The Mercedes Sprinter and VW Crafter are the go-to base vehicles for larger campervan conversions — professional builds, high-roof van life setups, and horsebox-style conversions. Their taller roofline puts them firmly in the Mid category for drive-away awnings, with typical kador rail heights of 230–265 cm.
Here's our guide to the best drive-away awnings for Sprinter and Crafter owners — including inflatable and poled options at every price point.
What Connection Height Does a Mercedes Sprinter or VW Crafter Need?
Standard Mercedes Sprinter and VW Crafter campervans have a kador rail height of approximately 235–260 cm depending on roof height, conversion spec, and whether a roof rack or solar panel frame is fitted. This puts them in the Mid category — connection height 230–265 cm.
Always measure your own rail height before buying. High-roof conversions may sit at the top of the Mid range, and some may require a Tall awning.
Our Top Picks for Mercedes Sprinter & VW Crafter
Best Inflatable: Vango Cove III Mid Air 2026
Our top recommendation for Sprinter and Crafter owners. The Cove III Mid Air brings Vango's class-leading TBS®II Tension Band System to the mid-profile market — the most wind-stable inflatable drive-away awning we stock. Sentinel Active 75D fabric with 3,000mm HH handles sustained Atlantic rain well, and the colour-coded inflation system makes pitching fast and stress-free.
- Connection height: 230–265 cm
- Pitching time: around 10 minutes
- Vango Cove III Mid Air 2026
Best Value Inflatable: Kampa Traverse Mid Air
An excellent mid-range inflatable for Sprinter and Crafter owners. Kampa's AirFrame technology with Boston valves, sewn-in groundsheet, and a well-thought-out interior layout. More affordable than the Cove III, and well-suited to sheltered and semi-exposed sites.
- Connection height: 230–265 cm
- Pitching time: around 10 minutes
- Kampa Traverse Mid Air Driveaway Awning
Best Poled Option: Kampa Traverse Mid Poled
For Sprinter and Crafter owners who prefer a poled awning — lighter, simpler, and more affordable than an inflatable. Fibreglass pole frame, 75D WeatherWeave polyester, and full drive-away capability. Pitches in around 13 minutes and packs down significantly smaller than an inflatable.
- Connection height: 230–265 cm
- Pitching time: around 13 minutes
- Kampa Traverse Mid Poled Driveaway Awning
Premium Poled Option: Vango Cove III Mid Poled 2026
Vango's Cove III Mid Poled offers premium fabric and construction in a traditional pole frame — ideal for buyers who prefer poled awnings but want Vango's build quality and weather performance.
- Connection height: 230–265 cm
- Vango Cove III Mid Poled 2026
Step-Up Inflatable: Kampa Waypoint Air Mid
The Kampa Waypoint sits above the Traverse in Kampa's range — a step up in spec and interior space for Sprinter and Crafter owners who want more room. Inflatable AirFrame, generous living area, and a well-specified feature set.
- Connection height: 230–265 cm
- Kampa Waypoint Air Mid Driveaway Awning
Premium Large Inflatable: Vango HexAway Pro Air Mid
For Sprinter and Crafter conversions where maximum living space is the priority, the Vango HexAway Pro Air Mid delivers a substantially larger footprint than standard drive-away awnings — ideal for longer stays or families who want a proper outdoor room.
- Connection height: 215–255 cm (check your rail height)
- Vango HexAway Pro Air Mid DriveAway Awning
Key Buying Tips for Sprinter & Crafter Owners
Measure your rail height. Standard Sprinter and Crafter rails sit at around 235–260 cm but this varies significantly by roof height and conversion. Always measure before buying.
Consider your typical sites. If you regularly use exposed coastal sites in Cornwall or the South West, the Vango Cove III Mid Air with TBS®II gives you the best wind stability. For sheltered sites the Kampa Traverse Mid is excellent value.
Pack size matters in a Sprinter. You may have more storage than a T6, but inflatable awnings are significantly heavier and bulkier than poled equivalents — worth considering if weight is a factor.
Guy out on exposed sites. Even on a Sprinter, a well-guyed awning is essential on Atlantic-exposed sites. Use steel storm pegs and all guy rope points.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size drive-away awning fits a Mercedes Sprinter?
A standard Mercedes Sprinter conversion needs a Mid drive-away awning with a connection height of 230–265 cm. Always measure your own kador rail height as conversions vary.
Does a VW Crafter need the same awning as a Sprinter?
Yes — the VW Crafter and Mercedes Sprinter share very similar dimensions (the Crafter is built on the same platform as the Sprinter). Both need a Mid profile drive-away awning in most cases.
Can I use a Low awning on a Mercedes Sprinter?
No — a Low awning (180–210 cm) won't connect to a standard Sprinter or Crafter roofline. You need a Mid awning.
Can I buy a Sprinter drive-away awning near Newquay?
Yes — Newquay Camping Shop at 4 Bamber House, Victoria, PL26 8LQ stocks the full range of mid-profile drive-away awnings. Open Monday to Friday, and online with UK-wide delivery.
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Newquay Camping Shop — 4 Bamber House, Victoria, PL26 8LQ
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