I currently have an '06 F350XL with 6.0 PSD. My wife objects to the engine noise, esp. when towing our 31'/9000lb travel trailer. I'm sure when it comes time for a newer truck, if not sooner, she'll want me to get a gas-powered one, because of the noise.

Do the XLT trucks have more sound deadening? If so, is it significant? Maybe that would be my excuse to upgrade to an XLT

 

My 05 XLT has insulation on the interior fire wall. You'll have to look under the dashboard to see if you XL has the same.

I would think twice about going to a gas engine to tow a 31' travel trailer.

 

Oh, trust me, I will stay with a Diesel for towing this trailer. I'm also considering adding what sound insulation I can to the truck I have.

 

On my posts in the E-350 van forum, there is a fair number of posts on where the noise originates and how to abate it.

To do the job properly, you need a cheapie sound pressure meter and then about a week of serious, hard work.


I got the noise down to near gasser levels with the work done over 2 weeks.


Here are the big sources:

A) remove the entire interior and insulate the floor (especially the front portion with at least an added 1/2" of fiberglass or like accoustic deadening insulation.

Note -- you have to encase it in a vapor barrier or else the floor will rust, or moisture from the floor will get into it from the top.


Be sure you insuate the kick panels / tire well as that is a huge source of noise.


B) under the dash --- fill it with plastic bags with fiberglass.


C) Doors - remove panel and insulate between the plastic and metal on all 4 doors.


D) under hood ---add a fiberglass barrier on the engine side and everywhere you can on the sides of the engine.


This will get you started.


Additional insulation on sides of cab, rear, and roof can be done in like fashion.

Be sure you use vapor barriers properly and insulation do not trap moisture or rust.

 

Do you have the blanket on the underneath of the hood? I was told this became an option after 2004 and their is a noticeable diffrence in the cab.

 

I got the most bang for the buck doing the floor right beside the transmission and underneath the front seat and isolation from the front tires.

The second biggest impact is under the dashboard (in fact, I am adding more insulation there).

Then the rear tires / driveline --- but I have a van.


Think the under hood is a good thing, I actually bought the stuff to do it (fiberglass mesh to hold it there), and fiberglass batts and glue), but haven't got around to it yet.

My guess is from a raw (work truck), you can easily get it down by at least 3 to 6 dba just with these measures.

Above that, you are talking the cab, and decoupling.

Regular work if you ever worked silent service.

 

More...

Your biggest source of noise is engine noise directly emitted and reflected from the road.

To give you an idea of how cheap Ford is, on mine, there was a tiny bit of sound insulation on the drivers side door, but nothing on the passenger side.


$200 of fiberglass, some plastic vapor barrier, and bags, and elbow grease to disassemble parts... does the job like Ford can never afford to do.

 

I wouldn't spend too much on sound deadening, you won't get rid of the diesel engine sound. There is already a very good deadening layer on the inside of the firewall. I gutted my cab and deadened EVERYTHING and didn't notice a huge difference... about $600 later...

 

Reptacular pics cartmanea!!

 

If your looking for quiet go drive the 2011. Bout like driving a gasser.

 

Drove a 2011 last month and I think it is quieter then a gas engine. No diesel exhaust smell either. Kinda takes the fun out of owning a diesel other then the smoth power and torque.

 

the new one's are strong too. They run mid/high 15's stock!

 

We all know why wives object to the noise. My advice is to enjoy the version 6.0 music. Just nod your head like you agree with her.

 

So hand her a pair of ear plugs!!!! Wait till she hears it straight piped!

 

What did you deaden with?

Did you do any measurements with a sound pressure meter?