Does your class C engine cover (also known as a dog house) get hot? Does your RV center console burn your legs? Is your class C engine too loud? If you answer yes to any of these questions, you need to insulate your class C engine cover. This is a relatively simple project, takes a few hours and costs only about $50.
Most newer class C RVs are built on a Ford E-350 or E-450 chassis. One downfall of the design of the Ford is you sit right next to the engine and transmission. There is only an engine cover with minimal insulation separating the driver and passenger from the extremely hot engine, transmission and exhaust manifolds. Below is a picture of the engine cover on a Ford E-Series van chassis.
When driving my class C RV, my legs would get very hot if they were in contact with the center console. It was also very loud in the cabin, especially when going up a hill. We would have to turn the radio up louder to drown out the noise. To correct these problems, I purchased some Thermo-Tec Heat and Sound Suppressor mat from Amazon. Once I installed it, the console is now much cooler to the touch and there is a noticeable decrease in engine noise. I enjoy driving my RV much more since this upgrade.
How to Install
In order to install the heat and sound suppressor mat, the engine cover needs to be removed. This is fairly simple and no tools are required. To remove it, I first take off the panel directly under the steering wheel (it is only held on by clips that pop loose when given a firm tug). There will be four ratchet clips to loosen. Simply lift up on the handle and the hook will extend to release from the mount. There is a one clip on both sides of the engine cover (near the top) and two clips at the floor. Once loosened, the engine cover can be pulled out. Below is a picture of the engine (cover removed).
On the back side of the engine cover, there is a foil-covered fiberous insulation mat. Carefully remove the mat (it is stuck on in a few areas with mild adhesive).
Once removed, apply Thermo-Tec heat and sound barrier mat directly to the back side of the engine cover as shown below (you’ll have to cut it into multiple pieces) The mat will need to be firmly pressed into place by hand or with a small hand-held roller.
Once the mat is in place, put the factory insulation on top and tuck the edges under the rubber lip around the perimeter as shown below.
To reassemble, place the engine cover back in the channel surrounding the engine and attach the four clamps, pulling the lever to lock in place. Reinstall the panel underneath the steering wheel by snapping the clips in place.
This simple insulation modification will significantly reduce the engine heat and noise that comes into the cabin. It should make driving your Class C RV much more enjoyable. Happy Trails!