Camper Van Conversion Sound Deadening

Even with automotive insulation and sound deadening installed on the floor of our Promaster van, it is still very loud. The sound of rocks bouncing up into the wheel wells is so loud it could almost be considered distracted driving. To dampen this noise and to stop our van panels from vibrating like a drum, we will be Installing Sound Deadening In Our Camper Van Conversion

We have already researched the different types of Van Soundproofing materials. With this in mind, we and have decided to use automotive insulation and sound deadening combo. We took a close look at what comes in a box of Noico Butyl Sound Deadener. Keep reading to see how we install Sound Deadening in our Camper Van Conversion.

Camper Van Conversion Sound Deadening

Best Van Sound Deadening Material

The best type of Sound Deadening Material is one that is designed for automotive use. There are many peel and stick options that have been widely used in the van conversion community. We have decided the best material for our van conversion build is Noico 80Mil Car Sound Deadening Mat. Installing this low-cost material will fit perfectly into our camper van conversion sound deadening plan.

Radiant Barrier / Heat Shield Sound Deadener Insulation

A Radiant Barrier / Heat Shield is the next layer we will be installing as part of the sound deadening system in our camper van conversion. For this, we will be using Uxcell 394mil Automotive Sound Deadening Insulation Mat. Designed for “sound absorption” Uxcell Heat Shield Sound Deadener Insulation will not only help with sound absorption but it will also be the first layer of our Campervan Insulation System. Keep an eye out for this in the near future.

Installing Camper Van Sound Deadening – How We Did It

Tools and Materials Used

Cleaning The Van

Being that the van is pretty much brand new cleaning the panels was quite easy. We just wiped them down quickly with a Shop Rag and some light solvent.

Cutting The Butyl Sound Deadener

For the square cuts, we just used a utility knife. When making round cuts and cutting the more intricate pieces we used our shop scissors. We made the cuts on a piece of scrap wood so we didn’t slice up our shop table.

Applying The Butyl Sound Deadening Mat

Foil backed butyl sound deadening mat is really easy to install. Just peel the backing and lay it on. The aluminum foil has an embossed pattern to indicate when sufficient pressure has been applied. Just use the roller to press it down until the pattern has flattened out. The pattern does not disappear, but the raised sections will flatten out. We had cold ambient temperatures, so we cranked up the new Gasoline Parking Heater, as well as using a heat gun to soften the butyl. This helped the product to correctly adhere.

Covering The Wheel Wells With Butyl Sound Deadener

Covering the wheel wells was one of the trickier areas, we cut the pieces of the Butyl Sound Deadener to fit like a puzzle.

Removing Our Ram ProMaster Door Panels

We wanted to add Insulation and sound deadening in the door panels as well. To access this area we used a non-marring car door panel pry tool. We put one on each side of the retaining clip and tapped them with a mallet until the clip popped out.

Installing Sound Deadening To The Door Panels Of Our Camper Van Conversion

We used the same procedure to add the butyl sound deadening to inside the door panels.

Adding Butyl Sound Deadener To The Roof Panels

The final place we added the butyl sound deadener was the roof panels. Our Maxxair fan is going in the rear, so we left that panel bare for now.

Verdict – Does Butyl Sound Deadener Work?

Without a doubt, the change in noise levels after installing the sound deadener in our camper van conversion is huge! Before installation even small bumps caused the panels to vibrate. Now, while it’s not library quiet, the difference is very noticeable.

What’s Next

Van Roof Vent Fan

We had planned to make the Maxxair Fan our Van Roof Vent Fan one of the first projects. Unfortunately, a delay in receiving the van meant old man winter has set in. The bonding adhesive required to glue on the van roof vent adapter will not set at lower temperatures. We will have to rent an oversize shop for a weekend or wait until warmer weather to complete this.

Battery Bank and Electrical

To get the Parking Heater and Roof Vent Fan to work, we will need some type of auxiliary power supply. I will be seriously considering a Portable Power Station as a tempory solution until we have time to build the permanent Six Volt Battery Bank.

Campervan Insulation

Being in the The Great White North, insulating the van conversion is high up on the must do projects for the van.

Final Thoughts

With the sound deadener installed, the ride comfort levels have definitely gone up. Once the insulation and wall panels go in it should be whisper quiet!

Lastly, if you have any questions, post a comment below or reach out on one of our social channels, we would be happy to help.

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Thanks for reading, and remember to always take the road less traveled!