How to soundproof a campervan or motorhome

How to soundproof and insulate a campervan
On this tips page, how to soundproof a campervan, you will find all the noise problems that occure in campervan and motorhomes. Whether you have a classic Mercedes 608,  Hymer, Volkswagen or a rebuild Mercedes Sprinter, all of our solutions and products described on this page can be applied to each vehicle.

Which solutions will I find here?
Noise problems in vehicles are especially disturbing on long journeys. To make the journey as comfortable as possible, we have indicated the main sources of noise in the image of the vehicle below. Further on you will read which products to apply where in order to achieve the best result.

Throughout this article you'll find short descriptions of solutions to sound problems including appropriate products. You can click on these products, which enables you to find them right away in our webshop. The solutions described here are against wind noise, driving noise, and engine noise. You will also find a product for thermal insulation.

1. Soundproofing wind noise and resonances
Wind, hail and rain can cause sheet metal to vibrate whilst driving. By soundproofing the sheet metal surfaces of the vehicle with Vibraflex Normal, anti-drumming sheets, this will be greatly reduced. More surfaces to soundproof with Vibraflex include side panels and doors. Insulate the flat parts of the roof for at least for 70% for optimal results. Use Akotherm Basic to insulate the roof thermally.

2. Airflow, driving and wind noise
To soundproof the front part of the we also recommend Vibraflex Normal. You can insulate this part of the roof also for thermal purposes, just as the rest of the roof, Akotherm is the best option.

3. Soundproofing dashboard against engine noise
Especially the Hymer campervan and motorhome have a deep dashboards made of light weight plastic that radiates engine noise into the cabin causing noise problems. Apply Isomat TS (8 kg/m²) on top of the dashboard, using contact glue, and cover it with a fabric. Under the bonnet you should be able to see the underside of the dashboard, here you can insulate engine noise by applying Acousticcell Alu. This is a noise absorbing material with a aluminum top layer that also reflects heat.

4. Insulating engine cover in the cabin
Some campervans have an engine cover/bonnet in the cab. If this cover is already quite heavy, you only need to equip the inside with an absorption material. We recommend using Merfocell FC. A relatively light engine cover in the cabin can be soundproof and insulated with Vibraflex Extreme on the outside, and when it is not too roundy, with Isomat FM for a nice finish and extra insulation.

5. Bonnet insulation
To insulate the bonnet you should only equip the flat parts of the bonnet with a noise absorbing material. For this you can use Acousticcell PU or Acousticcell Alu. Measure the space available between the engine and the bonnet. Products may not touch the engine. 

6. Side panel insulation
Side panels and other similar parts of the bodywork can be soundproofed and insulated by applying bitumen damping sheets, Vibraflex Normal. Cover about 70% of the surfaces you want to dampen, this will insulate vibrations perfectly! Number 7, thermal insulation, is a great second step.

7. Thermal insulation for campervans
Thermal insulation means creating a stagnant layer of air, for example between the bodywork and the interior. For the thermal insulation of campervans you can use the Akotherm Basic. The recommended thickness is at least 40 mm. The floor can also be insulated, with Polypress, after the anti-drumming process. This foam material reduces the rise of cold and insulates driving sounds. On this foam layer you can install a plywood floor. Make sure that the floor doesn't touch the walls and the wheel arches to avoid contact noise.

8. Soundproofing wheel arches
Use Vibaflex Extreme to insulate and soundproof the wheel arches of the campervan. This will reduces driving noise with a considerable amount. This should be at number one, because together with the floor this one of the most important part to soundproof in every vehicle.

9. Floor insulation for campervans
Use Vibaflex Extreme or the larger sheets Vibraflex UF (8 kg/m²) to soundproof the wheel arches of the campervan. This will reduces driving noise and exhaust with significantly. This is also one of the most important parts to soundproof in a campervan.

10. Soundproofing doors
Soundproofing the doors will reduce driving noise and improve car audio at the same time. For this purpose you best use Vibraflex Normal, anti-drumming sheets. Insulate the doors at least 70% for the optimal result.

11. Insulation bulkhead/firewall
Plug sound leaks first, such as cable passages and other openings, with a sealant. Equip the floor part of the bulkhead/firewall at the driver and passenger side for 100% with an anti-drumming, such as Vibraflex Extreme. The Isomat FM can be used for extra insulation and a beautiful finish.

Products to soundproof campervans
We have already listed the best products to use for various noise problems above, but there are alternatives and differences:

• Vibraflex in a box vs. Vibraflex UF
  The large consumer can also use Vibraflex UF instead of Vibraflex Normal or Extreme in boxes. Vibraflex UF50 is equal to Vibraflex Normal and Vibraflex UF80 equal to Vibraflex Extreme. Please note that Vibraflex UF can be delivered to you per pallet, depending on the amount you order.
• Merfocell FC vs. Acousticcell
  Merfocell and Acousticcell are both noise insulating products suitable for insulating the bonnet e.g. The biggest difference between the two is the temperature resistance, on which the choice between both products depends. Merfocell FC is resistant up to 110 °C. Acousticcell up to 80 °C.

Questions?
Do you have any questions about this topic or would you like a product sample? Please feel free to contact us. More information about vehicle insulation can be found on our vehicles page.