We can’t help but wonder whether the brief for this Man TGE campervan conversion was ‘exclusive catered lodge in the Swiss Alps, darling. But keep it stealth, okay? We don’t let just anyone in’.
Because that’s the vibe we get.
This is the hidden ‘speakeasy’ of vans. Those in the know will recognise that, beneath the unassuming matt black exterior, is an exceptional, modern large van, so good that it scooped the 2022 Parkers Large Van of the Year award.
But what nobody will expect, is the chic ski lodge interior.
We’ve been given exclusive VIP access to ‘The Lion’, so strap yourself in and join us for a tour of this incredible campervan…
Base Vehicle Specification
↠ Model: MAN 4×4 TGE 3.180
↠ Fuel: Diesel
↠ Year: 2023
↠ Drive: 4×4
↠ Converted by: Harper’s Vans & Recreation
Luxury MAN TGE Campervan Interior Design
In keeping with the ‘Swiss ski chalet’ brief, smooth, chunky, live-edge oak adorns practically every surface, perfectly complemented by the natural finish of the partial wooden cladding to the ceiling.
With a subtle hint of silver grey, the chic cabinetry stands out against the neutral colour palette, further enhanced by the delicate gold fittings.
This is vanlife versatility at its most stylish.
Van Conversion Layout
This high-quality build sleeps and seats 4, with a range of configuration options, and there’s scope to snuggle 2 more in the roof mounted TentBox penthouse.
In a subtle departure from many of the usual campervans we’ve featured, The Lion’s layout places greater emphasis on seating and sleeping arrangements, over a dedicated bathroom.
This strategic choice is executed with finesse, making way for two folding seats that seamlessly transform into twin beds, or combine with the centre table to create a luxurious, expansive sleeping area.
Key features:
↠ Front swivel seats
↠ Folding seats with belts (2)
↠ Lounge with bench seating, converts to twin or double bed
↠ Fixed rear bed, widthwise with extension for longitudinal configuration
↠ Removable swivel table
↠ Removable PortaPotti toilet
↠ Spacious kitchen
↠ Garage with slide out storage tray
↠ Rooftop Tentbox
↠ Roofdeck with built in loungers
Seating & Sleeping
Perhaps one of the most innovative sleeping layouts we’ve seen in campervans and motorhomes, the furniture in this luxurious leisure van offers more configurations than a Swiss ski lodge.
With its custom design, this is technically a 6 berth, family camper. We know, we can’t quite believe it either!
How? Well, for starters, there’s the widthwise master bed, which can be extended over the lounge area, transforming into a longitudinal king-size bed.
Then there are the Aguti folding seats. Fitted with seatbelts, we also saw them in this VW Crafter campervan conversion. They can lie flat inside the bench seating, creating a twin bed layout. Or, drop the lounge table down, and you’ve got a large double bed with space for 2-3 people to sleep in comfort.
And finally, the Tentbox can sleep a further two people on the roof.
Key features:
↠ Front swivel seats (2)
↠ Aguti folding seats (2)
↠ Bench seating (seats 4-6)
↠ Removable swivel table (oak topped)
↠ Widthwise or longitudinal transforming fixed bed (sleeps 2)
↠ Twin beds or second double (sleeps 2-3)
↠ Tentbox Cargo 2.0 (sleeps 2)
Plumbing & Bathroom
A standard enquiry we receive is, “Where’s the shower?”
The answer for this MAN TGE motorhome is straightforward: “There isn’t one.”
Following up, the next question is usually, “Where do you go to the toilet?”
Once again, the answer is uncomplicated: A removable Thetford PortaPotti is neatly tucked away in a kitchen cupboard. Mounted on a heavy-duty slider, it’s readily accessible, albeit lacking in privacy to some extent.
This type of vanlife layout is ideal if your lifestyle primarily involves staying at campsites or your preference is to travel with a separate ‘Toilet Tent’.
Key features:
↠ Removable Thetford PortaPotti
↠ Fresh water tank
↠ Grey water tank
Kitchen
Beautifully crafted, the kitchen features a live edge oak worktop, brushed gold fixtures, and everything you need for that ‘catered chalet’ experience.
Key features:
↠ Dometic Coolmatic CRX50 Fridge
↠ Hand hammered copper sink
↠ Brushed gold mixer tap
↠ Brushed gold T-Bar handles
↠ Single gas burner hob with tempered glass lid
↠ Compact microwave
🔍 Click photos to expand
Storage
This MAN TGE is built with adventures in mind. There is a wide range of innovative storage for all your equipment – internally and externally.
Key features:
↠ Kitchen storage (2 cupboards, 3 drawers, 2 overheads)
↠ Bespoke storage above cab
↠ Bedroom overheads (4)
↠ Bench seating storage (2)
↠ Storage nets to rear doors (2)
↠ Rear garage storage, with slide-out tray
↠ Aluminium cargo box fitted to rear ladder
🔍 Click photos to expand
Lighting
If there was a masterclass in ‘how to light your campervan’, Harper’s Vans & Recreation could’ve written it.
We’ve got the interior perimeter lighting that’s becoming a bit of a signature move from the team – first seen in ‘The Lion’ Sprinter campervan. This gives a delicate candlelit effect, bringing ambient lighting to even the darkest corners. When combined with the occasional spotlight and a giant rooflight, there really isn’t really any need for more.
Key features:
↠ Full perimeter LED lighting
↠ Spotlights (6)
↠ LED strip lights in the garage
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MAN TGE Camper Exterior
Staying true to their signature style, Harper’s Vans & Recreation have enhanced the functionality of this conversion with an extensive list of exterior upgrades.
Windows
This MAN TGE converted van offers panoramic views with two full sides of glass, and rear barndoor windows.
There’s a range of opening and fixed windows, and all have integrated blinds.
Key features:
↠ Flush fit sliders with privacy glass (2)
↠ Fixed windows with privacy glass (2)
↠ Flush fit sliders with privacy glass – slim (2)
↠ Rear barndoor windows (with privacy glass)
🔍 Click photos to expand
Rooflights
Offering incredible ventilation and letting the light flood in, this build has a giant rooflight at the centre, plus a smaller rooflight with extraction fan.
Key features:
↠ Dometic Heki 2 rooflight (780 x 530 mm)
↠ Thule Omni-vent Extractor Fan 12V Rooflight
🔍 Click photos to expand
Wheels
For extra durability, this 4×4 campervan has alloys and all-terrain tyres.
Key features:
↠ BF Goodrich All-terrain Tyres Black
↠ Rhino Warlord DDT Alloy Wheels (17″, dark tint)
Other Upgrades
This is a first for our campervan tours, but we can almost say that there are as many modifications externally as there are internally.
This is a no-expense-spared build; if you don’t see it coming, you’ll definitely hear it – thanks to the roll cage speakers!
Key features:
↠ Awning
↠ Roofdeck with built-in loungers
↠ 2-way passive roll cage speakers with coloured lights (2)
↠ Ladders (2, side and rear)
↠ Roofrack
↠ Thule roof-mounted bike rack
↠ Exterior lighting
↠ SEIKEL snorkel
↠ Tentbox Cargo 2.0
🔍 Click photos to expand
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MAN TGE Converted Van with Off-grid Power Set-up
Given the exceptional quality we’ve witnessed thus far, it’s hardly unexpected that when ‘The Lion’ ventures out on safari it’s equipped with an incredible off-grid electrical system.
With flexible solar panels affixed to the Tentbox, not only is this system incredibly innovative and powerful, it’s also one of the neatest set-ups we’ve seen.
Discretely located in a bespoke unit in the garage, also accessible from the interior, there are remote and touchscreen monitoring capabilities included.
Fully Loaded Efficient Electrical System
Key features:
↠ Flexible solar panels
↠ SmartSolar charge controller (Victron MPPT 150/35)
↠ Modular DC busbar (Victron Lynx Power In 1000A)
↠ DC-DC Charger (Victron Orion-Tr Smart Isolated)
↠ Communication centre for remote monitoring (Victron Cerbo GX)
↠ Lithium battery
↠ Pure sine wave inverter & battery charger in one (Victron MultiPlus 12V 3000VA Inverter/Charger – 12/3000/120-50 230V)
🔍 Click photos to expand
Vanlife Verdict: Conclusion
The finish and materials on this van are incredible. Every element of this home on wheels exudes tactility. Should you be fortunate enough to step inside this Swiss-ski-chalet inspired van for some raclette or a gourmet hot chocolate, you’ll find yourself compelled to run your fingers over every surface.
– Vanlife Hub Team
In terms of layout, this MAN TGE 4×4 might not be for everyone. The flexibility of the seating/sleeping configuration comes at the cost of a dedicated bathroom and some storage space, but we’re a fan. It’s beautifully executed and how many vans can transform from family van to luxury penthouse in mere seconds? We love it.
Moreover, the off-grid power system is nothing short of impressive, boasting apocalypse-ready reliability and resilience. Whether you’re embarking on a wilderness adventure in ‘The Lion’ or simply seeking the ultimate self-sufficiency, this van from Harper’s Vans & Recreation has you covered.
Our Final Verdict
With ‘The Lion’ (sibling to ‘The Isles’ – a Mercedes Sprinter 4×4 campervan), Harper’s Vans & Recreation has once again raised the bar in the world of van conversions. This van is a showstopping conversion.
🌟 We love ‘The Lion’ – a fierce and unique conversion from the team at Harper’s Vans & Recreation. What do you think? Let us know in the comments!
Please note: Vanlife Hub’s campervan reviews are unbiased and unpaid, offering genuine insights into the intricacies of vanlife conversions. Check out more reviews: Campervan Tours and get in touch if you’d like to be featured!
Unique Camper Van Conversion Ideas
If you’re looking to build or commission a campervan conversion, check-out these for more camper van conversion ideas:
FAQs About the MAN TGE Campervan Conversion
Don’t MAN just build trucks?
No, MAN don’t just build trucks and buses, but they are what MAN is most known for.
MAN (originally known as Maschinenfabrik Augsburg-Nürnberg) actually began manufacturing steam engines and locomotives in 1758, and gradually expanded into buses and heavy-duty commercial vehicles – such as truck and lorry production – in 1915.
Establishing a robust reputation for producing reliable trucks renowned for their performance, innovation and durability, the manufacturer introduced the MAN TGE to the fleet in 2017.
Their first foray into the light commercial vehicle market has been rewarding – the MAN TGE panel van is a former winner of the Parkers Large Van of The Year award, having taken the title in 2022 and shared the award in 2021 and 2020 (alongside its ‘sister van’ the Volkswagen Crafter).
Is MAN the same as VW Crafter?
Yes, MAN and VW Crafter share a common platform. MAN TGE is essentially a rebadged version of the Volkswagen Crafter.
Both vehicles are built in the same factory and share many components as well as the same spec.
They are so similar that in 2020 and 2021 the MAN TGE and VW Crafter shared the Parkers Large Van of The Year award.
In our view, this is a good thing. The VW Crafter is an exceptional large van.
What is the difference between MAN and Volkswagen campervans?
The main differences between the MAN campervans and the Volkswagen Crafter are primarily cosmetic, such as the front end design and badging. The underlying engineering and technology remain largely the same.
As a new contender, the MAN TGE is a bit of a bargain – the base van starts from around £27,000, vs £34,000 for the cheapest Crafter.
Contributing to the allure is the robust servicing and support package, aligning seamlessly with MAN’s renowned standards for its commercial vehicles. So, you get 24/7 roadside assistance across the UK from MAN’s service centres and parts backup.
Is the MAN TGE a good self-build platform?
Yes, the MAN TGE can be a good self-build platform that will suit most campervans.
It offers a robust and reliable base vehicle with ample space for customisation. And this all comes at a lower price point than similar vans such as the Mercedes Sprinter campervan (but it must be noted that it does lack some of the sophistication of the Sprinter).
MAN’s reputation for durability and performance adds to its appeal as a self-build platform for camper conversion.
Check out this glowing 2024 review from Parker’s for more information.
Are 4WD vans worth it?
Whether 4WD vans are worth it depends whether you’re planning to venture off-road or tackle challenging terrain. If so, a 4WD can provide added traction and stability.
However, the benefits of a 4WD van are counterbalanced by the higher upfront costs, reduced fuel efficiency, and additional maintenance requirements compared to their 2WD counterparts.
Taking the MAN TGE 4×4 variant specifically, it combines the capability to navigate challenging terrain with MAN’s engineering expertise and reputation for quality.
With its rugged design, advanced technology, and robust construction, we can’t wait to see more conversions using this platform!
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