MAN as the basis for your camper

Both Knaus and Westfalia campers are available with the MAN TGE as a base. A van with a logo that has a name and fame among truckers. But with VW as the parent company, the MAN is almost identical to the new VW Crafter. Almost, because there are still some differences that make the relatively new name in camperland an interesting choice

In the world of logistics, where MAN operates, the focus is increasingly on “the last mile”. A destination located in the city. VW Truck and Bus naturally wants to respond to this and not supply commercial vehicles that are not allowed into the city. Too large or too heavy will eventually cause quays to collapse. A good reason for VW, in addition to the Crafter, to also introduce a MAN version.

TGE

Both vans are built in a new Polish factory. The previous generation of the Crafter came from a Mercedes factory in Bremen. But the cooperation between the two manufacturers has come to an end. Mercedes and Renault is the new combination to share the development costs of commercial vehicles. However, VW still wants to serve the entire market segment. Hence the two-brand strategy with what is mainly the same van.

Choice

With the TGE there is a choice of two wheelbases: 3.64m and 4.49m, and three heights. All TGEs have a two-liter VW diesel engine with 75, 90, 103 or 130KW. In principle, the MAN TGEs are slightly more expensive than their VW brothers, even with the same specifications. The difference is in the equipment. This is somewhat more extensive with the TGE. The TGE comes standard with EABS, which includes Emergency Brake Assist and crosswind assist. Especially for a substantial semi-integrated, the latter is a useful driving assistance system. In addition to diesel versions, the TGE is also available with an electric drive. With a range of 115km and a top speed of 90km, this version is mainly intended for city traffic.

Pioneer in diesel technology

Maschinenfabrik Augsburg-Nürnberg AG, or MAN for short, has been producing trucks of its own design since 1920. But before that period, MAN had already collaborated with Dr. Rudolf Diesel in 1897 to produce the first diesel engine. In 1924, the first MAN truck with a diesel engine was shown to the public. In the early 1930s, there were quite a few different models available with a diesel or gasoline engine. The top model was a three-axle vehicle with a long wheelbase. This had a 140 hp diesel engine. During the war, MAN also suffered severely from the Allied bombings. From 1945, the production of five-ton trucks resumed and MAN, with the German reconstruction, recovered to the giant it is today.

More information: www.man-nederland.nl

Knaus Van Ti 640 MEG Vansation

In addition to the VW Crafter, Knaus now also uses the MAN TGE as a base vehicle. Among other things, for the VAN TI 640 MEG Vansation. The new Vansation sets the standard, according to Knaus. This is due to the so-called FoldXpand rear wall construction and, of course, the MAN chassis. This provides the same amount of interior space but more compact exterior dimensions. The new Vansation is also a true lowrider in Knaus's range due to the lowered MAN chassis. The rear axle is air-sprung for more comfort and safety.

Under the hood, 177 hp provide the propulsion. These are transferred to the front wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The body of this semi-integrated motorhome consists of smooth exterior panelling. In addition, the 17-inch alloy wheels are an eye-catcher. The Vansation is fully equipped with air conditioning, heated exterior mirrors and a screen door. It also has a navigation system, an awning and much more.

More information: www.knaus.com

Westfalia Sven Hedin

Sven Hedin is a well-known name in the camper industry. In the early days of panel van campers, this Westfalia was one of the most popular models. But the Sven Hedin is still being made. Only this time, Westfalia has chosen the MAN TGE as the base vehicle. The MAN offers the driver numerous assistance and driving assistance systems, which is quite unique for vans. The ergonomically designed cockpit and MAN's extensive service network also convinced Westfalia to choose the MAN TGE.

The MAN TGE is slightly narrower than the Fiat Ducato. This means that a transverse bed does not simply fit in the back of the camper. To avoid having to use a fixed extension, which would not benefit the aerodynamics and appearance, Westfalia opted for a pop-out. An insulated polyester part can be slid outwards. This creates a bed with a length of approximately two meters. As soon as you have slept in, the pop-out can be slid back in and nothing more is visible.

Westfalia's designers have also revised other elements of the living and kitchen area. For example, the refrigerator is placed parallel instead of transversely. This significantly reduces the depth of the kitchen unit. That is why Westfalia developed this as yet non-existent version together with a large European manufacturer. The result is a 70-liter compressor refrigerator and a remarkably spacious experience of the living area.

More information: www.westfalia-mobil.com

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