DIY Van converters....this blog is for you!
So you just bought your van and now are looking at a large empty vehicle. What do you do now?
The first thing you are going to want to do after stripping down your vehicle to its metal frame is add sound deadening + insulation. Sound deadening is going to give you a quieter ride & insulation is going to assist in climate regulation. We recommend to add these two items at the very beginning of your van build because if you don't add it before you install paneling, upholstery and cabinetry the only way to install sound deadening + insulation is to remove all your cabinetry, fixtures and wall paneling, which is a headache, cost money & takes a lot of time.
We created three starter kits based around sound deadening + insulation. The video below give you a better understanding of the importance of these kits!
Below is a more detailed look into each KIT!
DIY STARTER KIT #1
This is a great starter kit for anyone who is looking for a quieter ride and better climate control. Both of these items are very easy to install and when paired together, they make a huge difference in your van. These two products also work inside any van, not just sprinters.
Link to shop this kit:
A detailed look at DIY Starter Kit #1:
SOUND DEADENING:
Sound deadening is made of a butyl rubber material which lowers the frequency of vibrations and thus make them quieter. Vibrating metal from the movement of the van is the largest source of noise while driving. This is applied to the walls of your van before you insert the insulation. This kit comes w/ enough sound deadening to cover the entire interior of your vehicle.
VAN INSULATION:
3M Thinsulation is a lightweight insulation that traps in heat while allowing moisture to escape. It is the same material that many Northface and Patagonia jackets are made from. This product is the gold standard for insulation & will make your van life experience that much better! This kit comes w/ enough insulation to cover the entire interior of your vehicle.
DIY STARTER KIT #2
This kit comes w/ the essentials, sound deadening & insulation but we added a Maxx Air Vent Fan Kit as-well. If you are familiar with cutting sheet metal & looking for optimal air flow in your van than this kit may be a great option for you.
Total savings when you choose this kit?
$150.00
Link to shop this kit:
A detailed look at DIY Starter Kit #2:
SOUND DEADENING:
Sound deadening is made of a butyl rubber material which lowers the frequency of vibrations and thus make them quieter. Vibrating metal from the movement of the van is the largest source of noise while driving. This is applied to the walls of your van before you insert the insulation. This kit comes w/ enough sound deadening to cover the entire interior of your vehicle.
VAN INSULATION:
3M Thinsulation is a lightweight insulation that traps in heat while allowing moisture to escape. It is the same material that many Northface and Patagonia jackets are made from. This product is the gold standard for insulation & will make your van life experience that much better! This kit comes w/ enough insulation to cover the entire interior of your vehicle
MAX AIR VENT FAN KIT
The MaxxFan Deluxe is the only complete Van ventilation system that incorporates a vent, fan and rain shield in a single unit. This fan can push air out (exhaust) or suck air in (intake). This is a great product to add in the early stages of your van build to avoid having to cut into the roof of your van later on in your van build journey.
What comes w/ the fan:
- (1) bottle of Lap Seal
-( 1) strip of Butyl tape
- (1) Wood inner pressure frame (applies even pressure to insure a perfect install)
Total savings when you choose this kit?
$250.00
DIY STARTER KIT #3
This kit comes w/ the sound deadening & insulation, Maxx Air Vent Fan Kit and a 10 x 33 Half Slider Window w/ Trim Kit. This Kit allows you to have a quiter ride, regulated climate, maximizes airflow, and allows you to have a view out of your rear cabin. If you are familiar with cutting sheet metal this kit, or kit #2 we recommend as almost every van build includes all these items listed in these kits.
Link to shop this kit:
A detailed look at DIY Starter Kit #3:
SOUND DEADENING:
Sound deadening is made of a butyl rubber material which lowers the frequency of vibrations and thus make them quieter. Vibrating metal from the movement of the van is the largest source of noise while driving. This is applied to the walls of your van before you insert the insulation. This kit comes w/ enough sound deadening to cover the entire interior of your vehicle.
VAN INSULATION:
3M Thinsulation is a lightweight insulation that traps in heat while allowing moisture to escape. It is the same material that many Northface and Patagonia jackets are made from. This product is the gold standard for insulation & will make your van life experience that much better! This kit comes w/ enough insulation to cover the entire interior of your vehicle.
MAX AIR VENT FAN KIT
The MaxxFan Deluxe is the only complete Van ventilation system that incorporates a vent, fan and rain shield in a single unit. This fan can push air out (exhaust) or suck air in (intake). This is a great product to add in the early stages of your van build to avoid having to cut into the roof of your van later on in your van build journey.
What comes w/ the fan:
- (1) bottle of Lap Seal
-( 1) strip of Butyl tape
- (1) Wood inner pressure frame (applies even pressure to insure a perfect install)
10 X 33 HALF SLIDER WINDOW W/ TRIM KIT
This Solar Glass With Powder Coated Black Frame + CRL 10 x 33 Slider Window Trim Ring is Excellent for Bunk Bed Ventilation on any Van Conversion. Adding this upgrade to your van is any easy way to increase air flow and have more of a view from the rear of your cabin!
Total savings when you choose this kit?
$350.00
NEED A LITTLE MORE GUIDANCE?
You can also book a consultation below with one of our van builders who can help guide you in the right direction:
If you have any other questions about these products feel free to hit us up on the chat box or you can call us anytime Mon-Fri 9am-5pm PST (657) 227-8433
Hope to see you out on the road!
Safe & Happy Travels
-The Van Mart Team
1 comment
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