How to soundproof a campervan or motorhome

How to soundproof and insulate a campervan
On this tips page on how to soundproof and insulate a campervan you will find all the noise problems that occure in campervan and motorhomes. Whether you have a classic Mercedes 608, a Hymer, Volkswagen or a Mercedes Sprinter, all 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 desturbing 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 discriptions 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. Insulating the roof against wind noise
Wind can cause plate surfaces to vibrate whilst driving. By equipping sheet metal surfaces in the vehicle with anti-drumming materials this will be greatly reduced. These surfaces also include side panels ands, (back)doors. In order to reduce the wind noise, use Vibraflex Normal. Insulate the flat parts of the roof for at least for 70% for optimal results. Use Akotherm Basic to insulate the roof thermally.

2. Isolating driving noise
Driving noise is caused by airflow and vibrations in the vehicle. Driving noise enters not only via the wheel arches and floor but also by the front part of the roof. We recommend using an anti-drumming mat Vibraflex Normal to insulate this part ofthe roof. 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. Insulating engine noise dashboard
Especially the Hymer motorhomes have a deep dashboard made of plastic that sometimes causes noise problems. The issue here is a lack of mass. Mount 8 kg/m² Isomat TS on top of the dashboard using contact glue and cover it with fabric. Equip the bottom of the dashboard, on the engine side, with Acousticcell Alu. This is an absorption material with a aluminum top layer that also reflects heat.

4. Insulating engine noise cab bonnet (hump)
In some vehicles, there is a bonnet in the cab as well, also called the "hump". 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 cover in the cab can certainly be improved and insulated with Vibraflex Extreme. And when it is not too roundy, the cover can be equipped with Isomat FM for a nice finish and extra insulation.

5. Bonnet insulation
Especially in buses and campers with a straight windscreen, engine noise can be more audible. You are, as it were, constantly driving into the sound. Equip the flat parts of the bonnet with an absorption material. Use Acousticcell PU with a thickness of 19 mm for an optimal result. In this case, the chance that the material will hit the engine is the smallest. Anti-drumming can be used when the temperature does not exceed 60 °C since these are relative heavy products.

6 & 10. Side panels and door insulation
These two parts of the bodywork are actually the same when comes to insulation or soundproofing. Apply bitumen damping sheets, Vibraflex Normal, on at least 70% of the surfaces you want to dampen. This will insulate vibrations prefectly!

7. Thermal insulation for campervans
If the vehicle is well painted inside, you can also thermally insulate the walls and roof. Thermal insulation means creating a stagnant layer of air, for example behind the finishing of the walls and the roof. For this purpose, 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 lay the plywood floor. Make sure that the floor doesn't touch the walls and the wheel arches, thereby reducing contact noise as well.

8. Wheel arches insulation
Use Vibaflex Extreme to insuate 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.

11. Engine noise bulkhead
Detect sound leaks first, such as cable passages and other openings, which are sometimes found in older vehicles. Equip the floor part of the bulkhead/firewall and the bulkhead itself at the driver and passenger seat for 100% with an anti-drumming material, such as Vibraflex Extreme. The Isomat FM can be used for extra insulation and a beautiful finish.

Product choice and differences
We have already listed the best products to counter the various noise problems, but there are alternatives and differences:

• Vibraflex in a box / 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 / Acusticcell: Merfocell and Acousticcell are both absorption materials 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. Acousticell 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.