Proper storage. Properly mounted. No more loose kit sliding around the van.

If you’ve got a MAN TGE or VW Crafter LWB, you’ve got loads of space. But that doesn’t automatically mean you’ve got good storage.

Most vans end up with the same problems:

• tools and straps living in random tubs
• recovery gear dumped “somewhere near the back”
• cables, torches and little essentials buried under bedding
• gear sliding about every time you hit a pothole or track

A MOLLE panel fixes that by giving you a solid mounting grid where your gear stays put, stays tidy, and stays accessible. Even when the van’s getting used properly.

This guide covers what a MOLLE panel is, how it works, how to mount kit to it properly (without bodging it), and which setup makes sense for a real-world off-road / touring van.

Free UK shipping on all MOLLE panels.

Quick Recommendations (if you just want the answer)

Best MOLLE panel for MAN TGE / VW Crafter (2018+)

If you want a clean, rugged setup that actually works in the real world, start here:

MOLLE Storage Panel – VW Crafter / MAN TGE (2018+)

Want to build a full setup over time?

Start with a panel now, add pouches and mounts later as you learn what you actually use.

Shop the full MOLLE panel collection

What is a MOLLE panel?

A MOLLE panel is a rigid mounting plate with a grid of slots and holes.
It’s designed so you can attach pouches, straps, clips and brackets in a modular way — meaning you can change your setup without drilling new holes every time.

MOLLE originally comes from military load-carrying systems, but it works brilliantly in vans because it gives you:

• organised storage
• quick access to essential kit
• a cleaner interior
• less rattling and loose gear sliding around

In short: it turns “van clutter” into a proper system.

How do MOLLE panels work?

A MOLLE panel works by giving you a repeating grid of mounting points so you can attach gear in different ways:

• weave straps through the slots (classic MOLLE method)
• use bolt-on clips / mounts (depending on your accessories)
• use bungees or straps through the holes to secure larger items
• add/remove pouches as your needs change

The big advantage is the flexibility. Your van setup changes depending on the trip.

A muddy weekend on tracks needs a different loadout to:

• family touring
• festivals
• mountain biking weekends
• towing and daily driving

A MOLLE panel lets you adapt without turning your van into a permanent mess.

Why MOLLE panels make sense in a MAN TGE / VW Crafter LWB

The LWB vans are brilliant platforms, but they create a specific storage issue:
you’ve got space everywhere… so gear ends up everywhere.

A MOLLE panel helps because it gives you structure. You stop guessing where things are and start building a “grab zone” for the stuff you actually need.

The real-world benefits

1) Less loose kit (safer, quieter, less annoying)

Loose gear in a big van isn’t just messy — it’s dangerous on rough ground and hard braking.

A MOLLE panel helps you store kit so it stays put.

2) Faster access (when you’re stood in mud)

If you’ve ever had to unload half the van to find:

• a torch
• a ratchet strap
• a tyre deflator
• a first aid kit

…you already know why this matters.

3) Cleaner overland look (without being “posey”)

A properly fitted MOLLE panel looks purposeful.
It makes the van feel like a tool, not a camper full of shopping bags and cable spaghetti.

What you can mount to a MOLLE panel

Here’s what works well in a TGE / Crafter build:

Off-road / recovery kit

• gloves
• soft shackles
• kinetic rope
• tyre deflators
• small compressor hose kit
• head torch

Touring essentials

• power bank + charging leads
• washing-up kit
• lantern
• lighter + stove bits
• quick first-aid pouch

Daily driving / workhorse use

• bungees
• ratchet straps
• basic tool pouch
• zip ties and tape
• work gloves and PPE

How to attach things to a MOLLE panel (properly)

This is where a lot of people get it wrong.

The whole point of MOLLE is that it’s secure. If your pouches flap about, sag, or come loose — it’s not the panel’s fault, it’s the mounting.

The correct way (woven properly)

Most MOLLE pouches use a webbing strap system (usually with poppers or velcro ends).

You want to weave it like this:

1. Thread the strap through the MOLLE panel slot
2. Back through the pouch webbing
3. Through the next panel slot
4. Repeat all the way down
5. Lock it off at the bottom

That weaving pattern stops the pouch swinging, bouncing and loosening with vibration.

Common giveaway it’s mounted wrong

If the pouch can be pulled away from the panel easily, or it wobbles like mad, it’s not woven correctly.

Where to mount a MOLLE panel in your Crafter / TGE

People always focus on doors first because it looks cool — but the best place is wherever you’ll actually use it.

Great mounting locations for real use

• near the side door (fast access)
• rear storage area (recovery + tools)
• near your kitchen zone (touring kit)
• near the garage area (bike straps, pump, spares)

“Can I mount one on the bottom of a compartment, not the lid?”

Yes, it’s a smart idea if you want gear to stay accessible without everything flipping around when you open/close something.

The key is making sure:

• the panel is mounted flat and solid
• you’re using secure attachments (not just velcro and hope)
• you’re not blocking hinges, wiring, or trim fixings

The MOLLE Panel we recommend for this van platform

MOLLE Storage Panel – VW Crafter / MAN TGE (2018+)

This is the cleanest way to add proper modular storage to a Crafter / TGE build, without bodging random brackets onto trim panels.

View the product here

If you’re building an off-road style van properly, a MOLLE panel is one of those upgrades that feels “small”… then you wonder how you lived without it.

Common mistakes people make (and how to avoid them)

Mistake 1: Buying MOLLE for looks, not function

If you’re only doing it for the overland look, you’ll end up with a wall full of random pouches you never use.

Fix: start with a small “essentials loadout” and earn your way into more.

Mistake 2: Overloading it with heavy gear up high

Heavy items mounted high can:

• rattle
• pull on fixings
• become dangerous in a crash

Fix: heavy kit low, lighter kit higher.

Mistake 3: Not weaving MOLLE properly

Loose pouches become annoying fast.

Fix: weave it properly and it stays tight.

Mistake 4: Mounting it somewhere awkward

If it blocks access or you can’t reach it easily, it becomes dead space.

Fix: choose a “grab zone” near your real working area.

Is a MOLLE panel worth it, or is it just expensive metal?

You’ll see people complain about MOLLE panels being overpriced — usually the same people storing £500 worth of kit in a £12 wobbly box.

Here’s the truth:

You’re not paying for a flat panel.
You’re paying for:

• a clean mounting system
• gear staying secure off-road
• less time wasted digging around
• a van interior that stays tidy long-term

If you actually use the van outside a campsite, it’s worth it.

Buyer checklist (quick skim)

Before you buy, ask yourself:

• Do I want gear secured for real off-road use?
• Do I keep losing straps/tools/cables in the van?
• Do I want quicker access to essentials?
• Do I want a cleaner build finish?
• Am I building a system, not just adding clutter?

If you said yes to two or more, you’ll get value from a MOLLE setup.

 

FAQs 

What is a MOLLE panel?

A MOLLE panel is a rigid mounting grid that lets you attach pouches, straps and accessories in a modular way, keeping gear secure and easy to access.

How do MOLLE panels work?

They work using a repeating slot/grid pattern that allows MOLLE straps and attachments to weave through and lock in place. This stops gear wobbling or coming loose with vibration.

How does a MOLLE panel work in a campervan?

It turns empty wall/door space into usable storage, improves organisation, reduces loose kit sliding around, and makes essential gear quicker to reach.

How do I attach things to a MOLLE panel?

Most pouches attach by weaving their straps through the panel slots and back through the pouch webbing repeatedly. This keeps the pouch tight and stops it bouncing around.

Can I mount a MOLLE panel somewhere other than a door?

Yes. You can mount MOLLE panels to walls, bulkheads, garage areas, or inside compartments. The best location is wherever you’ll access the gear most.

Can I buy the hardware separately?

Some brands do, some don’t — it depends on the kit. If you’re unsure what you need for your specific mounting surface, it’s worth choosing a panel designed for your vehicle and intended location, rather than guessing fixings.

Where do I buy MOLLE pouches?

You can use a wide range of MOLLE-compatible pouches — just make sure they’re decent quality and can handle vibration and weight. Cheap pouches often sag or loosen over time.

Where is it made?

Buyers do care about this, especially when paying for a premium setup. If your product is UK-made, say it clearly. If not, still be upfront — people mostly care about strength, fit, and longevity.

Will this fit my MAN TGE / VW Crafter?

This page is for the VW Crafter / MAN TGE (2018+) platform, aimed at LWB builds. Always check your model year and interior layout before ordering.