> Have ya ever seen an old van that's been through both home modification
> (panelling, wood floors, etc.) and a head on accident? There is a reason to
> use melamine based particle board type materials. Wood will shatter (even
> plywood) into a thousand tiny lancets, just right for making your head,
> body, etc. into a giant pin cushion.
>
> Ouch.
>

I would rather have wood impale moi than metal, etc. However, particle board
is much heavier than plywood, not nearly as strong, & the reason they used
it is because it is much cheaper than plywood or hardwood, not for any
perceived safety issues?  The older westys' were made w/ solid wood, then
plywood, but that got axed as the particle board came on the scene & was
much cheaper. Unlike plastic substituting for metal in cars/buses, the
substitute is heavier causing other problemas? Bumpers are now made of light
plastic instead of metal to "give more" instead of resisting more? I wonder
if heavier p. board is more dangerous than lighter plywood or the other way
around? You also get more  off gassing of p. board/melamine than plywood
which affects your air quality in the van?

Tom Buese, AIA