9 Essential DIY RV Winter Skirting Supplies for Full-Time RVers

When winter temperatures plummet, the space beneath a full-time RV becomes a freezing wind tunnel that rapidly drains interior heat and threatens plumbing. Standard RV underbelly insulation rarely holds up to sustained sub-zero drafts, leaving your pipes vulnerable to catastrophic freezing. Installing a DIY winter skirt is the single most effective way to lock in warmth and survive the coldest months off-grid or in an RV park.

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Why DIY RV Skirting is Crucial for Winter Survival

RVs are elevated platforms, meaning freezing air circulates freely underneath the living space. This constant airflow strips heat directly through the floor, forcing the onboard furnace to work overtime and consume massive amounts of propane. Without a physical barrier, holding tanks, gray lines, and fresh water inlets are directly exposed to sub-freezing drafts.

A skirt works by trapping a pocket of dead air beneath the rig. The ground itself radiates a small amount of geothermal heat, which gets trapped by the skirting material, keeping the underbelly significantly warmer than the ambient outside air. This microclimate reduces the temperature differential across the floor, saving money on heating and preventing frozen, cracked pipes.

Custom professional skirting installations can easily cost thousands of dollars and require weeks of lead time. Going the DIY route allows for immediate adaptation to a specific rig layout, easy repairs on the road, and a fraction of the financial investment. It is the ultimate preparation step for any serious full-time RVer facing a harsh winter.

Vinyl Tarps – MyTarp 18 oz Heavy Duty Vinyl Tarp

The primary outer barrier of your RV skirt must block biting winds, shed heavy snow, and resist tearing when weighed down by ice. Cheap blue poly tarps degrade quickly under UV exposure and shred in high winds, making heavy-duty vinyl the industry gold standard for durable skirting.

MyTarp 18 oz Heavy Duty Vinyl Tarps are engineered to withstand extreme elements. This industrial-grade material is completely waterproof, UV-resistant, and remains flexible even when temperatures drop well below freezing.

• Material weight: 18 oz per square yard
• Thickness: 20 mil for heavy-duty puncture resistance
• Grommets: Brass grommets spaced every 24 inches
• Temperature rating: Flexible down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit

Working with 18 oz vinyl requires careful handling because it is incredibly heavy and bulky to fold. It is ideal for stationary full-timers who plan to stay parked for the entire winter season, rather than mobile travelers who need to pack up and move every few days.

Foam Board – Owens Corning FOAMULAR NGX R-5

While vinyl tarps block the wind, rigid foam board provides the actual thermal resistance (R-value) needed to stop heat from escaping through the RV floor. Combining a heavy outer tarp with a rigid foam backing creates an incredibly efficient, insulated barrier that mimics a permanent home foundation.

Owens Corning FOAMULAR NGX R-5 rigid foam insulation offers outstanding moisture resistance and structural strength. Its closed-cell polystyrene structure ensures it will not absorb water from melting snow or damp soil, maintaining its insulating properties all winter long.

• Thickness: 1 inch (provides R-5 thermal protection)
• Compressive strength: 15 PSI to resist crushing and high winds
• Moisture resistance: Hydrophobic closed-cell construction
• Dimensions: Standard 4×8 foot sheets, easily scored and cut

Rigid foam boards are highly buoyant and catch wind like a sail before they are secured. They must be weighted down or taped securely during installation to prevent them from blowing away. This product is perfect for cold-climate RVers who need maximum thermal efficiency under their rigs.

Sheathing Tape – Tuck Tape Polyethylene Tape

Sealing the gaps between foam boards is critical because even a tiny seam can let in drafts that ruin your insulated dead-air space. Regular duct tape degrades and loses its stickiness in freezing temperatures, requiring a specialized construction tape designed for winter exposure.

Tuck Tape Polyethylene Sheathing Tape is the gold standard for sealing vapor barriers and rigid foam. It features a high-tack acrylic adhesive that bonds aggressively to foam board, plastic, and vinyl, even in freezing weather.

• Adhesive type: Solvent-based acrylic designed for cold weather
• UV resistance: Highly resistant to sunlight degradation
• Application temperature: Bonds securely down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-10°C)
• Width: Available in 2.36-inch rolls for wide, secure seams

This tape sticks permanently and can leave a stubborn residue or peel paint if applied directly to the RV’s gelcoat. Always use it strictly on the foam board or tarp surfaces, keeping it away from your rig’s exterior finish. It is ideal for reinforcing joint seams but should not be used as a primary mounting tape for the vehicle body.

Snap Fasteners – DOT Durable Canvas Snap Fasteners

To hold heavy vinyl skirting to the RV frame, you need a heavy-duty, reliable fastening system that allows for easy removal in the spring. Snaps offer a clean, professional look while keeping the skirt firmly attached during high-wind winter storms.

DOT Durable Canvas Snap Fasteners are marine-grade, nickel-plated brass snaps that resist rust and corrosion. They are designed to hold up under significant tension, making them ideal for securing heavy 18 oz vinyl to an RV’s lower trim.

• Material: Heavy-duty nickel-plated brass
• Components: Includes studs, eyelets, buttons, and sockets
• Suitability: Designed for marine and automotive canvas applications
• Installation tool: Requires a snap-setting tool or specialized pliers

Installing snaps requires drilling small pilot holes into the RV’s metal trim or fiberglass lower molding. For RVers who are uncomfortable drilling into their rig, alternative mounting methods like adhesive-backed channel tracks are preferred. This system is perfect for owners of older rigs or those committed to a semi-permanent winter setup.

Awning Track – Sailrite Aluminum Awning Track

If you want a completely windproof seal along the top edge of your skirt without any gaps, a slide-in track system is the ultimate solution. It distributes the weight of the skirt evenly across the entire length of the RV rather than concentrating tension on individual snaps.

Sailrite Aluminum Awning Track provides a continuous, secure mounting channel for keder-style welt or beaded skirting edges. Made from marine-grade aluminum, it does not rust and can be easily screwed along the lower utility perimeter of the RV.

• Material: Anodized aluminum construction
• Compatibility: Fits standard 5/16-inch awning rope or keder welt
• Pre-drilled holes: Comes un-drilled for custom screw placement
• Length options: Typically sold in 4-foot segments for easy shipping

This system requires sewing a keder bead or awning rope onto the top edge of your vinyl tarp. It is the best choice for stationary RVers seeking a sleek, commercial-grade finish that will last for years of seasonal use. It is not recommended for those without access to a heavy-duty sewing machine.

Utility Knife – Stanley Classic 99 Retractable Knife

Cutting rigid foam boards, heavy-duty vinyl tarps, and custom insulation pieces requires a razor-sharp, durable blade. A weak or dull knife leads to jagged edges, uneven seams, and wasted materials.

The Stanley Classic 99 Retractable Utility Knife is an industry icon for a reason. Its heavy-duty cast metal body provides a secure grip, and the retractable blade mechanism ensures safety when working in tight spaces under the RV.

• Body material: Die-cast zinc for durability
• Blade storage: Stores up to 10 spare blades inside the handle
• Interlocking nose: Keeps the blade securely locked in place during heavy cuts
• Blade style: Uses standard utility blades

Rigid foam dulls blades incredibly fast, which can cause tearing instead of clean cuts. Keep a pack of fresh replacement blades on hand and change them out the moment you feel the knife pulling on the foam. This is an indispensable tool for every phase of the DIY skirting process.

Ground Stakes – Eurmax Galvanized Steel Stakes

The bottom of your skirting must be firmly anchored to the ground to prevent wind from blowing underneath and lifting the entire skirt. Without strong stakes, winter gusts will tear the skirt loose, exposing your pipes to the freezing elements.

Eurmax Galvanized Steel Stakes are heavy-duty, rust-resistant ground anchors designed to penetrate hard, rocky, or frozen soil. The ribbed shaft provides superior holding power compared to smooth plastic or thin aluminum stakes.

• Material: Galvanized steel to prevent rust
• Length: 12 inches for deep soil penetration
• Head design: Large flat head for hammering with a plastic quick-tie hook
• Diameter: 3/8-inch thickness to prevent bending in rocky ground

Driving stakes into frozen winter ground can be incredibly difficult. Carrying a heavy mallet and a cordless drill with a masonry bit to prep pilot holes in the soil will save hours of frustration on-site. These stakes are ideal for gravel and dirt campsites, but are not suitable for concrete pads.

Heating Cable – EasyHeat AHB Constant Wattage Cable

Even with a skirt installed, extreme sub-zero temperatures can still freeze your fresh water hose where it enters the underbelly. Running a specialized heating cable along your hose and exposed pipe connections provides active freeze protection.

The EasyHeat AHB Constant Wattage Cable is a pre-assembled, heavy-duty pipe freeze protection cable. It features an integrated thermostat that automatically turns the heat on when temperatures drop near freezing.

• Thermostat setting: Automatically activates at 38°F (3°C)
• Voltage: Standard 120V AC plug-in
• Safety certification: UL listed for metal and plastic pipes
• Casing: Durable, weather-resistant outer jacket

Heating cables must be wrapped in pipe insulation to work effectively, and they must never overlap themselves, as this can cause hot spots and melt plastic hoses. This product is essential for anyone camping in zones where temperatures consistently drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Staple Gun – Arrow Fastener T50 Heavy Duty Gun

If you are building a wooden frame to support your foam board skirting, or attaching plastic sheeting under the slide-outs, you need a fast, reliable way to secure materials. A heavy-duty staple gun makes quick work of securing vapor barriers and fabric screens.

The Arrow Fastener T50 Heavy Duty Staple Gun is the gold standard for manual tacking. Its all-steel construction and jam-resistant mechanism ensure reliable performance in cold weather when plastic tools tend to crack.

• Material: Chrome-plated steel housing
• Staple sizes: Fits T50 staples from 1/4-inch to 9/16-inch
• Mechanism: Coil spring action for maximum driving power
• Visual window: Allows quick monitoring of staple levels

Squeezing a manual staple gun repeatedly in the freezing cold can cause hand fatigue. If you have a large rig with extensive framing, wearing insulated work gloves with good grip is highly recommended to maintain control. This tool is best for those using wood-frame backing methods rather than direct-to-RV vinyl snaps.

How to Measure Your RV for a Custom DIY Skirt

Accurate measurements are the foundation of a successful skirting project. Start by parking your RV on level ground in the exact position it will sit for the winter, as any leveling adjustments later will alter the skirt’s fit. Measure the height from the bottom of the RV’s trim to the ground at several points along the sides, front, and back to account for uneven terrain.

When calculating the total length of vinyl or foam board needed, always add a six-inch flap to the bottom height. This extra material allows you to lay a “dirt flap” flat on the ground, which can then be weighted down with rocks, sandbags, or dirt to block wind from creeping underneath. Don’t forget to measure around obstacles like the tongue jack, steps, stabilizers, and sewer outlets, as these will require custom cutouts.

Record your measurements in a detailed diagram of your rig’s perimeter. It is always wise to order 10% more material than your raw calculations suggest to account for cutting mistakes, overlaps, and unexpected elevation changes on the campsite.

Critical Installation Mistakes to Avoid This Winter

The most common mistake is sealing the underbelly so tightly that zero air can circulate. While you want to block wind, trapping moisture underneath can lead to wood rot, mold growth, and rust on your chassis. Leave a small, screened vent or a slightly loose flap at one end to allow humidity to escape while still maintaining the thermal barrier.

Another costly error is blocking access to your sewer valves, low point drains, and propane tanks. Always design your skirt with accessible flaps, zippers, or velcro panels around these critical maintenance points. If a pipe leaks or a valve freezes, you do not want to tear down your entire winter installation in a blizzard just to access the repair site.

Lastly, never attach your skirt directly to the RV body using cheap adhesives or duct tape. Cold temperatures will quickly cause these adhesives to fail, leaving your skirt flapping in the wind and leaving a sticky, ruined mess on your RV’s gelcoat. Invest in proper mechanical fasteners, awning tracks, or secure framing to ensure your hard work stays in place all winter long.

Armed with these essential DIY skirting supplies, you can confidently face sub-zero temperatures knowing your pipes and utility systems are fully protected. Invest in quality materials now to ensure a worry-free, comfortable winter season on the road.