Community Forums

geekyexplore · 11-09-2011, 03:27 PM

Has anyone made their own winter RV skirting? If so, what material did you use? We are looking for something that doesn't take up much room, and isn't super heavy. Any tips?

While we don't plan on RVing in a mountain of snow, even here in AL we are seeing temps that are close to freezing at night. We want to make sure we don't have plumbing issues while we visit places that are just perfect during the day, but a tad chilly at night.

Thanks for any input!

Yellowreef · 11-09-2011, 03:31 PM

Wouldn't it be easier to install automatic tank warmers on your tanks? No need to worry about setup every time you move.

Something like this http://www.annodindustries.com/shop/

geekyexplore · 11-09-2011, 04:29 PM

I had no idea this kind of thing even existed - thanks! I will pass this on to Keith to review.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yellowreef

Wouldn't it be easier to install automatic tank warmers on your tanks? No need to worry about setup every time you move.

Something like this UltraHeat - UltraHeat Webstore

PapaBear1 · 11-09-2011, 09:20 PM

We are newbies too, and look forward to some considered and thoughtful suggestions as to "best practice". Vancouver Island.

**JohnRR** · 11-09-2011, 09:30 PM

Have you checked your manuals? Mine says to keep the furnace set to 45 and it's supposed to keep the under body warm enough. Now is that true, false or unreliable?

Roam America · 11-10-2011, 11:34 AM

I made mine from sheets of soft vinyl. I used snaps to secure the vinyl to the bottom edge of the coach. where the vinyl went under a slideout, I was able to use small screws/nut to secure it to a strip of aluminum that was there. The vinyl folds up to a relatively small package that I keep n storage when not needed.

In my mind the skirting had to do more with keeping the cold wind from blowing under the coach as well as keeping snow from drifting under the coach moreso than keeping the tanks warm. In my case the tanks are in heated space.

I only spent 1 winter in cold climate. unless I am forced to again, that was enough for me. I had a local LP company hookup a 100 gallon (460#) cylinder which they topped off about every 3 weeks. I had to prepay for 100 gallons at a time, so I figured the 100 gallons lasted about 6 weeks.

MSHappyCampers · 11-18-2011, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnRR

Have you checked your manuals? Mine says to keep the furnace set to 45 and it's supposed to keep the under body warm enough. Now is that true, false or unreliable?

We try to keep the furnace off and use electric heat as much as possible to save on propane. Also, the storage area under our 5er does not have a furnace vent.

Roam America · 11-18-2011, 08:28 AM

If your 5er's holding tanks are in heated space, then you need to keep the furnace on in cold environments (where it will be below freezing for long periods of time) to keep them from freezing up.

The skirting will assist the furnace in keeping the heated space warmer in that it will block those blustery cold winds and even snow from drifting under the coach.

I've heard where some people have used bales of hay. The CG I was in would not allow that as they were fearful of attracting bugs and rodents. They own the place so not much I could do. So I used the vinyl skirting. I had a local awning shop measure and make it up. It came in 5 pieces and used velcro where the individual pieces came together.