Hello Guest!

Cab Noise When Driving Down the Road

  • 20 Replies
  • 11121 Views
*

jam4travel

Cab Noise When Driving Down the Road
« on: April 20, 2018, 12:14:29 pm »
I'm having a new Phoenix Cruiser Model 3100 built.  This will be my first Phoenix Cruiser.

I would like Phoenix Cruiser owners to share with me and others how you would rate the noise level in the cab when cruising down the road @ 70mph;  Low, Medium, High.

If the noise level was higher than you liked, have you taken any steps to reduce the noise?

Thank You in Advance!!

John


*

jatrax

  • ******
  • 827
  • John and Carrie
    • View Profile
    • Zigzag Mountain Art
  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: New
  • PurchDate: November 2016
  • Model: 2552
  • ModelYear: 2017
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Graystone
  • ExtColor: Graystone
  • Location: Oregon Mountains
Re: Cab Noise When Driving Down the Road
« Reply #1 on: April 20, 2018, 12:40:52 pm »
Hi John,

I think it depends on your expectations.  If you are used to a Lexus or Mercedes cab then yes, it is going sound loud.  If you are used to a pickup or any other truck it's nothing to worry about.  Conversation is always manageable. 

However, the V-10 revs high, so when you start up grades it gets a lot louder.  The first time you are going to wonder if the engine is going to go.  But that's the way it is designed to operate.

PC did add extra insulation in my cab.  It was one of the listed options, not sure what that entails or if it is still an option or standard now.  You might ask them for details on it.

Bottom line, cruising down the highway I don't even notice the noise.  Up hills, yeah you are going hear it.

*

Cropduster

  • *****
  • 124
    • View Profile
  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: Used
  • PurchDate: 05/2015
  • Model: 2100
  • ModelYear: 2002
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Brown
  • ExtColor: Brown
  • Location: Midwest
Re: Cab Noise When Driving Down the Road
« Reply #2 on: April 20, 2018, 01:18:21 pm »
Same experience as jatrax.

We were actually surprised by the lack of road noise in our 2002 PC 2100.  Which is noticeably quieter on the road (max speed 65/68 mph) than either of our vehicles.  As others have noted, when that V10 kicks in to make the necessary horsepower, it is apparent.
« Last Edit: April 21, 2018, 07:44:07 pm by Cropduster »

*

Dynadave

  • ****
  • 84
    • View Profile
  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: Used
  • PurchDate: 10/2018
  • Model: 2552
  • ModelYear: 2018
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Tan
  • ExtColor: White/brown
  • Location: Florida
Re: Cab Noise When Driving Down the Road
« Reply #3 on: April 20, 2018, 01:57:36 pm »
Ditto Jatrax.
I had a 3100, when climbing  hills it is going to downshift and rev up, you will definetly hear it! At first I felt as tho maybe I was abusing the engine, it is quite loud at 3000, 3500rpm, but you are not hurting it at all, let it rev and make its power. On  flat highway cruising at 65 mph it is very pleasant and quite quiet, I did not add any insulation material.
2018 Phoenix 2552

*

jatrax

  • ******
  • 827
  • John and Carrie
    • View Profile
    • Zigzag Mountain Art
  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: New
  • PurchDate: November 2016
  • Model: 2552
  • ModelYear: 2017
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Graystone
  • ExtColor: Graystone
  • Location: Oregon Mountains
Re: Cab Noise When Driving Down the Road
« Reply #4 on: April 20, 2018, 02:14:51 pm »
I've been told the newer 6 speed tranny is a big improvement over the older ones in shifting patterns.  But never having driven one I have no comparison.

If you think of it as a truck and not a sports car it is a pleasure to drive.  I honestly prefer driving it than the car on long trips.

*

ragoodsp

  • ******
  • 550
    • View Profile
  • OwnPC: No
  • NewUsed: New
  • PurchDate: May 5, 2012
  • Model: 3100
  • ModelYear: 2012
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: cafe
  • ExtColor: cafe
  • Location: New Hampshire
Re: Cab Noise When Driving Down the Road
« Reply #5 on: April 20, 2018, 09:08:04 pm »
I found the noise level on the high side in both of my PC's.  I did extensive additional insulating of the cab area on my 3100.  Did the doors, floor, additional dog house, and the hood area.  I think I reduced the cab noise by upwards of 45%.  I would order any additional insulation you can get.  I never had any heat issues in the cab area (passenger) that some owners claim.
Ron Goodspeed

*

Ron Dittmer

  • *******
  • 5647
  • Ron and Irene
    • View Profile
    • My 2007 2350 Phoenix Cruiser
  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: New
  • PurchDate: June 2007
  • Model: 2350 Ford
  • ModelYear: 2007
  • Slide: No
  • IntColor: Cherry Green&Gray
  • ExtColor: Full Body Gray
  • Location: N/E Illinois
Re: Cab Noise When Driving Down the Road
« Reply #6 on: April 20, 2018, 09:42:30 pm »
I agree with everyone's comments.

Our PC is now 11 years old with only the standard materials in the cab area.  We never give a thought about the noise level while cruising.  We find it to be just fine.  BUT when climbing and engine braking, when the engine rev's up under those conditions, Irene and I have to raise our voices to communicate with each other.  Also, a common complaint, the floor gets hot near the passenger.  SO, I would think if Phoenix has an option to increase insulation/sound deadening on the cab floor and engine housing, to consider the upgrade.
Ron (& Irene) Dittmer

*

Joseph

  • *******
  • 1053
    • View Profile
  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: Used
  • PurchDate: 3/7/2015
  • Model: 2552
  • ModelYear: 2011
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Tan/Cherry
  • ExtColor: Gray / White
  • Location: California
Re: Cab Noise When Driving Down the Road
« Reply #7 on: April 23, 2018, 04:12:31 pm »
If I had never ridden in a Diesel pusher with air bags I’d never had thought the PC cab noise was all that loud nor the ride rough. On the flats the cab noise isn’t bad by any means. However  if it gets hilly it’s annoyingly loud. As someone pointed out the high revs hurts nothing, except maybe your nerves with the noise. 


*

Two Hams in a Can

  • *****
  • 248
    • View Profile
  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: Used
  • PurchDate: December 20, 2016
  • Model: 2400 Sprinter
  • ModelYear: 2012 PC 2400 Sprinter
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Cherry
  • ExtColor: Rust
  • Location: Homewood, Il
Re: Cab Noise When Driving Down the Road
« Reply #8 on: April 23, 2018, 07:45:08 pm »
Our Sprinter is much quieter when cruising than our Hyundai Santa Fe.  When climbing, the noise doesn't increase appreciably.  But, that's a Mercedes diesel engine for you.   ;)
Jeff and Suzanne traveling with the Cocker Spaniel sisters, Scout & Sydney in Fawkes the Phoenix 
"What happens in vagueness stays in vagueness"

*

ragoodsp

  • ******
  • 550
    • View Profile
  • OwnPC: No
  • NewUsed: New
  • PurchDate: May 5, 2012
  • Model: 3100
  • ModelYear: 2012
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: cafe
  • ExtColor: cafe
  • Location: New Hampshire
Re: Cab Noise When Driving Down the Road
« Reply #9 on: April 23, 2018, 08:59:24 pm »
Obviously, we all have different opinions as to what is and acceptable noise level in the cab area.  I will just say that carpet over bare metal as is the case with PC's and many other manufacturers is just not enough from the hot/cold/noise perspective.   Any additional insulation is worth every cent!
Ron Goodspeed

*

Joseph

  • *******
  • 1053
    • View Profile
  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: Used
  • PurchDate: 3/7/2015
  • Model: 2552
  • ModelYear: 2011
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Tan/Cherry
  • ExtColor: Gray / White
  • Location: California
Re: Cab Noise When Driving Down the Road
« Reply #10 on: April 23, 2018, 10:55:48 pm »
Also its not a PC thing, all other class C units have the same sound cab issues. Unless of course you add insulation which helps to some degree. Just how much needs to be measured. I added something above the exhaust due to the passenger side floor being uncomfortably hot. Cost was small and it ellviated the problem. I’ve never tried to quiet down the cab.

*

Cat House

  • ***
  • 40
    • View Profile
  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: Used
  • PurchDate: 17 Oct 2016
  • Model: 2552
  • ModelYear: 2012
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: toast
  • Location: Lower Alabama
Re: Cab Noise When Driving Down the Road
« Reply #11 on: April 24, 2018, 03:58:37 pm »
We can hear the cats purring when driving down the road in our 2552, except on steep climbs.  Most road miles are spent listening to audio books and the radio volume in not that high.

*

CalCruiser

  • ******
  • 670
    • View Profile
  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: Used
  • PurchDate: November 2015
  • Model: 2350 Ford
  • ModelYear: 2003
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Hickory/ Beige
  • ExtColor: Custom Ford colors- dark shadow grey & blue jeans metallic
  • Location: SoCal
Re: Cab Noise When Driving Down the Road
« Reply #12 on: April 24, 2018, 07:54:52 pm »
Custom car builders use a product called Dynamat to insulate against noise and heat. Maybe ask your local street rod shop if they would have  space to work on a 31 ft motorhome if you are still on the fence or if Phoenix says no.
Goin' where the wind goes...

*

Cropduster

  • *****
  • 124
    • View Profile
  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: Used
  • PurchDate: 05/2015
  • Model: 2100
  • ModelYear: 2002
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Brown
  • ExtColor: Brown
  • Location: Midwest
Re: Cab Noise When Driving Down the Road
« Reply #13 on: April 24, 2018, 08:04:59 pm »
While restoring a vehicle --back in my poorer days-- I used surplus computer mouse pads secured with contact cement.  This did a surprisingly good job with sound reduction.   Although I am not sure I would recommend this approach to the PC builders.

*

ragoodsp

  • ******
  • 550
    • View Profile
  • OwnPC: No
  • NewUsed: New
  • PurchDate: May 5, 2012
  • Model: 3100
  • ModelYear: 2012
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: cafe
  • ExtColor: cafe
  • Location: New Hampshire
Re: Cab Noise When Driving Down the Road
« Reply #14 on: April 24, 2018, 08:24:17 pm »
I purchased pre cut Dynamat kit specifically for the E-450. Again, Dynamat in the doors, floorboards, hood and additional dog house insulation made a big difference with wind and road noise.  The doors sound super solid when you close them.  It has been a few years now but I think I sent about $400 for the Dynamat product.  Until you hear the difference you do not know what you are missing.
Ron Goodspeed