5 Best RV Skirting Materials For Rainy Season Insulation Nomads Swear By
Keep your RV warm & dry with nomad-tested skirting.
The sound of steady rain on an RV roof can be cozy, but when that rain comes with driving wind and a drop in temperature, it’s a different story. Your floors get icy cold, the furnace runs constantly, and you start worrying about what all that moisture is doing to your underbelly. This is the reality of shoulder season camping without proper protection.
RV skirting is the single most effective upgrade for managing wet and cold weather. It creates a protective barrier, an insulated air gap that shields your plumbing, tanks, and chassis from the elements. More than just a winter tool, the right skirting is essential for any RVer planning to stay put during a long, rainy season.
Choosing the right material is critical, as not all skirting is created equal when it comes to handling constant moisture and wind. It’s a balance of durability, ease of use, and insulation. Get it right, and you’ll be comfortable and dry; get it wrong, and you could be dealing with trapped moisture, mold, or a skirt that rips apart in the first big storm.
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Protect Your Rig From Rain, Wind, and Cold
The primary job of any RV skirt is to create a pocket of trapped, or "dead," air underneath your rig. This still air acts as a powerful insulator, dramatically slowing the rate at which cold ground and air can chill your RV’s floor and tanks. This simple principle is why your furnace runs less and your floors feel noticeably warmer.
Wind is the enemy of warmth, and skirting is your first line of defense. It blocks cold gusts from whipping underneath your RV, a phenomenon that can strip heat away faster than almost anything else. By stopping the wind, you also prevent wind-driven rain from being forced into seams and openings in your rig’s underbelly.
In a rainy season, this protection becomes about more than just temperature. A good skirt channels water away from your RV’s foundation, preventing pooling that can lead to rust on the frame and damage to sensitive components. It keeps the entire undercarriage drier, reducing the risk of mold and mildew, which thrive in the damp, dark spaces under a rig.
AirSkirts: Inflatable, Fast, and Flood-Proof
Protect your dual-axle RV tires with these durable 600D polyester covers. Featuring UV protection and a secure elastic backing, they fit most trailers with 27"-30" tires.
For nomads who value speed and simplicity, nothing beats an inflatable skirt. AirSkirts have become the go-to for travelers who move frequently but still need serious protection when they park. The entire system inflates in minutes, creating a surprisingly rigid and effective barrier without any permanent hardware on your rig.
The magic is in the material and design. Made from heavy-duty, military-grade PVC, the inflatable tubes are incredibly durable and completely waterproof. Because they are filled with air, they conform perfectly to uneven ground, creating a superior seal that rigid panels can’t match. This is a huge advantage at muddy, unpaved campsites.
Their most unique feature is their performance in standing water. Unlike other skirting that can trap floodwater against your RV, the air-filled tubes are buoyant and simply float on top of rising water, maintaining their seal. This makes them a top choice for anyone parking in low-lying areas or regions known for sudden, heavy downpours.
Custom Skirting Co: A Tailored Fit for Your RV
When the goal is a perfect, semi-permanent seal for a seasonal stay, custom-made vinyl is the professional standard. Companies that specialize in this measure your exact RV, including slide-outs and hitches, to create a skirt that fits like a glove. This tailored fit eliminates gaps where wind and rain can penetrate.
These skirts are typically crafted from thick, marine-grade vinyl that is built to endure years of abuse. The material is inherently waterproof, UV-stabilized to prevent sun degradation, and treated to resist mold and mildew. It’s the same kind of material used for boat covers, so you know it can handle constant moisture.
Installation usually involves mounting a track or heavy-duty snaps to the RV, allowing the skirt to be attached securely. While this is a more involved setup, the result is an incredibly durable and wind-resistant barrier that looks clean and professional. It’s an investment best suited for full-timers who plan to stay in one spot for several months at a time.
DIY with R-Tech Foam Board for a Custom Fit
Get 10 white, 11x14 inch foam boards, perfect for presentations, modeling, and mounting. These 1/8" thick, acid-free boards provide a durable and professional display.
For the handy RVer on a budget, rigid foam insulation board is the undisputed king of DIY skirting. Materials like R-Tech or other XPS foam boards offer a high R-value (a measure of insulation) for a very low cost. You can buy large sheets at any home improvement store and cut them to size yourself.
Craft and sculpt with ease using this bulk pack of 12 white XPS foam boards. Each 12" x 12" x 1/2" sheet offers a durable, smooth surface perfect for DIY projects, model making, and floral arrangements.
The process involves carefully measuring and cutting panels to fit snugly between the ground and your RV’s frame. Most nomads use high-quality, waterproof construction tape (like Gorilla Tape or foil tape) to join the seams and create a continuous barrier. This method allows for a completely custom fit around jacks, tires, and sewer connections.
Tackle tough jobs with Gorilla Tape Tough & Wide. This heavy-duty, all-weather tape features a double-thick adhesive and reinforced backing that grips rough surfaces indoors and out.
While incredibly effective for insulation, foam board has its tradeoffs for the rainy season. Every seam must be perfectly sealed with waterproof tape to prevent leaks, which can trap water against your rig. It’s also bulky to store and transport, making it a better solution for stationary RVers than for those on the move.
EZ Snap Skirting: Durable Vinyl for Harsh Storms
Install exterior shades and RV skirting easily with the EZ Snap No-Drill Fastener Kit. It features versatile adhesive studs for various surfaces and secure snap-on pins for a lasting hold.
EZ Snap offers a brilliant middle ground between DIY and fully custom skirting. They provide high-quality vinyl material in kits that you install yourself, but their standout feature is the proprietary snap system. These snaps use a powerful 3M VHB adhesive, eliminating the need to drill holes into your RV’s fiberglass siding.
This 3M VHB 5952 adhesive sheet offers a very high bond strength for demanding applications. Its conformable, closed-cell acrylic foam adheres strongly to various painted surfaces, including powder coatings.
The material itself is a heavy-duty, reinforced vinyl designed to perform in extreme weather, from blistering sun to freezing rain. It remains flexible in the cold and won’t crack or tear. The adhesive snaps create an exceptionally strong bond, making the skirt incredibly wind-resistant and ideal for weathering coastal storms or prairie gales.
This system is a fantastic choice for nomads who want the professional look and durability of vinyl without the permanent alteration of a track system. The tight seal created by the snaps is excellent at keeping wind-driven rain out. It’s a durable, long-lasting solution that you can install yourself in an afternoon.
RV Skirting Direct: Pro Grade Vinyl on a Budget
If you want the resilience of professional vinyl but the cost of a custom job is too steep, RV Skirting Direct is a name you’ll hear often. They operate on a direct-to-consumer model, providing the same heavy-duty, 18oz vinyl used by custom installers. The key difference is that you take the measurements and perform the installation yourself.
This approach significantly cuts down the cost while still giving you a top-tier material that is waterproof, flame-retardant, and rated for extreme cold. They provide all the necessary hardware, including the common-sense rail system, giving you a professional-grade result with some sweat equity. It’s a practical compromise for serious protection.
This option is perfect for the RVer who is stationary for the season and is comfortable with a tape measure and a drill. You get a durable, custom-fit skirt that will last for years and stand up to the wettest, windiest conditions. It delivers professional performance without the professional price tag.
Choose the Right Skirt for Your Travel Style
The best skirting material for you depends entirely on how you travel. There is no single right answer.
- For the Constant Traveler: If you move every few weeks, the setup and teardown time is your biggest concern. AirSkirts are the clear winner here, offering robust protection that packs away easily.
- For the Seasonal Stayer: If you park for three to six months, your priority is durability and insulation. DIY foam, EZ Snap, or a kit from RV Skirting Direct offer the best balance of performance and cost for longer stays.
- For the Permanent Resident: If your RV is your long-term home in one location, investing in a Custom Skirting Co. product provides the most durable, efficient, and hassle-free solution.
Your budget will also guide your decision. DIY foam is the most affordable entry point, but it requires the most labor and has storage challenges. Vinyl kits from EZ Snap or RV Skirting Direct represent a solid mid-range investment in durability. Custom and inflatable options sit at the premium end, offering unmatched convenience or a perfect, worry-free fit.
Finally, consider your typical environment. If you frequent areas with high winds, the secure attachment of a snap or track system is non-negotiable. If you’re often on unlevel, muddy ground or in flood-prone regions, the superior seal and water-handling capabilities of an inflatable skirt provide peace of mind that other systems can’t.
Keep Your RV Warm and Dry All Season Long
Ultimately, RV skirting is far more than an accessory; it’s a critical piece of equipment for comfortable and safe extended-season living. It protects your plumbing from freezing, keeps your floors from feeling like an ice rink, and significantly reduces your heating costs. It’s an investment that pays for itself in both propane savings and comfort.
No matter which material you choose, proper installation is the key to success. A skirt with gaps, poor seals, or loose panels will allow wind and rain to get underneath, defeating the entire purpose. Take the time to ensure every seam is sealed and the skirt is taut against the ground and the rig.
By choosing the right skirting for your needs, you’re not just preparing for bad weather—you’re protecting the long-term health of your RV. Shielding your chassis, tanks, and flooring from constant moisture is one of the most important things you can do to prevent rust, rot, and costly repairs down the road. It turns a potentially miserable season into a secure and cozy one.
The rainy season doesn’t have to mean a cold, damp, and stressful experience in your RV. With the right skirting, it can be a time of peaceful, cozy retreat, no matter what the weather is doing outside. By creating that essential protective barrier, you transform your rig from a simple vehicle into a true four-season home, ready for whatever the journey brings.
