The Best RVs for Winter Skirting
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Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the best RVs and Camper for winter skirting! With over a decade-long expertise in the field, dating back to 2009, we have meticulously tested and skirted every imaginable RV to bring you a curated list of our favorites. As winter enthusiasts and seasoned travelers ourselves, we understand the importance of finding the perfect RV that can withstand the harsh winter conditions. Join us on this journey as we unveil the top picks that combine durability, insulation, and functionality, making them the ideal choices for your winter skirting.
What is Skirting?
RV skirting is a protective barrier installed around the bottom perimeter of a recreational vehicle (RV or Camper). It serves as insulation and protection against harsh weather conditions, especially during winter. Skirting is typically made of materials like vinyl, fabric, or rigid foam board, and it is attached to the lower part of the RV, enclosing the space between the ground and the RV’s base.
The primary purposes of RV skirting include:
- Insulation: Skirting helps to insulate the RV, keeping it warmer in winter and cooler in summer. By preventing cold drafts from getting under the RV, makes the interior temperature more comfortable and reduces the workload on heating systems.
- Protection: Skirting protects the Camper’s underbelly, pipes, and tanks from the freezing winter temperatures, snow, ice, and road debris. This protection is vital in winter, as it prevents damage and ensures that essential systems keep functioning.
- Energy Efficiency: By providing insulation, skirting can significantly improve the energy efficiency of the RV. It helps to maintain a consistent interior temperature, reducing the need for constant heating or cooling, thus saving energy.
- Reduced Condensation: Skirting can also help reduce condensation inside the RV. When the interior is warm and the outside air is cold, moisture can accumulate inside. Skirting helps mitigate this issue by creating a barrier.
- Storage: Skirted areas can create additional storage space under the RV, allowing owners to store items like tools, outdoor gear, firewood, or even a bikes and motorcycles.
- Wind Barrier: Having RV Skirting creates a wind break and reduces the cross breeze that can blow under your underbelly. This is an added benefit that can allow you to better enjoy the great outdoors.
RV skirting is especially popular among RVers who spend extended periods in colder climates, as it enhances comfort, protects the RV from winter-related damage, and ultimately prolongs the life of the vehicle savings tons of money and increasing comfort in the process.
Types of RV Skirts
There are several types of RV skirts available, each with its own set of advantages and considerations. Here’s a list and description of the common types of RV skirts:
- Vinyl Skirts:
Vinyl skirts are a popular choice due to their durability and weather resistance. They are typically made from heavy-duty vinyl material and are available in various colors. Vinyl skirts are easy to clean and provide excellent protection against wind, snow, and rain. They often have a smooth surface and can be custom-fitted to the RV’s specific dimensions. - Fabric Skirts:
Fabric skirts are usually made from high-quality, weather-resistant fabric such as polyester or canvas. These skirts are lightweight and easy to install. They offer good insulation and protection against the elements. Fabric skirts might require additional support to maintain their shape, especially in windy conditions. - Rigid Foam Board Skirts:
Rigid foam board skirts are constructed from insulated foam panels. These panels provide excellent insulation, helping to maintain a consistent interior temperature in the RV. Foam board skirts are lightweight, making them easy to handle and install. They are especially effective in extremely cold weather conditions but might not be as durable as vinyl or fabric skirts. - DIY Skirts:
Some RV owners prefer to create custom skirts using materials like plywood, foam insulation, or tarpaulin. While DIY skirts can be cost-effective, they may not offer the same level of durability and weather resistance as professionally manufactured skirts. However, with careful planning and execution, DIY skirts can provide decent protection in moderate weather conditions. Just be sure to budget in your time as these “simple projects” can suck up a few of your weekends. - Snap-On Skirts:
Snap-on skirts feature a system (T-snaps or button) of snaps fasteners that attach the skirt to the RV. These skirts provide a connection to the RV that offer protection against wind and snow. The snap-on design allows for easy installation and removal, making them convenient for RVers who frequently change locations. - Channel Skirting: As an alternative to a snap-on system, a channel system creates an even better sealed connection between your portable RV skirting and your RV, eliminating the air gaps between the snap while also providing a weather tight seal. Like the snap-on skirting, channel skirting allows for easy installation and removal.
When choosing a winter RV skirt for your camper, it’s essential to consider factors such as the climate you’ll be camping in, your budget, ease of installation, convenience of packing up your skirting until you arrive to your next destination, the amount storage required, and finally the level of protection required. Each type of skirt has its advantages, so selecting the one that best suits your needs and preferences is crucial for a comfortable and protected RV experience.
Grand Design Solitude / Alliance Paradigm
Founded in 2012, Grand Design has become a mainstay in the full-time RV community. The simple, straightforward exterior layout lends itself perfectly to our Channel System. The materials and dimensions of Grand Designs are some of the most consistent that we see.
Although the contours of the front cap are more challenging, Grand Design’s line of Momentum Toy Haulers shares these same attributes, making them some of our favorite jobs.
Newer Alliance Paradigm models appear from the outside to be almost identical to Grand Design Solitudes, with some small improvements.
Keystone Montana and Alpine
Over the last decade, we have skirted more Keystone Montanas than anything else. From the all-white models of the early 2010s, the earth-tone models from the 20-teens, to the floorplans available today, we have seen and skirted them all.
The construction of Keystone’s luxury fifth wheels gives us a great starting point for our Custom Skirting. Our channel system attaches extremely well, leaving us confident that no wind storm will be able to damage it.
Keystone Toy Haulers are largely the same story, with dozens of happy owners enjoying their fully-skirted winter camping experience.
Airstream
A unique challenge for us. Devoid of slide-outs and many of the usual RV exterior headaches, Airstreams provide probably the most robust exterior to a full-time RVer. Our Aluminum channel blends right into the polished aluminum skin of the Airstream.
Experience the Nation’s #1 Skirting Solution!
Why settle for anything less than perfection when it comes to safeguarding your home on wheels? Our dedicated team is committed to providing you with unparalleled quality and convenience. Picture this: a skirting solution meticulously tailored on-site, ensuring a flawless fit that guarantees unmatched protection.
Our exclusive “No-Snap, No-Gap” channel system stands as a testament to our innovation, sealing out water, snow, and wind more effectively than any other product available. With over a decade of relentless testing and continuous improvements, our skirting has braved the harshest winters across the northern United States and Canada, earning the trust of RV enthusiasts nationwide. But that’s not all – our skirting is not just about protection; it’s about ease. Its user-friendly design allows for effortless mobility, ready to move with you whenever adventure calls.
Don’t compromise – experience the difference today and ensure your RV is winter-ready with Custom Skirting! Your journey to ultimate RV protection starts here.