A drive-away awning is one of the best upgrades you can make to a VW California, T5, or T6 campervan. It transforms a compact van into a proper outdoor living setup — giving you a sheltered porch, extra sleeping space, and somewhere to cook and relax without being crammed inside the van. At Newquay Camping Shop, 4 Bamber House, Victoria, PL26 8LQ, we stock one of the largest drive-away awning ranges in Cornwall. Here's how to choose the right one for your VW.
What Height Awning Do I Need for a VW California or T6?
Most VW California, T5, and T6 campervans have a kador strip height of 180–210cm — which means you need a low-height drive-away awning. Mid-height awnings (210–250cm) are designed for taller vehicles like motorhomes and won't fit correctly on a standard VW campervan.
All of the awnings listed below are compatible with VW T5, T6, T6.1, and California models at the low-height kador range of 180–210cm. If your van doesn't have an awning rail or kador strip fitted, you'll need to add one first — we stock the Raptor VWT5/VWT6 Awning Rail for exactly this purpose (store collection only).
Drive-Away Awnings for VW California, T5 & T6
Vango Tolga Air VW Drive Away Awning — Blue / Grey
Uses Vango's AirBeam technology for fast, tool-free pitching with a kador connection for a neat, secure fit. One of our most popular VW awnings — well-suited to Cornwall's coastal conditions.
Vango Magra Air VW Drive Away Awning — Grey
A great all-rounder with a slightly different layout to the Tolga — worth comparing side by side if you're undecided.
Kampa Touring Air VW Drive Away Awning (LH)
Kampa's VW kador-compatible air awning with a left-hand door configuration — a solid, well-priced option from one of the UK's most trusted awning brands.
Vango Cove III Low Air Drive Away Awning 2026
Our most popular drive-away awning overall — AirBeam inflation, excellent weather protection, and a spacious layout. Also available as the 2025 model.
Vango Versos Air Low Drive-Away Awning 2024
A compact, lightweight air awning — ideal for VW owners who want something quick to pitch and easy to store. Great for shorter stays on Cornwall's coastal campsites.
Vango Faros III Low Drive Away Awning
A poled low-height drive-away awning — a great option if you prefer a traditional pole frame over an inflatable. Lighter to carry and simpler to repair if damaged.
Vango Tailgate Hub II Low Drive Away Awning
A unique tailgate-style awning that attaches to the rear of your van — ideal for VW California owners who want shelter over the tailgate area.
Outdoor Revolution Cayman Air Low Drive Away Awning 2026 — Includes Free Footprint
A well-specified low-height air awning that includes a free footprint groundsheet. Robust, weatherproof, and competitively priced.
Outdoor Revolution Cayman Air T2 Low Drive Away Awning 2025
Two doors for improved access and ventilation — a popular choice for couples.
Outdoor Revolution Cayman Air T3 Low Drive Away Awning 2026
Three doors for maximum flexibility — a great choice for families who want easy access from multiple sides.
Outdoor Revolution Cayman Low (D/T) Drive Away Awning 2026
A poled version of the Cayman Low — traditional frame construction at a lower price point than the air version.
Outdoor Revolution Cayman Handi Low Drive Away Awning
A compact, lightweight version of the Cayman Low — ideal for VW owners who want a smaller footprint or are new to drive-away awnings.
Outdoor Revolution Cayman Low Combo Air Drive Away Awning
Includes an inner tent for a separate sleeping area — ideal for families where the kids sleep in the awning while the adults take the van.
Outdoor Revolution Cayman Combo PC Low AIR Drive Away Awning
The polycotton version of the Cayman Combo — more breathable and premium feel, ideal for longer stays.
Outdoor Revolution Movelite T3E Low Drive Away Awning
A lightweight, packable low-height awning from Outdoor Revolution's Movelite range — designed for VW owners who prioritise weight and pack size.
Kampa Traverse Low (Poled) Driveaway Awning 2026
Kampa's 2026 low-height poled drive-away awning — a well-priced, reliable option.
Kampa Traverse Low (Air) Driveaway Awning 2026
The inflatable version of the Traverse Low — same great spec, faster pitching.
Kampa Waypoint Poled Low Driveaway Awning 2026
Kampa's Waypoint range offers a more premium finish — the poled low version for VW owners who prefer traditional construction.
Kampa Sprint AIR Inflatable Drive Away Awning
A compact, lightweight inflatable drive-away awning — one of the quickest to pitch in the range.
Maypole Crossed Air Beam Campervan Drive Away Awning (Low, 180–210cm)
A budget-friendly low-height air awning — a great entry point if you're new to drive-away awnings.
Camptec Moto Crown Elite Driveaway Air Awning
A premium drive-away air awning from Camptec — built for all-season use with excellent weather protection.
Don't Have an Awning Rail? Start Here
Raptor VWT5/VWT6 Awning Rail — SWB 2.6m / LWB 3.0m
If your VW T5 or T6 doesn't have an awning rail fitted, the Raptor rail is the starting point. Available in SWB (2.6m) and LWB (3.0m) — store collection only from our Newquay showroom.
Kampa Dometic Twin Driveaway Kit
A universal connection kit for attaching a drive-away awning to your van without a kador strip.
Vango Spare Attachment Straps 8m
Replacement attachment straps for drive-away awnings — useful to have as a spare.
Frequently Asked Questions
What height awning do I need for a VW California or T6?
Most VW California, T5, and T6 campervans need a low-height drive-away awning designed for kador heights of 180–210cm. Mid-height awnings won't fit correctly. If you're unsure, pop in and our team can help you measure up.
Do I need an awning rail on my VW T5 or T6?
Most drive-away awnings connect via a kador strip or universal straps. If your van doesn't have a kador strip fitted, we stock the Raptor VWT5/VWT6 Awning Rail for store collection — or you can use a universal strap kit like the Kampa Dometic Twin Driveaway Kit.
Air awning vs poled awning — which is better for a VW campervan?
Air awnings are faster to pitch and easier for one person to set up — ideal if you move pitches frequently or want a quick setup on Cornwall's campsites. Poled awnings are lighter, simpler to repair, and often cheaper. If you're new to drive-away awnings, a poled option like the Kampa Traverse Low Poled is a great starting point.
Can I sleep in a drive-away awning?
Yes — some models include an inner tent for a separate sleeping area. The Outdoor Revolution Cayman Low Combo is our most popular option for families who want the kids to sleep in the awning while the adults take the van.
Which drive-away awning is best for Cornwall's campsites?
Cornwall's coastal campsites can be exposed and windy. We'd recommend an air awning for stability and ease of pitching — the Vango Cove III Low Air and Outdoor Revolution Cayman Air Low are both excellent choices. Make sure your awning is well-guyed and pegged on exposed pitches.
Where can I buy VW campervan awnings in Cornwall?
The full range is available online and in store at Newquay Camping Shop — Cornwall's dedicated camping and caravanning specialists at 4 Bamber House, Victoria, PL26 8LQ, serving VW campervan owners across Cornwall and the South West. Many awnings are on display in our Newquay showroom — pop in and our team will help you find the right fit for your van.
