VW campervans — T4, T5, T6, and T6.1 — have a lower roofline than most other campervans, which means you need a low-profile drive-away awning to get a clean, practical fit. Choose the wrong height and the awning will either gap at the top or not connect properly to the kador rail.
At Newquay Camping Shop, we stock a carefully chosen range of low-profile drive-away awnings that work well with VW campervans. This guide covers our top picks in both poled and inflatable formats, with an honest comparison of each.
What to Look for in a VW Campervan Drive-Away Awning
- Low profile: VW T5/T6 kador rails typically sit at 180–210cm — you need a low-profile awning designed for this height range.
- Connection method: Most VW campervans have a kador rail (the channel running along the roof edge). Check your awning comes with a kador bead or compatible connector.
- Width: Standard VW campervans are around 1.9–2.0m wide — most drive-away awnings accommodate this, but check the awning’s connection width range.
- Drive-away capability: Look for a quick-release or tunnel connector so you can drive away without dismantling the whole awning.
Our Top Picks for VW Campervans
Kampa Roam Low — Poled & Air
Kampa Roam Low Poled Drive Away Awning
The Kampa Roam Low Poled is Kampa’s entry-level low-profile poled awning — a straightforward, practical choice for VW campervan owners who want a reliable awning at an accessible price point. Fibreglass pole construction, large side windows, and a pegged-out canopy. A solid first drive-away awning for VW owners new to the category.
- Type: Poled | Profile: Low | Brand: Kampa
- Best for: Budget-conscious VW owners, first awning buyers, extended stays on site
- Pros: Lower price, easy field repair, proven construction
- Cons: Longer pitch time than inflatable (20–40 mins)
Kampa Roam Air Low Drive Away Awning
The inflatable version of the Roam in low-profile format — same Kampa Roam specification but with an air-frame instead of poles. Pitch time drops to around 5–10 minutes. Single-point inflation, large windows, and a clean low-profile fit for VW T5/T6. A great step-up from the poled Roam for VW owners who move sites regularly.
- Type: Inflatable | Profile: Low | Brand: Kampa
- Best for: Frequent movers, solo VW tourers, faster pitch priority
- Pros: Fast pitch, easier solo setup, clean look when up
- Cons: Higher price than poled Roam, puncture repair more involved
Kampa Traverse Low — Poled & Air (2026)
Kampa Traverse Low Poled Driveaway Awning — 2026
Kampa’s 2026 Traverse Low in poled format — a step up from the Roam in specification, with improved fabric, better weather protection, and a more refined finish. Updated for 2026 with Kampa’s latest construction improvements. A mid-range poled low-profile awning for VW campervans that want more than entry-level spec.
- Type: Poled | Profile: Low | Brand: Kampa | Year: 2026
- Best for: VW owners wanting a step-up from entry level, mid-budget buyers
- Pros: Better spec than Roam Poled, 2026 construction, proven pole durability
- Cons: Longer pitch time than Traverse Air
Kampa Traverse Low Air Driveaway Awning — 2026
The 2026 Traverse Low in inflatable format — Kampa’s best mid-range low-profile inflatable for VW campervans. Updated construction for 2026, single-point inflation, and a well-finished interior. If you want a modern, well-specified inflatable awning for your VW at a mid-range price point, the Traverse Air Low is the standout choice.
- Type: Inflatable | Profile: Low | Brand: Kampa | Year: 2026
- Best for: Mid-budget VW owners, frequent movers, buyers wanting 2026 spec
- Pros: Fast pitch, 2026 spec, better finish than Roam Air, clean low-profile fit
- Cons: Higher price than Roam Air
Vango Cove III Low Air — 2026
Vango Cove III Low Air Drive Away Awning — 2026
Vango’s premium low-profile inflatable drive-away awning in the 2026 specification — the Cove III is Vango’s flagship drive-away range, and the Low Air brings that premium spec to VW campervans. Sentinel Active 75D fabric with 3000mm HH, TBS®II Tension Band System for outstanding wind stability, and AirBeam technology for fast inflation. The benchmark premium low-profile inflatable for VW campervan owners who want the best.
- Type: Inflatable | Profile: Low | Brand: Vango | Year: 2026
- Fabric: Sentinel Active 75D, 3000mm HH | Features: TBS®II, AirBeam, multiple attachment methods
- Best for: Premium buyers, exposed coastal and upland sites, VW owners wanting the best low-profile inflatable
- Pros: Premium fabric and spec, TBS®II wind stability, fast AirBeam inflation, 2026 model
- Cons: Higher price point — the premium option in this roundup
Outdoor Revolution Cayman Low (D/T) — 2026
Outdoor Revolution Cayman Low (D/T) Drive Away Awning — 2026
OR’s updated 2026 Cayman Low — the most popular low-profile poled drive-away awning in the UK market. Dual Thickness (D/T) flysheet for optimised weather resistance and weight. A proven, no-nonsense poled awning that fits VW T5/T6 well and gives you a large living space at a competitive price. Updated for 2026 with OR’s latest construction improvements.
- Type: Poled | Profile: Low | Brand: Outdoor Revolution | Year: 2026
- Fabric: Dual Thickness (D/T) | Features: Pegged canopy, large windows, zip-in groundsheet
- Best for: VW owners wanting maximum value, families, extended stays on site
- Pros: Excellent value, proven UK bestseller, good footprint, 2026 spec
- Cons: Longer pitch time than inflatables
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Model | Type | Brand | Spec level | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kampa Roam Low Poled | Poled | Kampa | Entry | Budget, first awning |
| OR Cayman Low (D/T) 2026 | Poled | OR | Mid | Value, families, extended stays |
| Kampa Traverse Low Poled 2026 | Poled | Kampa | Mid | Mid-budget, step-up spec |
| Kampa Roam Air Low | Inflatable | Kampa | Entry-mid | Fast pitch, frequent movers |
| Kampa Traverse Low Air 2026 | Inflatable | Kampa | Mid | Mid-budget, 2026 spec inflatable |
| Vango Cove III Low Air 2026 | Inflatable | Vango | Premium | Best spec, wind-exposed sites |
Which Should You Choose?
- Tightest budget, poled: Kampa Roam Low Poled — reliable entry-level, proven construction.
- Best value poled: OR Cayman Low (D/T) 2026 — the UK’s bestselling low-profile awning, excellent footprint for the price.
- Mid-range poled: Kampa Traverse Low Poled 2026 — better spec than the Roam, 2026 construction.
- Entry inflatable: Kampa Roam Air Low — fast pitch, easy solo setup, competitive price.
- Mid-range inflatable: Kampa Traverse Low Air 2026 — best mid-range inflatable for VW, updated 2026 spec.
- Premium inflatable: Vango Cove III Low Air 2026 — TBS®II wind stability, Sentinel Active fabric, the best low-profile inflatable in this list.
Fitting Tips for VW Campervans
- Measure your kador rail height before ordering. VW T5/T6 rails typically sit at 185–205cm — all awnings in this guide are rated for the 180–210cm range.
- Check your kador channel is clear and undamaged before fitting. A blocked or bent channel will prevent the bead from sliding freely.
- Use a draft excluder between the awning and the van roof for a better seal in cold or wet weather. OR stock a Campervan Draft Excluder that fits most VW conversions.
- Guy out properly on coastal and exposed sites — Cornwall and the South West can be windy. Always use all guy ropes and storm pegs in exposed conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size drive-away awning do I need for a VW T5 or T6?
For a VW T5 or T6, you need a low-profile drive-away awning rated for a connection height of 180–210cm. All six awnings in this guide are suitable. Avoid mid or tall profile awnings — these are designed for higher-roof vehicles and won’t sit correctly on a VW.
Do I need a kador rail to fit a drive-away awning to my VW?
Most VW T4, T5, and T6 campervans have a kador rail (also called a drip rail or awning channel) running along the roof edge. Most drive-away awnings connect via this rail using a kador bead. If your VW doesn’t have a kador rail, you can fit an awning using a pole & clamp kit or roof bar attachment — check your chosen awning’s compatible attachment methods.
Can I drive away and leave the awning standing?
Yes — all awnings in this guide are drive-away designs. They connect to your van via a tunnel or sleeve that detaches quickly, leaving the awning freestanding while you drive. Always peg out fully and guy the awning before driving away.
Can I buy these awnings in Cornwall?
Yes — Newquay Camping Shop stocks drive-away awnings for VW campervans at 4 Bamber House, Victoria, PL26 8LQ (Monday to Friday) and online with UK-wide delivery.
Shop Drive-Away Awnings for VW Campervans
Newquay Camping Shop
4 Bamber House, Victoria, PL26 8LQ
Open Monday to Friday
Browse all drive-away awnings online.
