It is not hard to remove the panels on the sides. I just did what you are interested in. I had some left over rubber sheeting that I used for a water garden liner. I lined the sides, cut a sheet for under the removable cover where the jack is as well as ran a piece down the back of the divider behind the seats. This did help. I can't say I used the best choice for the material but it is a thick mil and was free. There is no evidence that it is there from an esthetics standpoint.

Steve