What is a Drive Away Awning and how do they work?

Planning a camping trip in the UK with your campervan or motorhome and want to maximise your outdoor experience? A drive away awning might just be the game-changer you're looking for. These versatile additions to your campervan or motorhome offer extra space and flexibility, making them a popular choice among seasoned campers. But how exactly do they work, and why should you consider one for your next adventure?

As camping experts, we've seen first hand how drive away awnings can enhance you camping experience. They attach securely to your vehicle, providing a seamless extension of your living space. What's more, they allow you to detach and drive away, leaving the awning standing, ready for your return. This feature is perfect for exploring nearby areas without the hassle of packing up each time. Dive into our article to discover the ins and outs of drive away awnings and how they can transform your camping adventures.

What is a Drive Away Awning?

A drive away awning is a detachable awning that extends the living space of campervans or motorhomes. It provides additional room and flexibility, allowing campers to have a freestanding outdoor space while exploring the area in their vehicle. This setup enhances the camping experience by offering extra storage and living area without needing to dismantle it each time you drive away.

Drive away awnings function as versatile, detachable spaces you can easily set up next to your campervan. They connect to your vehicle using a specific awning attachment method. The most common method involves a kador strip with a C-channel awning rail, offering a secure, seamless connection. This setup often features an awning tunnel, which acts as a transitional area between your vehicle and the awning.

Once attached, these freestanding awnings offer flexibility, as you can leave them on the campsite while you explore the surroundings. When you drive away, the connection method allows you to detach the awning without collapsing the structure. Brands like Vango and Outdoor Revolution offer models with innovative features, such as inflatable beams, improving ease of use and stability.

Ensuring vehicle compatibility is essential when selecting a campervan awning system. The height range of your vehicle should match the awning tunnel's dimensions for a watertight seal. Following the manufacturer's drive away awning instructions ensures a smooth installation and reattachment process.

How Do Drive Away Awnings Connect to the Vehicle?

Drive away awnings connect to your vehicle primarily through a drive away kit and C-channel awning rail. This connection forms a secure attachment between the awning and the campervan. The kador strip slides into the C-channel rail installed on the vehicle, providing a stable link.

Alternative connection methods include using a magnetic strip or figure-of-eight connector with the vehicle's gutter. These options offer flexibility if a C-channel rail isn't available. An awning tunnel enhances the attachment by aligning the awning with your campervan, assisting in sealing against the elements.

Maintaining awning compatibility with your vehicle's height and rail system is key for an effective setup. Many brands like Vango and Outdoor Revolution provide specific guides tailored to various campervan models. This ensures a snug fit and peaceful camping experience.

For more information on how to attach your awning to your campervan or motorhome visit our guide on How to Attach a Drive-Away Awning to a Camper Van or motorhome.

Understanding The Three Heights - How Do They Work?

Selecting the right height for your drive away awning setup is crucial for ensuring a secure fit and seamless functionality. Each height category serves different vehicle models for optimal compatibility.

Low (Also Known As Lowline)

Low awnings typically fit vehicle heights of 180-210cm. Ideal vehicles include VW Camper Vans, Ford Torneos and Mercedes Marco Polos. These lowline awnings provide a secure connection and easy setup for smaller campervans. Check out our Low Height Drive Away Awnings.

Mid or MidLine

MId or Midline awnings fit vehicles 205-235cm tall. They're suited for vans at awkward heights, straddling the line between campervans and motorhomes. This height offers versatility in accommodating a range of vehicle sizes. Check out our Mid Height Drive Away Awnings for options suited to vans of this size.

Tall or Highline

Tall awnings match vehicles from 245-295cm. Suitable for motorhomes, highline awnings ensure ample space and an effective attachment. Selecting this size promotes stability and enhances your camping experience. Browse our Tall Height Drive Away Awnings.

Understanding these height categories helps you choose the best fit for your vehicle, ensuring a smooth campervan awning attachment process and maximising the benefits of your freestanding awning.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a drive away awning and how does it benefit campers?

A drive away awning is a detachable awning that extends the living space of campervans or motorhomes. It provides additional room and flexibility, allowing campers to have a freestanding outdoor space while exploring the area in their vehicle. This setup enhances the camping experience by offering extra storage and living area without needing to dismantle it each time you drive away.

How do drive away awnings attach to campervans?

Drive away awnings typically connect to campervans via a kador strip that slides into a C-channel awning rail. If your vehicle lacks this rail, alternative methods exist, such as magnetic strips or figure-of-eight connectors, allowing for a secure attachment that maintains the awning's stability.

Why is vehicle compatibility important for drive away awnings?

Ensuring compatibility between your vehicle and awning is vital for a secure and watertight connection. Compatibility prevents water ingress and ensures stability. It involves checking the vehicle’s height and rail system against the awning’s specifications, such as height categories: Low, Standard, and Tall, to avoid issues during set-up.

What are the different height categories for drive away awnings?

Drive away awnings are available in three height categories: Low (180-210cm) for smaller campervans, Standard (205-235cm) suits a variety of heights, and Tall (245-295cm) ideal for motorhomes and taller campervans. Selecting the correct category ensures a seamless fit and maximises your camping setup's efficiency.

Can I leave the awning on-site while driving my campervan?

Yes, one of the key benefits of a drive away awning is its freestanding design, which allows you to leave it on-site while you explore the surroundings with your campervan. This feature enhances convenience, letting you return to a ready-to-use campsite without needing reassembly.