6 Best DIY RV Fender Skirts for Vintage Trailer Repairs
Restore your vintage trailer with these 6 DIY fender skirt ideas. Learn to choose durable materials and achieve a perfect fit for your classic RV restoration.
There is nothing quite like the charm of a vintage trailer, but those aging fender skirts are often the first casualty of the road. Replacing these components is more than just an aesthetic upgrade; it is a critical step in preventing water intrusion and road debris damage to your wheel wells. With the right approach, you can restore your rig’s structural integrity while keeping that classic look intact.
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Assessing Vintage RV Fender Skirt Damage
Before you pull out your tools, you need to determine if your current skirts are salvageable or if they’ve reached the end of their lifecycle. Inspect the material for stress fractures, brittle UV damage, or missing chunks that expose the trailer’s frame to the elements. Often, what looks like a simple crack is actually a symptom of a weak mounting point or an underlying structural shift in the trailer’s chassis.
If the damage is localized, you might be tempted to patch it with fiberglass or epoxy. While this works for minor cosmetic issues, it rarely holds up to the constant vibration and flexing of highway travel. If you see widespread spider-webbing or significant warping, it is almost always more cost-effective to replace the entire unit rather than fighting a losing battle with repairs.
Preparing Surfaces for Custom Skirt Mounting
Surface preparation is the secret to a professional-grade installation that won’t leak after the first rainstorm. Start by removing the old skirt and scraping away all traces of the original putty tape or silicone sealant. If you leave old residue behind, your new adhesive or sealant will fail to create a watertight bond, leading to hidden rot inside your wheel well.
Once the surface is clean, use a degreaser to ensure the mounting flange is free of road grime and oil. Check the mounting holes in the trailer wall for signs of enlarged or rusted-out spots. If the original screw holes are stripped, fill them with an epoxy wood filler or use oversized stainless steel fasteners to ensure the new skirt has a solid anchor point.
Icon Direct ABS Plastic Fender Skirts
Icon Direct is the gold standard for those who want a "factory-fresh" look without the headache of custom fabrication. They maintain a massive library of molds specifically designed for vintage trailer profiles, making them the go-to for owners who don’t want to reinvent the wheel. The ABS plastic is lightweight, durable, and holds its color well under harsh sunlight.
These are perfect for the DIYer who wants a direct, bolt-on replacement that mimics the original manufacturer’s design. If you own a popular vintage model, you will likely find a near-perfect match here. If you value ease of installation above all else, Icon Direct is your best bet for a seamless, stress-free upgrade.
RecPro Universal RV Fender Flare Kits
When your trailer has non-standard dimensions or you’re working on a heavily modified rig, RecPro’s universal kits provide the flexibility you need. Unlike model-specific parts, these are designed to be trimmed and shaped to fit a variety of wheel well arches. They offer a rugged, utilitarian aesthetic that works particularly well on trailers being converted for off-road or boondocking use.
These kits are not "plug-and-play," so be prepared to spend time measuring, cutting, and deburring the edges. They are best suited for the builder who isn’t afraid to use a jigsaw and wants a robust, thicker-gauge material that can take a beating. Choose these if your trailer’s original dimensions are long gone or if you prefer a custom, modern flare over the stock vintage look.
Vintage Trailer Supply Aluminum Skirts
For the purist, nothing beats the look of polished or mill-finish aluminum. Vintage Trailer Supply specializes in components that honor the mid-century aesthetic, offering aluminum skirts that provide a classic, period-correct appearance. Aluminum is significantly more durable than plastic, resisting cracking and UV degradation for decades.
This is the premium choice for a high-end restoration where authenticity is the primary goal. While they require more effort to install—often needing careful bending to match the radius of your wheel well—the result is an incredibly sturdy and timeless finish. If you are restoring a trailer to its former glory and want materials that will outlive the rig itself, this is the path to take.
E-Trailer Custom Fit Tandem Fender Skirts
If your vintage trailer features a tandem axle setup, you know the struggle of finding a single, cohesive skirt that covers both wheels properly. E-Trailer offers a wide range of tandem-specific skirts that are engineered for the unique geometry of dual-axle rigs. These units are designed to handle the increased load and vibration associated with tandem trailers.
These skirts are ideal for the owner who wants a clean, unified look across both wheels rather than piecing together two separate flares. They prioritize fitment accuracy, which is crucial for tandem setups where alignment is everything. If you are tired of unsightly gaps between your wheel wells, these custom-fit options are the most professional solution on the market.
JR Products Replacement Fender Flares
JR Products is a reliable name for those who need functional, no-nonsense replacements that get the job done without breaking the bank. Their fender flares are designed for durability and are often used as standard replacements in the RV industry. They are straightforward, easy to source, and provide a clean, neutral look that blends with most vintage color schemes.
These are the "workhorse" of the fender skirt world—practical, affordable, and widely available. They are perfect for the budget-conscious DIYer who needs to get their trailer road-ready quickly. While they may not have the flair of custom aluminum, they offer excellent value and consistent quality for everyday use.
Dura-Shield Custom Molded Fender Skirts
Dura-Shield focuses on high-impact resistance, using advanced polymers that are specifically formulated to withstand the rigors of the road. Their custom-molded skirts are thicker than standard ABS options, providing an extra layer of protection against stone chips and road debris. They are an excellent choice for trailers that see heavy mileage or travel on gravel roads.
If your primary concern is durability and protecting the trailer’s siding from debris, look no further. These skirts are slightly heavier and more rigid, which can make installation a bit more demanding, but the long-term protection is well worth the effort. Choose these if you plan on putting serious miles on your vintage trailer.
Installing Your New Skirts With Sealants
The physical attachment of the skirt is only half the job; the seal is what actually protects your trailer. Always use a high-quality, non-leveling lap sealant or a dedicated RV-grade butyl tape between the skirt flange and the trailer body. This creates a flexible gasket that moves with the trailer as it travels, preventing cracks in the seal.
Avoid using standard hardware store silicone, as it rarely adheres well to the materials used in RV construction and will eventually peel away. Instead, opt for a polyether sealant that is designed to remain flexible under extreme temperature fluctuations. A clean, consistent bead of sealant will ensure your wheel wells stay bone-dry for years to come.
Tips for Maintaining Vintage Wheel Wells
Once your new skirts are installed, keep an eye on them during your regular maintenance cycles. Check the screws every few thousand miles, as road vibration can slowly back them out over time. If you notice any gaps opening up between the skirt and the body, clean the area and re-apply a fresh bead of sealant immediately.
Periodically washing the wheel wells is also vital to prevent the buildup of salt and road grime, which can corrode fasteners and mounting points. By keeping the area clean and the seals intact, you preserve the structural integrity of your trailer’s frame. A little preventative care now saves you from a massive, expensive repair job down the road.
Replacing your vintage RV’s fender skirts is a manageable project that yields immediate rewards in both style and protection. By choosing the right material for your specific needs—whether it’s the authenticity of aluminum or the convenience of ABS—you ensure your trailer remains road-worthy for years to come. Take your time with the prep work, seal it properly, and get back to enjoying the journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is an RV fender skirt on a vintage trailer?
An RV fender skirt is an exterior trim piece mounted over the wheel well to improve vintage trailer aerodynamics and protect the sidewalls from road debris. Vintage trailers often lack modern standardized wheel cutouts, so these panels shield underlying wood framing from water thrown by rotating tires. Skirts also create a flush, period-accurate profile across classic models like Shastas, Airstreams, or Spartans.
What materials work best for DIY RV fender skirts on older campers?
High-impact ABS plastic sheets, lightweight sheet aluminum, and molded fiberglass fabric are the best materials for building durable DIY RV fender skirts on older campers. Aluminum in a .040-inch thickness matches classic riveted metal builds and bends cleanly with a hand brake. High-impact ABS plastic in 1/8-inch thickness resists gravel strikes and cuts cleanly with a utility knife, preventing premature rot compared to wood alternatives.
How do I measure a vintage trailer for custom DIY RV fender skirts?
Measure DIY RV fender skirts by tracing overall length, arch height, mounting flange depth, and the center-to-center distance between trailer wheels using a rigid cardboard template. Align the cardboard against the wheel arch and secure it with painter tape. Trace the exterior trailer seam with a pencil, adding at least 1.5 inches along the top edge for screw flanges while leaving three inches of tire clearance.
How do you install DIY RV fender skirts without damaging vintage trailer siding?
Install DIY RV fender skirts by drilling oversized pilot holes into the skirt and securing it into trailer framing using stainless screws and flexible butyl tape. Apply a continuous strip of one-inch butyl tape along the inner skirt flange to seal against water intrusion. Drill pilot holes 1/16-inch wider than your fasteners to allow for thermal expansion, and use rubber-backed washers to avoid crushing aged aluminum siding.
Are aluminum or ABS plastic DIY RV fender skirts better for vintage trailer repairs?
Aluminum DIY RV fender skirts look more authentic on mid-century vintage trailers, while ABS plastic skirts offer greater impact resistance against flying road stones and tire blowouts. Polished aluminum matches vintage painted or bare metal skins, but it dents easily under heavy gravel impacts. Molded ABS sheets cost roughly 30 percent less than aluminum rolls and flex without permanent deformation during long-distance towing.
How much does it cost to make DIY RV fender skirts for a vintage trailer?
Building DIY RV fender skirts for a vintage trailer typically costs between $40 and $120 for materials, depending on sheet thickness and hardware. A four-by-eight-foot sheet of 1/8-inch textured ABS plastic costs approximately $50 to $70, while .040-inch aluminum sheets run closer to $90. Fasteners, drill bits, and butyl sealing tape add another $15 to $25, with most owners completing both sides in four hours.
Why do DIY RV fender skirts crack around the mounting screws?
Fastener hole cracking on DIY RV fender skirts happens when screws are over-tightened or holes lack clearance for road vibration and temperature changes. Skirt plastics expand under direct summer sunlight and shrink in cold air, stressing rigid mounting points. Avoid stress fractures by drilling expansion slots rather than tight holes and hand-torquing screws so the rubber washers compress without biting into the skirt material.
Is it worth making DIY RV fender skirts instead of buying reproduction vintage parts?
Making DIY RV fender skirts is definitely worth it for vintage trailers whose original manufacturer molds no longer exist or cost hundreds of dollars to recreate. Reproduction parts from specialty vendors often cost $150 to $300 per pair and still require cutting or patching to align with settled frames. Handcrafting your skirts ensures an exact fit against warped vintage framing while reducing your restoration material expenses by half.
