Using DODO MAT Sound Deadening! Is It Worth It?

[@stephentillston]

You need to do the floor and the roof to gain any real benefit. You have to bare in mind you still have a massive void of empty space that amplifies and road noise which is impossible to stop altogether because the noise is transferred through the suspension into the body. I recently did a 4x4 in sound deafening and the results where superb. It helps having things like head lining so when you start insulating your van you’ll start to reap the rewards noise wise.

[@BruceLauderdale]

Thank you Stephen, that’s very reassuring. Perhaps I could do a few tests again in the future as more gets added to the van. I appreciate the information and makes me feel somewhat reassured that it will improve.

[@stephentillston]

Bruce Lauderdale some people like to cover the whole area in the stuff leaving no panel bare but it isn’t necessary. The sound deadening sheets are designed to remove the harmonic ringing out of a panel not make the whole thing silent. The effect can be really effective though especially when you place it on all 5 areas ie doors sides floor and roof. It can be expensive but it’s definitely worth it.

[@paulknowles9727]

I hope you've all realised the difference between Sound Suppression and Sound Absorption. Sure you've eliminated reverb from the side panels, but also contained reverb from the roof and floor. It will sound quieter outside, but you may have actually increased it internally. Do the same to floor and ceiling for an all round 10-20% drop in acoustic reverb.

[@DannyTulu]

Well done Bruce, that was a very interesting and informative video. I am sure also very helpful to so many who are starting their own conversions. You are very meticulous with everything you do and if we ever need anything for the van, you’ll be the man we’ll be coming to 😊🙌

[@BruceLauderdale]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you. I don't know why this has not been replied to until now. Doh!!

[@liamnashphotographyvideogr8266]

Great video Bruce, i'm sure lots of other people who are looking at converting a van will find this useful with the techniques you have used. Good luck with your next week ahead and look forward to seeing the next video :D

[@BruceLauderdale]

Thanks Liam. I am hoping it will 👍🏻

[@BruceLauderdale]

Apologies for the sound variations which has been brought to my attention. I will try harder! Have you converted a van - What is your take on sound deadening using Butyl mats? Are you in the process of converting a van - What sound deadening methods are you going to use if any? UPDATE: Now that things are going into the van and the fact I sorted out a rattle on the back door, I can honestly say that it has helped immensely.

[@martinwhite3005]

Thank you very much for a thorough test and review.

[@kevinmcgrath9387]

Hey Bruce, loving the videos. I still see plenty of the old Bruce I know and love with the little creative touches to each problem you face. In my opinion, it takes sound absorbing material as sounds needs somewhere to be 'soaked up'. You know, like when you are in an empty house before you move in, or just after you move out and everything sounds loud. Even just closing an interior door, yet once the carpets and furniture are in, it is vastly different. The same will apply to the van. Once you have sound absorbing materials in there, it will be much better. The insulation will definitely help and once you have fitted out the van it will be noticeably better. I also think slightly adjusting tyre pressures can make a difference to noise and handling when on the road. Our Lexus is supposed to be at 36psi for best fuel economy, but then it is too firm and causes more rattles. I usually set the tyres to 34psi, not a big change, but softens the ride a little, so more comfortable and less internal noises. But of course slightly reduced fuel efficiency as a trade off. Disclaimer: I'm not suggesting people should take chances with the correct inflation of their vehicles tyres. Be sensible and be safe folks :)

[@BruceLauderdale]

Hey Kev, the tyre pressure is a great idea, I will check that over the weekend. Also the van has no weight to it at the moment so it’s very “Bouncy”. When it’s been fitted out a bit and some weight added to it, I am sure it will improve. Glad you’re well buddy! Thank you for the support.

[@tommosley5746]

Very interesting results! I have bought some and its arriving tomorrow

[@BruceLauderdale]

Thank you. Honestly only cover 50% of the panel. When insulation goes in it’s so much better. Good luck!

[@WearAway]

Enjoyed that Bruce we also put the deading on the roof back doors too not just sides we didnt test before or after mind so couldnt really comment on your results but I must say with all the insulation put in when we driving our cab is not that loud on road noise XXXX

[@BruceLauderdale]

Thank you guys, I am feeling a lot better by the reassurance I have received by a number of people. You’re now also on that list. Thank you for the support, I really appreciate it.

[@WearAway]

@@BruceLauderdale no problem chuckyegg we were new to it too and learnt by our mistakes having to re do stuff but if we can help in any way ❤💙 its,all fun once the insulation is all done 😝😂❤💙

[@alexdubois6585]

I suspect that the sound is lower pitch but the decibels are the same because you have the same energy put into the van as vibration. More visible with just the water as the energy is low, and a small amount of energy disipate in the chassi... Thanks a lot for the video. I'll sleep on it and decide.

[@BruceLauderdale]

There was a rattle in the rear door catch which I have since discovered. It is very quiet now!

[@alexdubois6585]

@@BruceLauderdale Ah OK thanks for the response.

[@mrw9513]

Great vid Bruce, really good honest review too. I bet the small changes with the sound deadening and then when it's also insulated and lined will all add up to huge differences in the end. Best wishes and stay safe and well buddy ❤️ 💙 ❤️ 💙 ❤️

[@BruceLauderdale]

Thanks Mr Dble🐑 - I’m sure it will al work out in the end too. Thank dude.

[@ofcoursemyhorse9070]

What he has done removed vibration in the panels, this means that the van no longer reverberates with sound waves from inside and outside the van, in other words the panels no longer wobble. If you want to kill the road noise you need something with mass to absorb and block the noise. So you need to down some 10mm mass loaded vinyl to block the noise on top of the anti vibration stuff. Also the make of tyres + suspension make a big difference in road noise. What he has done is the first step in sound deadening there needs to be more layers.

[@BruceLauderdale]

It’s much quieter now! So you’re spot on!

[@bg73]

I thought it was "Dead as a doornail" :) I think once you have the entire van complete, it will be a lot more rigid and you will get less vibrations and less road noise.

[@BruceLauderdale]

LOL, I can show you a doornail, I can't show you a Dodo... I am thinking (and hoping) for the same. Driving the van definitely feels better and I actually felt it was quieter. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@3dvanlife972]

Thank you Bruce lots of valuable information

[@BruceLauderdale]

You’re most welcome. Thank you for watching and supporting my channel.

[@fatwalletboy2]

Ive just installed this into a waffer thin steel 25 year old fiat and this stuff is insanely good. You can hear and feel the difference before and after...i used the 2mm pro N. Highly recommend it for doors roof tailgate rear quarters arches etc. Lovely thumk too when you close the doors and boot.....dont buy the cheap stuff. Buy dodomat.

[@louisfroment1879]

thanks you very much. was thinking to do it on my new van just to reinforce the side panel

[@BruceLauderdale]

You only need to cover 30 - 50%.

[@louisfroment1879]

@@BruceLauderdale Thanks a mill Bruce

[@Hatecampaign]

I did my van in sound deadening, couldn’t hear any difference until I put on the thermal layer on top. Then insulated it with that recycled plastic bottle stuff (B&Q, much cheaper) and it’s a lot quieter now. My opinion! The sound deadening on its own is a waste of time.

[@BruceLauderdale]

Thank you for taking the time to comment. Now that I have added my insulation to most of the van, and adjusted a hinge catch on the back door, the van is much quieter. So I would most certainly agree with you. The panels are deadened without the insulation but together with insulation it rocks!

[@andyl2177]

Thanks

[@williamsmax91]

I really enjoyed this video Bruce!

[@BruceLauderdale]

Thanks Max, I appreciate it.

[@satyajeetpalkar2398]

Why not install it from the outside of the van? It'd definitely be much easier...would it be as effective?

[@BruceLauderdale]

It would make the van look shit though

[@djlakota8907]

😂

[@iandale]

Thanks, I’m still scratching my head why you had to dremmel the structure 🤣🤣

[@BruceLauderdale]

It’s spot welded at four points, two at the top, and two at the bottom

[@Ricqu]

@@BruceLauderdale But why did you remove it?

[@BruceLauderdale]

@@Ricqu - because if I wanted to later install windows, the ribs wouldn't cause problems then. So was thinking ahead even though I haven't put windows in yet.

[@SuperUpgrades]

Did you add any under the carpet in the footwells

[@BruceLauderdale]

Hi, I didn’t do any to the cab area. I can say now that I have lined and insulated the van is very quiet. I think it all goes together and compliments each other. I’m in the process of installing my diesel heater and I’m placing the fuel pump in the driver step well. It’s pretty thick metal there.

[@CosmicSeeker69]

My question is. £50 of sound mats or, down to Wilko for a pack of 4 @ £2.99?

[@BruceLauderdale]

I have not tested the Wilko product. However, the product on its own doesn’t really make a difference but as the build goes it gets more solid. The van now is very quiet.

[@tyronekelly2672]

What are the quality like? I have been on their site but cannot find them, do you know what Wilko call them?

[@BruceLauderdale]

I don’t Tyrone, sorry.

[@zonta71]

floor and rear doors. hence same noise

[@BruceLauderdale]

bibi kola - now that more stuff I going in and a few adjustments to some screws, it’s so much better now.

[@Jonathan_Doe_]

The craziest thing about this is, someone who drives one of these vans standard for a living, should technically be offered/encouraged to wear earplugs due to the decibel level!

[@BruceLauderdale]

It’s pretty bad as a naked van, so I’d agree. However now it’s getting filled it’s really quiet and now the smallest of raffles is annoying 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@keepcalmandbugout]

I have a citroen relay just going to start it , I bought the silent coat sound deadening, I have a question what do you do about the interior lights in the back , I wouldnt mind seeing what you do , do you just cut the wires?

[@BruceLauderdale]

Ooh, same van for the most part. Silent Coat is what I may have chosen if they had had stock when I was getting. I haven’t cut any wires. They actually just unclip. I’m still deciding what to do. I think an LED light for when entering the van at night would be a good thing to keep but may extend it to the front from the side light..

[@keepcalmandbugout]

@@BruceLauderdale I am thinking of having a red light come on when opening can doors so i dont ruin night vision

[@junior1b1]

The sound of the road is because don’t have any on the floor

[@BruceLauderdale]

Yeah, I would agree with you. Now that other stuff is in, the van is very quiet!