Tie Downs & Wheel Wells
Removal of the tie-downs and application of the noise reduction material.
Noise reduction in cargo vans is sometimes important, as these vehicles are built differently then passenger cars. The wheel wells are the obvious place to tackle the main source noise production. Limiting it, has some merit, but I see it as only a minor inconvenience, where driving is such a minimal part of the RV experience.
Considerations
To me, the tie downs are only useful to transport and secure goods in your van, so removal is obvious as they interfere with the rest of the interior. Some use the threads in the walls, that hold these tie downs, to secure the plywood sub-floor with the help of a few angled fasteners. I prefer to secure the sub-floor directly to the metal floor of the cargo area.
Overall, I don’t regard the Ford Transit van as overly noisy, but the rear wheels produce most of that, especially when the tires throw small road debris against the wheel well.
The van already comes with a very limited amount noise reducing materials on the interior roof, that is supposed to minimize sound transmission through vibration. The same is intended here for the wheel wells.
The choice of Peel & Seal (a roofing material) is based on one of the principles of this entire project to create an inexpensive conversion van and on the generally, positive feedback of other DIY upfitters. Sound deadening materials like FatMat are approximately four times more expensive and could be used instead without a substantial increase in cost. If you want to apply it throughout the van, it will become a costly proposition.
Later on during this conversion, we will apply regular ‘heat’ insulation materials throughout the cargo van that will also help to reduce the overall noise levels.
Some complain about fumes that would disappear in days or weeks, but I haven’t noticed any of that.
Which Parts To Choose
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Materials
Peel & Seal
6″ x 33.5′
Aluminum color
Tools
Socket Wrench Set,
3/8″ & 1/4″ Drive Bit
3/8″ Ratchet
Metric 4-12mm
SAE 5/32″-9/16″
J-Roller
13″ x 3″ Roller Size
Rubber Seam Roller
2″ Flat Pressure Roller
Small Size
Screen Rolling Tool
Spline Roller
Wood Handle
Steel Wheels
Noise Reduction Material Application
- Use a wrench and socket to remove all nine tie downs from the cargo area of the Ford Transit.
- Brush clean the area of the wheel well you’re working on.
- Clean the surface with some rubbing alcohol or alcohol swabs.
- Cut a piece of Peel & Seal to the appropriate length.
- Try to use every bit of leftover. That’s how I succeeded to do both wheel wells with one roll, but barely!
- Work from bottom up.
- Remove only a short piece of backing at a time.
- Then press firmly and use a roller to set it in place.
- I use a window screen roller to press into every nook and cranny.
materials
- 1 Roll of Peel & Seal – 6″ x 25′.
tools
- Wrench & Socket.
- Utility Knife.
- Tape Measure.
- Rubbing Alcohol or Alcohol Swabs.
- Small Wall Paper Seam Roller.
- Window Screen Roller.
- Hand Broom.
- Optional:
- Large J-Roller.
Conclusion
Removal of the tie downs is simple and quick. The application of the Peel & Seal to the wheel wells needs a bit of patience, but anybody can do this.
The materials for this part of the project, where acquired locally and the total cost was about $16.00.
QUESTIONS, SUBMISSIONS OR CORRECTIONS
The missing parts of the complete van conversion process are being added regularly to this Build Guide. If you want to suggest a specific build option for this guide, submit a content correction or have a general inquiry, send me an email.
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Disclaimer: Throughout this guide, all guidance, building techniques and other information are based on my own experiences of converting a cargo van into a Tiny House on wheels. This guide is only for informational purposes; always build according to local and national standards. Be aware that such a project is expensive, requires a substantial amount of broad knowledge of building techniques and involves more work hours than you can imagine. Besides of hitting a finger with a hammer, much more serious harm can be done when you work with 12V/120V electrical systems, propane installations, power tools, etc. Tapping into the vehicle’s own systems can also damage its functionality. Get professional help where needed; never take any risk!