If you own an inflatable drive-away awning, a good electric pump makes setup significantly faster and easier. Most inflatable awnings include a manual pump in the box — but after a long drive to a Cornish campsite, the last thing you want is to spend 10 minutes pumping by hand.
Here’s our guide to the two best pumps we stock — and how to choose the right one for your awning.
Why Use an Electric Pump?
Inflatable drive-away awnings like the Vango Cove III and Faros III, or the Kampa Traverse and Waypoint, use AirBeam or AirFrame technology — pressurised tubes that form the structure of the awning. Manual pumps work perfectly well, but an electric pump can cut inflation time significantly and removes the physical effort entirely.
Electric pumps also give you a precise pressure readout — useful for ensuring your awning is correctly inflated without over or under-pressurising the beams.
Vango Airbeam Tempest Pump
The Vango Tempest is a rechargeable cordless pump — charged via USB-C, with a built-in 2000mAh battery. No 12V socket needed, making it the most flexible option if you’re camping without hookup or using a van without a convenient 12V outlet.
Key specs:
- Power: USB-C rechargeable (5V2A or 9V2A), 90W battery
- Max pressure: 10 PSI with auto cut-off
- Airflow: Two-stage motor — 500L/min (high volume) and 40L/min (high pressure)
- Display: LED screen showing inflation level
- Hose: 130cm with Bravo and Boston valve adaptors included
- Weight: 1.06 kg
- Bonus: Doubles as a USB power bank
Best for: Vango Cove III and Faros III owners — the Boston and Bravo adaptors are a direct match for Vango’s AirBeam valves. Cordless operation is a genuine advantage on wild camps or sites without hookup.
Kampa Dometic Gale 12V Electric Pump
The Kampa Gale runs from your van’s 12V car socket — plug in, set your pressure, and it inflates to the pre-set PSI and cuts off automatically. A higher max pressure than the Tempest at 12.5 PSI, and the extra-long power cable gives you plenty of reach.
Key specs:
- Power: 12V car socket
- Max pressure: 12.5 PSI (0.86 bar) with auto cut-off
- Display: Backlit digital pressure display
- Adaptors: Screw-on adaptor designed for Kampa awnings; additional nozzle adaptors included for other brands
- Extra-long power cable
Best for: Kampa Traverse, Waypoint, and Roam Air owners — the screw-on adaptor is designed specifically for Kampa’s Boston valves. Also works with Vango and other brands with the included nozzle adaptors. Ideal if you have easy access to your 12V socket.
Kampa Dometic Gale 12V Electric Pump
Vango Tempest vs Kampa Gale — Which Should You Choose?
| Vango Tempest | Kampa Gale | |
|---|---|---|
| Power source | USB-C rechargeable | 12V car socket |
| Max pressure | 10 PSI | 12.5 PSI |
| Auto cut-off | Yes | Yes |
| Cordless | Yes | No |
| Best match | Vango awnings | Kampa awnings |
| Weight | 1.06 kg | — |
Choose the Vango Tempest if you own a Vango Cove III or Faros III, camp without hookup regularly, or want a cordless pump you can also use as a power bank.
Choose the Kampa Gale if you own a Kampa Traverse, Waypoint, or Roam Air and have easy access to your van’s 12V socket. The higher max pressure (12.5 PSI vs 10 PSI) gives extra headroom for Kampa’s AirFrame beams.
What PSI Should I Inflate My Drive-Away Awning To?
Always follow the manufacturer’s guidance — but as a general rule:
- Vango AirBeam awnings: 6–8 PSI is typical for correct inflation. Do not exceed 10 PSI.
- Kampa AirFrame awnings: 7–9 PSI is typical. Do not exceed 12 PSI.
Under-inflated beams will feel soft and sag — inflate until the beams are firm with no give when pressed. Over-inflating can damage the beams, particularly in warm weather when air expands.
Tips for Inflating Your Drive-Away Awning
Peg out first. Always stake the groundsheet and guy ropes before inflating — this ensures the awning is in the correct position before the beams set the structure.
Inflate in the right order. Follow the colour-coded inflation sequence on your awning — typically uprights first, then the roof beam.
Check pressure in the morning. Air contracts overnight in cold temperatures, so beams may feel slightly soft in the morning. A quick top-up takes less than a minute.
Deflate slightly in hot weather. If temperatures rise significantly during the day, release a small amount of pressure to avoid over-pressurising the beams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Kampa Gale on a Vango awning?
Yes — the Gale includes nozzle adaptors for non-Kampa awnings. You may need to transfer the valve from a hand pump. The Boston adaptor on the Vango Tempest is a more direct fit for Vango AirBeam valves.
Can I use the Vango Tempest on a Kampa awning?
Yes — the Tempest includes both Bravo and Boston adaptors, which are compatible with Kampa’s AirFrame Boston valves.
How long does it take to inflate a drive-away awning with an electric pump?
Typically 3–6 minutes depending on the awning size and pump output. The Vango Faros III Air Mid inflates in around 4 minutes with the included hand pump — an electric pump can be faster.
Can I buy these pumps in store near Newquay?
Yes — Newquay Camping Shop at 4 Bamber House, Victoria, PL26 8LQ. Open Monday to Friday, or shop online with UK-wide delivery.
