DIY RV Skirting | Cheap RV Skirting | Winter RV Camping | Full Time RV
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- Опубликовано: 26 ноя 2019
- 💥 In this short video we discuss how we skirted our camper and saved over $1,200! We received a quote from a local person who skirts campers for just over $2,500 and the online companies for the DIY kits were close to $2,000. We decided to try and source the materials individually. This turned out to be the best solution for our budget. 💰 All in, we were able to purchase all of the material for just under $800. This included the $150 Press-N-Snap tool. 💰
❄️ Materials Needed ❄️
Vinyl
🔗 We ordered the vinyl from a company called Big Duck Canvas. I found them through a Google search and they seemed to have the best bang for the buck. This vinyl comes in a 61" width and is sold by the yard. I ordered enough to have some extra incase we messed anything up. It comes on one continuous roll so you don't have to worry about having to glue seams together. It can be all one piece, which is the way we did it. lddy.no/d2ei
Snaps
🔗 These came from Sailrite. This company does all things marine upholstery. The snaps I ordered were a bit pricey but since I have never dealt with this before I felt more comfortable ordering something that I knew would work for my application. Once again, order more than you need. It is better to have some extra then not enough. Plan on putting a snap every 6-10 inches around your rig. Obviously you will have some closer together around any curves or corners. I calculated how many I needed based on the above spacing and then added 20%. You can find the snaps I used here at www.sailrite.com/Snap-Fastene... I have since found some cheaper ones through amazon. amzn.to/2sDq2Bw
Press-N-Snap Tool
🔗 I hope you are sitting down. This tool is not cheap. It would be best if you could find someone who already has one that you can borrow. You can find cheaper smaller versions but for this job you want something that will be able to puncture through the vinyl. Best do some of those rubber ball squeezes for about a week before you do this project because it will give you a good forearm workout! amzn.to/3Mp4wWS
Vinyl Cement
🔗 This can be found at most hardware, general stores, or fabric stores. We used this to double up the width of the vinyl to skirt the fifthwheel overhang and for glueing in our velcro access points. amzn.to/377z1d7
Velcro
🔗 We used the 2" velcro to create access points to under our rig. We wanted to use the fifthwheel overhang for storage as well as under our slide. The velcro we ordered came with adhesive on it. This was not enough to stick to the shiny side of the vinyl so we ended up having to use the vinyl cement to hold it on. hamzn.to/36aka0a
PVC Pipe
🔗 We used 1" PVC Pipe as weight tubes. I capped one end of these, filled with sand, and then capped the other end. These were cut so that they would fit in our pass-through storage bay.
PVC Clamps
🔗 These are to secure the vinyl to the PVC pipe if you choose to weight down the bottom of your skirting. You will need to get the proper size depending the size of PVC pipe you go with. amzn.to/3745tx7
RV Butyl Tape
🔗 This is the stuff we put on the back of the screw in part of the snap. It will help keep any water from entering your rig through your screw. amzn.to/2RzfETE
❄️ Tools Needed ❄️
Drill
🔗 You will need some sort of drill. I like to use an impact driver like this one here. amzn.to/3MrKVp7
Tape Measure
🔗 This will be needed to mark the location height of your skirting and distance between snaps. amzn.to/2sHTEhg
Silver Sharpie
🔗 You will need this in order to see the marks on the black vinyl. amzn.to/2TAP4w6
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Хобби
This was so helpful! It made it easier for us to figure out what to use for diy skirting. Thank you for taking the time to make this video for us fellow diy-ers.
Glad it was helpful!
Did this to my camper this weekend from this video and ordered everything from the links and it was super simple and easy following this video. Thank you guys so much I couldn't have done it without yall.
Hooray! We are glad you found it helpful! We hope you stay nice and toasty this winter!!
Thanks for the detailed video and links in the description! Simple and straightforward. I am planning on converting our travel trailer into a fish house without the drop down. This skirt will be a necessity!
Sounds like an awesome plan! Thanks for watching the video. Let us know if you have any questions
this is the video we chose to be most helpful. we just did ours yesterday. all i have left to do is the front door stairs, and the weighted pvc pipes to keep rv skirting in place. thank you for the video.
I'm glad it was helpful to you! Stay warm this winter!
Great job! You listed all the product, detailed instructions and walkthrough!
Glad it was helpful!
Nice job. Thanks for sharing your experience!
We hope it's helpful to others. $2000-$3000 wasn't in the budget for us, but we wanted a great skirt that we could use again and again!
What are you looking to skirt?
Nice job, looks great!
Thank you! It works great and has made a huge difference in our propane bills! Plus we save a good chunk of money doing it ourselves.
I used a small inexpensive kit to install the snaps on the fabric. Came with a 2 piece die that you place the snap and fabric in then hit it with a hammer. Works like a champ. Ten bucks.
Thanks for this. Hopefully it's helpful to others!
You guys did amazing
Thank you! We actually just broke the skirting out today. Haven't used it on the road in a year but temps in texas aren't suppose to get above freezing for the next week!
Great idea/video. I might go this route but I may go with soffit since we’re parked permanently. Thanks
PS: You had some really great little elf helpers there, they’re really sweeties!
Thanks for checking it out. We used the foam board insulation the first winter and it worked quite well but since we travel frequently and never know where we are going to end up we went this route so that we can take it with us. It folds up nicely and fits in a plastic tote.
Amazing job! I’ve always wondered how the skirting is done.
Glad you liked it, Cecelia! It was a little time consuming, but easy and definitely worth saving the money!
Nice job dude!
Thanks! Were all about function and penny pinching! We love when we can accomplish both!
Hi, Jordan. I was searching for someone that skirted a Grand Design (we just purchased a Solitude 310GK) and found your RUclips. Thanks for sharing and posting. It's going to make it easier when I skirt for the winter. I had used EZ-Snap previously on an older RV, was very satisfied, but wanted to see if there were some less expensive solutions...and voila! Your post came up. I was also torn between the stick-on snaps, or go with the screw on. You've helped me make that decision. Hope you wintered well this year and I would love to hear how your system held up since your installation. Wish you and your family the best, Winn
Thank you so much! I am happy that our video was helpful! Our skirting held up well all winter long in Colorado! The only thing I would change would be the velcro I used for the access under the front of the rig and the two spots where I connected the two pieces. I glued it on which worked but when the sun would warm it up that glue would get soft again and the velcro would come off. I will either have to stitch it on there or go with a zipper set up.
@@HayesHumbleHomestead Thanks for that update. We, too, don't have a sewing machine. But I'll have to speak with the wife to see how her sewing mechanics are. EZ Snap did have a 'door' feature for the 5th Wheel room (I'm just the consumer, not associated in anyway with EZ Snap - I just like their product). You just unzip it and roll it up. Seems like we can find the best of both worlds. Best wishes.
@silverbadgeradventures, impressive! Huge savings.
We have to save those pennies to be able to do important things like pay for fuel and visit breweries!
Thanks for sharing. I'm researching to do ours, as we are unable to head south this year! Looking at a heater under there to combat Alberta winter.
We contemplated a heater under there but we didn't quite get cold enough to justify it. Out skirting kept us plenty warm. I was always a little worrisome about putting a heater under there just for the fire danger. If I were to do it, I would put it on a timer so it wouldn't run 24/7 and potential cause an issue.
@@HayesHumbleHomestead We get many, many days at -25c/-13f and the winter is 6 months long. I'm looking at electric heaters as well as the diesel powered heaters, safely installed, to get us through.
@@glynpayne4393 yeah that is a bit chilly and probably will need some sort of heat source under there. Let us know what you end up doing!
I've spent 5 winters here in Montana in my RV. I did put (2) 500 W heat lamps underneath and plugged into a thermostat plug then to the extension cord. the thermostat plug made the lamps come on when it got down to 34* F and shut off at 42 *F. Adjust the lamps so they are facing a little down and across. I also put a wireless thermometer down there where I can read it from inside incase if a bulb burnt out and it was getting to cold down there I would know.
@@Buszzbait69 that's a great idea!
Instead if skirting, I put insulation under the trailer. 2 sheets of R10 rigid foam back to back for R20 value, except where the holding tanks are, but they have R7 on both sides plus a plastic cover. Way cheaper than $800, plus no installing or removing every time you move the trailer.
That's a good idea as well. I'm sure it works well for the main body of the trailer but if you have slides they wouldn't be insulated. Plus I don't know how you would put that insulation in the upper floor of the fifth wheel. The skirting also helps keep the wind from blowing in through the areas around the slide where there is a lot of heat loss.
I have a slider- R 10 rigid foam under and R20 on top, with a topper over that- of course that has to be removed when retacting the slider. The outer edges , except wheel wells have R-20 as well, just cut to size and use that spray foam to hold it in place. Outer compartments and inner compartnents are also lined with either R10 or R5. Also have a roll of R16 fiberglass stashed in places where the rigid won't fit. Oh, and I put foam rubber insulation in the shower skylight with vinyl velcroed to that and the roof vents have removable insulation. That's not quite all, but you get the idea.
Nice work! We just ordered all the materials you listed and plan to do this job this weekend or next. Did you drill around the 50 amp power supply and just follow underneath the bumper line? Again nice work and thank you for your detailed DIY video!
We went under the plug. We run the cord under the skirting and then plug it in on the outside. Thanks for checking it out and good luck on your install. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask
How did your skirting turn out?
Thank you for your help, code whats me to put around my old camper, they want me to put brick under the camper, there is no ways to do that, brick I say it's not a modular home, it's a RV camper
Great Video! I’m wondering how large the skirt is when it’s all rolled up to be taken to the next location? Is this a good solution while traveling?
Thank you! We were actually quite surprised how small it rolled up. We laid it out and just kept folding and folding until it would fit in a 38 gallon tote. It is a perfect fit in there and then the pvc pipe just lay in the storage bay.
good work... I'm curious: why not just choose a line that is below the storage doors instead of coming up between doors and adding so many snaps? Is there a benefit?
We choose that line because it would be the same height all the way around including the slides. In retrospect I would of come down around the access doors and stay down until I was past them instead of coming up in between them.
Looks like a good job. I like the portability aspect. In one reply you/someone mentioned big gusts of wind "blowing your skit up" (pun intended). Did this become a problem or just intermittent? Did the skirt return to or close to it's original position? Make heavier weights? Transporting heavier weights?
I did want to know how the snaps on the ends of the slides cleared when slides were retracted.
Thanks for the vid.
It would return to its original position for the most part. Heavier weights would definitely help but then you also need to transport those as well. Snaps had no problem clearing since you have at least an inch or more all the way around the slide where the slide rubber seals run.
@@HayesHumbleHomestead Thanks for the come back.
Hello!
Are there advantages or disadvantages that you know of for using vinyl instead of canvas?
I'm pretty sure the canvas can end up molding if out away wet. Other than that I'm not sure. I would expect a good thick Comcast to probably be a little heavier but I'm not sure
Hey! I just bought a camper and have been researching different underpinning. We live in Virginia and though it won’t get nearly as cold, we do live in a very windy hill. My dad wants to make the underpinning with wood, metal, insulation, and a heat lamp. It would probably be the same cost, but this would be way more easy if we wanted to move. Any suggestions??
Congrats on getting a camper! Building an actual frame out of wood/metal and using insulation is definitely sturdier and will provide better insulation. The pipes we used for weights on ours worked great but if you get big gusts it will blow up a little and let cold air in. You can always use something heavier to weigh it down.
We had more of a permanent set-up like you are talking about the previous winter. We just used foam board cut and taped to the camper so no frame. It worked great and provided good insulation. The reason we choose to go with vinyl like this was because we wanted it to be easily packed up for travel and summertime. This set-up makes it much easier to move and set-up.
If you aren't planning on moving then a more permanent set-up may be the best option but if you are wanting to travel and go from place to place then a vinyl skirting is the way to go. The problem with moving a frame is that the next place you move might be sloped differently or be uneven and then you frame won't fit. It just depends on how you want to use your camper.
Good luck and reach out if you have anymore questions!
The trailer will settle,so the vinyl is a better deal
Great video. I just clicked your link for the canvas and unfortunately they're out of the black vinyl for now. I'll have to check back in and order later. You posted this video 2 years ago, how has your skirting performed?
Thanks Frank we appreciate that! We've used it one full winter and then a couple of times when we ended up in cold situations. It has done great so far. I would suggest sewing the Velcro on for your access points or doing some sort of zipper or snap. The glue that held the Velcro on doesn't do well when it gets in direct sunlight.
@@HayesHumbleHomestead Thanks for that tip. I was planning to glue the Velcro, but will go with snaps instead.
How has the pvc held up to wind? I have 60+ mph gusts where I live in the rockies. Wondering if the wind will blow in between the 8/10 inch between snaps?
The PVC is weighted with sand and we had no issues. The trick is to get the vinyl "tight" to the ground so the wind can't get in and move things around.
I apologize for the slow response on this. We somehow missed the comment.
Very good job and info. Looks very likely we’re going to be following in your footsteps on this one. Getting materials together at the moment. Our rig is 43’ long, wondering how many screw/snaps to buy? I’m in the market for a used press & snap tool if you’re selling?
I would figure on doing a snap chat very 4-6 inches and then give yourself some padding by adding another 10-20%. You'll use more around curves and such and it never hurts to have extras. I'm holding on to my tool for now. Never know what projects the wife will come up with for me haha they aren't cheap tools but it made the job easy.
How big is your RV? How many yards of vinyl did you buy?
@@fightintheshade ours is 39 foot and I ordered 40 yards of the 61" industrial coated fire retardant vinyl. We needed a little more than 61" to do the front of the fifth wheel so I ordered enough extra to double it up around the front to make it long enough. I didn't have but a few scraps left over. Better to order a little extra because it will all come in one piece.
Very helpful. I was looking at 50yds, should be perfect
@@fightintheshade good luck! Let us know how it turns out!
No addition insulation for the Colorado winter? Can't be in the mountains
Don't know what you're getting at here. Was on the western slope of Colorado and saw plenty of days below freezing.
how do you secure it to the ground we have winds gusting rather high at times maybr i missed that
We used 2" pvc pipe filled with sand. It works ok but it will still blow around a little with high winds. We went with that because of the ease of traveling.
Do you think that 3 hooks or something similar could hold it up? The snaps seem kind of expensive for what they are. Im trying to think of a more cost friendly alternative and thats all i can think of.
I'm not sure. The vinyl is fairly heavy and will move around if it's windy. We haven't had any issues with the snaps coming undone. From our research almost all skirting is put on with these snaps or similar type snaps.
@@HayesHumbleHomestead Good deal I appreciate the response!
Whereabouts in Colorado were you guys? We're considering a move up there to C-Springs, but housing is super expensive, and we're not sure we're going to stay. RV seems to be the way to go.
We are originally from that area. Penrose/canon city area. When we skirted we were on the western slope in Montrose co. Real estate all over Colorado is super expensive! It's growing like crazy
@@HayesHumbleHomestead Just moved to Canon City from Atlanta, big change but I love it here, if ever back in the area, I have a 3 bedroom house on 1 acre that I rent also on airbnb, and rent out the land to fellow RVers, and tenters, don't hesitate to reach out. My new 5th wheel while I renovate the house is a 2021 44 ft long 378fl, and is sippose to be 4 seasons, but I think I will take some of your advice and make sure we're prepared this winter!
@@persevereanyway Small world. We are both originally from the Canon City Fremont County area. Both grew up there. Your coldest times will probably be December through Mid March. If we were staying in the area we would be throwing our skirt on. It helps to save on propane use!
The only problem doing this is having an unlevel campsite and it not reaching the ground. I want to put one on mine but don't want to come up short. Have yall had any problems with it not reaching the ground.
We have not. This site was fairly level so we added a couple of extra feet and tucked it under.
Nice video. So! How did the skirt hold up??
Used it for a couple of years with no major issue. If I were to do it again, I would sew the Velcro on for the access parts because that glue gets soft when it heats up and the Velcro comes off.
@@HayesHumbleHomestead Thank you for your quick response have a blessed day
If you had to do this project over again, what would you do different??
The area around the steps could be revised, same with the Velcro opening under the front cap. The sticky Velcro ended up moving or coming off when the sun hit them and warmed up. The Velcro needs to be stitched on the fabric so it doesn't come off.
Also wouldn't cut around the hatches. Just lower the point of attachment and save some time
@HayesHumbleHomestead But all in all you'll are pleased with the results? What about snap button those openings, do think that would have made a difference? I am also wondering if you made an opening to drain your tanks?
@@shakirthankful1 snap buttons would work as well. Our only concern with that is that it would have left gaps for wind or cold to easily enter but if you placed them closer together it would be alright. We did cut a flap for the sewer to run out and then just used some of that foil tape to seal it off for wind and cold. Water run underneath and electric was at the rear above the skirting so it wasn't an issue
@@HayesHumbleHomestead OK, thank you for your precious time in replying and making the video. This definitely was a good and helpful one! I wish you'll much success in your journeys.
So when you leave do you just snap off the skirting?
Yup. Snap it off and fold it up
I want to do this but didn't want to drill holes into the RV.
I understand that but it's the way to go if you're spending much time in cold weather.
Did you have any issues with that butyl putty tape melting in summer?
Nope. Haven't had any excess come out in the almost two years it has been installed
Got all the materials and tools. about to follow in your footsteps. Have a question. Got a deal on a roll of 18oz Vinyl 50yrds over double the width of your roll. Wife suggested doubling the material to do a two layer skirt. I’m concerned the weight of the vinyl would put to much stress on the snaps? And would it make a big difference to heat retention? Any thoughts?
Congrats on finding a good deal on double the width. I have the same concern that you do and I think it would be too heavy for the snaps. The snaps are pretty strong but that vinyl is fairly heavy with just one layer. It may help with a little more heat retention but I don't think it would make that much of a difference. I'm not an expert on that though! haha I would leave enough extra length on the bottom though in case you are in a spot that has uneven ground or slopes differently in the future. That way you have enough to reach the ground not matter what kind of situation you are in. If you are in an area that gets really cold for long periods of time I know some people will use heat lamps or different types of heaters under their rig to help keep it warm. If I were to do that I would put it on a timer and only let it run for a few hours at time and then cool off for a few hours. My concern is the heater catching fire. Though unlikely it can happen.
The Camper House I might have missed it but can you tell me what size drill bit you used for the screws?
@@fightintheshade For most of the screws you will not need to pre-drill the holes. We had some cases where we were drilling into metal and it was easier to pre-drill the hole. Don't quote me on it but I want to say it was like a 1/8" drill bit. Just make sure it is smaller than the screw threads. That way they can still grab.
The Camper House that’s helpful, what driver did you use on the drill to put the screws in? Was it just a regular Phillips head or was it a special driver? Appreciate all the help, saving me a lot of time and trouble
@@fightintheshade no problem! The snaps we used had a regular Phillips head!
What was the gauge of vinyl you got?
I think it was 18 gauge
Did you use the 3/8 screw snaps or 5/8?
We used the 3/8 screw snaps www.sailrite.com/Snap-Fastener-Cloth-to-Surface-Silver-Button-3-8-Screw-Stud
Just curious where you store this when it's not in use and how much space do you need to store it?
It takes up about 3/4 of a large tote. The storage bay on this unit is quite large so that is where it resided.
@@HayesHumbleHomestead Thanks. I like your solution because it’s portable unlike most who want to use foam board or similar.
do i need insulation underneath my RV?
We didn't use additional insulation
Which there was someone in Aurora Co. To help me do this! As a single mother and working all the time I don't have time! You guys know a company or someone I can call ? NEED IT ASAP.
Unfortunately we do not know anyone locally that can do that. My suggestion would be to call local rv parks and shops to see if they can recommend someone.
@@HayesHumbleHomestead Thank you so much for replying! Hopefully I find someone I'm willing to pay enough just to get it done asap.
6:08 Any question as to why your baby boy may have had a little belly ache that day cld be bcuz he was eating those rocks behind you 👶🪨 lol
They help with digestion lol
@@HayesHumbleHomestead lol that's cute. Although he's a few yrs older so I guess a lil dirt & rocks & never hurt ya. I just thought it was so funny.. How's the diy skirting holding up, btw?
@@sumkindawundrful14u25 we used it for one whole winter in Colorado, hauled it around the country the whole summer and didn't need to use it until last winter when we got caught in that freak Texas winter storm. We knew it was going to get cold so we threw it on a couple days before the storm and I'm glad we did. We were one of the only ones that didn't freeze up in the park and we stayed plenty warm
@@HayesHumbleHomestead *Oh wow, soo sorry u guys got caught in that Texas storm. I hear it was AWFUL.* I live at the beach on the coast in Delaware so we are usually spared of any major storms, hurricanes, etc. (never quite figured out why). On the flip side, I'm glad u got some use outta the skirting bc u guys put a lotta work into that job - happy it paid off for u. Well 😊 to hear ur all well & braved what was thrown at ya. Happy trails & stay safe. ~Peace✌
How long does it take you to do it?
Could be done in one solid day. We did it in a couple of days with help from the kiddos
I don't know if your comments are selective but these people must not have been living in their RVs for a while. That is not cheap! $800 for skirting is not cheap! I can think of three different ways to do skirting that looks good that's way cheaper than that around 150 bucks I can even do it for $80.
If you can do custom vinyl skirting that snaps onto the rig and can be used for multiple seasons for 80 bucks then maybe you should do a video and provide links to where people can purchase this material so cheap.
how is this holding up?
Great! It traveled well once we we moving full-time too. We pulled in out for the crazy Texas winter storm in 2020 and we were incredibly grateful to have it. We have since sold this rig and another family is in a colder area and using the skirting again full time. We've been really please!
do you have any experience long term living in a colorado rv park?
Did about an 8 month stretch when we first started
September through April
@@HayesHumbleHomestead awesome, what area? I'm moving there to work at a ski mtn and am trying to find some first hand info on long term sites
@@noahheninger863 we were on the western slope around Montrose.
@@HayesHumbleHomestead have you ever docked in the summit county area?
It’s measure not maysure
Thanks teach!
Cheap $800? They sell kits for under $400?
Wonderful!
On the Cheap $800 dollars ?
Yup it worked out pretty good and much cheaper than anything we were quoted
Did you really stage your exit from the trailer like you are on this old house? Cringe
On the cheap For $800 bucks .... That ain't Cheap in my world .
If you can do custom vinyl skirting for less I would suggest making a video on how to do it and provide links to the materials. The snap tool alone was $150. There a plenty of ways to skirt a camper using cheaper materials but I haven't seen a vinyl skirting any cheaper.
Bruh. You way way overpaid. Get on amazon man.
I would be interested to see what you found on Amazon. We didn't have any luck finding a reasonable kit on there.
No fair making such a statement then not backing it up with links.