This Industrial Green MAN TGE 4x4 was converted by Wildworx around the owner’s fishing trips, with storage for his rods forming a key part of the brief. Based on the KALA 4 layout, the build combines dedicated equipment storage with a raised rear bed, an ATEK pop-top roof and a kitchen and washroom. The base vehicle is a medium-wheelbase MAN TGE 3.180 with a 177 PS diesel engine and automatic transmission. The conversion makes use of the available space to accommodate fishing equipment alongside the facilities needed for overnight stays.
Fishing Rod Storage and Rear Garage
Somewhere to keep the owner’s fishing rods was central to the project. The layout was developed around this requirement, incorporating rod storage into the conversion rather than relying on loose equipment in the living area.
A raised rear platform bed creates a garage space beneath, with an extra-deep bed locker providing additional storage. This separates bulky equipment from the kitchen and seating areas and gives the owner room to organise what he carries on each trip.
The specification also includes a slide tray with two bike fork mounts, allowing the rear storage area to accommodate cycling equipment alongside the fishing setup.
Sleeping and Living Space
The rear bed combines a custom memory foam mattress with a sprung bed system. Side flares with windows extend the bodywork around the sleeping area and bring in natural light.
An ATEK pop-top roof and bed adds a second sleeping area while retaining the medium-wheelbase vehicle footprint. Inside, swivel cab seats, a rear bench seat and a table provide space to sit, eat and plan the next day’s fishing.
Leather upholstery is specified for the upgraded captain’s chairs and rear bench. Insulation, soundproofing, wall lining and luxury vinyl flooring complete the interior, with blinds and flyscreens providing privacy and ventilation.
Kitchen and Washing Facilities
The kitchen includes a 70-litre undercounter fridge-freezer, a two-ring induction hob, a sink and a black wall-mounted tap. Custom cabinetry and soft-close drawers provide storage for cookware, food and everyday items.
Hot and cold running water serves the onboard plumbing, with external fresh-water and grey-water tanks monitored by tank-level sensors. A Truma diesel system supplies heating and hot water.
The washroom specification includes a shower and a removable composting toilet. An external shower point provides a useful option for rinsing muddy boots and equipment after time beside the water.
Lithium Power and Solar Charging
A 300Ah lithium battery and 3,000W inverter form the core of the habitation electrical system. Charging comes from a 300W solar installation, a Victron DC-DC charger and a Victron IP22 mains charger.
Four household sockets, two USB-C points and a USB point provide connections for appliances and personal devices. An external 240V hookup allows the van to connect to mains power when available, while a CBE control panel manages the habitation system.
LED strip lighting and rechargeable LED Lights provides interior illumination, and a Starlink Mini kit with a custom bracket adds connectivity equipment to the build.
KALA Exterior Equipment
The KALA styling pack complements the MAN TGE’s four-wheel-drive base with protection, recovery equipment and additional lighting. It includes:
- Winch and mount
- Rear spare-wheel carrier
- Molle panels and recovery boards
- Sump guard
- Rock sliders and side steps.
- Front LED lightbar.
- Lazer Lamps grille lighting and CAN bus kit.
A Fiamma wind-out awning and LED awning light extend the usable space outside the van. The build also includes a winterisation package with tank blankets and probes, plus a Scorpion tracker and immobiliser.
A Campervan Designed Around Its Owner
This MAN TGE campervan conversion was shaped by a specific hobby and the equipment that comes with it. Fishing rod storage, rear garage space and onboard living facilities work together to support trips without requiring the owner to unpack the living area each time he needs his gear.
Built by Wildworx in Alcester, Warwickshire, the project combines the KALA layout with practical changes tailored to the way the owner uses his van.
