Have you looked at your tandem axle RV or camper lately and noticed those plastic fender skirts are cracked, faded, or maybe even missing entirely? That’s a problem I faced some time ago. Failing to address it means exposing the undercarriage to road debris, potential tire damage from thrown rocks and gravel, and frankly, an unsightly appearance that can really detract from your rig’s overall look and value. Finding a good RV fender skirt replacement becomes necessary not just for aesthetics, but for practical protection on the road.
Before diving into a specific product, it’s important to remember why you’re looking for fender skirts in the first place. These aren’t just cosmetic panels; they serve a crucial purpose in protecting your trailer’s undercarriage, wiring, and even the sides from debris kicked up by the wheels. They also slightly contribute to aerodynamics and give your RV a finished look.
The ideal customer for replacement RV fender skirts is typically the owner of a dual or tandem axle RV, camper, or trailer whose original skirts are damaged, missing, or simply worn out. They might also be someone adding skirts to a trailer that didn’t originally come with them. However, if your trailer is a single axle unit, or if it requires a very specific, possibly custom-molded part, universal replacement skirts might not be the best fit without significant modification. Someone expecting factory-perfect, long-term durability without any installation hurdles might also need to manage their expectations.
Here are key things to think about before making a purchase:
* Axle Configuration: Is your trailer single, tandem, or triple axle? Most aftermarket skirts are specific to one configuration.
* Size and Dimensions: Measure your existing skirts or the space they covered precisely (width and height). Universal skirts come in standard sizes, but they need to match your wheel spacing and wheel well opening reasonably well.
* Material: Most are plastic. Consider the thickness and rigidity – does it feel durable? How does it handle temperature extremes?
* Installation: How are your current or missing skirts mounted? (Screws, rivets, welded tabs?). Universal skirts often require drilling new holes. Will you need mounting hardware (screws, bolts, washers)? Most aftermarket options do *not* include hardware.
* Color and Finish: Does the skirt come in a color that matches or can be painted to match your rig?
- Condition - Color: Black; Size Dimension: 69.3"(176cm)W x 10.8"(27.4cm)H. Please confirm size information before purchasing! Made with a strong durable plastic material
- Feature - The tandem trailer skirts are aesthetically streamlined to reduce drag thus increasing the motor homes fuel efficiency
- Notice - First determine its style by finding out the number of axle it is supposed to cover. Your trailer must have dual axle rear wheel design to fit these tandem fender skirts. You can paint them...
An Overview of the ECOTRIC Fender Skirts
The ECOTRIC RV Fender Skirt Replacement Tandem Trailer for RVs Campers and Trailers – Black is designed as a straightforward solution for replacing damaged or missing skirts on dual/tandem axle rigs. It presents itself as a durable plastic option with a modern, streamlined look. The package contains a pair of these fender skirts in black. The promise is a functional replacement that enhances appearance and offers basic protection.
Compared to the factory-installed skirts that might have come with your trailer, these ECOTRIC replacements are typically less flexible. While some factory parts can last for many years, reviews and my own long-term experience suggest the lifespan of these plastic aftermarket options can be more limited, particularly in harsh conditions. However, they are often significantly more affordable than OEM replacements from the trailer manufacturer.
This specific ECOTRIC model is intended for RVs, campers, and trailers with a dual axle configuration, provided the dimensions (69.3″W x 10.8″H) are a suitable match. It’s not suitable for single-axle trailers or those with significantly different wheel base spacing or height requirements. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, generally sized replacement and are prepared for a DIY installation that might involve drilling, these could be for you. If you need an exact, perfectly fitting OEM part or expect ultra-high durability without any installation fuss, you might need to look elsewhere.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons based on my use and product details:
Pros:
- More budget-friendly than many OEM options.
- Comes as a pair, providing both sides.
- Modern black finish looks good initially and is paintable.
- Made from seemingly robust plastic material.
- Streamlined design adds a nice aesthetic touch.
Cons:
- Mounting hardware is not included.
- Universal sizing means screw holes likely won’t match existing ones.
- Durability can be questionable for some users over the long term, prone to cracking.
- Plastic is quite rigid, less flexible than some factory skirts.
- May require additional support fabrication for optimal stability.
- Widely Applicable : This pair of single round fenders and fender backs are highly compatible with 14"-16" wheels/tires.
- Fitment: Designed to fit 14" to 16" wheels, these round trailer fenders provide an ideal solution for single axle trailers, ensuring a snug and secure fit
- ✓ Heavy-Duty Construction: Built from .063 inch diamond plated aluminum for outstanding durability, strength, and corrosion resistance.
Putting the ECOTRIC Skirts to the Test: A Long-Term Look at Key Aspects
Having used these ECOTRIC RV Fender Skirt Replacement Tandem Trailer – Black skirts for a significant period, I can offer insights beyond just the initial installation. My experience largely mirrors the mixed feedback you find online. They fill a critical need, but they aren’t a perfect, permanent solution right out of the box for everyone.
Material Quality and Durability Over Time
The product description highlights a “strong durable plastic material.” When you first unbox the skirts, they do feel solid and substantial. Compared to some flimsy aftermarket options I’ve encountered in the past, these feel reasonably robust. The plastic is quite rigid, which gives them a clean look when installed, but this rigidity also seems to be a factor in their long-term performance, or lack thereof for some users.
My experience, unfortunately, included some of the issues reported by others. While they held up well for the first few months against typical road spray and gravel kick-up, I began noticing small stress cracks appearing, particularly around the screw holes used for mounting. This seems to be a common failure point. The constant vibration from towing, combined with temperature fluctuations (especially colder weather), puts stress on the rigid plastic at these fixed points. Over time, these small cracks can propagate. While they haven’t completely fallen apart, the integrity around the mounting points has diminished, requiring me to add extra fasteners in different spots or use washers to distribute the load better. This contrasts with original factory skirts I’ve seen that lasted for years without such issues. It’s not that the plastic itself disintegrates, but its ability to withstand the stresses of being mounted on a vibrating trailer over rough roads is finite. If you live in a region with extreme temperature swings or frequently travel on less-than-ideal roads, this is something to anticipate. Adding a bead of silicone around the mounting points, as suggested by some users, might help dampen vibration and reduce friction, potentially extending their life.
Size, Fitment, and Application
These replacement skirts are sized at 69.3″W x 10.8″H, designed specifically for dual or tandem axle trailers. This is absolutely non-negotiable – they won’t fit single or triple axle setups correctly. The width is intended to span the gap between the two axles and cover the wheel well opening. It’s imperative to measure your existing skirts or the area carefully before ordering. While the stated dimensions might be close to what you need, the nature of a “universal fit” part means you should not expect them to be a perfect, bolt-on replacement for your specific trailer model.
In my case, and this is a widely reported observation, the pre-drilled screw holes on the ECOTRIC skirts did not align perfectly with the existing holes on my trailer’s siding. This is perhaps the most common installation challenge. If you’re uncomfortable drilling new holes into your trailer, these are likely not for you. However, for most DIYers, this is a manageable task. I found that lining up one or two key points (often the center) and then using the skirt as a template to mark and drill new holes worked effectively. Self-tapping sheet metal screws are usually the easiest way to go for mounting to the trailer frame or metal siding, which is what I used successfully. The height of 10.8″ was adequate for my trailer’s wheel wells, though the exact vertical positioning requires careful measurement to ensure they sit correctly above the tires and below the trailer body.
Aesthetics and Finish
Out of the box, the ECOTRIC skirts have a clean, modern look in black. If your original skirts were cracked or faded, installing these definitely provides a significant visual upgrade. They cover the raw wheel well area effectively, giving the side of the RV a much more finished and appealing appearance. The black color is standard on many RVs and matched my trim reasonably well. A big plus is that this material is paintable, allowing you to customize the color if you need to match a different trailer color scheme. The streamlined shape is aesthetically pleasing and contributes to the modern look. They also effectively cover any damage or imperfections on the trailer’s lower siding near the wheel well that the original skirts might have hidden or that occurred after the originals were removed.
Installation Considerations
As mentioned, the lack of included hardware means you’ll need to source your own. This isn’t a major hurdle, but it adds an extra step. The method of installation depends heavily on your trailer’s construction. Some are designed for screw-on skirts, others for riveting, and some might even have weldable tabs (though less common for plastic skirts). For screw-on applications, self-tapping sheet metal screws are typically the easiest route. I found that pre-drilling a pilot hole in the plastic skirt helped prevent cracking during installation before driving the screws. Aligning the skirt and getting it seated correctly before drilling and fastening is key. For longer skirts like these, especially those spanning the tandem axles, I found that the middle section between the two wheels could be somewhat flexible and prone to bowing slightly. One reviewer suggested fabricating small center supports, which is a good idea depending on how rigid you need the installation to be and the mounting points available on your trailer. While not strictly necessary for function, added support can improve the long-term appearance and potentially reduce stress on the plastic. It’s a DIY installation, requiring some basic tools and comfort with drilling, but it’s generally achievable for most RV owners.
Aerodynamic Design Claim
The product description mentions the “aesthetically streamlined” design that supposedly reduces drag and increases fuel efficiency. While the skirts do have a curved, somewhat aerodynamic shape, the practical impact of this on a large, boxy RV’s fuel economy is likely negligible. The majority of aerodynamic drag on an RV comes from its blunt front profile and large side surfaces. While covering the open wheel wells does prevent some turbulent airflow, it’s unlikely to translate into a noticeable improvement in miles per gallon. My own towing experience after installing these skirts did not show any measurable change in fuel consumption. Therefore, while the streamlined look is a nice aesthetic feature, I wouldn’t purchase these solely for their claimed aerodynamic benefits or expect them to significantly impact your fuel costs. Their primary value remains protection and appearance.
What Others Are Saying: A Glimpse at User Feedback
Looking at feedback from other users who have purchased and installed these ECOTRIC RV Fender Skirts online, there’s a range of experiences shared. Many users are happy with the value they offer compared to pricier options, finding them a good aesthetic upgrade or a functional replacement that effectively covers damaged areas. Some mention a good fit that matched their specific trailer model quite well. However, a significant number of reviewers also echo concerns about durability, reporting issues with the plastic cracking, particularly around the mounting points, sometimes relatively soon after installation. The need to drill new mounting holes due to the universal fit is a common point, though most DIYers find this manageable using self-tapping screws. Some users felt the material was less flexible than their original skirts, and a few reported more significant failures like a skirt ripping off while driving. This feedback reinforces that while they can be a cost-effective solution that looks good, managing expectations regarding long-term durability and potential installation challenges is important.
Final Verdict and Next Steps
Dealing with damaged or absent RV fender skirts isn’t just a cosmetic issue; it leaves your trailer vulnerable to road hazards and looks unfinished. The ECOTRIC RV Fender Skirt Replacement Tandem Trailer – Black offers a viable solution for tandem axle rigs that are missing or need their skirts replaced. While they may require a bit of DIY effort for installation, including supplying your own hardware and potentially drilling new holes, and might not match the multi-year lifespan of some factory originals for everyone, they are a cost-effective way to restore protection and improve the appearance of your trailer. If you’re comfortable with these potential installation steps and manage your durability expectations appropriately, these can be a great fit for your tandem axle rig. To see more details and purchase, click here to check the product out.
Last update on 2025-08-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API