Winter’s chill can be a real hazard for travel trailers. But there’s a secret weapon that savvy RV enthusiasts swear by – travel trailer skirting. This simple, yet effective solution can make a world of difference in maintaining the comfort and functionality of your mobile abode.
Travel Trailer Skirting
Delving deeper into the concept of travel trailer skirting, understanding its numerous benefits, and identifying the reasons for its importance can significantly elevate the RV lifestyle. Travel trailer skirting serves as a barrier that encases the exposed bottom region of an RV or travel trailer. Primarily created from durable and robust materials like vinyl, foam board, or plywood, it’s designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. Further examples include customized made fabrics that fit the trailer’s exact dimensions and commercially available options that cater to generic sizing.
- Thermal Insulation: Skirting aids in maintaining a consistent internal temperature within the travel trailer, significantly reducing the burden on heating systems during chilly periods and air conditioning units in scorching periods.
- Energy Efficiency: By stabilizing the internal temperature, it minimizes energy consumption, directly translating into cost savings on energy bills.
- Aspect Protection: It serves as a potent shielding layer against high winds, freezing temperatures, intense heat, and debris, maintaining the trailer’s structural and operational integrity.
Types of Travel Trailer Skirting
Vinyl Skirting & Plywood Skirtin
Vinyl emerges as the go-to option for many due to its balance between durability, aesthetic appeal, and cost. Remarkably light, vinyl simplifies the installation process, translating to time and labor savings for RV owners. Its longevity is worth noting, for it resists common elements like rain and snow. Vinyl skirting, however, demands a studier anchor system, owing to its lightweight nature that makes it susceptible to high winds.
Skirting made from plywood provides a sturdy, long-lasting solution at an affordable cost. Among its advantages is the ability to withstand strong winds, render it an ideal option for areas prone to harsh weather conditions. Extending this, plywood offers impressive protection, keeping pests away more effectively compared to other materials. Plywood, however, isn’t the most attractive option and might require additional decoration or painting to enhance its overall appeal.
Foam Board Skirting
With superior thermal insulation qualities, foam board skirting attracts those RV owners keen on maximizing energy efficiency. Its isolation qualities limit heat transfer, ensuring the interior of the trailer remains comfortable regardless of the weather. Foam board skirting, though beneficial, carries the drawback of limited durability, particularly when exposed to harsh weather conditions or aggressive pests.
Maintenance and Care for Skirting
Regular Maintenance Tips
Efficiently caring for RV skirting begins with routine, thorough cleaning. This process removes dirt, mold, and mildew, thus increasing the lifespan of any skirting material. For Vinyl skirting, a blend of mild detergent and warm water forms an appropriate cleaning solution. In the case of foam board and plywood, a simple wipe down with a damp cloth proves sufficient.
Protecting these skirt materials from UV exposure preserves their structural integrity. RV owners achieve this by applying UV-protective sprays to their skirting.
Dealing with Damage and Repairs
Damages to RV skirts are, unfortunately, inevitable, given the constant exposure to outdoors. An immediate response facilitates quick repairs, extending the life of the skirting.
For minor vinyl skirting damage, patch kits available in RV stores offer quick-fix solutions. Application of these patches covers up damage, restoring the protective function of the vinyl. In severe cases, replacement of the affected panel becomes necessary.
Foam board skirting damage necessitates a different approach. Here, large cracks in the foam can be filled with latex foam sealant while small punctures can be patched with waterproof adhesive tape.
Importance of Travel Trailer Skirting
Travel trailer skirting isn’t just an accessory; it’s a necessity. It safeguards your RV from harmful elements and pesky intruders while boosting energy efficiency. The choice between vinyl, foam board, and plywood, each with its unique benefits and drawbacks, depends on your specific needs and circumstances.
