and cleanliness. If you're looking at your RV as an investment, fiberglass RVs tend to hold their resale value much better than aluminum models.

Will RV holding tanks freeze? ›

Tanks that are exposed to outside temperatures need some kind of insulation to keep them from freezing. Prolonged temperatures below freezing will eventually freeze a tank, either preventing you from dumping or preventing you from getting the fresh water you need.

Will RV pipes freeze in one night? ›

RVs without special protections can freeze in a matter of hours if temperatures plummet. However, if temperatures hover near or slightly below freezing, it can take approximately 24 hours for your pipes to freeze. If you're not actively using your RV and heating the interior, your lines are more likely to freeze.

How do I keep my RV warm at night? ›

How To Keep A Camper Warm In The Winter (15 Best Ways)
  1. Insulate Your RV Floors.
  2. Insulate Windows And Doors. Replace Caulking & Stripping. Apply Window Shrink Insulation. ...
  3. Opt For A Smaller RV.
  4. Install RV Skirting.
  5. Prepare Your Pipes & Tanks.
  6. Use Solar Panels.
  7. Use Blinds, Curtains, And Carpets.
  8. Sleep On An Electric Blanket.
15 Feb 2022

What can be used for trailer skirting? ›

There are several different kinds of materials that can be used for mobile home skirting. Brick, stucco, tin (metal), cinder block, T1011, plywood, hardy board, faux rock, and vinyl are just a few.

What is the best material for mobile home skirting? ›

Vinyl skirting is the most popular type of mobile home skirting. As you can see, the price range is quite large because there are so many different types of vinyl skirting. In fact, vinyl skirting panels come in different thicknesses and textures.

Is aluminum or fiberglass better for RV? ›

Fiberglass wins hands-down in durability, shine and cleanliness. If you're looking at your RV as an investment, fiberglass RVs tend to hold their resale value much better than aluminum models.

What material is on the underbelly of a travel trailer? ›

The industry standard for RV underbellies is a corrugated plastic sheet.

What can be used instead of skirting boards? ›

Skirting boards alternatives
  • New skirting. New Skirting fitting. ...
  • Undercutting. This alternative is mostly used when the skirting boards cannot be changed but the end result should match the one obtained with a new skirting. ...
  • Scotia Beading. ...
  • MDF strip overlay. ...
  • Shadow Gap. ...
  • Simple joint of the wooden floor with walls.

What is the most popular skirting board style? ›

The most popular types of skirting board ideas are: Chamfer: a simple style with a single angled edge that drop down to a straight, flat face to the bottom on the board. Bullnose/Pencil-round: With a flat face and a simple rounded edge at the top front of the board.

What is the best insulated skirting for mobile homes? ›

Concrete or cementitious skirting products offer the best thermal shielding. Concrete offers both heat and cold transfer resistance which makes it a great house skirting idea. It is also why lenders prefer concrete skirting over other skirting materials.

What type of RV lasts the longest? ›

The longest-lasting RVs are the Airstream campers which can last for many decades if maintained well. There are many different types of RVs and factors that go into the longevity of an RV, so calculating the average lifespan of an RV is complicated.

How do you keep rats and rodents out of an RVs underbelly? ›

Block All Entrances
  1. Steel Wool – Our personal favorite. ...
  2. Spray Foam – A little goes a long way since the foam expands. ...
  3. Moth Balls – My grandmother swore by this method of deterring mice (and snakes too). ...
  4. Peppermint Oil – Many RVers say they have successfully used peppermint oil to keep mice away.
3 days ago

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