[gjenkins]

I have been lurking for years. I finally pulled the trigger and purchased a 2019 2500 136 HT. I bought it on a Friday, drove it home, packed it up (Jetboil, cooler, cot, and sleeping bag), and took it out camping in Sun Valley for the weekend.

1. I could barely hear the stereo while highway driving.
2. Bare corrugated flooring is slippery and a pain!
2. It was ccccccold!
3. I really liked the convenience, and it immediately shows great promise for a more adventurous lifestyle.

Let the build begin.

1. Sound proofing
2. Insulated Floor
...

 

[gjenkins]

Sound proofing - I chose Kilmat, and I probably went a little overboard. Completely covered the wheel wells. About 40~50% on the panels.

 

[gjenkins]

I can hear the stereo while driving, and rocks in the wheel wells are no longer ridiculously loud!

 

[TheClares]

Sound proofing - I chose Kilmat, and I probably went a little overboard. Completely covered the wheel wells. About 40~50% on the panels.

I will be doing this very soon. How many Square feet did you buy and end up using? FYI I plan on completely covering the wheel wells and divvying up the rest along the walls and doors.

 

[gjenkins]

Hello, TheClares. Kilmat 80mm, 36 sqft per box, 2 boxes. I have seen other builds that use less. There are two places I was excessive. 1. The wheel wells have a little over lap. 2. I am close to 50% coverage on each panel. Recommended is %20-30. There is an 18 sqft box and I think I could have done it with 36 +18

 

[bcblues]

I used Kilmat as well, and I put two full layers on the wheelwells, and would do so again! I bought 3 boxes, applied very liberally and have half a box left.

 

[Hein]

Killmat does help reduce noise but remember that Thinsulate is both thermal and acoustic insulation. We no longer see a need for both.

All the best,
Hein
DIYvan
541 490 5098

 

[RDinNHandAZ]

Adding sound deadening to a van to be insulated with Thinsulate or Polyiso is a good way to get rid of extra money and support a business that often spreads misinformation about the need for their product.

 

[gjenkins]

Adding sound deadening to a van to be insulated with Thinsulate or Polyiso is a good way to get rid of extra money and support a business that often spreads misinformation about the need for their product.

Live and learn. I had seen so many vids of both being used.

 

[gjenkins]

After a hiatus, started back up ... Floor, fan and floating bed ...

 

[StochasticBuilder]

What are the hinges you used on the bed frame?

 

[gjenkins]

Those are hinges I have seen on futons. I found them on Amazon. I am not quite convinced they will hold up in a bumpy ride van, but they are primarily to get the bed out of the way to mount bikes vertically in the back. Couch usage is a bonus.

Amazon / Sofa Bed Hinges

 

[StochasticBuilder]

Nice idea. Do you have to open the back doors to lower the bed or can you do it from inside?

Also, nice start on your van!

 

[gjenkins]

Thank you! I can raise and lower it while sitting on it. I am going to add a strap that will allow you to reach the back edge from the front, so I can raise and lower it without jumping up on the bed.

Also, not seen in these pics, but it has HDPE slides and lock bolts, so I can slide it forward and backward. It buys me an extra 18" of walk around space when folded up and slid all the way back.

 

[gjenkins]

Note: these hinges rattle I will probably stuff some open cell foam in there or something.

 

[gjenkins]

Bed Finished...

 

[gjenkins]

Swivels ...

 

[gjenkins]

Electrical System and Refrigerator ...

 

[cno]

Looking great! I had a similar experience driving home on the highway. Couldn’t hear the music. We added sound dampener (again too much) and then we upgraded the stereo. The door speakers were a really easy first step. It was really simple to update them.