Insulation and Sound Deadening

Korey
Sep 29, 2021
2 min read

Updated: Mar 7

Don't cheap out, quality product, proper installation = great results

Van are super loud. Its a significant amount of work to properly and effectively reduce noise in a van. Several ways to do this depending on budget and build out. We cover some of the most simple ways to do this. Its start first using the right product. To get maximum results you must use both a sound deadener and insulation. We use 10-20% more material compared to most in a van. Just sound deadener alone in a high roof not including the floor is 160 square feet of material!

Sound Deadener- We use Dynamat product, this reduces vibration and sound entering cabin. Unlike most sound deadener this does NOT use tar in the product. You pay for what you get, most product uses tar, its why its so cheap.

Insulation-We find 3M Thinsulate superior in a van as it not only insulates but absorbs sound very well. Its more expensive than other products but it is automotive specific and gets a superior result.

DO YOUR DOORS and ROOF

The largest mistake DIYer's do is they only do the walls because they are easy access, but in reality the most important area is the roof area - most of your heat loss and cold is from this area. You can cook an egg on your roof it gets so hot. The 2nd largest mistake and not doing the doors. Third mistake is not using a sound deadener with an insulation component, we even see a lot of builders and RV companies do this...its a cheap shortcut and you can tell the difference.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7l9pqGxGUs

HOW HARD IS IT?

Not difficult but very time consuming, especially if you have to take your van apart...easily 20-30 hours to do an entire van

This a door...its way more of a difference on the larger panels!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7l9pqGxGUs

You can see here we get all the areas possible...not just a few "strips" Lots of work...and a few hand cuts usually on the way. :) Be careful for the sharp edges when getting behind all the metal. In this door we used over 35 square feet of material...more than most use in an entire side wall of a van and this is a low roof rear door...nothing on top.