RV Skirting for Winter – RV Skirting Solutions for 5th Wheels, Travel Trailers, RVs & Campers

Angela Devaney

Are you looking for RV skirting for winter camping to help keep your camper warm in the cold and cool in the summer? This guide has loads of skirting ideas & something for every budget.


If you own an RV, you know there are many different ways to use it. You can take it on road trips, use it for weekend getaways, or even live in it full-time. But, no matter how you choose to use your RV, one thing is always important: protecting it from the weather.

In the winter, that means keeping the cold out, and in the summer, it means protecting against the heat. One way to do that is by using RV skirting. 

These are materials that you install around your RV to create a barrier. It acts to keep out the cold air in the winter and stop sunlight and heat from entering in the summer. 

We reviewed tons of options to see what options worked and what didn’t, and we’ve shared our results with you here. 

Spoiler: AirSkirts Inflatable RV Skirting made the top of our list because it won’t break the bank and is so ridiculously simple to use!

Read on if you’re getting ready for winter camping in your RV or want to learn how skirting can help in summer. You’ll learn more about RV skirts and see our top picks for the best skirting for your RV.

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At A Glance | Best RV Skirting for Winter

1. Airskirts Inflatable Skirts

  • Best RV skirt for winter & summer
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2. RV Skirting Pros

  • Popular vinyl skirting
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3. EZ Snap RV Skirting

  • Quick attaching skirts
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4. Custom Skirting

  • Made-to-measure skirting
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What Is RV Skirting?

RV skirting is a protective material wrapped around to enclose your RV’s underbelly. Trapping heat under the RV helps maintain a consistent temperature and protects the plumbing system. It’s a must for winter RV trips.

The insulation also helps keep the inside of the vehicle comfortable. You can have camper skirting custom-made if you’re willing to pay for it. 

Alternatively, you can buy skirting kits from specialist companies. If you’re willing to take on a DIY project, you can make your own travel trailer skirting.

What Difference Does RV Skirting Make?

airstream in the snow without rv skirting

An RV skirt creates a heat barrier around the underbelly of your RV, protecting it in extreme weather. Your skirting needs to completely enclose the bottom of the RV for the most benefit.

Some RVs have insulated underbellies. But even these may not be enough to prevent problems in freezing temperatures.

Preventing cold air from entering your RV’s undercarriage protects your water pipes. It also helps maintain a comfortable temperature inside the vehicle. That will help keep your heating bills down during the winter months.

Benefits of Using RV Skirting in Summer

Keeps Your RV Cooler

One of the most significant benefits of using RV skirting in the summer is that it helps keep your RV cooler. The sun can quickly raise the temperature inside an RV, which can be uncomfortable and dangerous. 

Using RV skirting in summer insulates the RVs underbelly, protecting it from the heat and keeping it a little cooler. 

The cooler the RV underbelly, the fewer heat exchanges through the floor, so you effectively minimize the loss of the cooler air inside the RV.

Reduces Energy Costs

Another reason to use RV skirting in summer is that it can help reduce your energy costs. As mentioned above, one of the main ways RV skirting helps keep your RV cooler is by minimizing the amount of heat that exchanges through the floor. 

This means you don’t have to use as much energy on air-conditioning to cool your RV down, saving you a lot of money throughout the summer.

Keeps Pests & Critters Out Of Your RV

RV skirting can also help keep pests and critters out of your RV. This is especially important during the summer months when bugs and creepy crawlies numbers are high. 

Pests and critters can cause a lot of damage to an RV, so by using RV skirting in summer, you can help protect your RV from these unwanted guests.

AirSkirts Inflatable RV Skirting is an excellent option if you want to insulate your RV more easily. There’s no place for hot air to enter from beneath it when you use AirSkirts Inflatable RV Skirting. 

When you don’t have air seeping under the unit, you’ll notice that your AC will be able to run for longer before shutting off. Some people say they can easily leave their RV’s AC on 24/7 when the space has been adequately skirted.

The Best RV Skirting For Winter & Summer

If you often travel to regions with freezing temperatures, or maybe you want a lightweight solution for summer camping? You definitely need to invest in an RV skirting kit. 

Vinyl skirting can get pricey, but it will save you money in the long run.

Here are our top picks for the best RV skirting for winter and summer.

inflatable rv skirting protecting the underbelly

Features

  • Best RV skirts for fast, no-tools installation.
  • Non-permanent camper skirting that’s easy to install in minutes.

AirSkirts offers an innovative, high-quality RV skirting solution. They need no tools for installation and take just minutes to set up. The secret lies in a set of inflatable tubes that use pressure to remain in place and create an enclosed underbelly for your RV.

The skirt tubes are made of heavy-duty, puncture-resistant vinyl. So, you can count on them to stand up against rocks, rough terrain, and the moving around that comes with installation. 

Each RV skirt kit includes inflatable tubes, an electric air pump, and a patch kit. You’ll also receive an RV skirting storage bag to create a neat package when it’s time to head out.

AirSkirts offers a range of options to fit any RV model, including travel trailers, 5th wheels, campervans, and motorhomes. 

When you’re ready to purchase, you’ll just provide your RV’s total length and floor level, and the company will suggest the most suitable kit.

When it comes to installation, it really couldn’t be easier, making this an excellent option for travelers constantly on the go. 

During our tests with a campervan, we were able to get the travel trailer skirting laid out and inflated in about 15 minutes. 

You just position each piece where it belongs around your RV, plug in the air pump, and fill up each tube. When ready to go, deflate the tubes and pack them away.

Airskirts Inflatable RV Skirting on a Motorcoach RV

As far as insulation, these skirt tubes did an outstanding job. We traveled to Yellowstone in February, and this system definitely helped keep our pipes from freezing. But, of course, we maintained our toasty temps inside too. 

If you drive a larger RV, there’s no need to worry about your sewer drainage and other pipes and hoses. The flexible tubes actually conform around protrusions to allow for access.

AirSkirts are super easy to use and extremely versatile, but we have to admit, it’s not the most affordable option. There are lower-cost solutions – but none on par with this option. Even the next best solution is more expensive than Airkskirts. 

Plus, the team at Airkskirts offers a five-year warranty and a 30-day free returns policy. So if it’s not right for you, send it back; no explanation is necessary.

AirSkirts Camper Skirting Installation Video

What We Liked

  • Fast and easy to install: Just position and inflate — no tools necessary.
  • Skirting options compatible with a variety of vehicles, including 5th wheel campers.
  • Removal and storage are equally easy for those constantly on the go.

What We Didn’t Like

  • More expensive than some other solutions.
  • Requires electricity for installation.

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RV Skirting Pros for Winter RV Living

Features

  • Popular RV skirting for a simple but long-lasting installation.
  • Quality vinyl RV skirting kit that insulates against freezing temperatures.

The founders of RV Skirting Pros created their skirting after disapproving looks from their RV dealership when they tried to trade in a fifth wheel riddled with screw holes from a previous skirt system. 

To address the problem, their skirting solution relies on a rail and channel system with significantly less drilling.

With this system, your vinyl skirting panels attach to awning tracks. Those tracks attach to your RV with adhesive strips. Where needed — typically on slideouts — the tracks are reinforced with screws and snap studs. 

When ready to attach your travel trailer skirting, you’ll just slide the panels onto the tracks or snap them into the studs. Removal is equally as easy — just slide the panels off. The awning track stays in place for next time.

So as you can see, this system still requires screw holes in some areas, but it’s nothing like similar RV skirting solutions. This means you don’t have to worry about damaging your camper and watching as its value diminishes.

When you order a kit, you can choose a DIY option where you install it yourself or have the company install it. Then, you’ll either drive to a facility close to its headquarters or have a trained tech come to you.

It will be cheaper to install the RV skirting yourself. But if you aren’t handy with tools or don’t have the time to do it yourself, some pros can handle it for you. 

The downsides of the installation procedure are:

  • The cost – several hundred dollars on top of the cost of the skirting
  • It’s only available in a few states surrounding Indiana.

When reviewing this product, we chose the DIY option, using a friend’s RV as our guinea pig. The installation process took considerable time, but it wasn’t overly complicated. In addition, the company offers both insulated and non-insulated skirting panels. 

We chose the former, which offers six layers of material and is black in color. Our friend joked that it looked like a quilted comforter; we agree, but that’s not to say it’s unattractive.

Our buddy took his RV to Virginia when nighttime temps were in the 20s, and he reported that the RV skirt performed as well as he had hoped.

What We Liked

  • Doesn’t need as many screw holes as other types of skirting for RVs.
  • Easy to remove the insulated RV panels for travel.
  • Kept the underbelly warm enough to prevent pipe freezing.

What We Didn’t Like

  • Installation takes know-how and considerable effort.
  • The RV skirting’s quilted design might not be for everyone.
EZ Snap Direct RV Skirting

Features

  • Best RV skirting for a customized fit.
  • Winterize your RV with a custom kit.

EZ Snap Direct has you covered if you’ve got a uniquely shaped camper or like hands-on projects. The company offers RV skirting solutions for all recreational vehicles, from camper vans to fifth-wheels.

To get started, estimate how many campers skirting you need using the EZ Snap website’s convenient calculator, and then place your order. In return, you’ll receive the raw materials to install your own custom RV skirting panels.

When we say raw materials, we’re talking rolls of insulated RV skirting, adhesive studs, and EZ Snap fasteners. While you’ll receive enough RV skirting to get the job done, the task of measuring and cutting the vinyl to create panels falls squarely on you.

Cutting fabric can be a tricky thing because it tends to fray. But, that’s not a problem with this skirting because it’s made from a Diamond Weave material that features encapsulated threads. 

When you cut, the yarn is sealed, so it doesn’t unravel. We weren’t sure we believed in this feature initially, but it lived up to its claim.

Other benefits of Diamond Weave technology from EZ Snap are:

  • it’s fire-retardant, and 
  • rated to withstand freezing temperatures as low as -40 degrees. 

We couldn’t put this RV skirting to that test, but we did get close. We helped install the EZ Snap skirting on another camper belonging to friends. They took it to North Dakota over Christmas. 

It was very cold, with lows in the single digits. They didn’t suffer from ice under the RV and noticed that it stayed warmer than usual inside. They head up north every winter, so the difference was quite clear.

Overall, we were satisfied with how the installation went. We liked that we could customize the skirting around slideouts, exhaust, and other pipes, but there was a lot of waste at the end of the process. 

We knew that would be the reality with custom RV skirting, but we still didn’t like it. (Don’t worry: We kept the scraps for future use.)

The fact that there was no drilling involved was also a huge plus. The EZ Snap clips held on despite only using adhesive, and we’re sure that they won’t be going anywhere for at least several seasons.

What We Liked

  • EZ Snap skirting kit allows for complete customization.
  • Diamond Weave material doesn’t fray when cut.
  • EZ Snap offers free shipping with a low minimum purchase.

What We Didn’t Like

  • It could be a lot of vinyl waste, depending on the configuration of your camper.
  • The RV skirting kit requires that you measure and cut the vinyl yourself.

Custom vinyl skirting may be something to consider if you regularly use your RV in extreme weather conditions. Providers will custom-fit material such as heavy-duty vinyl for your vehicle. Then, they will usually install the skirting for you.

Remember that custom skirting for RVs is an expensive option, often running from $2,000 to $3,000 or more.

It has some significant advantages for those that:

  • live full-time in their RV, 
  • move camp frequently, or 
  • travel in extreme weather conditions.

Custom-made skirting will last for years, even in harsh conditions. It guarantees complete protection for your plumbing system.

It also reduces your heating and cooling costs by helping you maintain a comfortable RV temperature. It’s easier to install and remove than many other options too.

While DIY options are significantly cheaper, you’ll probably need to make new skirting each year. This can cost a significant amount over time, reducing the cost-benefit to some extent.

Reusing custom-made skirting every year also makes it an environmentally friendly option. It also looks great. It’s worth noting that some RV parks only allow custom-made skirting.

Arranging custom-made skirting can be complicated. You may have to travel to a provider.

Ultimately, custom-made skirting is only worth the extra expense for frequent RVers who travel in various conditions. 

Even then, we think buying insulated RV skirting from a company like AirSkirts or RV Skirting Pros is a better option.

What We Liked

  • Made to measure 
  • Guaranteed protection for plumbing system

What We Didn’t Like

  • The price
  • The buying process is more complicated than other skirting options.

5. DIY RV Skirting Ideas

There are many DIY RV skirting options. Some RV users use temporary solutions such as tarps, hay bales, or even snow! Below are a few ideas for more durable DIY skirting.

Fabric RV Skirting 

You can make your own RV skirting with fabrics such as vinyl, billboard, or canvas. You don’t necessarily need to use an insulated fabric, but you do need a durable material. 

Vinyl is a reliable fabric option. It’s often used for custom-made skirting, so it’s the DIY option most similar to custom alternatives. Self-installed vinyl skirting is a good intermediary option.

A company provides you with high-quality material, but you install it yourself.

Using fabric for your skirting is relatively cheap compared to custom options. It’s also easy to source options such as vinyl, which are easy to cut. The fabric is a good option if you intend to move your RV frequently.

You can also consider using recycled fabric for environmental sustainability. 

Making your own skirting with fabric does take a lot of work. In addition, you probably won’t reuse the same skirting many times, so expect to remake it at least every couple of years unless you’re a master of the sewing machine.

You can secure fabric skirting with tools such as adhesive tape, Velcro strips, suction cups, or grommets.

Check out this video for making DIY vinyl skirting and saving a LOT of money.

Solid Vinyl RV Skirting Installation & How to Do IT Yourself Video

Foam Board RV Skirting 

Foam board panels are the most popular DIY skirting option. They’re easy to find, and they’re an extremely cost-effective option. You can probably source the necessary materials for between $100 and $200.

It’s also easy to cut foam to fit your RV and is an effective insulating material. In addition, it preserves heat around the underside of your RV, even in freezing temperatures. 

It’s also very light, so it’s easy to transport and store, but you’ll have to attach it to the RV very securely to prevent it from blowing away. You can use plywood or tape to do this. Make sure to use plenty. 

The main drawback of using foam for skirting is that you’ll probably only get one use out of it. It’s a good option if you stay in one place, but it may not be the best choice if you intend to move frequently.

Replacing foam skirting regularly also makes it less environmentally friendly. However, if your RV is mostly stationary, foam skirting is a good option for cost and usability. 

Check out this video for how to make DIY foam board RV skirting.

How to Skirt a Trailer with Foam Board Video

Wood Skirting For RVs 

Plywood is a popular DIY option for skirting and can be very effective. However, it takes a lot of work. Sourcing suitable materials may also require some effort.

One of the advantages of this method is that it is adaptable to any RV model. Wood is also very effective in blocking cold air. However, plywood skirting is generally a more permanent option.

It may not be the best choice if you intend to move your RV regularly.

Attaching and removing the skirting requires a lot of work. Wooden skirting is also difficult to store as it’s inflexible and requires a lot of space.

Despite these caveats, plywood skirting can be a great option for RVs that will mostly remain stationary. It’s effective against wind and cold, cheaper than many alternatives, and can last for years.

In extreme cold, you can also reinforce plywood skirting with foam board or other insulating materials.

Why using Straw Bales for Winter RV skirting is a Bad Choice

Using straw bales for RV skirting may not be the best idea for several reasons:

  1. Moisture retention: Straw bales can absorb and retain moisture, which could lead to mold growth, rotting, and unpleasant odors around your RV. This could also damage your RV’s undercarriage over time.
  2. Pest attraction: Straw bales can attract rodents and insects, such as mice, rats, and termites, which could damage your RV or create an unhealthy environment.
  3. Fire hazard: Straw is highly flammable, posing a significant fire risk if used as RV skirting. An accidental ignition from a heater, electrical short, or other sources could result in a dangerous situation.
  4. Insulation: While straw bales do provide some insulation, they may not be as effective as other insulating materials specifically designed for RV skirting.
  5. Aesthetic appeal: Straw bales may not be the most visually appealing option for RV skirting, potentially detracting from the overall appearance of your RV.
  6. Durability: Straw bales can break down and deteriorate over time, especially when exposed to the elements. This may require frequent replacement and maintenance, making it less convenient than other RV skirting options.

Considering these factors, it’s better to use RV skirting materials like vinyl, foam board, or insulated panels, which offer better insulation, durability, and protection against pests and moisture.

How To Choose The Best RV Skirting Kit

best rv skirting for winter

We love AirSkirts Inflatable RV Skirting. It’s easily the fastest, most straightforward way to protect your undercarriage from freezing temperatures. 

We’re sure you’ll agree, but we also understand if you want to explore other skirting options. 

To help you decide on the best cold-weather camper skirting, we’ve come up with a list of things to consider when shopping around.

Construction Quality

The skirting material you choose must be high-quality and durable. Otherwise, it simply won’t last against cold weather, varying terrain, and regular use. When shopping, look for vinyl skirting that’s heavy-duty, tear-resistant, and fire-retardant.

Ease of Installation

Another thing to keep in mind when exploring RV skirting options is installation. Don’t forget to consider the initial installation and the setup and set down process.

As far as mounting methods, there are several, but the most common include screws, adhesive, or a combination of the two. 

Screws are more secure than adhesives, but they also need you to drill into your RV, something you may not be willing to do.

When skirting your RV, you must ensure that the skirt panels wrap around the whole bottom of the vehicle. You don’t want to leave any gaps; otherwise, it will be a constant battle against heat loss.

Also, remember that your skirting will probably be seasonal, so you’ll want to consider how easy it is to store. Does it fold easily? Does it have a big footprint?

Budget

Budget is another big consideration RV owners must consider when shopping for insulated travel trailer skirting. The short of it: high-quality skirting can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.

However, the investment might be worthwhile if you live in your RV full-time or use it in extreme weather conditions. Remember that skirting can save you money on heating costs and repairs to your RV plumbing system. 

Another thing to keep in mind while crunching RV skirting costs is shipping. Vinyl skirting can be bulky and heavy depending on the size and type of RV for which you’re making the purchase, resulting in expensive delivery fees. 

Whenever possible, look for free shipping offers to save money.

How Much Does RV Skirting Cost, and Is It Worth It? 

RV skirting for winter can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the type of skirting you choose. At the low end of that range are DIY options.

You can buy materials such as a Styrofoam board at your local hardware store and then cut and install it yourself.

However, this skirting probably won’t be sufficient for freezing weather. In addition, you’ll only get one use out of each skirting, so the costs will increase over time.

Custom skirting, where a company customizes the skirting to your exact type of RV, is at the other extreme. While it’s expensive, it may be worth it if you live full-time in your RV or regularly use it in freezing weather conditions.

Between these extremes, specialist companies such as AirSkirts and RV Skirting Pros provide quality skirting kits for self-installation. 

You provide the dimensions of your trailer or choose from an existing kit, and the company will ship the materials directly to you. Watch out for free shipping offers! 

Ultimately, whichever method you choose, RV skirting is worthwhile. 

  • It prevents potential problems such as frozen pipes. 
  • Saves money on repairs and heating expenses, such as propane costs.

How Do You Attach Skirting to an RV? 

You need to attach RV winter skirting securely. While the type of material you use matters, the way it’s attached is perhaps even more critical. If there are any small gaps, it becomes less effective.

If you’re using a DIY option such as foam, your skirting may also blow away if it’s not held securely.

The best method for securing your skirting depends on your material. Custom-made options will come with tools for attachment.

  • AirSkirts’ inflatable skirting uses pressure to hold it in place, 
  • EZ Snap uses adhesive tape and Velcro, and 
  • RV Skirting Pros use a channel and rail system.

For DIY skirting, many people use a lock and fastener. This is an effective option. Others use weighty objects to hold down the bottom of the skirting.

travel trailer camping in the winter, surrounded by deep snow

FAQs 

Do I Need RV Skirting in the Winter?

When considering whether or not you need RV skirting for winter, it is important to take into account the climate where you will be camping.

If you are in a colder climate, then having some form of additional insulation is essential for keeping your RV warm and comfortable during the winter months.

Overall, whether or not you need RV skirting for winter depends on where you plan on camping and how long you plan on staying there.

If you are in a colder climate or plan on traveling with your RV during the winter months, then investing in some form of additional insulation can help keep your RV warm and protected from potential damage.

Do I Need RV Skirting for Winter if My RV Has an Enclosed Underbelly?

RV skirting is a great way to protect your RV from the cold winter temperatures

If your RV has an enclosed underbelly, it can provide some insulation, but it may not be enough to keep out the cold air.

RV skirting can provide an extra layer of protection and help keep your RV warm throughout the winter months. It will provide better insulation and protection from the elements.

Do you still have to winterize your RV if you use skirting?

Does insulated RV skirting help in summer?

We’ve mainly discussed RV skirting for winter. However, it can also help you maintain a comfortable temperature in warm weather.

A skirt creates a barrier between your RV’s underbelly and the warm air outside it. This helps to keep the temperature inside cool.

Can I install RV skirting myself?

Yes, you can install RV skirting yourself! Many RV skirting kits come with easy-to-follow instructions and don’t require any special tools or experience.

Airskirts are the easiest of all the RV skirting solutions to setup and put away too.

No matter which type of skirting you choose, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure a secure fit and maximum protection from the elements.

In Conclusion

Insulated RV skirting for winter is worthwhile for anyone using an RV in harsh weather conditions. It helps maintain a comfortable temperature and protects your water lines in cold weather.

It also saves you money by lowering your expenditure on temperature control and protecting your RV from damage.

Considering all the RV skirting solutions available, we think the title has to go to AirSkirts. It installs in just minutes, and it doesn’t require any tools. Plus, it fits all RVs types, from campervans to 5th wheel vehicles.

Angela Devaney

Angela Devaney, a former IT project management professional, embarked on an adventurous journey of full-time travel, which included touring West Africa in a converted overland truck and converting an ex-military 4×4 Sprinter van into a camper for a five-year South American expedition. She now utilizes her hands-on experience to create practical RV living and van life advice as a full-time digital media producer, reaching over a million users annually through her YouTube channel, blog, and newsletter. Angela also lends her expertise as the editor-in-chief of the Campervan Electrics Handbook.

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