How to Sound Deaden & Insulate Your Van with Deadsound Products
Whether you're converting a campervan, lining a work van or simply want a quieter, warmer vehicle, installing sound deadening and insulation is one of the best upgrades you can make.
At Deadsound, we've helped thousands of customers create quieter, more comfortable vehicles using premium sound deadening and insulation products. This guide explains the correct installation process to achieve the best possible results.
Why Sound Deaden Your Vehicle?
Modern vans are built using large, thin steel panels which vibrate as you drive. These vibrations create unwanted road noise, tyre roar and panel resonance.
Installing sound deadening material dramatically reduces these vibrations, creating:
- A quieter driving experience
- Less rattling from body panels
- Reduced road and tyre noise
- Improved audio quality
- A more premium feel
Sound deadening works by adding mass to metal panels, preventing them from vibrating and amplifying noise.
Why Insulate Your Van?
Once vibrations have been reduced, insulation helps regulate temperature inside the vehicle.
Quality insulation helps:
- Keep your van warmer during winter
- Reduce heat entering during summer
- Minimise condensation
- Further reduce outside noise
- Improve comfort when camping or working
Deadsound's insulation range is manufactured from recycled plastic bottles, making it an environmentally friendly choice while delivering excellent thermal performance.
What You'll Need
Before starting, gather:
- Deadsound Sound Deadening Sheets
- Deadsound Recycled Bottle Insulation
- Roller Tool
- Degreaser, Panel Wipe or Deadsound Prep Spray
- Scissors or Sharp Knife
- Gloves
- Trim Removal Tools
Step 1 – Strip the Vehicle
Remove:
- Door cards
- Floor coverings
- Wall panels
- Roof lining
- Interior trim
This exposes the bare metal ready for installation.
Take your time and store fixings safely.
Step 2 – Clean Every Panel
This is one of the most important steps.
Use a degreaser, panel wipe or Deadsound Prep Spray to remove:
- Dirt
- Dust
- Wax
- Grease
- Moisture
Clean metal allows the adhesive backing to bond correctly and ensures maximum performance.
Step 3 – Install Deadsound Sound Deadening
Start with the largest flat panels.
Apply the sheets firmly onto:
- Floor
- Wheel arches
- Side panels
- Rear quarters
- Doors
- Roof
Use a roller to press the material firmly into the panel, removing all trapped air.
Unlike insulation, sound deadening does not need to cover 100% of the metal.
For most vehicles, around 60–70% coverage provides excellent vibration reduction while keeping weight to a minimum.
Concentrate on the largest flat sections where vibration is greatest.
Step 4 – Install Deadsound Recycled Bottle Insulation
Once the sound deadening is complete, add insulation over the top.
Cut pieces to fit between ribs and structural supports.
Install across:
- Roof
- Side panels
- Sliding door
- Rear doors
- Wheel arches
- Lower body sections
Avoid blocking drainage holes or interfering with moving parts.
The insulation fills air gaps that would otherwise transfer heat and noise into the vehicle.
Step 5 – Refit Interior Panels
Once everything has been installed:
- Replace wiring
- Refit trim panels
- Install plywood lining
- Carpet line if required
- Continue your camper conversion
At this stage your vehicle should already feel noticeably quieter simply by closing the doors.
Which Areas Make the Biggest Difference?
If you're working to a budget, prioritise these areas:
1. Floor
Reduces tyre noise and road vibration.
2. Wheel Arches
One of the biggest sources of road noise.
3. Side Panels
Large vibrating panels benefit greatly from sound deadening.
4. Roof
Improves thermal performance and reduces rain noise.
5. Doors
Creates a more solid feel and improves speaker performance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Installing onto dirty metal
❌ Forgetting to roll the material firmly
❌ Covering drainage holes
❌ Blocking access to wiring
❌ Assuming 100% sound deadening coverage is necessary
❌ Skipping insulation after sound deadening
Why Choose Deadsound?
At Deadsound, we specialise in products designed specifically for campervans, motorhomes, commercial vehicles and specialist conversions.
Our products are trusted by DIY converters, professional workshops and trade customers throughout the UK.
Benefits include:
- Premium quality butyl sound deadening
- High-performance recycled bottle insulation
- Vehicle-specific installation kits
- Fast UK delivery
- Expert technical support
- Excellent value for money
As a family-run business, we're passionate about helping customers build quieter, warmer and better vehicles. We're also proud to be recognised as a Motorhome Matt Approved supplier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should sound deadening or insulation go on first?
Always install sound deadening directly onto the metal panel first. Insulation is then installed over the top.
Do I need 100% coverage?
No.
For sound deadening, around 60–70% coverage on large flat panels is usually enough to eliminate most vibration.
Insulation should cover as much of the available area as possible without blocking drainage or ventilation.
Does sound deadening stop heat?
No.
Sound deadening controls vibration.
Insulation controls temperature.
Using both together gives the best overall result.
Is it worth insulating a campervan?
Absolutely.
Insulation makes the van warmer in winter, cooler in summer, helps reduce condensation and makes travelling far more comfortable.
Start Your Van Conversion with Deadsound
Whether you're converting your first campervan or fitting out a fleet of commercial vehicles, choosing the right materials makes all the difference.
Deadsound's premium sound deadening and recycled bottle insulation are designed to reduce noise, improve thermal performance and make every journey more enjoyable.
Browse our full range of sound deadening, insulation and complete vehicle kits today and start building a quieter, warmer and more comfortable vehicle.