If you’re planning to insulate your vehicle, one of the most common questions is:

“How much insulation do I actually need?”

Whether you're working on a campervan conversion, improving comfort in your car, or reducing noise in a work van, this guide will help you estimate the right quantity of materials before you buy.

Why Quantity Matters

Buying too little means delays and extra shipping costs. Buying too much wastes money.

The key is understanding that different materials are used in different ways:

• Sound deadening = partial coverage (not 100%)
• Thermal insulation = near full coverage
• Thermo fleece = filling gaps and cavities
• Floor insulation (MLV/rubber) = full floor coverage

Quick Guide by Vehicle Type

Vehicle Type	Sound Deadening	Thermal Insulation	Thermo Fleece	Floor Material
Small Car	2–3m²	3–5m²	2–4m²	2–3m²
Large Car / SUV	3–4m²	5–7m²	4–6m²	3–4m²
Small Van	3–4m²	8–10m²	6–8m²	3–5m²
Medium Van	4–5m²	12–15m²	8–12m²	5–7m²
Large Van	5–7m²	15–20m²	12–18m²	7–10m²
Campervan	4–6m²	15–20m²	10–15m²	5–8m²
4x4 / Land Rover	3–5m²	6–10m²	4–8m²	3–5m²

How Much Sound Deadening Do I Need?

Sound deadening is used to reduce vibration and panel resonance. You do not need to cover every surface.

Recommended coverage:

• Budget: 25% coverage
• Recommended: 40% coverage
• Premium: 50–60% coverage

Where to apply:

• Doors
• Floor panels
• Wheel arches
• Boot floor
• Large flat metal panels

How Much Thermal Insulation Do I Need?

Thermal insulation helps regulate temperature and reduce condensation. This should be applied to most surfaces.

Where to apply:

• Side walls
• Roof
• Doors
• Floor areas

Tip:

Aim for full coverage wherever possible for best results.

How Much Thermo Fleece Do I Need?

Thermo fleece (recycled polyester insulation) is ideal for filling voids and irregular spaces.

Where to use:

• Inside panels
• Roof cavities
• Doors
• Behind trim

This material complements foam insulation and improves overall performance.

How Much Floor Soundproofing Do I Need?

Floor insulation (MLV rubber or layered mats) reduces road noise and improves comfort.

Rule:

Measure your floor area and add 10–15% extra.

Example: Mercedes Vito Campervan Build

A typical Mercedes Vito conversion will require:

• Sound deadening: 4–5m²
• Thermal insulation: 15–20m²
• Thermo fleece: 8–12m²
• Floor soundproofing: 5–7m²

Build options:

Budget build

• 3m² sound deadening
• 10–12m² insulation
• 5–8m² fleece

Recommended build

• 4–5m² sound deadening
• 15–20m² insulation
• 8–12m² fleece
• 5–7m² floor insulation

Premium build

• 5–6m² sound deadening
• 18–20m² insulation
• 10–15m² fleece
• 6–8m² floor insulation

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying sound deadening everywhere (not needed)
• Not buying enough insulation for full coverage
• Ignoring cavities and gaps
• Not allowing extra for cuts and waste

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need 100% sound deadening coverage?

No. Focus on large flat panels. 25–50% coverage is usually enough.

Should I use foam or fleece?

Foam is best for surface coverage and moisture resistance. Fleece is ideal for filling gaps.

How much extra should I buy?

We recommend adding 10–15% extra to allow for cutting and fitting.

Vehicle Specific Guides

For more accurate recommendations, see our detailed guides:

• Mercedes Vito insulation guide
• VW Transporter T5 / T6 insulation guide
• Ford Transit Custom insulation guide
• Vauxhall Vivaro insulation guide
• Renault Trafic insulation guide

Need Help?

If you are unsure how much you need, simply send us your vehicle make, model, and what you are trying to achieve.

We will recommend the exact quantity and products for your project.