RV Skirting for Winter Camping
For the first few years of living the full-time #RVlife, we followed warm weather. We didn’t have a desire to brave the cold in our fifth wheel. But, then something happened. We missed winter. So, we decided to give winter camping a try! I’m happy to report RVing in the winter months is possible and quite enjoyable! Thanks to our RV skirt, we are able to stay warm and cozy inside no matter the temperature outside.
There are a number of ways to keep your rig toasty when it’s cold outside. RV skirting for winter camping is one of the best ways to keep the interior and underbelly of a trailer protected. There is a lot to take into consideration when it comes to RV skirting. The type of rig you have, your budget, and your location all play a part in deciding which option is best for you. Here is everything you need to know when it comes to RV skirting for winter camping!
What is an RV SKirt and Why Do I need one?
An RV skirt is simply material that is placed around the bottom of a motorhome, fifth wheel, or trailer that acts as a barrier against extreme weather. It helps keep cold air and wind from getting under the camper. This can prevent water pipes and holding tanks from freezing. A skirt will also trap warm air that escapes from the rig’s floor. Not only will the inside of your camper stay warmer, but your propane bill won’t skyrocket!
RV Skirting Solutions
There are skirting solutions on the market that make the whole process as easy and painless as possible. Ready-made RV skirts come in a variety of options and fit for all types of RVs.
1. AirSkirts
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Something a little different than the traditional vinyl or fabric RV skirt you might have in mind, is AirSkirts. This inflatable RV skirting solution is reliable and definitely innovative. The “skirt” is made of cylinder tubes that are inflated with air. Skirting kits come in a number of sizes that are able to fit with rigs of all sizes. Kits come complete with tubes, electric air pump, storage bag, and patch kit. Pricing starts at $1,299. AirSkirts come with a five year warranty. This is a great option if you are on the move!
2. EZ Snap
If you want a high quality skirt without the price tag of a custom model, EZ Snap RV skirting is a great option. An EZ Snap skirt comes in a kit that you will then measure and install yourself. Kits come in a variety of sizes. You choose the one that is recommended for your rig then are responsible for installing fasteners, cutting the material based on your measurements, and hanging the skirt. EZ Snap offers a number of tutorial videos to ease the process. EZ Snap RV skirts are made of Diamond Weave™ premium skirting vinyl. Diamond Weave™ is a very strong and durable vinyl with half the storage bulk of regular RV skirting. They are said to last 6-8 years in harsh winter environments. The price for this solution is going to vary on the sized kit you need but the most common kit, which is 80 feet, runs $814.
A custom skirt is manufactured specifically for your rig. For a skirt made just for your rig, you can travel to a manufacturer or work with a company such as The Skirting Co that can travel to you for insulation. If you are too far for travel, RV Skirting Pros can ship out your skirt for self insulation. Custom skirting is going to offer a great fit and leave little room for error on gaps where wind and weather can get in. Custom skirts are generally measured with precise accuracy and fabricated using top of the line material. Since a custom skirt is top quality, it should last year after year. The majority of custom skirts are made from heavy duty vinyl. Downside to this option? Cost. The price for this RV skirting solution is going to have the highest price tag. A custom skirt is going to cost roughly $1,000- $3,000 depending on the size of your rig and the number of slides.
4. RV WindSkirt
One of the most budget friendly, effective manufactured options is offered by RV WindSkirt. This skirt requires much less work than the EZ Snap and cost a fraction of a custom model. RV WindSkirt has simplified the skirt, which is what we love. They only offer two sizes but are able to accommodate rigs of all sizes. These skirts are high quality but lightweight making storage easy. Lacking the bulkiness of other skirts makes this one of the best choices for traveling and moving! Skirting panels range in price from about $100 - $120.
So how does it work? The skirt panel is made of a durable light weight canvas material with features that allows the top portion to be easily installed and attached to any vehicle and the bottom part is fabricated to hang down and contour the ground without moving, which provides a seal between the RV and the ground. This panel also integrates Velcro sewn onto both ends of the tarp not only to allow for quick connection of multiple skirt panels together to fit any size vehicle or area!
DIY RV Skirting
Like with most things these days, the internet is full of DIY RV skirting options. We were blown away by the amount of alternative solutions we found while researching skirting options. DIY RV skirting can cost much less than ready-made solutions and can be just as effective in cold weather. So what’s the downside to making your own skirt? A DIY skirt tends to be more labor intensive to put together and generally isn’t ideal if you are frequently traveling. If you are stationary or at least staying put for the winter, a handmade skirt is a great choice. Here are some DIY RV Skirting choices to choose from:
1. Vinyl
If you want something that’s more like a ready-made, custom skirt but want to try it on a budget, you can DIY an RV skirt from vinyl. Basically, you’ll just need the proper amount of vinyl to cover the outside of your rig and a way to attach the material to the RV. You can purchase new vinyl tarps at a relatively low price point. You can even buy tarps with grommets in place, making it even easier to attach the skirt to your rig. For an even more budget friendly option, purchase used billboard vinyl then use grommets, velcro, or suction cups to attach the skirting to your camper. Rocks or wood planks can be used to hold the bottom of the material down in wind. Unlike other DIY options, it’s easy to travel with a vinyl skirt.
2. 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. Plywood can be used to reinforce the boards as well as aluminum tape to hold the boards together. This DIY option is probably going to be the most effective, from both a cost and efficiency standpoint. The biggest downsize is, it really only works if your RV is staying put. Once the foam boards are in place, travel isn’t possible.
3. STrAW BalE
If you aren’t planning on moving, good old fashion straw can make for a great DIY RV skirt. Straw is a better option than hay as it is cheaper and makes for better insulation. You will want to wrap the bales in garbage bags or tarps to keep pests out. Mice would love to make a warm, toasty home in your straw bales! Something else to take into consideration before using straw for skirting is how flammable these bales are. Don’t light a match near the RV!
4. Snow
If you have enough of it for the duration of your RV winter camping trip, snow could be used as a DIY skirting solution. Simply pile up snow around the rig and you’re done! For better results, you might want to use rigid foam board under the snow.
With so many RV skirting options out there, there is no reason not to enjoy some cold weather camping. No matter what your budget is or your insulation needs are, there is a solution for you.
How much does it cost to skirt an RV?
The cost of RV skirting will vary depending on the size of your RV, the type of skirting material you choose, and whether you install it yourself or hire a professional. For a small RV, you can expect to pay anywhere from $250 to $500 for DIY skirting or $800 to $1,500 for a professional skirting kit. For a large RV, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1,000 for DIY skirting or $1,500 to $3,000 for a professional skirting kit.
If you're on a tight budget, you can DIY your own RV skirting for under $250. This typically involves using inexpensive materials like insulation foam, tarps, or hay bales. However, DIY skirting is not as durable or effective as professional skirting, and it may require more maintenance.
Professional RV skirting can cost anywhere from $800 to $3,000 or more, depending on the size and type of skirting you choose. Custom-made skirting is the most expensive, but it is also the most durable and effective.
At what temperature do you need RV skirting?
Generally, RV skirting is most helpful when temperatures drop below freezing, or 32°F (0°C). We personally skirt our RV when we know it’s going to reach freezing to help keep water and tanks from icing over. But, even for those times the temp is milder outside, an RV skirt can keep the draft out from under your rig, keeping the floor and overall interior temperature higher. Having that extra barrier against the elements will keep the furnace from kicking on as much, helping with propane usage.
Are RV skirts worth it?
Yes, investing in an RV skirt is 100% worth it if you plan on spending any time in cooler temperatures! The benefits of RV skirting extend beyond just keeping you warm; they include protecting your RV's plumbing from freezing, reducing energy costs by providing extra insulation, and creating a more comfortable living space. Whether you're camping in winter climates, planning extended stays, or simply seeking a cozier interior during chilly nights, the added layer of insulation provided by RV skirting can make a significant difference. It's a practical investment that pays off in improved comfort, potential energy savings, and peace of mind during colder adventures.
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