Inflatable vs Poled Drive Away Awnings – Which Should You Choose?
One of the most common decisions people face when choosing a drive away awning is whether to go for an inflatable (airbeam) model or a traditional poled one.
Both do the same basic job, and both can be very good depending on what you want from your awning. This guide explains the main differences in real-world use, so you can work out which style suits you best.
What’s the Difference in Simple Terms?
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Inflatable drive away awnings use air-filled beams instead of metal or fibreglass poles. You pump them up using a hand pump or electric pump.
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Poled drive away awnings use traditional poles to create their structure. These slot together and are fed through sleeves or clipped into place.
They both create a stable structure and both are widely used, so it isn’t a case of one being “right” and the other being “wrong” — it’s more about which approach you prefer.
Pitching Time & Ease of Use
✔ Inflatable Awnings
Generally quicker and easier to pitch once you’re familiar with them.
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No poles to build or thread
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Structure takes shape as soon as you pump it
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Especially good if you don’t enjoy faffing with poles
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Can be less stressful in poor weather as they go up faster
For many people, this ease of use is the main reason they choose an inflatable awning.
✔ Poled Awnings
Usually take a bit longer and require a little more patience.
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More steps involved
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Poles need to be assembled and positioned correctly
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Takes practice the first few times
That said, once you’ve used the same awning a few times, most people get into a routine and find it manageable.
Strength & Stability
✔ Inflatable
Modern inflatable awnings are surprisingly strong.
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Air beams flex rather than snap
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Handle wind movement well because they “give” slightly
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Less chance of structural damage compared with poles
In windy UK campsite conditions, that slight flexibility can actually be an advantage.
✔ Poled
Traditional poled awnings are also strong, but in a different way.
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Solid frame structure
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Can feel very rigid once pitched correctly
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If a pole fails, however, it usually breaks rather than flexing
Good quality poled awnings are still very dependable — they’ve been used successfully for years.
Reliability & Maintenance
Inflatable
Modern air systems are very reliable, and problems are far less common than people imagine.
However:
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You can theoretically puncture an air beam
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Valves and bladders may occasionally need repair
Most inflatable awnings do allow beams to be repaired or replaced, so a problem doesn’t usually mean the end of the awning.
Poled
The main risk is pole damage.
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Poles can bend or snap if incorrectly tensioned or in strong winds
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Replacement poles are usually available
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Repairs are straightforward, but do require physical parts
Both systems can have occasional issues — they’re just different types of issues.
Weight & Pack Size
This is often overlooked, but worth thinking about.
Inflatable
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Usually heavier
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Air beams add bulk and weight
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Packed size can be larger
If storage space in your campervan is tight, this may matter.
Poled
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Often lighter overall
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Poles separate from fabric, sometimes making packing easier
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Can still be bulky depending on model size
If travelling light is important, poled may appeal more.
Cost
In general:
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Inflatable awnings are usually more expensive
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Poled awnings tend to be more budget-friendly
That doesn’t mean air awnings are “better”, just that the technology and convenience come at a slightly higher price.
Real-World Use – What Do People Actually Prefer?
From real customer experience, here’s what we commonly see:
People who choose inflatable awnings usually want:
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Quick and simple pitching
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Less stress on arrival
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Something modern and easy to live with
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Less concern about pole breakages
People who choose poled awnings usually want:
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Lower cost
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A slightly lighter option
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No interest in pump systems
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Something they’re familiar with and trust
Neither choice is “wrong” — it’s simply about what matters most to you.
So… Which Should You Choose?
If you want:
✔ ease of use
✔ quicker setup
✔ a modern feel
👉 Inflatable is probably the way to go.
If you want:
✔ to keep cost down
✔ something lighter
✔ something simple and proven
👉 A poled awning may suit you better.
Both will do the job well if matched correctly to your vehicle and how you camp.
Still Unsure?
You’re definitely not the only one. Many people spend more time choosing between inflatable and poled than they expected to — it’s a sensible thing to think about.
If you’d like to carry on reading, these guides may help:
Or if you’d like to look at what’s available:
