Van Soundproofing Made Easy - Weekender Van Life

Most modern passenger vehicles are designed with passenger comfort in mind. They have design characteristics that help to dampen and isolate both interior and exterior noise and vibrations. Cargo vans, however, do not follow the same design criteria. They are designed for work and hauling, not passenger comfort. Most manufacturers skip these extra comfort items to make the price point more appealing to their target market. In this post, we take a look at some of the best options for van soundproofing.

Van Soundproofing And Why It Should Not Be Overlooked

Why Install Sound Deadening Insulation?

Van soundproofing and sound deadening is used to eliminate three main noise-related issues;

Stop outside noises from coming into the van. Road noise, engine noise and sounds for your surrounding environment. Sirens, horns, car stereos.
Stop inside noises from escaping the van. Car stereo, noisy kids, barking dogs.
Reduce rattles and vibrations coming from the large panel areas.

Other things to consider when you are deciding if you will budget for soundproofing in your van build;

Hearing loss is a big concern when spending long periods in loud environments. Soundproofing a van will help prevent possible hearing damage.
Distractions, we all have enough distractions in our lives without adding to it with an unbearably loud ride!

The addition of soundproofing to your van conversion is highly recommended.

Types of Sound Deadening Material

There are many types of sound deadening material available, this is just an overview of the most popular and best suited for van soundproofing.

Butyl Sound Deadener Mat

Butyl Sound Deadener Mat is a butyl sheet backed with a layer of aluminum foil. This is typically the product people think of when they hear van soundproofing. Butyl Sound deadener’s primary function in van soundproofing is to absorb unwanted vibrations and rattles.

Popular Brands of Butyl Sound Deadener

Heat Shield Sound Deadener Insulation

Sound deadening and thermally insulating, otherwise known as “Thermal Acoustic Insulation”, this foil-backed closed-cell foam is best used as a second step in your van soundproofing strategy. For ease of installation, there are heat shield insulation sound deadener products that come with self-adhesive backing.

Popular Brands Of Heat Shield Sound Deadener Insulation

Thinsulate Insulation Rolls / 3m Thinsulate sm600l

3m Thinsulate sm600l is a thermal acoustic type soundproofing product. Designed for the automotive industry, it is moisture, mold and mildew resistant. Thinsulate insulation rolls are perfect for use as an all in one van soundproofing and insulation product.

There Is Only One 3m Thinsulate SM600L

Mass Loaded Vinyl

Mass Loaded Vinyl or MLV is an acoustic sound barrier. With a weight of 1 pound per square foot, this product should be used sparingly. When soundproofing a van it would be best used on the wheel wells, floor, and lower walls.

Popular Brands Of Mass Loaded Vinyl

How Much Van Soundproofing

How much van sound deadener you need to install is up for debate, some will say more than 30% coverage is a waste of money. Others say the more the better. Like everything, this will come down to your builds budget constraints. Our build will use all four of the above products for a complete van soundproofing and insulating system. I am aiming for 90-100% coverage in accessible areas.

Where To Install Van Soundproofing

Road noise, wind noise, mechanical and engine noise and heat gain /loss are some of the issues we are trying to reduce. Knowing what types of noise are associated with each section will allow you to choose the best van soundproofing products to suit your project.

Floor: Road noise, drivetrain noise, heat loss, and heat gain. Mass Loaded Vinyl and Butyl Sound Deadener Mat
Wheel Wells: Road noise, drivetrain noise, mechanical vibrations, heat loss, and heat gain. – Mass Loaded Vinyl and Butyl Sound Deadener Mat
Sidewalls: Wind noise, road noise, panel vibrations, heat loss, and heat gain. – Butyl Sound Deadener Mat, Heat Shield Insulation Sound Deadener and 3m Thinsulate sm600l
Roof: Wind noise, panel vibrations, heat loss, and heat gain. – Butyl Sound Deadener Mat, Heat Shield Insulation Sound Deadener and 3m Thinsulate sm600l
Doors: Wind noise, road noise, panel vibrations. – Butyl Sound Deadener Mat, Heat Shield Insulation Sound Deadener and 3m Thinsulate sm600l

Is Van Soundproofing Worth Your Investment?

The installation of a van soundproofing system is a huge investment of time and effort. Not to mention the monetary investment involved with this type of project. The short answer to this question is YES!!!

You will be spending a lot of time traveling and relaxing in your new campervan conversion, so make the comfort of you and your passengers a priority.

Using some type of van soundproofing and insulation will help rid your van of unwanted rattles and vibrations. It will help keep the heat out in the summer and help retain heat in the winter. Also, it will help improve your all-around comfort and should not be overlooked or left out of your van build project.

I will be using a combination of Noico 80 mil Sound deadening mat, Uxcell 394mil Sound Deadening Insulation Mat and Thinsulate Acoustic/Thermal Insulation SM600L in my Weekender.