How to enclose bottom of RV (with slides) for winter?

Gail
by Gail

I want to enclose bottom of my RV (now tiny home) for winter to make it warmer. Don't know which would be easier or work better, snap on vinyl panels or mobile home skirting maybe, stacked cement blocks, or maybe stacked bags of mulch, or putting square hay bales around perimeter. I have plants in big pots around the RV but they won't block cold wind. I'm open for suggestions.

  5 answers
  • Laura Cooper Laura Cooper on Oct 31, 2018

    Hi Gail! There are insulated vinyl panels. That's what we used. It's amazing stuff! It's called Rapid Wall. It was very easy to work with.

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    • Laura Cooper Laura Cooper on Oct 31, 2018

      No apologies needed! First off..... It's not cheap. On the other hand, the panels are very easy to install, modify, and remove. When we installed it, we planned specifically for two easy to remove access panels. The top rail is a J-clip like regular vinyl skirting, but the panels aren't brittle since they are 2" thick. The panels interlock, so they hold up to high winds etc. We decided the investment was worth it since we full time. The whole system can be removed and installed at the next location. You wouldn't want to do that every week, but we don't move often. Your other questions are better answer on their website. They even have a cost estimator. http://rustiquerapidwall.com/

  • Lynn Sorrell Lynn Sorrell on Oct 31, 2018

    Cheapest and warmest are definitely the straw bales great insulation I have 38' Monaco with slide & that's what I use you when we stay up in mountains by Flagstaff. You can even cover them with black landscape plastic(comes in rolls) so they stay dry and the black will absorb even more heat from daytime sun.RV's have lousy insulation.Should check into mouse proofing it too depending where it's gonna be parked. They want to be warm & cozy too you can get cheap live traps at hardware store and use spray foam can to seal around any incoming pipes,hoses and electric.

    • Gail Gail on Oct 31, 2018

      Thank you. I didn't think about it drawing mice. I have a wonderful mouser!!! He lives the hunt but never eats them. He always brings them to me after he kills them. I also keep the green blocks out in areas he can't get to & they work well. I'm going to consider straw bales tho my final decision hasn't been made yet. Thank you for your insight.


      I like Laura's panels suggestion & will check it out too.

  • Dfm Dfm on Oct 31, 2018

    That looks much better than the hay or straw bales, the bales tend to draw mice.

  • Lynn Sorrell Lynn Sorrell on Oct 31, 2018

    Not trying to be mean but, do you want to look good & be cold or be warm & toasty? Straw bales will also keep it cooler in hot Texas summers,you could do both straw and nice skirting but it'll be more expensive. With a Trailer or RV the costs are always an issue especially if you don't have much money or are trying to live in one to live a cheaper/lower cost life(no home owners expenses) because you'll have extra expenses like gas,diesel fuel,engines,tires,brakes & more. The mice and ants will come in even with out the straw bales they climb in/up the tires,water lines,electric & sewer pipes. DBL stick gorilla tape helps with this put it just outside R where lines come in & then again where lines come into RV inside compartments. Make sure you don't block any exhaust pipes for engine,propane or generator.You don't get real cold where you are but you'll need to insulate outside lines water & sewer so they don't freeze. Also don't block or seal roof vents you'll want those to make sure you can still vent inside to prevent any moisture build up that will increase chances of getting mold. Especially around area you are in with the high humidity. I have also have installed 3 different detectors in mine carbon monoxide,propane,and fire. Getting started can be daunting but after you get the hang of all this it'll be fun.Most RVer's are couples however I'm single women in 60's and if I can learn all about this you can too. https://traveltips.usatoday.com/travel-trailers-can-use-winter-61215.html https://rvinspiration.com/rv-life/cheap-diy-rv-skirting/ https://www.google.com/search?q=Best+tips+for+living+in+RV%2FTrailer%2F+full+time&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS750US750&oq=Best+tips+for+living+in+RV%2FTrailer%2F+full+time&aqs=chrome..69i57.26528j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 https://www.google.com/search?q=full+time+RV+hacks&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS750US750&oq=full+time+RV+hacks&aqs=chrome..69i57.8900j1j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

  • Gail Gail on Oct 31, 2018

    Thank you for all the tips. I can use them.