6 Best Durable RV Skirting For High Winds + Nomads Swear By
Protect your rig from extreme weather. We review the 6 best durable RV skirting options that seasoned nomads swear by for withstanding high winds.
That 3 a.m. roar isn’t a freight train; it’s a 50-mph gust trying to tear your RV off its jacks. A flimsy, flapping skirt isn’t just noisy—it’s a liability that can lead to frozen pipes and a dangerously unstable rig. Choosing the right RV skirting for high-wind environments is one of the most critical decisions a full-time nomad can make.
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Why Wind-Resistant RV Skirting Is Essential
It’s about more than just keeping the space under your rig warm. Wind creates a powerful low-pressure zone beneath your RV, generating lift. This is what causes that unnerving rocking and puts enormous stress on your leveling jacks and frame.
A proper wind-resistant skirt doesn’t just block airflow; it creates a pocket of dead, stable air. This completely neutralizes the lift effect, making your rig feel dramatically more solid in a storm. A cheap, poorly secured skirt will quickly turn into a sail, catching the wind and potentially ripping off, taking parts of your RV’s trim with it.
Furthermore, wind chill is a serious threat to your plumbing. Even if the ambient temperature is 35°F, a sustained 30-mph wind can drop the "feels like" temperature on your exposed pipes and tanks well below freezing. A sealed, windproof skirt is your absolute first line of defense against a catastrophic plumbing failure.
AirSkirts: Inflatable Skirting for High Winds
Create an insulating air barrier for your RV with this fast-install skirting. Made from durable, weather-resistant PVC, it protects against freezing and heat, installing in under 30 minutes with no drilling required.
Inflatable skirting might sound like the worst idea for wind, but the physics work. AirSkirts uses military-grade PVC tubes that inflate to a high pressure, making them surprisingly rigid. They press firmly against both the ground and your RV’s underbelly, creating an airtight seal without any snaps, buttons, or rails that can fail.
Because they are pressurized tubes, they don’t flap or billow. Instead, they absorb and deflect wind gusts, much like a well-inflated tire handles a bump. I’ve seen these hold fast in desert windstorms that have shredded traditional vinyl skirts on neighboring rigs. The continuous contact with the ground is key to their success.
The trade-offs are cost and the potential for punctures, though the material is extremely tough and patch kits are simple to use. For nomads who move frequently, however, the benefits are undeniable. A complete setup and takedown can be done in under 30 minutes, making AirSkirts a top-tier choice for those who don’t stay in one place for long but still need serious protection.
Custom Skirting USA: Pro-Grade Vinyl Kits
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If you’re looking for a more traditional solution built to professional standards, this is it. Custom Skirting USA uses an extremely heavy-duty 18oz vinyl that resists tearing and remains flexible in the cold. But the material is only half the story; their attachment system is what makes them wind-worthy.
Instead of relying on individual snaps every foot or so, their system uses a permanently installed Keder rail—an aluminum channel that mounts to the bottom of your rig. The top edge of the vinyl skirt has a flexible vinyl bead (a "keder") sewn into it, which slides into the channel. This creates a continuous, uninterrupted connection that distributes wind load across the entire length of the skirt, eliminating weak points.
This is an ideal solution for seasonal or full-time stationary RVers. It provides a clean, professional look and incredible durability against the elements. While you can remove and reinstall the skirts, the process is more involved than an inflatable option, making it less suited for nomads who are on the move every other week.
EZ Snap Skirting: A High-Strength DIY Option
Protect your RV with this easy-to-install skirting kit. The no-drill fastener system and durable, non-fray Diamond Weave fabric provide all-weather protection and a custom fit for travel trailers up to 35 feet.
EZ Snap has carved out a fantastic niche for the serious DIYer who wants professional results without the professional price tag. The system uses proprietary, high-strength "Diamond Weave" skirting material that is significantly more tear-resistant than a standard vinyl tarp. It’s paired with a unique fastener system that you install yourself.
The system uses adhesive-backed studs that stick directly to your RV and locking snap caps that hold the material in place. The key to wind resistance is the fastener density. Unlike pre-made skirts with snaps spaced 12-18 inches apart, you can place the EZ Snap fasteners as close as 4-5 inches apart in high-stress areas, giving it incredible holding power.
Be warned: the integrity of your installation is everything. You must meticulously clean and prep the RV surface before applying the adhesive studs, or they will fail in the first major windstorm. When done correctly, an EZ Snap skirt offers a fantastic balance of custom-fit security, durability, and cost for the hands-on RVer.
Rapid-Wall: Insulated Hard Panel Skirting
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When your primary enemies are extreme cold and relentless wind, fabric solutions sometimes aren’t enough. Rapid-Wall is a hard panel skirting system made from interlocking, insulated panels. Think of it less as a skirt and more as a temporary, insulated foundation wall for your RV.
These panels provide a level of protection that no vinyl or fabric can match. Wind simply cannot penetrate them, and they offer a significant R-value, dramatically reducing the energy needed to heat your rig and protect your plumbing. For anyone planning to winter in the northern plains, the high Rockies, or other brutally cold and windy locations, this is the gold standard.
This level of protection comes with significant downsides: cost, weight, and a complete lack of portability. The panels are bulky and heavy, and storing them for travel is impractical for most RVs. Rapid-Wall is a solution for people parking their rig for an entire season or longer, not for travelers.
The Skirting Co. for Custom-Fit Durability
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Similar to other custom vinyl providers, The Skirting Co. focuses on creating bespoke, heavy-duty skirts tailored to your exact rig. Their strength lies in their meticulous attention to detail, especially for complex fifth-wheels and Class A motorhomes with multiple, deep slide-outs.
A tight, precise fit is paramount for wind resistance. Any bagginess or loose sections will immediately catch the wind, putting immense, focused strain on the fasteners. By building a skirt that is perfectly tensioned, it sheds wind rather than fighting it. They offer various attachment options, including the highly-effective channel rail systems.
This is an investment in peace of mind. If you have an expensive rig and plan to spend extended periods in challenging climates, paying for a professional, custom-fit product ensures there are no weak points. It eliminates the guesswork and potential for a costly failure that could damage your RV.
DIY Rigid Foam Board: The Ultimate Wind Block
For the stationary RVer on a budget, nothing beats the performance of DIY rigid foam board skirting. Using 1.5-inch or 2-inch thick XPS foam insulation panels from a home improvement store, you can build a completely impenetrable wall around your underbelly. This is the warmest and most windproof solution, period.
Get 12 XPS foam boards (12"x12"x1/2") for insulation or crafting. These durable, moisture-resistant boards are easy to cut, paint, and sculpt for DIY projects at home, school, or the office.
The process is straightforward: cut the boards to fit snugly between the ground and your RV’s chassis, wedging them into place. The joints between boards can be sealed with a high-quality construction tape (like 3M Flashing Tape) to create a monolithic, airtight barrier. For extra security, simple wood bracing can be used to lock everything together.
The glaring disadvantage is portability. Or rather, the complete lack of it. A full set of foam boards for a 35-foot travel trailer would fill the bed of a pickup truck. This is the undisputed champion for long-term stationary living, but it is completely impractical for anyone who plans to move their RV more than once a year.
Choosing the Right Skirting for Your RV Life
There is no single "best" skirting. The right choice is a direct reflection of your travel style, budget, and the climates you frequent. Don’t buy a solution for a hypothetical trip; buy for the reality of your next six months on the road.
Use this simple framework to guide your decision:
- Frequent Movers (Moving every 1-4 weeks): Portability is king. AirSkirts is the dominant choice for its rapid setup and excellent performance.
- Seasonal Stays (Staying 2-6 months): You need durability that can be reused. A high-quality, custom-fit vinyl kit like those from EZ Snap (DIY) or The Skirting Co. (Pro-Install) is ideal.
- Long-Term Stationary (6+ months in one spot): Maximize protection and insulation. DIY Rigid Foam Board is the most effective and affordable, while Rapid-Wall offers a more refined, professional-grade hard panel solution.
No matter which system you choose, the seal at the bottom edge is critical. If wind can get underneath the skirt, it will try to lift it. Always ensure the bottom is firmly anchored to the ground, using sandbags, lumber, or even just piling some dirt or snow against it to prevent any gaps.
Ultimately, your RV skirt is a critical piece of gear, not an accessory. It’s an investment in your comfort, your rig’s safety, and your ability to confidently stay wherever the road takes you. Choose the system that fits your life, install it right, and you can sleep soundly through the storm.