MAN TGE CAMPERVAN

The Hopton, MAN TGE Campervan: A New Frontier in Travel

In the world of campervans and motorhomes, a new contender has been added to the Hillside Leisure range – the MAN TGE. 

Over the years we have manufactured campervans of every kind on various base vehicles. The Nissan NV200, Ford Transit, Renault Trafic and Toyota have all been built as a Hillside camper. However, the sheer popularity and reliability of the VW Transporter have seen us become an exclusive Volkswagen campervan manufacturer and the world’s first VW Qualified Campervan Manufacturer. First was the Transporter. Then, in 2017, came the all-new VW Crafter. The larger vehicle opened up a whole new world for Hillside Leisure. 

But Covid-19 changed the world. Suddenly, every aspect of our lives was different. Production across all industries slowed down, yet demand for campervans shot through the roof. Our eyes were opened to a different type of holiday. 

In order to meet that demand we had to think outside of the box. That’s where the MAN TGE comes in. 

Why manufacture the MAN TGE into a Campervan?

The popularity of reliable, high-quality campervans was on the rise. For us in particular, we saw more and more interest in the larger Volkswagen Crafter. So, with limited availability from VW, we reached out to MAN. Why? Well, the answer is deceptively simple. The MAN TGE is essentially a rebadged Volkswagen Crafter!

MAN TGE and Safety Approvals 

While they might be somewhat of a new name to the campervan and motorhome industry, MAN is a well-established and reputable manufacturer. Specialising in heavy-duty commercial vehicles such as trucks, buses and vans, the TGE is their smallest offering. The result of a partnership with VW, the MAN TGE is built in the same factory as the Crafter, and to the same specifications. 

Sure, they have some slight differences in spec and options, with their own distinctive logo and front end. But in all the important ways, it’s the same as the VW Crafter. So what exactly does this mean? Well, all the stringent safety and quality approvals that we work for here at Hillside Leisure also apply to the MAN TGE. That’s right. The Hopton is just as safe and reliable whether it is built on a Crafter or TGE. Both versions comply with National Caravan Council Approval and Whole Vehicle Type Approval. 

We take great pride in our safety standards, and every new change, innovation or upgrade must and will maintain those standards. Hillside Leisure is the UK’s most qualified manufacturer of campervans and motorhomes, guaranteeing reassurance so that all you need to worry about is enjoying your adventures.

MAN TGE vs VW Crafter

When choosing between the VW Crafter and the MAN TGE, ultimately it boils down to preference. We manufacture both vans with the same model, The Hopton. In line with our quality assurance, both vehicles are built to the same standard and spec. Both Crafter and TGE even boast our latest round of upgrades and improvements. Chief among them is the all-new diesel heating system, eliminating the need for an underslung LPG tank while offering a much better experience. As such, the underslung LPG tank is swapped for an onboard gas locker for cooking. 

Other improvements include a redesigned rear seat/bed system that grants better access to storage, and there’s more to come! As part of our mission for continual improvement, Hillside is always on the lookout for better methods, components and equipment. What this means is that the Hopton will only get better. 

MAN TGE’s unique advantages

While both TGE and Crafter offer the same quality and reliability, MAN does offer some unique benefits. For starters, MAN has a network of service centres across the UK & Europe that are designed to provide efficient assistance to truck and lorry drivers. With nearly as many service centres as VW, they all offer longer opening times, providing more flexibility for servicing.

While the MAN TGE does come with the same 2.0l TFI diesel engine as the Crafter, MAN has their vans built with one or two extras in terms of spec. For starters, all MAN TGE vans come with automatic headlights and windscreen wipers. On top of that, they also provide a larger range of colours, and some of them even come with more colour coding on the bumpers!

The Hopton’s versatility

The Hopton is a campervan built on a medium wheelbase VW Crafter, showcasing Hillside Leisure’s well-crafted design skills using modern technology. It cleverly combines a classic layout with the latest innovations. Measuring just under 6 meters in length and a touch over 2 meters wide, this campervan is just the right size. It’s small enough that it can be driven on any driving license, and if you are the one for a spin, you’ll find it manoeuvres exceptionally well. It’s easy to park and navigate down the narrow streets across the UK & Europe, meaning one less thing for you to stress over. 

Efficient Campervan 

Equipped with a powerful 2.0L diesel engine, The Hopton maximises fuel efficiency while minimising running costs. Advanced technology and low emissions allow them to meet the performance demands of modern travellers. Offering a Euro 6 engine with Adblue means it is one of the cleanest campervans on the market, suitable for driving in low-emission zones. 

Luxurious Interior Design:

The Hopton welcomes you with a spacious rear lounge, a central kitchen, and a fully equipped washroom. Embracing luxury, it offers a comfortable rear sofa, perfect for relaxation and dining with a free-standing table. Beneath, is ample storage space ensuring functionality without compromising comfort.

Flexible Sleeping Arrangement:

As the sun sets, the lounge effortlessly transforms into sleeping haven. The two sofas easily convert into two single beds or an impressive full-width bed, if we do say so ourselves. However you have yours set up, one thing is guaranteed. The Hopton provides a restful night’s sleep, with minimal effort. 

Sleek and Functional Kitchen:

The heart of the camper lies in its kitchen, with stylish furniture and ingenious design. This space has everything from a cavernous 90-litre fridge/freezer to a combined oven, grill, and a three-ring hob. This is complemented by two gas burners and an induction hob. There’s even the option of a microwave as well, truly giving you everything you could need. A hidden worktop extension smoothly slides out from under the fridge, giving you ample prep space. And as with all Hillside campervans, the cupboards are made from a lightweight, durable material. Offering a range of finishes, each van features cabinetry that has been efficiently cut on a cutting-edge CNC machine, before being hand-assembled by our expert team. 

Spacious, Stylish Washroom:

The camper’s washroom stands as a testament to both spaciousness and style. Complete with a shower and a fixed toilet, it combines functionality with sophistication. No matter how far into the wilderness you want to travel, The Hopton offers all the comfort you could ever need. 

Luxury Camping at its Finest:

The Hopton campervan caters to your travelling needs. With features like diesel-blown air heating, water heating, and a sophisticated control panel managing lighting and displaying water levels, it ensures a seamless travel experience.

But don’t just take our word for it. You can see a review from MMM’s renowned Peter Vaughn here on YouTube. Our sales team are also more than happy to show you around our Hopton, take you for a test drive, and build up your dream campervan!

 

More about the Hopton