How to Skirt a Trailer with Foam Board | Cheap DIY RV Skirting

How to make cheap DIY RV skirting out of foil-backed foam board to protect your trailer from freezing winter temperatures.
QUUESTIONS? To learn about other RV skirting options, go here: rvinspiration....
Project materials:
Foil Tape - sovrn.co/gtwp0in
White duct tape - sovrn.co/4qpfa6u
Tent stakes - amzn.to/3giagF9
Foam board - sovrn.co/1hp76jp
To skirt our 37-foot fifth wheel RV (going around its 4 slides but not around the gooseneck) RV we used 7 pieces of 1"x4'x8' foil-backed polystyrene foam board insulation (purchased at Lowe's), one roll of foil HVAC tape, one roll of white duct tape, and some tent stakes we already had. The total cost we spent on materials for the project was around $106 (not including tax), plus about $15 for a knife we purchased for the project.
Materials used:
-foil HVAC tape: amzn.to/30d9QET
-white duct tape - Bought at Lowe's but you could try this kind that says it leaves no residue: amzn.to/2FOlHBZ
-bulk tent stakes: amzn.to/3ch93r4
-foil-backed polystyrene foam board: Bought at Lowe's
Read the complete blog post about this project here: rvinspiration....
Visit my blog to see how we have previously made DIY vinyl RV skirting for less than $200:
rvinspiration....
Copyright notice: Do not publish screenshots from this video without my permission. If you embed this video on your website, please include a do-follow link to RVinspiration.com for credit.

[@kaneyhobelar3618]

Thank you so much for this informative and helpful video! I am a 63 year old woman who has to do this project completely alone, and I have no experience. LOL. Your video is giving me confidence that I will be able to do this! Off to Lowe's now! Wish me luck! LOL

[@RVInspiration]

So glad to hear it! Good luck!

[@masonpugh3637]

May God bless 🙏 much prayers

[@jenjenkins3058]

41 here & about to do it myself! Thank you!

[@donaldjacobs6622]

I am in the same situation we can do this

[@shaunahoskins8689]

I’m 55 and on my own. Very worried. Now I feel MUCH more confident!!! Thanks!!

[@johnathandamron3162]

I am making a comment to help the algorithm to get you more views because this is a great idea as long as someone is in the same spot for 1 winter.

[@RVInspiration]

Thank you! I appreciate that!

[@musicpoker7822]

We just bought a 5th wheel and found this video about skirting. We'll do exactly this, but a few suggestions: Use an "Olfa" knife for slicing...you can put the razor blade out far enough to go through 2" foam. Also, if you use a drywall T Square, you can cut a 4 foot slice using it as a straight edge. To get a nice edge for the wheel cutouts, put your piece against the wheel, and from the inside, trace the outline. Then cut on the line...perfect fit...

[@RVInspiration]

Great tip! Thanks!

[@Umi-imU-We-Are-One]

You could also use colored mulch or wood chips around the base to fill in any uneven gaps.

[@kymberlyrose6747]

I'm right with you

[@laurastehr9387]

As a new rv owner and plan on using it over winter this has helped immensely and calmed my anxiety regarding the cost . After watching this video I feel I can start buying materials bit by bit so not such a huge expense all at once . Thank you

[@juiceman1930]

Well thanks so much for responding. We have a 2022 5 th wheel and live in central Illinois. Last year we had real cold weather and had all kinds of problems. So this year we’re installing 2 inch foam boards all around, pretty much do the same thing you did. I was just Leary of putting tape on the sides of the trailer. What I also did to keep the bottom from kicking out or in , I cut a bunch of farm post to about 6 inches and put them at the bottom of both sides of the foam board. Works great to keep them in place. Thanks again. Happy camping 😊👍

[@larryjanson4011]

do the taping on the underside of the coach. that way no damage to your paint. also with the foam board under the coach skirting the water stays outside better.

[@LovingIdaho]

I have to use 2 inch foam skirting . I am about 75% done before i found your video. I used my buck 110 to do the cutting . It took a little figuring, but I went flush with rv even inside fenders with the 2 inch . I used 2x4 lumber in the corners to screw to .

[@jackhall4680]

Here is an idea for spray foam on concrete to deal gaps in the bottom- put down plastic or Saran wrap, then spray foam on that. The concrete will be completely protected. Glad I proofread before posting- my spell checker turned "Satan wrap into Satan wrap

[@RVInspiration]

Great idea! I have heard of using spray foam before, but the addition of Saran Wrap is brilliant! I will add that tip to my blog post!

[@jayner3981]

Were u able to remove the tape without damaging the RV? Any glue left on rig afterwards?

[@RVInspiration]

With duct tape in the past, it left a ton of glue and damaged the RV in places, but the foil tape leaves a lot less if any residue. It depends on how long you leave it up for (many years = more possible residue)

[@patriciafortune8200]

Wow that is the best foam board skirting job I've seen.

[@RVInspiration]

Thank you! We tried really hard to make it look good.

[@allisont5900]

We just bought the materials to do this! Thanks for the instructions and for sharing your experience with affordable skirting.

[@RVInspiration]

You’re welcome! Glad to be able to help!

[@AndysJourneys]

Great info. Coming to you from Chattanooga TN

[@RVInspiration]

Glad to help!

[@slickguns819]

It is not easy to cut styrofoam perfect and the right angles... It looks good you get a 9 : ) I’m about to do that to my motorhome, I like the white duct tape how you hid the corners Great job👍🏽 nice video I need it to watch a video like this and it was perfect... thank you so much for your time and effort and for that you get a 10 : )

[@RVInspiration]

Thank you! It definitely helped to have two people working together on the project! Glad the video was helpful!

[@ladyofthewoods2448]

Thank you I’m from Missouri also Springfield just got my older class c pulled in a spot for winter my first time RV living . I have been concerned about what to do about freezing plumbing .... this was a big help I just need to go buy the supplies thank you hopefully I can do it by myself I bet I can . It’s getting cold here .

[@RVInspiration]

Glad to help! :)

[@adamc4321]

Thanks for the ideas

[@RVInspiration]

You're welcome!

[@robertleeevans]

Nice tips on dealing with the foam board. Thank You.

[@kennethjohnson7973]

White grease works great for open holes.

[@RVInspiration]

Great tip!

[@davesivonen9020]

Good video. Thanks. I will be doing this to mine.

[@RVInspiration]

Good luck!

[@tigg2175]

Great job I was very impressed! I’m supposed to get my rig on Saturday, so I’m kind of glad that I don’t have that right now, especially cause it’s freezing right now in Texas! I am going to be a new RVEr and everything seems a little overwhelming of the things you have to learn, but I really enjoyed this video hopefully I could do something like that in the future.

[@jackhall4680]

Dang! It did it again! But you know what I meant.

[@ecqcevos4675]

Good video. Thank you for sharing.

[@juiceman1930]

I would like to know what happens when you pull off all the tape. Doesn’t it damage the paint. Or leave all the sticky stuff on from the tape.

[@RVInspiration]

Duct tape definitely can, but the HVAC foil tape will be better. To easily remove adhesive, we always use a heat gun (a hair dryer can also work!)

[@juiceman1930]

Thanks. 👍

[@rongray4118]

Excellent!

[@unionse7en]

put stakes/material behind it as well

[@RVInspiration]

We did! :)

[@davidpasters9389]

Good job, going to do ours the same.

[@carolcrawford5958]

Does the tape peel off the paint on your trailer

[@RVInspiration]

It didn't in my experience, but some adhesive was left behind which I used GooGone to remove.

[@rebeccabarrouk1362]

question...when you remove that HVAC all weather tape, did it damage your RV at all? I am worried about that.

[@susanshaver912]

Curious to know if it damaged anything when you took it off. How did it hold up in the wind?

[@aMeemsb]

Hi🖐, it looks great🙌! As if it were preinstalled.👏 I have some questions, that may have been previously answered and I do apologize if they're redundant. When you've installed the insulation as skirting,

[@jimbothompkins]

Awesome. I'm planning to do this tomorrow as our trailer is very cold tonight. Im worried about the wind. Did you have many problems with wind damaging or dislodging foam pieces?

[@RVInspiration]

We did not, but you can use rocks or tent stakes to help keep them anchored. We recommend it, just in case some crazy winds whip through!

[@ericbaker6542]

2” thick foam board is not that much more expensive and much more sturdy FYI

[@RVInspiration]

Thanks for the tip! We actually chose the thinner foam board because we liked that it was white instead of pink or blue. :D It ended up being plenty sturdy for us.

[@Umi-imU-We-Are-One]

No one wants a pink or blue skirt unless you're a girl 😉

[@ryanwolf1034]

How much did all the foam cost you?

[@RonTarr-l9o]

That looks like it’s only 1” thick? How good did it perform and do you stay in cold weather areas

[@RVInspiration]

It worked really well! I discuss it in depth on our website with installation details and the pros and cons: rvinspiration.com/rv-life/foam-board-rv-skirting/

[@michellejohnson6272]

sorry if this was asked, i see this post has been up for a bit. How did it do for that winter? what would you change? if anything

[@RVInspiration]

It did great! If the RV hadn't sold, would've kept it up year round

[@CCKnight]

Love the cargo are. What kind of Fifth wheel do you have? I’m looking to upgrade. Also how long did it last? Thanks.

[@gymbagg8716]

In real cold climate you need to put Styrofoam boards or straw on the ground , the cold will still be in the space under your rv or other vehicles if you don't putting insulation around the edges is necessary for the purpose of wind snow or ice protection.

[@stephaniewalter6727]

For those of you staying in your RV full-time...manufacturers say to run your slides in and out once a month. Is anyone doing this? Obviously you can't do this with the skirting attached. We will be stationary for the winter but vhf traveling the country after that.

[@RVInspiration]

We didn't do that, but we probably should have. We only moved our slides in and out three times in three years, and the third time one of them got stuck (fortunately we got it unstuck). I also had a friend who was stationary for a long time and had a slide get stuck when they were preparing to move their RV. With skirting it may not be possible to move them once a month, but I would definitely try to do it at least once per year.

[@oxconcreteremovalfirewoodm3863]

Is the tape hard to remove after?

[@birdistheword1327]

I'd like to know this as well

[@user-hy3in8nb6u]

They have 24 inch foam :)

[@maryarnold1160]

In the past, we have used the foam board and used tape to secure it to the RV. The only concern I have is when it is removed, the tape leaves residue on the RV and was not easily removed or in some instances, couldn't remove it at all no matter what we tried using. Any ideas what we could do without using tape.

[@RVInspiration]

Did you use the foil HVAC tape? I haven’t experienced that it leaves any residue.

[@dkleath8697]

I've been binging on RV Living vids > most recommended the Alum inum tape shown & said it left no residue...🙂

[@bambambino23]

First hard wind and those are blowing accross town.

[@RVInspiration]

Surprisingly that never happened with the foam board, though we tried vinyl skirting the wind would kick it up often.

[@danhoy8356]

What do rv folks do with their tires if their parking for winter.. say 4 months. Do you jack them off the ground or do anything

[@RVInspiration]

You will definitely put your jacks down but you don’t want your tires off the ground. The jacks will alleviate pressure on the tires themselves. You may also use tire covers to protect from sun damage while sitting. For winter you’ll like skirt anyway so you can cover the wheels with whatever you use as a skirt!

[@danhoy8356]

Thanks. I’m moving away from the family for a few months for work and will be hanging out in a camp trailer. So this is all amazing information for me! Thanks for sharing your knowledge with everyone

[@gabby560]

Maybe I missed it somewhere, but did you paint one side of the board?

[@dennisbaratta752]

i like the way the foam works but i don't think that tape is going to come off without damaging the rv's finish or make for a hard clean up after?

[@debrastorm5695]

Does the duck tape leave a sticky residue on your trailer once you take the board down. Thank you

[@RVInspiration]

The foil HVAC tape does not leave a sticky residue.

[@Jiigzy]

You guys still active on here? Would love to see more!

[@RVInspiration]

Hi! Yep we're still here but haven't made much video content yet. It's one of my goals for the future, but currently most of my content is in written form over at RVinspiration.com. :)

[@mikeandre9903]

👍👍

[@debrastorm5695]

Do you put a light or small ceramic heater under house?

[@RVInspiration]

I did not find it necessary to do that in my climate, but some people do.

[@jchowning44]

Is there any issues with the foam board from the RV swaying in wind or rocking? Seems like it might get stressed

[@jchowning44]

Also, what was the general cost?

[@cloudhousereviews]

Will this tape take any paint off?

[@RVInspiration]

It shouldn't, but never say never. Using a heat gun when you remove the tape would help!

[@kaylazerck2476]

How well did this work for the winter? What temperature does it get there? This is our first year and apparently didn't think about this soon enough and now scrambling 🤦‍♀️😂😂

[@RVInspiration]

Worked great for us! Lowest temperatures were in the single digits Fahrenheit. Check out the Facebook group called “Winter RVing-Let’s Stay Warm Together!” for more tips on surviving cold climates and sub-zero temperatures in an RV!

[@jwall62]

@@RVInspiration how well did the tape come off that was on the side of the RV? Did it leave residue behind?

[@patriciafortune8200]

Im going to be breaking vinyl skirting from used bill board vinyl. Where can i read your blog on how to do it? Did the mobil home park say why they didn't like it?

[@patriciafortune8200]

Thank you. Im going to do the used bill board vinyl to make a skirt but i want to see how, or read how you did it. You do actually work.

[@RVInspiration]

Hi Patricia, here's the URL to the blog post: rvinspiration.com/rv-life/cheap-diy-rv-skirting/ The managers at the mobile home park said they didn't allow vinyl skirting because they thought it looked worse than foam board skirting, which is opposite of what I would have thought. :)

[@dalekeltner5003]

How dose this stand up to 40 mph winds

[@r.p.9777]

May I ask... Do y'all have any problems with rodents? We have so many, where we're at. I'm at a loss as to how to keep them from getting into our RV.

[@RVInspiration]

We get the balsam and peppermint satchets that are supposed to be great for repelling mice. (Any farm/tractor store will have them) Light can also help keep them away!

[@Sweetcheeks168]

my 5th wheel sat on a slab how could l steak it down?

[@RVInspiration]

In my article about this project (linked in the description) I provide some alternative ideas for if stakes aren’t an option. Some people use pieces of lumber which they attach the foam to. Another idea I’ve heard is to run a bead of spray foam insulation along each side of the bottom of the foam board, but you will probably want to put something underneath where you spray so you’re not having to scrape foam up off the pavement (one reader suggested aluminum foil).

[@Sweetcheeks168]

@@RVInspiration thank you,love your videos ,

[@toshiapallesen4474]

The HVAC tape from Home Depot used it and it comes up a day later isn’t there a better adhesive it cost $23 for the roll and we bought two and put two strips all around rv but it doesn’t adhere that great. Is there any better tape out there ?

[@RVInspiration]

I’m sorry the tape you bought didn’t work for you. There is a link in the video description to the exact brand of HVAC tape I used. I didn’t have a problem with the brand I used. The only other type of tape I know of to recommend that is supposed to come off cleanly and not leave residue would be Gaffer’s Tape which you can also find on Amazon. It’s used by people in the film industry for taping things up temporarily. I’ve never tried it for RV skirting so I can’t say how well it would work for that purpose.

[@toshiapallesen4474]

@@RVInspiration ok I will check out the brand you used and order it and hopefully it will work. Thank you for replying to my comment.

[@dkleath8697]

No matter what tape is used surface MUST be super clean > rubbing alcohol...

[@toshiapallesen4474]

@@dkleath8697 ok thank you I’ll be sure to buy some and wipe the area where the tape will be applied.

[@SpazzYettii]

is that 1 inch ?

[@RVInspiration]

Yes it is.

[@patriciafortune8200]

One more question. Why do people take them off for summer if they're staying long term in one place?

[@gmjones7537]

I wouldn't. It serves triple duty keeping varmints out, covering tires and insulation!

[@RVInspiration]

We didn't this summer! Also there are several other RV's in our park who have had their skirting up all summer. Maybe some RV parks or mobile home parks require it to be taken off?

[@JacobNykiel]

Do you have any worries doing it this way with animals burrowing under your foam board and living under your RV?

[@alfredabbey6162]

Where in Missouri are you?

[@RVInspiration]

At the time we made this video we were at a mobile home park in Springfield. We also spent two winters living in our fifth wheel in Kansas City, KS.

[@alfredabbey6162]

@@RVInspiration that's cool, I was born near there but I haven't been home for many years. I'm currently living in a 5th wheel camper too, maybe next year I'll be able to get back there again.

[@hayleyf6094]

Do you have any cheaper options for someone who might be moving every 2 weeks? I’m nervous to do the vinyl because it looks like I could get expensive, as we might be in single digit/negative weather. Any suggestions?

[@larryjanson4011]

the vinyl is the best way for mobile use. foam board requires lots of storage space.

[@juliethompson9038]

Is it a pain to take off to go dump your tanks? I’m buying an Rv in the next couple months of days and it seems like you will have to rip that off each time you have to go dump.

[@joshtimmons7332]

I'm going to tuck my slide in to save on space heating cost. What do you use for your windows ?

[@RVInspiration]

I covered my windows with the clear plastic that shrinks when it’s heated and it made a big difference. Over time though I started using plexiglass instead (as I could afford it) so I could leave it up year round without worrying about my cat tearing it up. I actually have a blog post I wrote about these solutions as well as a couple of others I tried. Here’s the URL if you would like to check it out: rvinspiration.com/rv-life/prepare-rv-windows-for-winter/

[@seanpaulson9098]

What do yall do about cridders?

[@RVInspiration]

Wish them well? Haha we never had a problem with them. But if they were a problem I would probably just seal the gaps a little better.

[@Annunaki2012return]

How does that hold up on high winds

[@RVInspiration]

The highest winds we experienced with the skirting in place were during a tornado warning and the skirting didn’t budge.

[@cowgirlartist5581]

Do it reverse?

[@jacobmccandles1767]

So how does this work in the wind?

[@jacobmccandles1767]

@@placeholder4558 I am indeed on the prairie, in the Chinook winds "shadow of the Rockies". Thanks for the prompt reply.

[@RVInspiration]

You may need extra reinforcement if you're on a prairie, but we never had a problem with it blowing away having it taped to the RV along the top edge and staked to the ground on both sides at the bottom.

[@RVInspiration]

Some people build a frame from lumber to attach the foam board to for extra reinforcement. I would probably take it one step at a time though before going to all that trouble. If you’re on dirt ground the tent stakes really do a good job and are much easier, and you could add an extra layer or two of foil tape to reinforce its strength along the top.

[@cowgirlartist5581]

What about summer heat????

[@justbacon9803]

Is this foam board or styrofoam?

[@Kartertheblackmamba]

Did you not read THE TITLE? Lol

[@RVInspiration]

In the video we used 1" polystyrene (styrofoam) but you can use the foam board that's a denser type of foam board if you prefer. A thicker one is probably preferable if you want it to last multiple years, but we chose this kind because it was all white and I preferred that look.

[@alishacoffey9802]

Foam board are not that warm in the winter months

[@brittanykhader8721]

How long does it last

[@brittanykhader8721]

That's

[@brittanykhader8721]

Thanks

[@sagemoongifts]

what state are you in how cold and how much snow do u see

[@RVInspiration]

If you aren't planning to move, it can easily last two years, and maybe more, if you just leave it up and repair as needed. Taking it down and then re-using the same foam board the next year is just about impossible though.

[@RVInspiration]

@@sagemoongifts We were in Missouri when we made this skirting. Temperatures get down into the single digits but not often below zero F. Most of the time snow accumulates just 1-2 inches and then melts completely after a couple of days, but once or twice each winter it will snow 6-8 inches and last around a week.

[@stonefist1428]

Too bad that stuff doesnt work in very windy places.

[@RVInspiration]

It can work! Just takes a little more creativity! Some people build a frame out of lumber to attach it to.

[@shermanmace3773]

That will never stand up to a strong wind. You need bricks on the backside of those panels and even further protection, you could lay 2"x2" boards going from one side across to the other side against the bricks. That would pretty much stop a strong wind from pushing them under the trailer. If strong winds can push ships off course it wouldn't take much for your 1'' styrofoam to blow under; and once it blows one side under, it will blow the other side outward and all your work will be for naught. Your video is a year old and you probably have had it happen already.

[@RVInspiration]

This skirting stayed up for a full year, and it didn't budge until we took it down. As I already told another commenter, extra reinforcement may be needed in an area that is more prairie-like. We were located in a wooded area and our RV was between some mobile homes so the wind for us was probably far less than it would be for some people, although we did experience two tornado warnings during our stay there with pretty high winds. But like I mentioned in the video, we used tent stakes on both sides of the foam board to hold it in place.

[@shermanmace3773]

@@RVInspiration thank you, i recently bought the same thing to do my camper.

[@susanshaver912]

@@RVInspiration That is so good to hear! Thanks for the follow up.

[@randyscrafts8575]

😂😂 You're married? Aren't you like 13.

[@randyscrafts8575]

@Ashley Mann Apparently you're taking care of yourself or you have good genes. This video is 3 years old so you look 16 now? 😂😂😂 Kidding. Keep taking care. 👍👍

[@ToyBoxPoleStudio]

thanks for the video. how hard was it to remove the tape from the rv, did it damage anything?

[@ToyBoxPoleStudio]

@Ashley Mann Hi, thanks for the reply. I wish RVs came w snaps installed to make the option easier, but both of your skirts seemed to work for you. . The foam board you used in Missouri kept everything from freezing, you were happy with it? As for gaffer it is a "fabric" type tape used to wrap hockey stick handles and such, my guess is its not weather resistant for a full winter, just like you mentioned. thanks again and just a quick yes or no if the foam board kept your pipes from freezing in Missouri, I will be facing a New England winter so all info is appreciated. Thanks again Kristen

[@ToyBoxPoleStudio]

@Ashley Mann Thank you so much! I really appreciate your help. So hard to get answers some times. Thank you again and I wish you and your family continued good fortune in all of your adventures together. Gratefully Kristen

[@DustinJohnston4714]

How many pieces did it take to go around the hole 5th wheel?

[@DustinJohnston4714]

Did you guy do your windows as well?

[@richc.3100]

Will the tape be easy to get off?

[@RVInspiration]

The foil tape is very easy to pull off, and if you pull slowly, will not damage the exterior or leave behind any residue.

[@ninettekurtz5920]

How does this hold up with snow ?