Maiden voyage 2019 30 Ds noisy

[Iankerr]

Hi there we just bought a 2019 fr3 30 ds. Found it noisy in the front end
So I added some things. The main thing was a baffle to not let the wind go straight into the heater I taped a 6 pack box to it so the air had to go around something. Also on each side at the dash there was foam missing at the corners so I filled them with batt insulation. I also foam taped the doors so they don’t rattle and added sone chair pads to the mesh on the grill so it doesn’t rattle in the wind. I plan on making all the adjustments more permanent when I get a chance. Hope this helps we had a great short trip. We’re able to talk and listen to music

[robo44]

Thanks for the post Im looking forward to seeing your more permanent fixes. I too just had my maiden voyage a few weeks ago in our 2019 33DS and it was noisy just as you described. Id be curious to see others an their fixes.

[MR.M]

very sad to see these new units being built so poorly

[Iankerr]

I don’t think there built poorly. I think it’s a production line. The odd thing gets missed in interpretation or because of lunch etc. There cheaper for a reason but still have the same parts as the more expensive models. I knew that I was going to have some issues. I don’t mind it’s nice to have a new unit the last one was 22 years old. As far as the noise the wind hitting the heater intake made the most impact on the noise level. Most heaters have a hose that faces the motor top. I have never seen one that the opening is facing the grill.

[rk06382]

Originally Posted by Iankerr

Hi there we just bought a 2019 fr3 30 ds. Found it noisy in the front end
So I added some things. The main thing was a baffle to not let the wind go straight into the heater I taped a 6 pack box to it so the air had to go around something. Also on each side at the dash there was foam missing at the corners so I filled them with batt insulation. I also foam taped the doors so they don’t rattle and added sone chair pads to the mesh on the grill so it doesn’t rattle in the wind. I plan on making all the adjustments more permanent when I get a chance. Hope this helps we had a great short trip. We’re able to talk and listen to music

I ended up using black silicone caulking in the grill between the opening. It stopped the grill from humming and rattling.

FR3 thread: Noisy cockpit Post #11: .

I used black weatherstriping around the grill everwhere it touched. I am going to do something about your heater intake suggestion.

Thanks for your post.

[Iankerr]

I think the silicone is the way to go looks good

[Iankerr]

I was wondering if stryrofoam under the cockpit might help has anyone tried it.

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by Iankerr

I was wondering if stryrofoam under the cockpit might help has anyone tried it.

Don't use styrofoam if there's any movement or flexing. The squeaking will drive you crazy.

Larry

[Unplugged FR3]

I found the same thing when we picked ours up a couple of months ago, excessive noise. Checking the engine cover I found the bolts were too long and bottomed out on the steel structure below the wood. They didn't pull the cover the cover down to seal. I shortened the bolts, then added additional rubber seal (auto zone) around the angled surface under the dash where the cover and the angled surface also mismatched. This helped a great deal. My suggestion is check your cover fit as well.

[cariboo camper]

Thanks Ianker, this was my next project after doing all the suspension stuff. I will take a look at your fixes today. Also planning on buying some noise dampener material and try seeing where I could put that, was thinkin doghouse cover and maybe in front of cover.


One thing I was going to look at is the air engine air intake, the engine pulls in a lot of air and was thinking the air rushing in might create a bit of wind noise as the intake is right under dash. Thinking maybe some way of expanding opening with a sheet metal extension similar to the way a heat register goes from 4" ducting to a 4"x11" opening and perhaps just one 90 degree angle to face toward grill. Any thoughts on this?

[Iankerr]

All you can do is try

[rk06382]

Originally Posted by Unplugged FR3

I found the same thing when we picked ours up a couple of months ago, excessive noise. Checking the engine cover I found the bolts were too long and bottomed out on the steel structure below the wood. They didn't pull the cover the cover down to seal. I shortened the bolts, then added additional rubber seal (auto zone) around the angled surface under the dash where the cover and the angled surface also mismatched. This helped a great deal. My suggestion is check your cover fit as well.

I see this is your 1st post:
to the Forum from Alaska!

I will be checking my engine cover.

Welcome the FR3 family!

[Papaduck]

I replaced the noise suppression material on the underside of the engine cover (doghouse) with Dynamat Dynaliner.

https://www.amazon.com/Dynamat-11103...ywords=dynamat

One roll was more than enough to line the "doghouse". Significant engine noise reduction as well as heat reduction in the warmer months.

I also slipped a piece of garden hose over the engine grill locking arms to tighten up the fit when they are in the latched position.

[Iankerr]

Thanks papa duck the garden hose idea is brilliant.
Mine is a 2019 and I don’t think the dog house is the issue.
I fixed the window holleling by adding batt insulation to the underside of the windowes above each of the tires. There was no foam there.

[Unplugged FR3]

The insulation under the tires is a good idea for the window howl. However, is it in an area where it can get wet. If so, closed cell foam might be better to avoid water.

[Iankerr]

Yea I thought about moisture also the problem is that area is past the fire wall around the corner. From the bottom it’s well past the lights in a almost a 3” cavity at the end of about 4’ cavity. I think that’s why forest river missed it. There is foam right to that turn. Thinking about it maybe bubble wrap might be better to block the wind?

[Old Oregoner]

I have a new 2019 30DS also. Noise is terrible, but mostly engine howl. Everywhere we go involves significant passes and hills. So, after research, I got a Banks intake, 5 Star tuner, and using sound deadening mat by Noico on the doghouse. Haven't had the chance for a road test, but the engine noise seems greatly reduced by the Noico mat. I plan on putting more on the cab floor and firewall.

[Unplugged FR3]

My concern about adding the matting under the cover is if it comes loose from hot and cold cycling and ends up on the top of the motor. Is the adhesive good enough to prevent this from happening? It sounds like everyone agrees that frankly there should have been more effort put in by FR to address NVH issues for the driver. This is a good thread. Thanks everyone for your input on solving this problem since it doesn’t sound like a single issue is to blame. It would be helpful too if everyone could rate each fix as estimated % of the overall problem.

[Old Oregoner]

Originally Posted by Unplugged FR3

My concern about adding the matting under the cover is if it comes loose from hot and cold cycling and ends up on the top of the motor. Is the adhesive good enough to prevent this from happening? It sounds like everyone agrees that frankly there should have been more effort put in by FR to address NVH issues for the driver. This is a good thread. Thanks everyone for your input on solving this problem since it doesn’t sound like a single issue is to blame. It would be helpful too if everyone could rate each fix as estimated % of the overall problem.

I was concerned as well, but the adhesive appears to be quite good. This type of mat has to be 'rolled' with a hard plastic roller which helps to ensure that it's adhered fully. I will check it periodically.

[Iankerr]

Do you think foam as in construction window and door foam would be better?
I know after it cures it’s really hard to scrape off.