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RC Helicopter Transport System

Chapter 3 of 6

Ceiling Panels & Insulation

Mar 30, 2022

In this episode, we get busy readying the interior by installing ceiling insulation and panels, side insulation, and decorative sills. The heat and noise mitigation of these elements are key to creating a temperate environment for your models and equipment while minimizing road noise and rattling.

For the insulation, we used New Zealand all-natural wool. Natural wool insulation is the environmentally conscious, high-performance alternative to traditional insulation. It has zero smell and is incredibly effective at mitigating noise and thermal fluctuations. On the ceiling, we applied Noico "Red" insulation tiles. The tiles come in a tidy box and are easy to apply simply by peeling the backing from the tile and sticking it in place. We used most of the tiles on the metal van ceiling before attaching the insulation-backed ceiling liner. With the sun beating down on the roof of the van, these elements really help keep the interior of the van substantially cooler than you would experience without them.

The ceiling liner from Legend Fleet is part of their series of products that include pre-formed panels for the van sides and the ceiling. Since our Sprinter came with factory panels, we only needed the ceiling piece. What's nice about the ceiling panel is the reflective material on the non-visible side of the panel. This works well with the Noico tiles to keep heat out of the cargo area.

We insulated the walls and doors of the van in EVERY possible place. The payoff is immediately noticeable. The van rides quietly and stays habitable. When transporting fuel or models, keeping the temperature down is key.

NOICO Tile Dimensions:

Thickness: 150 mil=0.15 inches (4 mm)
Sheet size: 15.7 x 9.8 inches (40 x 25 cm)