Campervan Lining, Insulation & Sound Deadening: A Complete Guide

Joshua Brett
Sep 26
2 min read

When starting a campervan conversion, one of the most important first steps is preparing your van with lining, insulation, and sound deadening. This stage sets the foundation for comfort, warmth, and a quieter ride – making a huge difference to your overall van life experience.

At Bliss Conversions Suffolk, we’ve transformed everything from compact VW T5s to large Mercedes Sprinters, and we always recommend investing time and care into this stage of your build. Here’s everything you need to know.

Why Insulation, Sound Deadening & Lining Matter

Warmth – Insulation helps retain heat in winter and keeps the van cooler in summer.
Noise reduction – Sound deadening reduces road noise and rattles for a smoother drive.
Condensation control – Proper materials help prevent moisture build-up that can lead to rust.
Professional finish – Lining boards and carpet lining create a neat, comfortable interior.

Campervan Sound Deadening

The first step is applying sound deadening mats (often made from butyl). These sheets stick to the van’s panels, reducing vibrations and road noise.

Key points:

Apply to large, flat metal surfaces (doors, sides, floor, roof).
Even partial coverage makes a noticeable difference.
Creates a quieter, more solid feel inside the van.

👉 We recommend starting with sound deadening before insulation for the best results.

Campervan Insulation

Once sound deadening is in place, insulation is fitted between the van’s panels.

Popular insulation types:

Sheep’s Wool Insulation – Natural, breathable, great for regulating moisture.
Foil-Backed Foam Boards (Celotex / PIR) – High thermal efficiency, ideal for flat areas like floors and roofs.
Recycled Plastic Insulation (e.g. Dacron) – Eco-friendly, lightweight, non-irritant.
Foil Bubble Insulation (Thermawrap) – Good as a radiant barrier but best when combined with other materials.

👉 A combination of materials often works best, balancing warmth, breathability, and cost.

Campervan Vapour Barrier

To prevent condensation from getting trapped inside the insulation, a vapour barrier (usually foil or plastic sheeting) is applied over the insulation before lining boards go up.

This step is crucial for protecting your van against damp and rust over time.

Campervan Lining

After insulation and vapour barriers are fitted, the van is finished with lining boards and carpet lining.

Popular options:

Carpet lining – Soft, flexible, and gives a warm, cosy feel. Perfect for VW campervans.
Ply lining with vinyl or laminate – Durable and easy to clean, great for larger vans or adventure builds.
Custom panelling – Bespoke finishes with wood slats or premium materials for a luxury look.

👉 Lining not only makes the van look professional but also adds another layer of insulation and soundproofing.

Why Professional Installation Helps

While DIY is possible, professional installation ensures:

A snug, condensation-resistant fit.
No wasted space behind panels.
A clean, wrinkle-free carpet lining finish.
Proper insulation that lasts for years.

Campervan Lining, Insulation & Sound Deadening in Suffolk

At Bliss Conversions, we provide expert campervan insulation, lining, and sound deadening services to make your van warmer, quieter, and more comfortable.

👉 Get in touch today to book your campervan lining and insulation installation in Suffolk.