There are many benefits to installing RV skirting, which is why more and more owners are opting to skirt their vehicles, especially in winter.

Not only can you increase storage space beneath your RV by adding skirting, but you also add valuable undercarriage protection by having the skirt in place.

Furthermore, a well-placed skirt will help keep your RV warmer in winter, and cooler in summer.

Essentially, if your RV is lived in and stationary for any period of time, skirting should be a high priority.

In this guide, we will look at how RV skirting works, the different types and materials that are used to do it as well as the pros and cons of each method.

So if you are ready, let’s get to it.

How does RV skirting work?

The principle is very simple. By adding material on the outside of the RV from the height of the undercarriage to the ground, you prevent air (either cold in winter or hot in summer) from penetrating the underside of the RV.

This also means wind, rain and debris does not reach the vital components of your undercarriage. The skirting essentially blocks this off by guarding the underside of the RV from the elements.

The barrier that it creates also makes for a convenient space to store items. By ensuring that there is an opening within the skirting, you can have access to space beneath your RV.

With a simple lock, this area is then inaccessible to would-be thieves, meaning belongings such as inflatables and outdoor toys and accessories can be kept safely under lock and key without taking up valuable cabin space.

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Types of RV Skirting Solutions

There are various options when it comes to fitting skirting to your RV.

From store-bought aluminum channeling that is mounted to your RV (which the skirt then attaches to), to DIY options made with canvas, hammer and nails.

And a whole lot more in between.

Let’s now take a look at each of the methods in detail.

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1. Buttons and T-Snaps Attachment

One of the most common approaches to RV skirting with a number of brands catering for it is the button or t-snap system.

As the name suggests, this method utilizes buttons and turnbuckle style snaps in order to attach the skirting to the side of the RV.

In most cases you will need to have the buttons professional fixed to the side of your RV at the base, however this is a simple procedure that the majority of dealerships will be able to undertake.

The skirting then lines up and clicks into place with relative ease.

2. Channel RV skirting Attachment

We briefly mentioned channel RV skirting above. This involves having an aluminum channel/groove fitted to the lower outside wall of your RV.

The top of the skirt then slides into the channel and is fixed firmly into place.

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3. Suction Cup RV Skirting Attachment

Another method of attaching skirting to the side of your RV is via simple suction cups.

The system is self explanatory; the top of the skirt is fitted with small suction buttons that can be pressed against the side of your RV in order for attachment to occur.

Attaching the base of the skirt to the ground

Once you have settled on a system of attaching the top of the skirt to the side of the RV, there is then the important issue of firmly fixing the base of the skirt to the ground.

In challenging weather conditions you need a method that will remain firm otherwise your skirting will end up flapping around and could even end up flying away or at the very least become damaged.

You also need a secure fitting at the base so that the temperature moderating properties of the skirt remain true, (i.e keeping out the air beneath your undercarriage) as well as it providing a means to safely store your gear.

There’s a number of methods of attaching the base of the skirt to the ground. Let’s take a look.

1. Strap ground attachment

The strap system is probably the most common method of attachment. It is also one of the easiest to implement.

The system simply utilizes straps that are fitted to the side or base of the skirting that are then held in the ground via metal spikes similar to camping and awning pegs.

You can then manipulate the skirt around the edge of your RV in line with the potentially varying ground height.

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2. Loop ground attachment

This method of ground attachment relies on the skirt having small loops along the base.

Much like a tent awning, you then drive stakes through the holes into ythe ground.

The system works similar to the strap method described above. It also makes it possible for the base of the skirt to fit the flow of the land.

3. Chain ground attachment

Rather than straps or loops along the base of the skirt it is also possible to utilize chains.

This is more of a bespoke method however meaning you will need to do some DIY on the skirt in order to attach the chains, or locate a brand of skirt that already has them in place.

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4. D-ring or Grommet style attachment

It is possible to buy skirting that has a series of D-rings or grommets placed every few feet along the length of the material.

These are also placed at varying heights in order to combat the problem of inconsistent ground levels.