Staying comfortable in your RV, whether it’s during a scorching summer day or a frosty winter night, heavily depends on good insulation.
While RV manufacturers do include insulation, there’s often room for improvement, and many DIY solutions can make a significant difference in maintaining a stable interior temperature and reducing your heating and cooling costs.
As someone who has spent countless nights in an RV in all sorts of weather, I can tell you that improving RV insulation is a worthwhile DIY project.
Reflectix, foam board, and even heavy curtains can make a big difference in temperature control and energy savings. This is absolutely key; even simple measures can have a noticeable impact.
If you're ready to roll up your sleeves and make some real improvements to your RV's insulation, here are a few products I’d personally recommend.
These are trusted by RVers and offer great performance for common problem areas like windows, vents and underbellies.
This is a staple in any DIY insulation toolkit. It’s lightweight, easy to cut, and incredibly versatile.
I’ve used Reflectix in windows, cabinet doors, behind drawers – just about everywhere. It does a solid job at reflecting radiant heat both ways and gives you quick wins without much effort.
Buy Reflectix BP48050 Double Reflective Insulation
Skylights can be beautiful but brutal in extreme temps.
This inflatable cushion fits neatly into your skylight and blocks out heat or cold without a permanent install.
It’s a clever solution that doesn’t involve foam board or duct tape – plus, it’s reusable and easy to deflate and store.
Buy AirSkirts AirLight Inflatable Skylight Vent Insulator
If you’re stationary for long stretches or camping through the winter, this bundle is a game-changer.
It insulates the underbelly with inflatable barriers that are easier to set up than traditional skirting. You’ll notice a big difference in how well your RV retains heat – and it’s reusable, which saves money over time.
Buy AirSkirts Extreme Weather All-Season RV Insulation Bundle
This is a simple but effective addition for standard RV roof vents. It’s a foam-filled cushion with a reflective surface that pops right into place – no cutting or fussing required.
It blocks drafts and helps keep interior temps stable. I’ve kept one in every RV I’ve owned.
Buy Ventmate 67304 Roof Vent Insulation Cushion
Your RV is essentially a small box on wheels, and it’s exposed to the elements on all six sides. Heat and cold can easily transfer through the walls, roof, floor, and especially the windows.
Better insulation helps to:
Let’s look at the common areas where you can make a difference with some DIY effort. You can find materials like Reflectix and foam board at most home improvement stores, and specific RV products at places like RVupgradestore.com.
Windows are a major source of heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
Roof vents and skylights are also prime spots for heat exchange.
Ensure your door seals are in good condition. Replace worn or cracked weather stripping.
You can add a layer of foam board or Reflectix to the inside of the door, covered with a decorative panel if desired.
A heavy curtain or blanket can be hung over the door in extreme temperatures.
This is a more involved project but can yield significant benefits, especially for cold-weather camping.
If your RV has an enclosed underbelly (coroplast), you can sometimes add layers of foam board insulation or spray foam (use with caution and proper ventilation) between the frame members and the coroplast. Be mindful of not blocking access to tanks or wiring.
Insulating the walls and doors of exterior storage bays can also help, especially if they are adjacent to heated living spaces.
The floors and roofs of slide-outs can be weak points for insulation. Adding skirting around your RV when parked for extended periods can help insulate the underside of slide-outs and the main floor.
Some RVers add foam board insulation under the slide-out floor when it’s extended, or create custom-insulated panels for slide-out windows.
Adding insulation to existing walls and ceilings is a major undertaking, usually only done during a renovation. However, if you have access to interior wall cavities or the roof structure, adding foam board or other suitable insulation can be very effective.
Improving your RV’s insulation through DIY projects can make a substantial difference in your comfort level across all seasons.
From simple window coverings with Reflectix to more involved underbelly insulation, every bit helps.
By strategically targeting the areas most prone to heat loss or gain, you can create a more stable and energy-efficient environment inside your home on wheels.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different materials and techniques to find what works best for your RV and your camping style. A little effort here can lead to big rewards in comfort and savings!
I’m Bill Rowell, the founder of RVupgrades.com. In 2002, I launched the business to help fellow RV enthusiasts find unique and hard-to-find products. Over the years, it’s grown to offer more than 15,000 items, with a warehouse in Eastlake, Ohio. Having owned and repaired nearly every type of RV, I bring over two decades of hands-on experience to the table. For me, this isn’t just a business – it’s a passion and a way of life that I love sharing with the RV community.
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