Features

How to soundproof your leisure vehicle on a budget

Caravans and motorhomes have become increasingly popular holiday options for plenty of Brits and campervans are no exception. Roughly 4,000 are sold each year in the UK and #vanlife has received more than 14.1 billion views on social media platform TikTok.

Not only are people buying campervans, but many are opting to self-convert their own,which costs, on average, between £1,000 and £5,000 for a small-sized campervan. If you’re planning to undertake your own conversion, an important factor to consider is soundproofing.

Luckily, the experts at London Soundproofing have offered up their best advice when it comes to soundproofing your van on a budget.

1. Insulate your walls and floors

Use sound-absorbing materials such as mass-loaded vinyl or acoustic foam to line the walls of your campervan. This will help to reduce sound vibrations and prevent unwanted outside noises from penetrating your vehicle, like other cars or heavy rain hitting the roof.

2. Seal any gaps

Make sure there aren’t any gaps around doors, windows and any other openings that could let noise enter the van. If you do identify any, seal them up with weatherstripping or silicone sealant. This will also help to prevent rust buildup and protect your vehicle against the elements.

3. Check your tyres

Tyres that are worn down or not designed for low noise levels will add to the noise pollution inside your vehicle. So, consider replacing them with quieter models.

4. Install curtains

Hanging curtains will help to absorb sound and the heavier they are, the more efficient they’ll be. Put them up around doors and windows to prevent noise from entering and escaping. Similarly, this will also insulate your van by trapping heat on those colder days.

5. Use noise-cancelling tech

A simple one, but investing in a high-quality pair of noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs is an effective way to reduce noise levels while sleeping or relaxing.

Of course, soundproofing your campervan to 100 per cent efficiency is not a likely scenario. However, taking some of the steps mentioned above can significantly reduce noise levels and make your touring experience much more peaceful and enjoyable.

Photo credit: Liam Gant / Pexels