Why Enclose Your Travel Trailer’s Underbelly?
Enclosing the underbelly of your travel trailer is an excellent way to improve insulation, protect vital components, and enhance overall comfort during your RV adventures. While many high-end trailers come with enclosed underbellies, you can easily retrofit your existing trailer with some simple DIY techniques.
Materials for Underbelly Enclosure
One of the most popular and effective materials for enclosing a travel trailer’s underbelly is radiant barrier foil insulation. This lightweight, silver-faced bubble wrap-like material offers several advantages:
• Easy to install
• Excellent insulation properties
• Moisture-resistant
• Reflects heat, keeping your trailer cooler in summer
Step-by-Step Guide to Enclosing Your Trailer’s Underbelly
Clean the underside of your trailer thoroughly.
Measure the area you need to cover.
Cut the radiant barrier foil to size, leaving a slight overlap.
Apply a strong adhesive suitable for outdoor use to the trailer’s underside.
Carefully attach the radiant barrier foil, smoothing out any bubbles or wrinkles.
Seal the edges with weatherproof tape for added protection.
Adding Extra Protection with Skirting
For additional insulation and protection, especially in colder climates, consider adding skirting around your trailer’s base. While commercial skirting options are available, a cost-effective DIY solution is to use hay bales:
• Place hay bales around the perimeter of your trailer.
• Ensure a snug fit to minimize drafts.
• Replace wet or damaged bales as needed.
Maintenance and Considerations
• Regularly inspect your underbelly enclosure for damage or wear.
• Ensure proper ventilation to prevent moisture buildup.
• Consider adding a small access panel for easy maintenance of plumbing and electrical systems.
By enclosing your travel trailer’s underbelly, you’ll enjoy better temperature control, increased energy efficiency, and improved protection for your trailer’s vital components. This simple DIY project can significantly enhance your RVing experience, especially during extreme weather conditions.