Get pumped by AirSkirts

Say goodbye to heat-stealing drafts under your RV.

by

Words and photos by Perry Mack

Simply the most innovative RV skirting system, AirSkirts uses durable inflatable tubes along the perimeter of your undercarriage to insulate the space under your trailer or motorhome. This is the fastest and easiest skirting to install and pack up when you’re ready to move on to a new destination.

We installed AirSkirts under our 2017 Montana High Country 305RL, an 11 m (36 ft) fifth wheel, but AirSkirts are designed to also work with travel trailers and motorhomes and come in kits to fit your size of RV. Using their website, you choose your RV style, measure your RV length and ground clearance, and AirSkirts will create a kit with the correct tubes to fit your unit. It comes complete with a carry bag, high-velocity inflator, an owner’s manual, as well as protectors for sharp edges and corners. Although the tubes are rugged, a patch kit is included for those ‘just-in-case’ moments.

The benefits of this system over other skirting options are numerous. Installation can be under 30 minutes depending on the size and style of your RV. If a section is out of place, just deflate it a little, adjust, and then re-inflate.

When the skirting tubes are removed, the RV is in its unaltered condition. There are no channels, snaps or buttons screwed or glued on - just the original clean appearance, which will maintain the value of the RV. Let’s not forget that the AirSkirts are transferable to other models. The tubes are available separately so if an RVer needs one or two more (or a different size), they can be easily ordered.

Installing most types of skirting not only includes attaching the skirting to your RV but securing the bottom edge with some combination of stakes, ropes, sandbags, PVC pipe and/or clamps. There’s nothing wrong with these systems but the AirSkirts' system doesn’t require the extra effort at each site and works independently of the type of terrain – grass, sand or concrete.

Trapped air is a good insulator. Like the space between residential double pane windows or those that are framed within fibreglass, the insulating pocket reduces heat transfer. While plywood and fibreglass RV skirts provide good insulation, they are not nearly as portable, easy to install and remove.

The installed result looks clean and will no doubt cause envious stares of other RVers, especially those in Airstream trailers as the look is astoundingly complimentary.

Installation is simple. You may already do this at every site you camp at but if you don’t, walk around the RV and clean up any broken glass, nails and discarded metal. Unroll the tubes, valve side up in their assigned position. It’s okay if they overlap a little as they’ll take up less length as they inflate. Try not to unnecessarily trap any external cables or water lines underneath the tubes, especially if you plan to adjust or move them later. Also, there’s no need to worry about the tubes pushing up against the black and grey water valves just as long as the valves are accessible.

The 800 W high-velocity inflator requires AC power so plug into shore power or use your generator. The hose slips into the inflation port on the tube and locks with a half turn. Inflate the tube to 50 percent and then reposition the tube so the inflation port is facing outwards. The tube should push up against the I-beam or flat bottom of your RV, depending on your trailer or coach construction. Fully inflate the tube, quickly disconnect the inflator and put the port plug in place. When they are properly inflated, they will be soft to the touch. You’ll also need to allow room for expansion when temperatures are warmer.

If you have a double- or triple-axle trailer and choose the optional tire wedges, put them in the ground near the tires and be sure the wheel chocks are on the outside of the tires so they don’t contact with the tire wedges. The wedges inflate the same way as the tubes.

The only difference is you’ll put a little air in the wedges, place them in position and inflate fully. As before, quickly disconnect the inflator and insert the port plug in place. We also invested in the AirSkirts double axle tire covers, which cover both tires at once giving us a great seal against drafts.

Stairs require some extra attention since there’s a gap between the top step and the RV. If you’ve ordered the optional stair pillow, place it in position after the tube is inflated below the stair and follow the usual inflation procedure. You’ll have two small gaps on either side of the stair. You can leave it as is or place some Reflectix (bubble wrap) in the space.

If you own a fifth wheel and want to enclose the area under the hitch, you’ll have to build or buy a separate enclosure as the company hasn’t designed an option yet.

We’ve talked about all of the pros, but what about the cons? AirSkirts cost roughly the same as a custom-built skirt, the appearance isn’t as ‘clean’ looking as traditional skirting, and with the high clearance fifth wheels, the space under the slide and hitch remains exposed.  So if you like to store stuff under the RV, you’ll lose some space.

For many RVers though, the unique look, fast install, easy removal, and simple storage of these durable, insulating tubes make AirSkirts the perfect solution to warmer winters and cooler summers.