Cabin Noise Before and After Insulation

[Musties]

I have a standard T6.1 panel van with the bulkhead in place and the rear just ply lined. I am considering sound deadening, insulating and carpeting the rear of the van primarily as I occasionally sleep in the back when at motorbike events and just want it a little warmer and generally look a bit better. I am now wondering whether it would be removing the bulkhead to open it out a bit more and provide the option to add a seat swivel to make the place a bit more comfortable. However, I am concerned that doing this will increase the noise when driving which I really don't want.

So, questions is what is the difference in cabin noise between a sound deadened, insulated and carpeted van with bulkhead removed and a standard ply lined van with the bulkhead in?

Thanks in advance for any opinions for those that have done the same.

 

[campagquinn]

It's a world of difference once fully insulted and sound deadened. And opens the van up like you say. Swivel sead makes a big difference also.

 

[Dannyb6467]

I did this...removed the bulkhead but there will be a gap where the roof linings of the rear and cab meet. Sound deadened and replaced ply linings with pre carpeted panels rather than a full carpet lining. The whole van was transformed by way of noise difference.

 

[Bigsidavies]

Another point is that as a safety issue you could get locked in the rear of the van accidentally if using it to camp solo, and if the deadlocks activate then you are in there until someone finds you.
If I was sleeping in the rear then first thing I’d do is remove the bulkhead.

 

[Musties]

Another point is that as a safety issue you could get locked in the rear of the van accidentally if using it to camp solo, and if the deadlocks activate then you are in there until someone finds you.
If I was sleeping in the rear then first thing I’d do is remove the bulkhead.

Yes - good point. I tend to leave the rear barn doors slightly open which also helps with ventilation but I realise this is not a long term solution. Now to look into doing this myself or getting a professional who does it for a living.

 

[Bigsidavies]

Removing the bulkhead in my T6 was fairly straightforward. There’s a few threads on here on how to do it.
Sound deadening requires no particular skill just a pair of gloves and the ability to peel and stick. Insulation is the same process.

 

[Paynewright]

Removing the bulkhead will also expose the metal lip to which it bolts to. Most people converting grind out the spot welds and remove permanently.

You could knock on some edge trim to make safe.

We never had a bulkhead but carpeting the rear panels made the biggest noise reduction - stops all the noise bouncing around.

 

[Lubrown]

Couple of thoughts, not on noise so much as my van came fully converted so I have nothing to compare to.

For leaving the barn door ajar you can get standoffs that you place into the latch recess. Example here… Link, although probably find cheaper on eBay.

If you remove the bulkhead you could always fit a curtain in its place. Heavier material will do more to dampen any sound from the back plus it will add privacy/block light when sleeping in the back. Example here… Link

 

[JumpShip]

If your taking the bulkhead out and adding a swivel it really opens up the van .
Feels sooo much bigger but obviously needs sound proofing and insulation.
Adding carpet to everything makes it so much warming and makes sure the cold steelwork doesn't condensate .
As mentioned above you'll need to grind off the bottom of the bulkhead mount, sort the gap left in the headlining and think about some sort of window covering for the cab windows .

 

[DXX]

Another point is that as a safety issue you could get locked in the rear of the van accidentally if using it to camp solo, and if the deadlocks activate then you are in there until someone finds you.
If I was sleeping in the rear then first thing I’d do is remove the bulkhead.

I locked myself in the back of a Sprinter once, complete darkness and the radio on full volume. Luckily I was blocking a pub car park entrance so eventually somebody got me out.

 

[doncarlyon]

The floor made the biggest difference in mine.

Once the ply floor was in, it was much quieter.

 

[Musties]

Hi -thanks to all that commented. Going forward I plan to remove bulkhead, add swivel to double seat, sound deaden, insulate and carpet. I then plan to add a 'simple' slide out bed as I need to leave at least half the van empty for the transport of a motorbike. Will certainly be better than the current set up of a folding camp bed.....