How we use Dodo sound deadening & insulation to create the ultimate Kombi - VanStyle
It comes as no surprise that camper conversions have spiked considerably in recent years what with the outbreak of the pandemic and subsequent staycations becoming the norm. I’m sure we can all agree that the home-from-home day van or full-blown camper is more popular than ever and certainly here to stay.
Here’s how you too can turn your ordinary panel van into a thing of luxury and comfort with our range of Dodo sound deadening & thermal insulation products.
Dodo Deadn Hex – Sound deadening mat
With a completely stripped, cleaned, and prepped van before you, the first step is to lay down the sound insulation on the clean, metal panels. This comes in the form of Dodo Deadn Hex. The function of this first application is to reduce, if not eliminate, panel boom and annoying vibrations.
The self-adhesive mat is available in both pre-cut sheets, as well as a 1.8m roll. We like the job as easy as possible so always reach for the pre-cut sheets. With a max coverage of 4.7 square meters, one box will adequately cover the side walls and roof of a large panel van. This can be applied as and where you think you’ll need it most.
The Deadn Hex sound insulation doesn’t need to cover 100% of the van’s panels. We like to apply it to the flatter surfaces as generously as we can without getting too fiddly. The general rule here is to apply the Deadn to no less than 50% of the inner surfaces to achieve the optimum results. Imagine which areas of the van are most likely to resonate causing those annoying vibrations and get them covered first! If you’ve enough sheets, don’t be afraid to cover those inner wheel arches. Just be prepared to cut, however, as the rounded shape can pose a more challenging application of the Deadn Hex.
Don’t panic if you leave some gaps! Vans from the factory come with very sparsely applied sound insulation. As you start to add the other components, they’ll work in harmony to kill almost all rattles and road noise.
Dodo Mat Thermo Liner Pro – Heat insulation roll
Now that you’ve laid down the Deadn Hex, the next step is to add the primary thermal insulation. Our go-to is the Dodo Thermo Van Liner Pro. This closed-cell insulation mat does an incredible job of regulating the internal temperatures of the van in both the summer and winter months. The dense foam also acts as an additional layer of noise cancelling when installed directly on top of the Dodo Deadn Hex.
Like the Deadn Hex, this Dodo product has a strong self-adhesive layer making application a doddle. Simply cut to shape and stick the sheets directly over the top of the Deadn Hex or any bare metal that still needs covering. We advise applying the Thermo Liner Pro to the roof, sides, and rear doors of the van. Get a little more generous with the application of the foam and be sure to cover any and all areas susceptible to heat loss.
The more surface area covered by the shiny stuff, the fewer places the heat has to escape!
Dodo Mat Aluminium Tape – A professional finishing touch
Coming Soon
Aside from giving your conversion a professional appearance, the Dodo aluminium tape works wonders in sealing and finishing all of the previous steps. To get the maximum insulation from the Deadn Hex and the Thermo liner Pro, the areas should be sealed as to reduce air circulation and transfer between the insulation and interior of the van.
Luckily, Dodo’s Aluminium Tape makes this a far easier job than it first sounds. Simply apply the tape in lengths around the perimeter of each insulated area ensuring the tape is well and truly moulded to the metalwork. Don’t forget to seal the seams between lengths of the Thermo Liner Pro. If by some unfortunate circumstances you have holes in your work, the aluminium tape is ideal for patching the affected areas.
A 45m role should be more than enough to seal most medium-sized campers, and likely large campers if applied efficiently.
Dodo Mat Thermo Fleece – The ideal void fill insulation
With all the fiddly applications now complete, your van should have both the side and roof covered in reflective material, closely resembling a tin foil spaceship. Now comes the fun part of working with cotton wool and glue. If you’re not careful here, you’ll end up covered head to toe in the stuff.
The idea of the Dodo Thermo Fleece is to fill any remaining voids and panels to act as one last defence against any heat transfer from inside to out. The reason we love the Dodo version of this insulation so much is mainly due to its incredible thermal properties, but also because it’s made almost entirely of recycled plastic bottles! All the more reason to convert your van if you ask us.
With a full water absorption rating of 0% w/w and an ignition point of 500°C, there should be no doubt in your mind that this Thermo Fleece is the perfect insulation for your van.
The 50mm version we stock comes in a 10m roll. With coverage of 3.9 square meters, we’ve found a generous application might require a little over one roll. However, if you plan on only filling the lower portions of a van, where glass occupies the top half, you may be able to complete the job with only one roll.
Adding the Thermo Fleece can look and feel a bit messy but, with the right spray glue application and a little trimming with a blade, it should start to comply and adhere to the areas you want it to. Luckily, any carpeted panels will eventually cover up these areas so don’t worry too much about an immaculate installation.
Dodo Mat Deadn Duo – The last of the Dodo(s)
The final step in our Dodo sound deadening & insulation journey is to cover the floor in our chosen product… Deadn Duo. We highly recommend leaving this until the end of your conversion simply so you’re not trampling your fine work into the floor while you treat the sides and roof. Trust us, we’ve learnt the hard way to leave the Deadn Duo until last.
This sound deadening/foam insulation roll serves to protect from cold air penetrating the van from beneath as well as eliminate much of the road noise and panel boom.
We love the Deadn Duo for floor applications due to its high malleability over the many ridges and reinforcements found in a stripped van. Not only is it a doddle to apply, but its superior vibration control makes it one of the key contributing factors in the end result.
