we have been doing some repairs inside the van and are going to put new panels in, after looking at some of the other projects in the fixed it club it seems people have used 3mm plywood. this is what we are thinking of doing but wondered how they were finished off, are they just painted or can you put some sort of lining paper on. thanks
Hi samandian, read your post and thought I would stick my twopenneth in. I had to repair a damp problem on my own van and since this a couple of friends and neighbours vans as well. I always use 3mm mdf, as it is much easier to cut and shape, no splinters or rough edges and it will take wallpaper or vinyl covering with ease. Another good reason for using mdf is its potential to dispell moisture. Just leave a piece in a bucket of water overnight and then cut it next day it will be fine. If you do use plywood, try putting a coat of pva solution on the inside before fixing this will help to create a seal against moisture.
Good luck and enjoy the finished project.
------------- If you can read this sticker, I`ve lost my caravan.
Hi,
I'm sorry gazza45, but I must disagree with you. If you look at wikipedia
then you will see why. In short it is far to heavy and soaks up water like a sponge. In a caravan, you must consider the moisture content of the air, this can vary in a day very dramatically. The material to use is 3mm Marine ply. The walls on the caravan must breath, and be allowed to dry.