Evening All. Spoke to a converter this week who said they wouldn't recommend sound deadening a van with a pop top. Thoughts anyone?
Is it worth sound deadening a van with a pop top
- Thread starter Cotton Daisy
- Start date
I’ve added additional sound proofing around the cab of my T5.1 - Dodo mat on the floor (and step areas) and inner wings and engine bay bulkhead (where I can reach) plus in the scuttle. Have also added 10mm closed cell foam behind dash plastics and in the scuttle. That alone has improved the noise as we drive.
There is insulation stuck to the ‘walls’ in the back and I’m told some soundproofing behind that - you don’t need to cover panels in dodo mat (or similar), that’s not how it works.
I’d ring a few other converters personally. See what they say.
It was along the lines that a big hole has been cut out of the van which will add to noise so reducing the effectiveness of any sound deadening installed. They said if the budget was tight it was definitely worth considering however if tge client wanted the van sound deadening they would of course do it. A price was given for that element of a conversion. Hope that makes sense.
Its fair to say they're talking nonsense.
A 5mm thick fibreglass pop top probably has better audio exclusion properties than the 1.5mm steel original. Fibreglass is often used in various forms for sound attenuation, whereas steel never is.
In any case, the roof could be made from steel, ice cream, or straw thatch, insulating elsewhere will still reduce road and engine noise.
Exactly. And then between the fibreglass and your ears are a thick plywood board and possibly a mattress. The pop top is likely to be the most deadened/insulated part of your van.
It's definitely worth doing so that your van doesn't sound like a rattly tin can on wheels.
It's definitely worth doing so that your van doesn't sound like a rattly tin can on wheels.
Agree with others - the pop top is multilayered with fibreglass, wood and a soft headlining type material, plus the mattress stays up there which is all far superior to a thin metal roof.
You can boost the sound insulation in the cab yourself very easily and effectively for less than £100 and that’s where you’re going to notice noise the most.
So up to you but I’d get them to add some in the back before the cabinets and carpet goes in if it were my van - as long as the price wasn’t daft. The materials are cheap and it’s a quick job, especially as they are already pulling it to bits before building the camper element.
You can boost the sound insulation in the cab yourself very easily and effectively for less than £100 and that’s where you’re going to notice noise the most.
So up to you but I’d get them to add some in the back before the cabinets and carpet goes in if it were my van - as long as the price wasn’t daft. The materials are cheap and it’s a quick job, especially as they are already pulling it to bits before building the camper element.
I fully sound proofed my van, then had the pop top fitted, I have the sliding hatch and I would say that the pop top actually improved the overall sound deadening. In my experience the 18mm ply, with carpet on both sides, and an air gap between the bed base and the fibre glass top is better acoustically than a deadened metal roof. Even better with a 25mm duvalay up there.
It wasn't Camperking was it? They're well known for recommending not to insulate campervans... mind, they'd probably recommend not fitting a steering wheel if they thought it'd save them a bob or two.
Sounds like a load of bolleaux to me, an excuse rather than sound reasoning. Our Reimo poptop is factory insulated and sound deadened. The rest of the van has had the full insulation/deadening treatment. It’s like a morgue in there when we’re all battened down. I suggest you find another converter.
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If you're thinking of dealing with a conversion company that talks such utter crap then I'd walk away now. What other nonesense will they try to make you believe when the conversion isn't up to scratch?
Personally I can never deal with anyone that tries to take me for an idiot. It just shows how they will deal with customers going forwards.
Find someone who knows what they are on about and isn't trying to mug you off.
Personally I can never deal with anyone that tries to take me for an idiot. It just shows how they will deal with customers going forwards.
Find someone who knows what they are on about and isn't trying to mug you off.
Neighbour told me exactly the same @Touchwood
Thanks everyone for your comments. Very helpful 
