9 Best DIY Travel Trailer Winter Skirting Materials for Full-Time RVers

As winter approaches, full-time RVers face the harsh reality of freezing temperatures creeping through the thin floorboards of their rigs. Standard RV insulation is rarely enough to keep the underbelly warm, leaving plumbing lines vulnerable to catastrophic freezes. Installing a DIY winter skirt is the single most effective way to block freezing winds, trap rising earth heat, and protect your mobile home during sub-zero stretches.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

How to Choose the Right DIY Winter Skirting Material

Choosing the right skirting material depends heavily on your travel style and winter destination. If you are parked statically for the entire winter in a harsh northern climate, raw insulation capability is your top priority. Rigid materials like foam board offer the best thermal protection but are impossible to transport once cut. Mobile RVers who move every few weeks must prioritize flexible, packable materials like heavy-duty vinyl or canvas that can be rolled up and stored in a basement compartment.

Cost, durability, and local RV park rules also play major roles in your decision. Some commercial RV parks ban raw foam board or duct-tape solutions due to aesthetics, forcing you to opt for clean, professionally fastened vinyl. Wind is another critical factor; high-plains camping requires heavy, tear-resistant materials that can be anchored deeply into frozen ground.

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │                 SKIRTING MATERIAL MATRIX                    │ ├───────────────┬──────────────┬──────────────┬───────────────┤ │   Material    │ Insulating?  │ Packability  │ Wind Res.     │ ├───────────────┼──────────────┼──────────────┼───────────────┤ │ Foam Board    │ High (R-5)   │ Poor (Rigid) │ Medium        │ │ Vinyl Tarp    │ None         │ Excellent    │ High          │ │ Insulated     │ Medium (R-2) │ Moderate     │ High          │ │ Coroplast     │ Low (R-1.5)  │ Poor         │ Medium        │ └───────────────┴──────────────┴──────────────┴───────────────┘ 

Finally, consider the installation effort and required tools. Certain materials require grommet installation kits, specialized heavy-duty tape, or drilling snaps directly into your trailer’s trim. Weigh the time investment against your DIY comfort level before purchasing materials.

Foam Board Insulation – Owens Corning FOAMULAR 150

Foam board insulation acts as a rigid thermal envelope for stationary RVs parked in freezing climates. By creating a physical barrier with high thermal resistance, it stops the cold wind from sweeping away the rising heat from the ground beneath your rig. This material is essential for anyone spending the winter in areas where temperatures consistently drop below freezing for weeks at a time.

Owens Corning FOAMULAR 150 is an extruded polystyrene (XPS) rigid foam board that offers exceptional durability and moisture resistance. Unlike expanded polystyrene (white beadboard), this closed-cell foam does not absorb water from melting snow or damp ground. It provides an impressive R-5 insulation rating per inch of thickness, helping to keep your floorboards warm and your energy bills low.

• R-Value: R-5 per inch of thickness
• Compressive Strength: 15 PSI
• Common Dimensions: 4ft x 8ft sheets
• Thickness Options: 1-inch, 1.5-inch, 2-inch
• Moisture Resistance: Excellent (closed-cell XPS)

Using this rigid board requires careful measuring and cutting with a utility knife or hot-wire cutter to match your RV’s profile. You must secure it to the ground and the RV frame using specialized tape or heavy-duty bricks to prevent high winds from blowing the lightweight panels away. Because of its rigid nature, this material takes up immense space and cannot be easily transported once cut.

This product is ideal for stationary full-time RVers wintering in extreme climates who want maximum thermal efficiency. It is not suitable for mobile RVers who move frequently, as the panels cannot be folded or compactly stored.

Reflective Foil Insulation – Reflectix Double Reflective

Reflective foil insulation is designed to bounce radiant heat back toward your RV underbelly while acting as a lightweight wind barrier. In a skirting setup, it works best as an inner lining paired with a heavy outer fabric or as a quick-install skirt for milder winter climates. It prevents the cold ground from absorbing the residual heat radiating from your holding tanks.

Reflectix Double Reflective insulation features two layers of industrial-strength bubbles sandwiched between two outer layers of highly reflective aluminum foil. This structure blocks 97% of radiant heat transfer and resists mold and mildew growth in damp underbelly environments. It is incredibly easy to cut with standard household scissors and can be manipulated around complex trailer hitches and bumper assemblies with ease.

• Structure: Double layer of polyethylene bubbles, double-sided reflective foil
• Thickness: 5/16 inch
• Width Options: 16-inch, 24-inch, 48-inch rolls
• Temperature Range: -60°F to 180°F
• Reflectivity: 97% of radiant heat

To get any actual R-value from Reflectix, you must install it with a 1-to-2-inch dead air space between the foil and the RV underbelly. If taped flat against a cold surface without an air gap, it simply conducts the cold straight through. It is also highly susceptible to wind damage, so it must be reinforced with a backing material or anchored securely to prevent tearing.

This material is perfect for RVers looking for an easy-to-pack, supplementary radiant barrier to boost the efficiency of an existing skirt. It is not recommended as a standalone skirting material in high-wind regions or deep-freeze northern climates.

Vinyl Tarping – Mytee Products 18 Oz Heavy Duty Vinyl Tarp

Vinyl tarping is the gold standard for mobile full-timers who need a tough, reusable wind barrier that can survive multiple winters. It drapes naturally from your RV’s trim to the frozen ground, blocking drafts and keeping snow accumulation away from your plumbing. Its flexibility allows you to fold it up and store it in your tow vehicle or RV basement when it is time to move.

Mytee Products 18 Oz Heavy Duty Vinyl Tarp is built from commercial-grade, PVC-coated polyester that resists tearing, rot, and UV damage. The heat-sealed seams are completely waterproof, and the thick 18-ounce material is heavy enough to resist flapping wildly in high winds. It features solid brass grommets spaced every 24 inches, providing robust tie-down points for securing the tarp to stakes or ground weights.

• Material Weight: 18 oz per square yard
• Coated Fabric: PVC-coated polyester
• Cold Crack Rating: Down to -40°F
• Grommet Spacing: Every 24 inches along reinforced hems
• Water and UV Resistance: 100% waterproof and UV protected

This vinyl tarp is incredibly heavy, making initial handling and installation a workout. In freezing temperatures, the PVC material becomes stiff and less pliable, which can make folding it back up for transit difficult. You will need a reliable mounting system, like twist-lock snaps or heavy-duty magnets, to attach the top edge securely to your trailer’s frame.

This tarp is ideal for active winter travelers who need a bulletproof, weather-resistant skirt that packs away easily. It is not suitable for budget-conscious buyers or those with strict rig weight limits, as heavy-duty vinyl adds noticeable weight to your cargo load.

Repurposed Billboard Vinyl – BillboardVinyls 13oz Tarp

Repurposed billboard vinyl offers an incredibly cost-effective way to get commercial-grade wind protection without the premium price tag. These massive sheets of industrial vinyl are salvaged from highway signs and cut down to usable sizes for DIY projects. They provide an ultra-durable barrier that keeps cold air from circulating under your RV.

BillboardVinyls 13oz Tarps are made from high-strength PVC vinyl designed to survive years of brutal highway winds, driving rain, and intense sunlight. The material is completely waterproof, mildew-resistant, and inherently flame-retardant. Because they are sourced from repurposed advertisements, they are a fraction of the cost of virgin vinyl while offering similar protective qualities.

• Material Weight: 13 oz per square yard
• Material Composition: Heavy-duty PVC scrim vinyl
• Aesthetic: Often features a printed ad on one side, solid black or white on the reverse
• Waterproof: Yes
• Tear Resistance: High industrial rating

When purchasing repurposed billboard vinyl, keep in mind that one side will display a random advertisement. You can simply face the solid white or black backside outward to give your RV a clean, uniform look. These tarps typically do not come with pre-installed grommets, meaning you will need to install your own snap buttons or punch grommets along the edges.

This product is highly recommended for budget-oriented DIYers who want commercial-grade durability on a dime. It is not ideal for those who want a perfectly color-matched, professional RV aesthetic right out of the box without doing some manual preparation.

Insulated Tarp – Chicago Canvas & Chemical Insulated Tarp

An insulated tarp merges the wind-blocking properties of heavy-duty vinyl with a built-in thermal barrier. If you are wintering in cold climates but still need a system that can be packed up at the end of the season, this hybrid approach is your best option. It keeps the ground heat trapped under the rig while physically preventing cold air infiltration.

The Chicago Canvas & Chemical Insulated Tarp features a thick, closed-cell foam core encapsulated between two layers of woven, water-resistant polyethylene. This design provides actual insulation value while remaining flexible enough to drape over uneven terrain. The reinforced hems feature rust-resistant grommets for secure anchoring against heavy snow and wind loads.

• Outer Material: Woven polyethylene (reinforced)
• Inner Core: Closed-cell foam insulation
• Grommets: Rust-resistant brass on all sides
• Water Resistance: High (water-resistant outer shell)
• Thickness: Approximately 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch

These tarps are incredibly bulky and heavy to store when not in use. Folding them tight enough to fit inside a standard RV storage bay can be a major challenge, especially when the cold stiffens the outer polyethylene. Additionally, because they are thick, trimming them down to custom heights around slide-outs requires heavy-duty shears and specialized sealing tape to protect the exposed foam core.

This product is best for RVers facing severe northern winters who want a reusable, insulating skirt but cannot use rigid foam boards due to travel or storage constraints. It is not recommended for small travel trailers with highly limited cargo capacity.

Canvas Tarp – Chicago Canvas Heavy Duty Treated Canvas Tarp

Canvas tarps offer a traditional, heavy-duty alternative to synthetic vinyl. They excel in freezing environments where managing condensation under the RV is just as important as blocking the wind. The natural breathability of cotton duck canvas allows trapped moisture to escape, preventing rot and rust on your trailer’s chassis.

The Chicago Canvas Heavy Duty Treated Canvas Tarp is constructed from 100% cotton duck canvas treated with a water-resistant and mildew-resistant finish. This treatment allows the tarp to shed heavy snow and rain while retaining its natural breathability. At 16 ounces per square yard after treatment, it has the heft required to hang straight and resist wind sail.

• Material: 100% cotton duck canvas
• Weight: 16 oz per square yard after treatment
• Treatment: Water-resistant and rot-resistant finish
• Seams: Double-stitched flat-pelled seams
• Grommets: Brass grommets spaced every 24 inches

Canvas can freeze stiff if it becomes saturated with water and is then subjected to a sudden drop in temperature. If you allow the bottom edge to sit in standing water that freezes, it can bond to the ground and tear when you try to move it. Canvas also requires proper drying before storage to prevent mold from eating away at the natural fibers.

This product is excellent for dry, cold climates (like the Rockies) where high winds and under-RV moisture management are top priorities. It is not ideal for extremely wet, slushy coastal winters where the fabric will remain constantly saturated.

Corrugated Plastic – Coroplast Twinwall Plastic Sheet

Corrugated plastic sheets provide a lightweight, clean, and rigid alternative to heavy vinyl or bulky foam boards. They look like plastic cardboard and can be easily fabricated into a neat, tailored skirt. This material is highly favored by RVers parked in communities that require a clean, structured appearance around the rig.

Coroplast Twinwall Plastic Sheets are made from high-impact polypropylene copolymer that resists water, chemicals, and freezing temperatures. The twin-wall fluting design creates a small, dead-air space inside the plastic sheet, which provides a mild insulating effect (around R-1.5). They are completely waterproof, will not rot, and can be cut cleanly using a standard utility knife.

• Material: Polypropylene copolymer
• Thickness: 4mm (standard) up to 10mm
• Structure: Twin-wall fluted plastic
• Weight: Extremely lightweight
• Weather Resistance: 100% waterproof and chemical resistant

Because corrugated plastic is incredibly light, it is highly susceptible to being caught by the wind and acting like a sail. You must build a secure wooden framing track or use heavy-duty ground anchors to keep the panels from blowing out of place. It also has a low R-value compared to foam board, meaning you may need to pair it with reflective insulation in very cold climates.

This material is perfect for mid-budget DIYers who want a clean, professional-looking rigid skirt that is completely waterproof and easy to cut. It is not suitable for high-wind areas unless you are willing to construct a sturdy framing system to support it.

Screw Snaps – Ironwood Pacific Canvas Snap Fastener Kit

Flexible skirting materials like vinyl and canvas need a reliable, strong, and clean mounting system to attach to the RV body. Adhesive tape will fail when subjected to winter road grime, rain, and sub-zero temperatures. Heavy-duty screw snaps offer a semi-permanent, marine-grade mechanical connection that allows you to easily install and remove your skirt at every campsite.

The Ironwood Pacific Canvas Snap Fastener Kit features heavy-duty, nickel-plated brass snaps designed to withstand harsh marine environments and road salt. The self-tapping screw studs can be drilled directly into your RV’s aluminum trim or lower fiberglass panels. This kit includes the essential setting tool, making it easy to crimp the button and eyelet assemblies directly onto your vinyl or canvas skirting material.

• Material: Nickel-plated brass (corrosion resistant)
• Screw Length: 3/8-inch self-tapping studs
• Kit Includes: Snaps, sockets, screw studs, and a 2-piece setting tool
• Application: Marine, RV, and canvas installations
• Durability: High resistance to rust, oxidation, and stripping

  [RV Wall / Trim]          │          ├── [Self-Tapping Screw Stud]          │        ▲          │        ▼ (Snaps Together)          ├── [Socket]          ├── [Vinyl/Canvas Skirt Material]          └── [Button Cap] 

Installing screw snaps requires drilling directly into your RV’s exterior body panels, which can be intimidating and may void some structural warranties. If you do not apply a tiny dab of high-quality silicone sealant to each screw thread during installation, moisture can seep into the fiberglass over time. In high winds, extreme stress can pull the snaps out of thin fiberglass if you do not include flexible tension straps or wind reliefs in your skirt design.

This kit is a must-have for DIYers building a high-quality, removable vinyl or canvas skirt system. It is not suitable for renters, those who refuse to drill into their RVs, or rigs with ultra-thin plastic lower trim panels.

Vapor Barrier Tape – Tuck Tape Sheathing Tape

When building a rigid skirt out of foam board or corrugated plastic, the seams between panels are the weakest points in your defense. Wind will exploit even the smallest gap, blowing freezing air under your trailer and rendering your insulation useless. High-quality vapor barrier tape is essential for sealing these seams and locking down the thermal envelope.

Tuck Tape Sheathing Tape is an industry-standard construction tape engineered from a UV-resistant polypropylene film coated with a high-shear acrylic adhesive. It is specifically designed to stick to sheathing materials, foam insulation, and plastic vapor barriers. Unlike standard duct tape, which dry-rots and peels off in the cold, Tuck Tape bonds aggressively in freezing temperatures down to -10°F and remains completely waterproof.

• Adhesive Type: High-shear solvent-based acrylic
• Backing Material: UV-resistant polypropylene film
• Application Temperature: Down to -10°F (-23°C)
• Tensile Strength: 30 lbs per inch of width
• Color: High-visibility red

This tape’s adhesive is incredibly aggressive and will leave a sticky residue or damage paint finishes if applied directly to your RV’s gel coat or decals. It should be used strictly to join foam boards to each other or to seal seams on your skirting material. If you must tape directly to your RV, use a low-residue painter’s tape first, then apply the heavy-duty tape over it.

This tape is an essential accessory for anyone building a rigid foam board or corrugated plastic skirt. It is not suitable for direct attachment to high-end RV paint finishes or for use as a temporary, easily removable fastener.

Crucial Steps for Measuring and Prep Work Before Install

Accurate measurements are the foundation of a functional winter skirt, as even minor gaps can let in freezing drafts. Ground level is rarely perfect, meaning the distance from your RV frame to the dirt will vary around the perimeter of your rig. Measure the height from the frame to the ground at every 4-foot interval around the entire trailer, paying special attention to drops near slideouts, steps, and tongue jacks. Always add a 4-to-6-inch flap allowance to your height measurements; this extra material is crucial for laying flat on the ground so you can weigh it down with chains, bricks, or dirt bags.

       [RV Body / Trim Line]   ┌───────────────────────────────┐   │                               │   │   [Skirting Material]         │◄── Measure height at 4-foot   │                               │    intervals (accounts for slope)   │                               │   ├───────────────────────────────┤   │   [4-to-6 inch Ground Flap]   │◄── Ground Level   └───────────────────────────────┘   (Weigh down with bricks/chains) 

Before you hang a single panel, you must clean your RV’s lower perimeter thoroughly to ensure a secure installation. Road grime, salt, and grease will prevent adhesives, tapes, and velcro from bonding, causing your skirt to fail mid-winter. Wipe down the lower trim with isopropyl alcohol and a clean microfiber cloth, allowing it to dry completely. While you are under there, inspect the existing underbelly coroplast; seal any holes around plumbing or propane lines using expanding foam or sheathing tape to double your protection.

Finally, prepare the ground perimeter around your trailer before setting up your skirt. Remove all sharp rocks, branches, and debris that could puncture your vinyl, canvas, or foam boards when heavy snow packs down on top of them. If you are wintering on grass or dirt, lay down a layer of heavy plastic sheeting or gravel along the skirt line to prevent your materials from freezing directly to the muddy ground.

Why Under-RV Ventilation is Essential in Freezing Weather

While sealing your RV underbelly tight is great for blocking freezing drafts, a 100% airtight seal is a recipe for disaster. The earth underneath your trailer naturally releases moisture, and warm air escaping from your RV cabin will condense on the cold steel frame and wood floorboards. Without adequate ventilation, this trapped humidity creates a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and wood rot that can quietly destroy your floor structure.

  [RV Heated Interior]   ==================== (RV Floor)   [Underbelly Air Space] <── Trapped Moisture & Propane Exhaust   ────────────────────   [Skirting Barrier]     <── Needs small vents to prevent rot!   ==================== (Frozen Ground) 

Safety is another critical reason to maintain under-RV airflow. If you run onboard propane appliances, like your furnace or water heater, their exhaust can sometimes pool under an airtight skirt. Furthermore, many RVers place small heaters under their rigs to protect plumbing; if these malfunction, combustible gases or carbon monoxide can build up to dangerous levels beneath your living space.

To balance thermal efficiency with safety, incorporate small, adjustable vents into your DIY skirt design. Placing a small louvered vent on opposite sides of the skirt allows a gentle cross-breeze to sweep away excess moisture and dangerous gases without significantly dropping the temperature. If you are using canvas, the material’s natural breathability handles this automatically, but rigid foam or heavy vinyl systems must have dedicated ventilation paths engineered into them.

Conclusion

Taking the time to insulate your travel trailer’s underbelly with a high-quality DIY skirt will transform your winter RVing experience from a stressful freeze-watch into a cozy, manageable adventure. Whether you choose the supreme insulating power of rigid foam board or the rugged portability of heavy-duty vinyl tarps, protecting your plumbing and frame from icy drafts is key to surviving full-time winter living. By prepping your rig thoroughly and ensuring proper under-belly ventilation, you can confidently weather the coldest seasons in your home on wheels.