UK-built MAN TGE Camper Fits Six with Full Comfort

Sheffield coachbuilder Ashben Conversions has completed a MAN TGE conversion designed to carry a partner and four children, fitting six people into a single van while retaining full living amenities and dedicated sleeping areas.

Exterior equipment and roof tent

The conversion rides on Rogue Alloy Wheels shod with BFGoodrich all-terrain tyres and adds several expedition-style exterior upgrades. The Atek pop-top roof tent, constructed from three pieces of fiberglass, provides a sleeping berth for two children and accepts a mattress up to 120 x 200 centimetres (47 x 78 inches). The tent has three zipped windows and is accessed only from inside the van through a large pass-through in the ceiling; a 300 W solar array is mounted on top of the tent.

• Rogue Alloy Wheels with BFGoodrich all-terrain tyres
• Atek three-piece fibreglass pop-top roof tent (mattress up to 120 x 200 cm / 47 x 78 in)
• 300 W solar array
• Thule Omnistor awning with built-in LED
• CGL paint-matched side pods with small sliding-screen windows and flares to allow an east-west bed arrangement

Interior layout and sleeping arrangements

The interior is an open layout with no bulkhead between the cab and the living space. Materials include laminated cabinetry in a dark grey grain, walls upholstered in grey Alcantara, a matching ceiling with three recessed LED strips, white solid-surface countertops and black accent trim.

Forward seating uses driver and passenger seats on swivel bases. Behind them the layout features two dual bench seats facing each other with a Lagun table between; the same table can be mounted in the cab area. Removing the Lagun table leg and dropping the tabletop between the benches, then rearranging the cushions, converts this area into a small bed used by two of the children. Two overhead cabinets and the tent pass-through sit above the seating area.

The rear of the living space is occupied by a fixed double bed mounted at a raised height; a small ladder provides access. The bedroom includes four overhead cabinets (two per side), charging points and two reading lights. The under-bed area is fitted as a garage accessible from both inside and outside the van and contains the conversion's utility systems housed in boxes on the sides.

Galley, bathroom, power and climate systems

The kitchen is located on the passenger side adjacent to the sliding door and comprises a deep stainless-steel sink, a two-burner induction hob, a Dometic fridge with a small freezer compartment, and a microwave. Storage includes six drawers and a cabinet beneath the sink, plus a floor-to-ceiling unit with a hanging closet and shelving.

A conventional tall door conceals a bathroom that houses a bench toilet, a shower with a handheld wand and a small cabinet.

Electrical power is mounted on the left side of the garage area and centers on a 460 Ah Fogstar battery and a 3,000 W Victron inverter. Battery charging is provided via three sources: the roof-mounted solar array, shore power, and DC-DC charging while the engine is running. Plumbing includes a freshwater tank, an under-mounted greywater tank and an outdoor shower connection.

Seasonal comfort systems comprise a Truma Saphir air-conditioning unit and a Truma D4E Combi boiler that supplies both heated air and hot water. The rear doors are fitted with gas struts to ease opening and to prevent slamming or contact with the vehicle sides.