6 Best Plastic Rivet Fasteners For Rv Skirt Repairs

Loose RV skirting is more than just a cosmetic nuisance; it acts as an open invitation for road debris, moisture, and pests to compromise the integrity of the chassis. Maintaining these panels ensures the vehicle stays aerodynamic and climate-controlled, yet the plastic fasteners holding them in place inevitably fail under the constant vibration of the road. Selecting the right replacement is the difference between a permanent fix and a recurring headache that appears every few hundred miles.

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GOOACC 240-Piece Rivet Kit: Best Overall

The GOOACC 240-piece kit stands as the industry standard for most RV owners who want a comprehensive solution without overspending. It covers a vast majority of the hole sizes commonly found on modern motorhomes and travel trailers, making it a reliable “one-and-done” purchase for the junk drawer.

The plastic used in these rivets balances flexibility with rigidity, which is vital when panels expand and contract in shifting temperatures. While not as thick as high-industrial hardware, the sheer variety of head diameters ensures you can find a flush fit for various skirting textures.

This kit is the ideal starting point for anyone who doesn’t know the exact hole dimensions of their rig yet. It offers enough variety to handle a complete skirting re-attachment, and the quality is sufficient for long-term road use. If you want a predictable, no-nonsense repair, this is the kit to keep on board.

AFA Tooling 415-Piece Set: Best for Versatility

When the goal is absolute preparedness, the AFA Tooling 415-piece set is the superior choice. This kit includes a wider spectrum of push-pin styles, including those with unique head profiles that snap into tight-fitting trim panels.

Beyond the sheer count, the quality control on the mold finish is significantly higher than entry-level kits. This leads to less “flashing”—those annoying bits of excess plastic—which allows for a cleaner, more secure seat in the panel hole. It also features a few specialty pin styles used in European-style cabinets and specialized exterior trim.

Choose this set if you own a larger rig with complex body panels or if you intend to perform DIY repairs on multiple types of mobile structures. It is the perfect investment for those who value variety and want to avoid mid-repair store runs. It is heavy, but it is thorough.

SunplusTrade Fender & Bumper Clips: Best Value Pack

For the RV owner who is tired of paying premium prices for tiny pieces of hardware, SunplusTrade offers the best balance of cost and performance. This kit is stripped of unnecessary extras, focusing purely on the most common sizes needed for standard RV skirting and wheel well liners.

The plastic density is decent, though users should expect to lose a few pieces to snapping if the mounting holes are slightly misaligned. However, given the high quantity included in the pack, these minor losses are inconsequential for the price paid. It is a workhorse option for basic maintenance.

If you are dealing with a older rig and just need to slap some new pins into tired plastic skirting, don’t overthink it. This pack provides exactly what is needed for simple, high-volume replacements. It is the most economical way to keep your rig’s exterior panels tight.

uxcell 8mm Nylon Rivet Fasteners: Best Specific Fit

Sometimes the repair is straightforward: a single size of rivet has failed across the entire skirting run. If the technical specs for the rig confirm an 8mm hole size, skip the variety packs and go directly for the uxcell 8mm Nylon set.

These rivets are made from high-quality nylon, which resists UV degradation better than standard ABS plastics. Because they are designed for a specific fit, the tension they provide is often superior to universal pins that might be slightly too loose or too tight. They lock with a satisfying, firm click that indicates a secure hold.

Select these if you have already measured your mounting points and know exactly what you need. Buying by size rather than by “assortment” guarantees a professional-grade fit and finish. It is the smarter choice for those who value precision over volume.

C S Clips Heavy-Duty Push Rivets: Best for Durability

If you travel on rough, washboard gravel roads or through high-wind regions, standard rivets will eventually rattle loose. The C S Clips Heavy-Duty line uses a thicker shank diameter and a more robust locking mechanism to prevent the pin from “backing out” under heavy vibration.

These are notably harder to install, often requiring a bit more pressure or the use of a trim tool to seat properly. The trade-off is a much tighter seal that won’t vibrate loose even after thousands of miles of heavy duty travel. The plastic is also reinforced, making it more resistant to cracking during the installation process.

Invest in these for the specific, high-stress areas of the RV, such as the leading edges of wheel wells or the front-facing skirt panels. If you are tired of losing rivets every time you drive over a bump, these provide the extra security needed. They are the strongest option in this category.

Tresalto Auto Trim Removal Tool Kit: Best for Beginners

While not a rivet set itself, no RV repair should begin without the Tresalto Auto Trim Removal tool kit. Attempting to pry out old, stuck, or broken plastic rivets with a screwdriver will invariably damage the fiberglass or aluminum body of the RV.

These plastic pry bars are designed to leverage the fastener out without marring the surrounding paint or finish. They allow you to apply the precise amount of force needed to pop the head of the rivet without snapping it further into the hole. It is a fundamental piece of safety equipment for your RV’s exterior maintenance.

Every RV owner needs a set of these. They make the job cleaner, faster, and significantly less frustrating. If you are doing any exterior work, consider this kit an essential companion to your rivet pack.

How to Match the Right Rivet to Your RV

Matching a rivet is not merely about guessing the size; it is about verifying the hole diameter and the material thickness of the panel. Use a precision caliper to measure the diameter of the existing hole; never measure the rivet itself, as it may be deformed from use.

Always check for the “grip range” of the rivet, which refers to the thickness of the material the rivet can hold together. A rivet that is too long will leave a gap, while one that is too short will fail to latch. Always err on the side of a slightly longer shank if the grip range allows for it.

Avoid replacing plastic rivets with metal screws unless the structural integrity absolutely demands it. Screws can cause cracks to spread in fiberglass or gel-coat panels. When in doubt, buy a small multi-pack to test the “snap” in a non-visible area before committing to a full repair.

Step-by-Step: Removing Old & Broken Rivets

Begin by clearing any dirt or road grime from the area surrounding the rivet head. Use a small pick or a thin trim tool to pry the center pin of the rivet upward; this releases the tension that locks the rivet into the hole.

Once the center pin is retracted, the entire assembly should slide out with minimal effort. If the plastic is brittle and snaps, use a drill bit slightly smaller than the rivet shank to carefully bore out the center. Do not use excessive pressure, as the drill can easily skip and gouge the RV finish.

Always clean the hole thoroughly with rubbing alcohol after removal. This removes debris and ensures the new rivet sits flush against the surface. A clean, prepared surface is the primary factor in preventing premature fastener failure.

Installing New Rivets for a Secure Repair

Position the new rivet by ensuring the center pin is in the fully retracted, “open” position before insertion. Once the rivet is seated fully into the hole, press the center pin down until it is flush with the head.

A firm, audible “click” indicates that the legs have expanded behind the panel to create a secure lock. If the pin refuses to lock, remove it and check the hole for residual bits of old plastic. Never force a rivet that is not seating correctly, as the plastic legs will simply fold or snap.

In colder temperatures, plastic becomes brittle and prone to cracking. If performing repairs in the winter, warm the rivet in your pocket or use a hairdryer to make the plastic more pliable. This small step significantly increases the success rate of the installation.

Preventing Future RV Skirting Damage

The best way to save on fasteners is to reduce the stress placed on the skirting. Consider adding a bead of high-quality, flexible exterior silicone or adhesive sealant at the top seam of the skirting where it meets the chassis. This helps dampen vibrations and prevents the “flapping” motion that eventually works rivets loose.

Keep an eye on the wheel well liners, as these are often the first points of failure due to road debris. Periodically cleaning these areas and checking for missing pins prevents a single lost rivet from turning into an entire panel ripping away while driving. A quick “walk-around” inspection after every trip is the most effective maintenance strategy available.

Finally, avoid over-tightening or using oversized fasteners, which can stretch mounting holes over time. Once a hole becomes “egged out” or oversized, the standard rivet will never seat properly again. At that point, transition to a slightly larger rivet or use a stainless steel washer to restore the surface area and grip.

The longevity of an RV is found in the small details, and ensuring your skirting is securely attached is a fundamental part of the ownership experience. By choosing the right fasteners and applying them with care, you protect the vehicle’s structural integrity against the inevitable wear and tear of the open road. Take the time to do the job right, and the rig will serve you reliably for years to come.