MAN as the basis for your motorhome

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

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

TGE

Both vans will be built in a new Polish factory. The previous generation of the Crafter came from a Mercedes factory in Bremen. But the collaboration between the two producers has come to an end. Mercedes and Renault is the new combination to share the development costs of vans. 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 diesel engine from VW with 75, 90, 103 or 130KW. In principle, the MAN's TGE are slightly more expensive than their VW brothers, also in the same specification. The difference is in the equipment. This is a bit more extensive with the TGE. The TGE has EABS as standard, or includes NotBrems Assistant and crosswind assistant. The latter is a useful driver assistance system, especially for a large semi-integrated car. In addition to diesel versions, the TGE is also available with an electric drive. With a range of 115 km and a top speed of 90 km, this version is mainly intended for city traffic.

Pioneer in diesel technology

The 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 140s there were quite a few different models available with a diesel or petrol engine. The top model was a three-axle vehicle with a long wheelbase. This had a 1945 hp diesel engine. During the war, MAN also suffered seriously from the bombings of the Allies. From XNUMX onwards, the production of five-ton trucks was resumed and MAN recovered with the German reconstruction to become 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 basic vehicle. Including for the VAN TI 640 MEG Vansation. The new Vansation sets the standard, says Knaus. Inspired by the so-called FoldXpand rear wall construction and of course the MAN chassis. This gives the same amount of space in the interior, but exterior dimensions that are more compact. The new Vansation is also a real lowrider in the Knaus range due to the lowered MAN chassis. The rear axle has air suspension for more comfort and safety.

Under the hood, 177 horsepower provide the drive. These are sent to the front wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The structure of this semi-integrated vehicle consists of smooth outer plating. In addition, the 17-inch alloy wheels are an eye-catcher. The Vansation is nice and complete with air conditioning, heated exterior mirrors and a screen door. There is also 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. This Westfalia was one of the most popular models in the early days of bus campers. 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, something that is quite unique among vans. The ergonomically sound 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 does not benefit aerodynamics and appearance, Westfalia has opted for a pop-out. An insulated polyester part can be slid out. This creates a bed with a length of approximately two meters. Once you have slept, the pop-out can be pushed back in and nothing more can be seen.

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 allows the depth of the kitchen unit to be considerably limited. That is why Westfalia developed this non-existent version together with a major European manufacturer. The result is a 70 liter compressor refrigerator and a striking spatial experience of the living area.

More information: www.westfalia-mobil.com

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