Finding the perfect balance between a reliable daily driver, a family-friendly runner, and a fully functional mobile angling base is no easy task. Modern work vans offer the raw space, but turning bare metal into a comfortable, secure, and powered-up fishing rig requires a clear plan and a bit of hands-on work.

Across this complete build series, we transform a 2024 Citroën Berlingo (1.5L Diesel) into the ultimate stealth angling machine—without sacrificing its factory rear seats or family versatility. Here is the full breakdown of how it was built, the gear used, and the practical modifications that make it work on the bank.

Phase 1: Essential Cab Upgrades, Soundproofing & Stealth Tech

The starting point is a stock 2024 Citroën Berlingo. Delivering around 55 MPG, it’s economical for long trips across the UK and over to Europe. However, like most solid-panel work vans, rear visibility is non-existent, sound echoes through the cabin, and the open back needs basic protection.

I Bought a Fishing Van… Now Let’s Build It! (Episode 1)

1. Fixing Blind Spots & Rear Visibility

With no glass on the rear doors, motorway lane changes and tight junction maneuvers rely entirely on side mirrors.

  • Blind-Spot Mirrors: A simple pair of stick-on convex mirrors was added immediately to eliminate blind spots on long motorway runs.
  • Virtual Rear-View Mirror: To replace the missing central mirror, we installed a Wolfbox G840s Virtual Rear-View Mirror. The display unit was mounted directly to the windscreen trim using a universal plate fixed with high-strength epoxy. The system features a 4K front dash cam and a live 1080p rear camera, wired neatly along the roof headliner to the rear license plate light.

2. Cabin Sound Deadening & Cozier Insulation

Bare metal bulkheads function like giant speakers, transferring road noise directly into the driver's seat.

  • Carpet-Tiled Bulkhead: To muffle road hum and insulate the cabin from rear cold air, the bulkhead mesh was covered using self-adhesive carpet tiles. While quick to install, it dramatically reduced cabin echo while keeping the lower load-through hatch fully operational for long rods and poles.

Phase 2: Off-Grid Power, Smart Security & Waterproof Flooring

With the front cabin sorted, Phase 2 turns the rear load space into a safe, usable, and powered environment for long sessions.

My Fishing Van Just Got a Serious Upgrade… (Episode 2)

1. Rapid Off-Grid Power Setup

Charging phone batteries, headlamps, and bivvy lights off a standard cigarette lighter takes hours. To solve this, we installed an EcoFlow 800W Alternator Charger tied directly to an EcoFlow Delta 3 Classic Power Bank.

  • Installation: The heavy-gauge power wire was routed from the main vehicle battery, through the front wheel arch liner grommet, and into the main cabin console.
  • Performance: Charging at up to 500W–800W on idle, it recharges power banks up to 8x faster than traditional 12V sockets, taking the battery from 26% to 30% in just a couple of minutes on the move.

2. Upgraded Van Security

Van break-ins are a constant worry for anglers carrying high-value tackle. To secure the doors during overnight stops or service station breaks, a Vanguardian Multi-Point Alarm System was fitted.

  • Features 113 dB vibration-triggered alarms attached with 3M automotive tape and backing screws to the rear and side sliding doors.
  • Armable via a quick-access remote fob, giving immediate protection against handle-yanking and door prying.

3. DIY Ply-Lined Waterproof Base Floor

To keep the floor flat for gear while preserving the rear ISOFIX seat mounts for family trips, a custom subfloor was created:

  1. Precision Cut: A 9mm plywood sheet was cut to fit the exact floor contours, using Blu-Tack on the original bolt holes to transfer drilling points cleanly.
  2. ISOFIX & Seat Clearance: Cutouts were made for seat backs and anchor points so seats fold up or down effortlessly.
  3. Waterproof Wrapping: The ply was wrapped in a heavy-duty waterproof groundsheet (repurposed from an old bivvy), secured with high-strength contact spray adhesive and rear staples.

Stage 3: Panel Lining, Barrow Ramping & Camp Amenities

The final phase completes the build with full rear sound deadening, custom timber paneling, power barrow loading, and outdoor camp amenities.

My Ultimate Fishing Van is Finally Done (episode 3)

1. Sound Deadening & Custom Stained Paneling

  • Vibration Dampening: Sheets of Mat Unicorn butyl sound deadening were rolled onto all open metal side panels, rear doors, and ceiling. This transforms hollow sheet metal noise into a solid, premium thud.
  • Custom Wood Finish: A pre-cut Plycraft UK ply kit was trimmed around seatbelt mechanisms and stained with a warm Chestnut Brown finish. The panels were attached to timber battens using fix-it blocks and cloth anti-squeak tape to prevent squeaks on rough roads.

2. Smart Storage & Barrow Loading Solution

  • Power Barrow Ramp: A heavy-duty folding aluminum ramp lets you wheel a fully loaded motorized barrow straight into the rear. Instead of rigid wooden floor blocks, ratchet straps anchored to factory tiedown points secure the barrow safely without wasting floor space.
  • Overhead Rod Storage: High-capacity (50 kg) folding brackets were bolted directly to the side panel battens. Flipped out, they act as an overhead rack to keep rod holdalls safely suspended off the dirty floor.

3. Bankside Living: Hot Showers & Van Tarp

  • Bankside Portable Shower: For multi-day trips across Europe, a 12V immersion heater & portable shower pump kit heats bucket water up to 60°C in minutes—giving you a hot shower anywhere.
  • Rear Van Tarp Setup: Using heavy-duty suction cups on the open rear barn doors, a 3m x 3m DD Tarp attaches over the back opening to create a covered cooking and shelter area right behind the bedchair.

Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Compact Fishing Rig

By focusing on smart space management, off-grid battery power, simple security, and quiet soundproofing, this Citroën Berlingo went from a standard delivery van to a fully tailored, multi-purpose angling rig. It handles the daily commute, carries the family safely, and converts into a stealthy, fully equipped basecamp for trips anywhere in the UK or mainland Europe.

Planning your own van build or looking for more bankside inspiration? Head over to our the YouTube channel and Instagram page to catch the full video series, drop a comment on your favorite mods, and stay updated on our latest fishing adventures!