Opinions please on VW Crafter MWB 2021 - 2025

[d95gas]

Morning All,

I am looking into doing a self build with my son, using the VW Crafter MWB 140PS Auto, currently looking at a 2024 version.

I have never in my 67yrs on this earth, driven any sort of VW, so am looking at opinions on this van? Whats the engines like? Reliability? Servicing? Real world MPG, etc

Anything that might be useful in helping me make the decision. I currently have a Transit Custom MS-RT which is awesome, and initially looked at the Transit LWB, but have to agree the Crafter does look a little more refined.

There is only me and the dog these days, so don't need a massive amount of room, but my priorities would be:

Toilet / Shower (would probably go for the pre-built cubicle)
Hot & Cold Water
Blown Air Heating (Diesel)
Onboard water and waste tanks
Fixed bed (would possibly only go for a small double rather than full size)
Fridge (Compressor)
EHU
Roof Vent (Maxxair)

On this build we would only use Victron for the electrics and at this stage I don't think I need solar


Looking forward to your thoughts on this. Thanks

 

[Scottish Scrutineer]

I have a Crafter based Knaus MH, chosen in preference to FIAT or Ford chassis for a variety of reasons; ergonomics, reliability, refinement etc.
Running at around 3500kg, not hammering it, I can get 28-30mpg, but bear in mind that is a coachbuilt body so wide and taller than a panel van.
With the Crafter PVC, I believe that side pods enable a cross-wise bed which may help with interior layout. vwRob[/USER[/S]] [/S]@rod_vw will probably help
Apologies rod_vw

 

[rod_vw]

Morning All,

I am looking into doing a self build with my son, using the VW Crafter MWB 140PS Auto, currently looking at a 2024 version.

I have never in my 67yrs on this earth, driven any sort of VW, so am looking at opinions on this van? Whats the engines like? Reliability? Servicing? Real world MPG, etc

Anything that might be useful in helping me make the decision. I currently have a Transit Custom MS-RT which is awesome, and initially looked at the Transit LWB, but have to agree the Crafter does look a little more refined.

There is only me and the dog these days, so don't need a massive amount of room, but my priorities would be:

Toilet / Shower (would probably go for the pre-built cubicle) - Personal preference
Hot & Cold Water - Truma
Blown Air Heating (Diesel) - Wabasto, Eberspacher or one of the many similar mounted under floor front right.
Onboard water and waste tanks - Underslung if frost protection is not a worry.
Fixed bed (would possibly only go for a small double rather than full size) The only viable option in a MWB is transverse with side pods to provide bed length.
Fridge (Compressor) - Yes
EHU - Yes
Roof Vent (Maxxair) - Yes and a simple roof vent at the other end.

On this build we would only use Victron for the electrics and at this stage I don't think I need solar - Include maximum solar and lithium.


Looking forward to your thoughts on this. Thanks

My thoughts are added to your text above.

Here are two places for you to look if you haven't already...

Facebook -- VW Crafter (2017+) and MAN TGE - Self Build Group

Crafter TGE Forum

Go and find a dealer with one that you can have a test drive in, I think you will be impressed with the comfort, visibility and general 'drive ability', we were. You will love the eight speed auto but may find the column stalk change 'different'. Big screen Infotainment in the 2024 onwards models.
Swivel seat mechanisms are available for single and double seats, look at CJ Leisure for one option.

Rod

 

[Mister Rob]

Be careful.
Once you've driven the VW you'll want one.

I found a huge difference between a VW/Merc and a ford. Ford felt rough as old boots after the VW.
That was a few years ago so ford might have upped their game a bit, but I doubt it.
It's not that fords are bad just that the Germans do it all better with more refinement.

Other opinions are available!!

 

[d95gas]

Thanks all, great comments, and I will go and test drive, but my fears are that I might get the bank card out there and then

My other issue is whether I can use it as a daily drive. I am retired now and don't do much mileage except out for camping, but do a run to Asda each week, things like that.

I want to try and avoid having to purchase a small runabout car, as that's just more expense coming out of the retirement budget

 

[mitzimad]

Medium wheel base will be fine as a daily driver

 

[rod_vw]

Thanks all, great comments, and I will go and test drive, but my fears are that I might get the bank card out there and then

My other issue is whether I can use it as a daily drive. I am retired now and don't do much mileage except out for camping, but do a run to Asda each week, things like that.

I want to try and avoid having to purchase a small runabout car, as that's just more expense coming out of the retirement budget

The MWB is 6m long and although too long for a basic parking bay it's quite manageable for day to day use. The disadvantage is well outweighed by the camper ownership.
Admittedly now that we've gone from LWB Transporters (5m long) to the LWB TGE we have bought a VW T-Roc for day to day use but the LWB TGE is 6.8m long.

d95gas I trust that you do realise that the MAN TGE is exactly the same as a VW Crafter but can have a much more flexible specification when ordered new. Parts from MAN are almost always cheaper than from VW for the same item.

Here is our build completed by Buckettz Dubz in 2023, we've done ourselves and commissioned the converter a few changes since then and it's proved to be an excellent investment.

 

[d95gas]

Thanks for all the comments, really positive and helpful.

rod_vw I did realise the MAN TGE is the same, but totally forgot about it. Although I did not realise that they can have a more flexible spec and cheaper for parts, that is definitely a consideration.

Really like your build, that looks like the sort of layout I need. Love the bed and that would be ideal for me and the dog, the trouble with some builds with fixed bed, is that the bed is high up, so the dog would be unhappy, and knowing my luck I would fall out of bed and break a bone or two

I shall now go and search for MAN TGE and see what comes up. Thanks

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[rod_vw]

Thanks for all the comments, really positive and helpful.

rod_vw I did realise the MAN TGE is the same, but totally forgot about it. Although I did not realise that they can have a more flexible spec and cheaper for parts, that is definitely a consideration.

Really like your build, that looks like the sort of layout I need. Love the bed and that would be ideal for me and the dog, the trouble with some builds with fixed bed, is that the bed is high up, so the dog would be unhappy, and knowing my luck I would fall out of bed and break a bone or two

I shall now go and search for MAN TGE and see what comes up. Thanks

We were in a position to be able to order a new vehicle and found MAN to be more flexible with the specification than VW and at a much better price. However that was almost five years ago at the end of the Covid lockdown. The delivery was delayed by both Covid and the start of the Ukraine war.
I've done a few alterations plus the addition of a 4kW Eberspacher heater and found MAN to be significantly cheaper than VW for genuine parts which when delivered come in VW boxes and are marked with VW part numbers although internally MAN use their own part numbering system.

 

[tribalbrit]

I used to run a VW Crafter XLWB High top as my work van (construction) I loved it, had it for about 8 years and apart from a faulty turbo pipe had no issues. Comfort and drive was great.
If it were me I'd look at a LWB and high top. manageability not much different to the MWB IMO.
My works van was actually longer than my Motorhome. lol.

 

[Gordmac]

In my opinion, for driving width is more of an issue than length. A bit more length might be a better option for fitting stuff in. Width, or lack of, can be a problem in a camper/motorhome. One I was in was very cramped, belly up against the kitchen bit and bum against the loo! For me unusable. Try and look at several before taking the plunge so you can see the compromises driven by the narrow body.

 

[GMLS]

We have a new MAN TGE based vehicle 3.180 auto on a LWB. Its a complete revelation after a number of Fiats and Fords in terms of refinement and general feeling of quality. Getting an easy 25mpg at around 3600KG. I wouldn't discount the LWB if you have the parking space as you get a big % increase in internal usable space

 

[enark]

MAN TGE, exactly the same bar the badges.

163 ps felt a bit sluggish pulling 4t, and large turning circle. Especially compared to the 180 ps auto Fiat. and is more expensive too

But really smooth, nice auto gearbox, great displays, heated seats and heated steering wheel, and MAN 24 hour support for 5 years. Great fuel economy too - 32mpg ish.

So overall really good van.