AN ULTRA-MODERN VEHICLE, IDEAL FOR DELIVERY WORK AND FOR USE AS A MOBILE WORKSHOP

Back in 2017, the Volkswagen Group decided to terminate its long-standing collaboration with Mercedes and to produce a large van of its own at a purpose-built plant in Poland. At the same time, the group also decided to sell the new model not only under the VW brand but also through MAN, a company that had previously given its name only to trucks and buses and had never produced any smaller commercial vehicles. The MAN TGE is a large van with a generous and well-proportioned cargo compartment that makes it ideal for conversion into a mobile workshop. Even with a large racking system and a full load of equipment and materials, the TGE still has plenty of room for carrying cargo. The van comes in two wheelbase variants, with a cargo capacity of up to 18.4 m³. Depending on version, length varies from 5,986 mm to 7,391 mm and height from 2,355 mm to a maximum of 2,835 mm. With the addition of an optional towing attachment, the TGE can pull up to 3.5 tons. Its protrusion-free cargo space makes the TGE perfect for installing shelves, drawers and other racking modules to convert the van into an efficient mobile workshop. The addition of drawers, shelves, work benches, plastic bins and lockers, along with useful accessories like lights, cargo straps, containers, components cases and vice benches can transform your Crafter into a great workshop on wheels!

A TRAVELLING WORKSHOP IN A TGE, WITH A POWERFUL COMPRESSOR-GENERATOR COMBO

An extensive racking system on the left of the MAN TGE

A work bench and compressor-generator combo on the right of the MAN TGE

A view of the TGE’s cargo compartment, fitted out as a workshop on wheels

The van workshop seen here was designed and installed by Syncro System technicians. The first step was to fit a 12 mm thick, marble-look plywood liner to protect and level the original floor. The walls were then lined with non-anodised aluminium panels. The racking on the left of the van consists largely of drawers in high-strength steel, mounted on telescopic, ball-bearing runners and fitted with non-slip mats and internal dividers. The configuration also includes a locker with lock and key, and shelves with non-slip mats and space dividers, some with a door at the front. At the bottom are two sealed, stainless-steel trays for carrying jerry cans and containing accidental liquid spillages. At the top are two shelves of removable plastic containers and a cabinet of pull-out transparent containers – beautifully practical because you can see exactly what’s inside, even when installed at the top of the racking. On the right of the van we have a large, robust work bench with a 25 mm thick plywood top over seven metal drawers. Above are two cabinets of practical, tilting transparent containers with self-latching release buttons. Also on the right of the van is a powerful compressor-generator combo that uses the TGE’s own PTO to produce up to 600 litres of air a minute and up to 15 kVa of electrical power. The racking system is complemented by useful accessories like a fold-away bench with a rotary-base vice, a handwash kit, a first aid case, hose and cable reels, LED ceiling lights and cargo retaining straps.

A RACKING SYSTEM ON BOTH SIDES OF THE TGE

The well-equipped interior of the MAN TGE

After protecting this TGE’s floor with a plywood liner and its bodywork with honeycomb plastic liners, the Syncro team installed racking on both sides, plus a selection of accessories. The configuration on the left starts with two open floor-level compartments, one with a strap-type tool case transport system. Then there are eight large steel drawers with telescopic, ball-bearing runners and space dividers, four shelves, again with dividers, one shelf with five removable plastic containers and a full-length top tray with a rear door for long objects. The racking on the right of the van starts with a floor-level compartment partly enclosed by one of Syncro’s patented, full-access, lift-and-rotate doors. Over this are cabinets of pull-out transparent containers and, higher up, more cabinets of tilting transparent containers. Syncro transparent containers feature an exclusive design with no protruding parts and with an automatic latch mechanism. They provide beautifully practical storage since you can see instantly what’s inside. This van’s racking is complemented by aluminium bars with straps and sliding fittings, a paper roll holder, and a fold-away table on the bulkhead.

A MOBILE WORKSHOP IN A MAN TGE

The TGE’s racking seen through the side door

These photos illustrate another TGE fitted out as a mobile workshop by Syncro technicians. The team started the job by protecting the floor and bulkhead with liners in 12 mm thick birch plywood with a marble-look resin surface, and protecting the walls with painted steel panels. On the left we can see a work bench in 25 mm thick, marble-look plywood, metal drawers with ball-bearing runners and space dividers, a case transport compartment and another floor-level compartment with a lift-up door, two shelves and a full-length top tray with a fold-down door at the rear for carrying pipes, cable channels and other long objects. On the right of the van, the racking consists of a floor-level compartment with a door, two shelves with internal space dividers, two shelves of removable plastic containers and, at the top, metal cabinets of pull-out transparent containers. The racking in this TGE is complemented by a fold-away vice bench with a steel vice, a handwash kit with a water tank and tap, soap dispenser and paper roll holder, a silicone cartridge rack, and powerful but compact LED ceiling lights to illuminate the interior of the van.

FLOOR LINERS, INTERIOR LINERS AND PROTECTIVE PANELLING FOR THE TGE’S CARGO COMPARTMENT

Protective floor and bodywork liners in a MAN TGE

The left of the MAN TGE, with aluminium tread plate floor and bodywork liners and sheet aluminium roof liners

All vans need extra protection to stop cargo damaging the bodywork, requiring costly repairs, and lowering the vehicle’s resale value. The Syncro System catalogue includes floor liners in plywood or aluminium tread plate. Aluminium liners can even be fitted over plywood liners to support particularly heavy loads. Customers also appreciate our robust interior liners, which come ready for fitting and provide excellent protection for your van’s bodywork. Syncro can also supply bulkhead liners, wheel arch liners, window grilles and roof liners for your TGE.

ROOF BARS, ROOF RACKS AND LADDER RACKS FOR THE TGE

A ladder slide on a MAN TGE roof rack with rear roller and side fences

Even if you own a large van like the TGE, you may well need to carry certain items on the roof. To satisfy this need, Syncro System produces a wide range of roof racks and ladder racks. Syncro roof racks are completely modular in design and can be configured to meet your needs. The exclusive Syncro cross-bar features a ridged profile that prevents the formation of turbulence and makes Syncro System roof racks and ladder racks far quieter than those of our competitors.

See also Syncro’s floor and bodywork liners and roof racks and ladder racks for the MAN TGE.

THE VAN RACKING SPECIALISTS

Find out how Syncro System liners, racking and accessories can help you get the most from your MAN TGE.