Wooden Van Lining Kits: Ready-to-Fit Options, Prices and Installation Tips
A wooden van lining kit turns an empty van into a well-organised, hard-wearing and professional workspace. For a carpenter moving tools between jobs or a delivery firm looking to secure parcels, these kits save hours of cutting and fitting. They come with pre-cut panels, mounting rails and sometimes built-in locking systems. Designed to fit standard dimensions of the Renault Kangoo, Peugeot Expert or Citroën Jumpy, installation usually takes between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes. In most cases, no drilling is needed, and the finish lasts for years without warping, even under road vibrations.
Why choose a ready-to-fit wooden lining kit over a custom build?
A ready-to-fit kit costs between €350 and €1,200, depending on complexity and options. By comparison, a custom marine plywood build from a professional starts at €1,500 and can easily exceed €3,000 for a medium-sized van. The time saved is just as significant: a kit can be installed in half a day, whereas a custom build takes several days. Van conversions & equipment offer this flexibility without constraints.
What’s more, these kits are modular. They can be removed and reinstalled in another vehicle if needed—a real advantage for businesses that regularly update their fleet. From a tax perspective, a wooden lining kit remains removable equipment. It doesn’t increase the vehicle’s Argus value or affect the TVS (French company vehicle tax) calculation. Unlike a permanent conversion, it doesn’t reclassify the vehicle as a VASP (Véhicule Automoteur Spécialisé). A Gates PowerGrip kit for the Renault Kangoo includes anodised aluminium rails and 15 mm marine plywood panels. Designed to withstand heavy loads, they don’t add weight beyond the vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
Which van models are compatible with these kits?
Manufacturers primarily target Europe’s best-selling vans, which have standardised dimensions. Here are the most commonly compatible models and their key features.
| Model | Generation | Useful length (m) | Standard kit available | Common options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renault Kangoo Van | 2021+ | 1.8 to 3.9 | Yes (Gates) | Sliding drawers, reinforced flooring |
| Peugeot Expert | 2016+ | 2.5 to 3.2 | Yes (Dayco) | Side shelves, mounting rail |
| Citroën Jumpy | 2016+ | 2.5 to 3.2 | Yes (Contitech) | Document holders, LED lighting |
| Ford Transit Custom | 2018+ | 2.3 to 3.4 | Yes (Gates) | Locking system, non-slip flooring |
Kits also exist for older models like the Citroën Berlingo (2008–2018), though they often require adjustments. Manufacturers offer universal templates or panels that can be cut to size. Detailed instructions help avoid measurement errors. However, on these older generations, the reliability of onboard electronics and air conditioning can be an issue. Check this before investing, especially if the vehicle has done over 150,000 km. A Contitech kit for the Berlingo includes moisture-resistant MDF panels and adjustable rails to compensate for manufacturing tolerances.
How to install a wooden lining kit without drilling the bodywork
Most modern kits use rail-based or structural adhesive mounting systems. Designed to withstand vibrations and temperature changes, here are the key steps for a successful installation.
- Prepare the vehicle — Thoroughly clean the interior walls with a degreaser like isopropyl alcohol. Adhesives won’t stick to a dirty surface.
- Fit the mounting rails — Aluminium or galvanised steel rails attach to the vehicle’s existing anchor points. A Dayco kit for the Peugeot Expert uses specific adapters for the original mounting points.
- Install the panels — Marine plywood (12 to 18 mm) or moisture-resistant MDF panels slot into the rails. High-end kits feature quick-release locking systems that require no tools. For flooring panels, a polyurethane adhesive like Sikaflex provides a permanent bond while absorbing vibrations.
- Finishing touches — Premium kits include rubber corner protectors. A bead of silicone sealant along the edges prevents water ingress and reduces rubbing noises.
To avoid drilling altogether, alternative solutions exist. Suction-cup or magnetic systems work for lightweight conversions. A tradesperson transporting fragile tools might opt for a Gates kit with aluminium rails—tested to support loads of 50 kg per linear metre, offering greater strength.
What pitfalls should you avoid when buying a kit?
The first mistake is underestimating the weight of the conversion. A full kit weighs between 40 and 80 kg, depending on the vehicle size. On a Renault Kangoo, that’s 5 to 10% of the payload. Exceeding this risks breaching the GVWR. In a roadside check, this could lead to a fine of up to €750. What’s more, your insurance could be voided in the event of an accident. Before buying, check the remaining payload (GVWR minus kerb weight) on the vehicle registration document (box F2).
Another pitfall is overlooking certification. A wooden lining kit doesn’t change the vehicle’s administrative category—it remains a CTTE (light commercial vehicle). However, some major modifications can reclassify it as a VASP. In this case, stricter technical inspections apply, along with traffic restrictions. To avoid this risk, choose manufacturer-certified kits, like those featured in this article on approved tow hitches.