As the mornings get colder and frost begins to blanket the ground, I’ve been wondering how to keep our RV warm and cozy. I’ve been searching for RV skirting near me and have found some great solutions.
Does this sound familiar? If so, let’s explore how to protect your RV from the elements and ensure a comfortable winter.
What is RV Skirting?
RV skirting, also known as underpinning or underskirting, is a protective barrier that shields your RV from the cold and wind. By preventing drafts and insulating the underbelly, RV skirting helps keep water pipes from freezing, maintains a more comfortable interior temperature, and reduces propane consumption.
Importance of RV Skirting
RV Skirting has many benefits. Not only is underskirting a protection from the elements, but it also aids in energy efficiency and can prevent pests from being an issue.
Protection from the Elements
Underpinning is traditionally used in winter to shield RVs from harsh weather like wind, snow, and cold temperatures. By insulating around the RV, it reduces the risk of freezing water lines, keeps occupants more comfortable, and improves energy efficiency.
However, the benefits extend beyond winter. Insulated skirting can also keep your RV cool in the summer by preventing heat from entering through the floor. This improves comfort and reduces the need for air conditioning.
RV Skirting and Energy Efficiency
Insulated RV skirting helps you save money on heating and cooling costs. By blocking cold air from entering through the floor and preventing drafts, it maintains a more comfortable temperature inside your RV. This means you can use less energy to heat or cool your space, leading to significant energy savings.
Pest Prevention
Certain materials used in the skirting process attract pesky rodents or unwelcome insects. You will want to consider that aspect when selecting which underpinning material to use.
Types of RV Skirting
When it comes to RV skirting, there are countless options to choose from. Let’s explore some of the most popular types and compare their features.
Hard Skirting
While hard skirting materials like plywood, tin, aluminum, hay or straw bales, and fiberglass offer durability, they also have some drawbacks:
Some questions to ponder before you purchase these items include, can you re-use these items next year? If so, where will you store it? How will these materials be secured onto the RV? Do these options meet RV Parks criteria? How will we haul these items when we travel? If you have a fifth wheel, will this material enclose that upper area and the hitch? After all, the steel hitch transmits a great deal of cold into the 5th wheel area.
Heavyweight: Hard materials can add significant weight to your RV, affecting fuel efficiency and towing capacity.
Difficult to Install: Installation can be time-consuming and require specialized tools, especially for larger RVs.
Maintenance: Hard skirting may require regular maintenance, such as sealing or repainting, to prevent damage and ensure longevity.
Less Flexible: Hard materials may not be as flexible as soft skirting options, making them less suitable for uneven terrain or RVs with a changing shape.
If you’re looking for a more lightweight, flexible, and easier-to-install skirting option, soft skirting materials might be a better choice.
Soft Skirting
Soft skirting is a popular and flexible option for RV owners. It involves using fabric or other soft materials to cover the underside of your RV, providing insulation and protection from the elements. Here are some popular types of soft skirting:
Vinyl Skirting: This is a common type of soft skirting, typically made from heavy-duty fabrics . It’s relatively affordable and easy to install, but it may not provide the same level of insulation as other options.
Canvas Skirting: Canvas is typically an affordable option, however canvas is not a material that is known for durability. This type of fabric may need replaced frequently.
Insulated Fabric Skirting: This type of skirting is similar to regular vinyl skirting but includes additional insulation layers, such as foam. It offers better R Value and protection from cold and hot weather.
Inflatable Skirting: This option uses inflatable panels to create a seal around your RV. It can require special tools to inflate the skirting. Skirts may need to be reinflated or there could be a risk of the skirts deflating and becoming loose under the RV.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
There are advantages and disadvantages to both DIY and Installed options.
The DIY route is a great cost effective option, if you have the time and skill set to install the skirting.
Do you have adequate time to devote to skirting your RV or Tiny Home? Some DIY methods require several days to properly install the underpinning.
Are you purchasing each item individually or will you be purchasing a kit? Kits can save you time because the material and specialty tools are often included. You would not need to make several trips to the hardware store to get additional items.
Are you comfortable working with the tools needed to skirt your RV? Do you have all the tools you need for the process?
The DIY Solution
The Skirting Company offers a great DIY Kit that you can purchase online. Fifth Wheel and Bumper Pull kits are available in Single-Layer Vinyl Skirting or R-7 Insulated Skirting.
These DIY Kits are an efficient option that include all of the specialty tools (rivet gun, track cutter, snap setter, etc.) required for installation. Plus, the DIY Tutorial Video and Installation Page are great resources for the DIYer.
Professional Installation Options
If you don’t have the time or confidence to Do It Yourself, professional installation is a great solution. While it may be more expensive, it ensures proper installation and peace of mind, especially in colder climates.
RV Skirting Near Me
Throughout North America, there are several places to purchase, or find materials for, RV Skirting.
Here are our recommendations:
Certified Technicians
As an RV owner, you may know some RV Technicians. These are people that repair RVs when issues happen. Often times, these RV Technicians go through a program to develop their skills and offer more services to customers.
The Skirting Company has Certified RV technicians. These certified installers have worked with us and shown us the quality of their skirting installations. We are happy to recommend their services to you.
H&W RV Repair – Bushnell, Illinois (309) 255-5806
Zomer’s RV – Orange City, Iowa (712) 737-8931
Kenny’s Mobile RV Repair – Price, Utah (435) 630-2930
Clarksville Mobile Home & RV Parts – Clarksville, Tennesse (931) 259-4172
Double J’s Mobile RV Repair- Colorado Springs, Colorado (719) 659-6550
These certified installers have first hand RV experience and provide professional services to help customers not only get through the seasons, but thrive as an RV owner.
Other Options
What if you don’t live near these certified installers? There are additional resources that may be available.
First, consider any upcoming travels you may be planning. Certified installers near your route would be a great option to consider for your skirting needs.
Are you in a permanent location? You can purchase a DIY Kit and hire an RV Technician or local handyman for the installation. Reach out to more than one potential installer and obtain quotes for this service. Additionally, research reviews from each person or company to learn more about their practices and quality of work.
The Skirting Company Installation Services
The Skirting Company now offers installation services within 300 miles which reaches those in Indiana and in parts of Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia!
If you’re traveling through and would like to have skirting installed at the shop in Akron, Indiana, the professional installers at The Skirting Company can make that happen.
The Skirting Company also offers a free, over-night stay at their lot with fresh water, electrical, and internet services. Plus, a 5% discount is available for those having their RV skirted at the shop.
RV Skirting Near Me: Many Options to Choose From
In conclusion, RV skirting is a valuable investment that offers numerous benefits. From protecting your RV to improving its energy efficiency, the advantages are clear. By taking the time to research and choose the right skirting material and installation method, you can ensure a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing solution. Don’t hesitate to take the next step and enhance your RV living experience today.