Staying warm in an RV during the winter can be challenging. However, skirting for your rig can help make it easier. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, so it’s important to consider your options. Keep reading if you’re looking for some RV skirting ideas to keep you and your rig warm this winter. We have some great options to share with you. Let’s get started!
What Is RV Skirting?
RV skirting surrounds the base of an RV and prevents cold air from blowing under the rig. There are several options RVers can consider for skirting around their camper. Prices range from $150 to $250 for a DIY version to around $2,000 for custom skirting made from high-quality and durable vinyl materials.
Due to the amount of work that goes into installing the skirting, you typically only see RV skirting used when RVers sit stationary during the winter. However, there are some temporary options available that can do the job.
Why Do RVers Use RV Skirting?
Because RVs sit several feet off the ground, the cold winter winds have no trouble blowing underneath them. This can make it very challenging to control the temperature and climate inside the camper. Keeping the cold air out from under your RV can also help protect its water lines, tanks, and other sensitive components.
It’s no secret that most RVs are lacking when it comes to insulation. Everything you can do to keep the cold air out of your RV during winter will be helpful. You’ll use less propane, save money, and stay more comfortable while enjoying winter camping in your rig.
When Should You Use RV Skirting?
If you’re planning to sit stationary during winter in your RV, it’s a good idea to use skirting around your rig. However, if you’ll be parking your rig in warm areas like Florida or Arizona, you likely won’t benefit much from RV skirting. Still, some RVers in warm climates use skirting for aesthetic purposes or even for storing or hiding gear.
You’ll want to use RV skirting when parking in a location where temperatures are expected to drop below freezing. The further and longer below zero temperatures drop, the more beneficial RV skirting will be. It’s a good idea to invest in RV skirting if you plan to spend a winter or two RVing in an area with extreme winter weather.
Pro Tip: RV skirting is not the only thing you’ll need for winter camping. Make sure you know How to RV in Winter before the first snow of the season hits!
RV Skirting Ideas: 5 Ways to Skirt Your Camper for Insulation
If you’re considering RV skirting for your rig, we’re sharing options for every budget below. Again, the pricing for RV skirting can vary considerably. Each option can get the job done, but some are better than others. Let’s take a look!
Vinyl
If you’re looking for a lightweight, durable, and easy-to-store option, vinyl RV skirting is the way to go. If you’re willing to put in the time and energy, you can create a DIY vinyl RV skirting for $800 to $1000, depending on the size of your rig. This is an excellent option if you’ll need to carry the skirting with you for the rest of the year while it’s not in use.
If we’re being honest, vinyl RV skirting is the best choice. Not only will it last for years, but it gives you the biggest bang for your buck. The ease of installation season after season and the fact that the panels are incredibly lightweight and portable make vinyl RV skirting hard to beat.
This is probably also the most attractive skirting method. The vinyl RV skirting option is clean and tidy, and you can often get the color of the vinyl to match the color of decals on your rig. If curb appeal is important to you, this is by far the best look in our opinion.
There are many vinyl skirting options, from slide-in grooves to snap-ons, and not all are created equal. However, you will likely need to plan in advance to get this option. If you have a company make a custom skirt, you will need to schedule a time (and a place) for them to come to measure your rig, make the skirt, and then deliver it. You can DIY your own vinyl as well, but be sure to measure three times and cut once!
Plywood
Plywood RV skirting is a convenient option as you can get the materials at any home improvement store. You can easily cut the skirting to fit your situation, and it’s incredibly durable. While not incredibly insulative, it can effectively block most of the wind from flowing under your rig. Just be sure to seal gaps between boards for the best experience.
You’ll have someplace to store it while it’s not in use. It will weigh a tremendous amount and take up considerable space. Since you have to be mindful of every pound you’re adding to your RV and how much storage space you’re using, you likely won’t be able to take it with you.
Another strike against plywood RV skirting is that it’s incredibly expensive. The price of wood has been shifting considerably in recent years. Now a single sheet of plywood could cost you $50. Depending on the size of your rig and how high it sits off the ground, you may need to purchase quite a few sheets of plywood. Plywood also doesn’t last nearly as long as other RV skirting ideas. That’s especially if moisture and other extreme conditions are present for extended periods.
Insulation Board
If you’re going the DIY route, it’s hard to find a better option than insulation board RV skirting. Insulation boards are typically large 8 feet by 4 feet sheets that you can cut with a razor blade to fit the space between the bottom of your RV and the ground. You’ll want to seal the gaps between the sheets to reduce the chances of any cold air finding its way under your rig.
You could spend approximately $200 to $300 on materials and a few hours of your time cutting and installing them. However, it’s a great option for anyone looking for an inexpensive way to insulate their rig during the winter. While it won’t likely be winning any beauty contests for being the best-looking RV skirting, it’s incredibly effective, inexpensive, and will get the job done.
While lightweight, the size and shape of these pieces will likely make this unrealistic to bring with you from place to place. However, if you’re going to be stationary for most of the winter and have a place to store it until next season, this can be a great RV skirting idea.
Inflatable Skirting
Inflatable skirting is a new RV skirting ideas to consider if you’re worried about weight, storage space, or the amount of work required for installation. These inflatable kits work with practically every type of RV on the market and require minimal installation effort. While starting at around $2,000, it’s not the cheapest option available, but it performs well.
You’ll want to purchase the appropriately-sized kit for your rig. When you go to install it, place the skirting around the base of your RV before inflating it. Once all the skirting is in place, you can start inflating the skirting and positioning it to best block the wind from getting under your rig. You want to minimize gaps to ensure no wind finds its way under your RV.
It only takes minutes to inflate each skirting piece, making this a great option for those who may not be spending the entire winter season in one location but still want to protect their RV. You can simply deflate the inflatable skirting when it’s time to change locations and fold it up to put in storage.
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Custom RV Skirting
Custom RV skirting is the way to go if you’re willing to invest. This RV skirting is professionally made and uses the highest quality fasteners, vinyl, and stitching to create the best RV skirting available. Since it’s custom-made for your rig and situation, it will account for the unique shape of your RV.
We personally used and recommend Custom Skirting LLC to create the perfect solution for your situation. They can even include zippers for easily accessing any rarely-used items. This can maximize your storage space and keep your campsite looking tidy. Many custom skirting manufacturers will consider the color of your RV to help ensure the finished product has a smooth and professional look.
As this is a premium option, it will come with a premium price tag. You can easily spend over $2,500 on your camper’s custom RV skirting solution. However, it will likely last for years and come with a warranty to cover any issues that might arise while using it.
Pro Tip: Still not convinced you need RV skirting? Find out Why We Have RV Skirting On Our Fifth Wheel And Our Tips.
FAQ: Why Should You Never Use Hay or Straw Bales for RV Skirting?
For years, RVers used RV skirting ideas such as hay or straw bales for their skirting. While these can be great for blocking wind and insulation, they’re also highly flammable. They’re also ideal spots for mice and other rodents to create nests and homes to stay warm during the winter. The last thing you want to do is find yourself battling winter and a rodent infestation in your RV. They may be inexpensive and readily available, but we highly discourage RVers from using them for RV skirting. It’s not worth it!
Is RV Skirting Worth It?
RV skirting ideas can make it easier to keep the inside of your RV warm. It will also protect your RV’s plumbing system and sensitive components. Using RV skirting, you can keep your heating costs down by minimizing the amount of propane you’ll use or how often you’ll need to run electric space heaters.
We strongly recommend RV skirting for anyone attempting to brave extreme winter conditions while sitting stationary for the winter. The benefits far outweigh any of the few negatives. You’ll appreciate it while sitting inside your warm RV, counting down the days until spring.
Planning to store your camper this winter instead? Discover The Amazing Benefits of Covered RV Storage.
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