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Best Tall-Profile Drive-Away Awnings for Campervans & Motorhomes (255cm+) — 2026

31st August 2026
Best Tall-Profile Drive-Away Awnings for Campervans & Motorhomes (255cm+) — 2026

If your campervan or motorhome has a kador rail that sits above 255cm from the ground, you need a tall-profile drive-away awning. This covers high-roof variants of popular large panel vans and A-class or high-specification motorhomes.

Tall-profile awnings are a smaller part of the market than low or mid-profile options, but the need is real — a mid-profile awning simply won’t reach the connection point on a high-roof van. If you’re unsure whether you need a mid or tall profile, measure your kador rail height from the ground before ordering.

At Newquay Camping Shop, we can advise on tall-profile awning options for your specific vehicle. Contact us or visit our Cornwall showroom for guidance.

Which Vans & Motorhomes Need a Tall-Profile Awning?

Tall-profile awnings (255cm+) are typically needed for:

  • Mercedes Sprinter (high roof / super high roof)
  • VW Crafter (high roof)
  • Fiat Ducato (high roof / extra high roof)
  • Ford Transit (high roof full size)
  • A-class motorhomes (most models)
  • High-specification coachbuilt motorhomes

Standard and medium roof variants of the above vans typically fall in the mid-profile range (210–255cm). Always measure your own kador rail height before ordering.

How to Confirm You Need a Tall-Profile Awning

Measure from the ground to the bottom of your kador rail channel on a level surface with the van unladen. If the measurement is above 255cm, you need a tall-profile awning. See our full sizing guide for more detail.

Tall-Profile Awning Options

The tall-profile market is more limited than low or mid-profile. Key options include tall-profile variants from Outdoor Revolution and Vango — contact us for current availability and to confirm fitment for your specific vehicle.

Tall-Profile vs Mid-Profile — Don’t Guess

It’s worth emphasising: do not order a mid-profile awning for a high-roof van hoping it will stretch. A mid-profile awning rated for 210–255cm will not safely or neatly reach a kador rail at 270cm+. Always measure before ordering, and contact us if you’re unsure.

Fitting Tips for High-Roof Vans

  • Measure carefully: High-roof variants often have kador rails at 260–290cm. Some super high-roof Sprinters exceed 290cm. Confirm your exact height before selecting an awning.
  • Guy thoroughly: Tall-profile awnings present more wind surface area than low or mid-profile options. Always use all guy rope points and storm pegs, particularly on exposed Cornish and South West sites.
  • Check tunnel compatibility: The awning tunnel width should accommodate your van width (most large vans are 2.0–2.1m wide).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a tall-profile drive-away awning?

A tall-profile drive-away awning is designed to connect to a vehicle with a kador rail height of 255cm or above. This covers high-roof large panel vans and A-class or tall coachbuilt motorhomes. Always measure your kador rail height before ordering.

Can I use a mid-profile awning on a high-roof van?

No — a mid-profile awning rated for 210–255cm will not reach the kador rail on a high-roof van. You need a tall-profile awning specifically rated for your rail height.

Which tall-profile awnings do you stock?

Tall-profile awning availability changes with each season. Contact us or visit our Cornwall showroom for current options and to confirm fitment for your specific vehicle and kador rail height.

Can I buy a tall-profile drive-away awning in Cornwall?

Yes — contact Newquay Camping Shop at 4 Bamber House, Victoria, PL26 8LQ (Monday to Friday) or browse online. We’ll help you identify the right tall-profile awning for your van.

Contact Us for Tall-Profile Awning Advice

Newquay Camping Shop
4 Bamber House, Victoria, PL26 8LQ
Open Monday to Friday

Browse all drive-away awnings online.

Profile Guides

Related Guides

Best Tall-Profile Drive-Away Awnings for Campervans & Motorhomes (255cm+) — 2026

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How to Fit a Kador Rail to Your Campervan — A Practical Guide

31.08.26
A kador rail (also called an awning rail or kador channel) is the C-shaped aluminium channel that allows a drive-away awning to connect to your campervan. Most professional campervan conversions include one as standard — but if yours doesn’t, fitting one is a straightforward job that opens up the full range of drive-away awnings. This guide covers what a kador rail is, what you need to fit one, and how to do it correctly. What Is a Kador Rail? A kador rail is an aluminium extrusion with a C-shaped channel that runs along the roofline of your campervan, typically on the offside (right-hand side in the UK). Drive-away awnings connect to it via a kador bead or sleeve that slides into the channel, creating a secure connection point. The rail is usually fitted horizontally along the length of the van body, just below the roofline. The height of the rail from the ground determines which awning profile you need — low, mid, or tall. Do You Need a Kador Rail? Not necessarily. If your van doesn’t have a kador rail, most drive-away awnings support at least one alternative connection method: Pole & clamp kit — clamps to the van’s roof rails or body. Less neat than a kador rail but effective and reversible. Guy line attachment — some awnings (e.g. Kampa Cross Air) support a guy line connection as an alternative. Check your chosen awning’s spec. If you plan to use a drive-away awning regularly, a fitted kador rail is the neatest and most reliable connection method. If you camp occasionally and want flexibility, a pole & clamp kit may be sufficient. What You Need to Fit a Kador Rail Aluminium kador rail extrusion (sold by the metre — measure your van’s side length first) Kador rail end caps (to finish the ends neatly) Stainless steel self-tapping screws or rivets A drill with metal drill bits A rivet gun (if using rivets) A tape measure and chalk line or masking tape for marking Sealant or self-amalgamating tape (to weatherproof fixings) A spirit level Step-by-Step: Fitting a Kador Rail Step 1 — Choose Your Height Measure the height you want the bottom of the kador rail to sit at. This determines your awning profile. For most large panel van conversions (Sprinter, Crafter, Ducato), aim for 220–240cm — comfortably in the mid-profile range. For compact vans (T5/T6, Transit Custom), aim for 190–205cm for low-profile compatibility. Mark a horizontal line at this height along the side of the van using masking tape and a spirit level. Check it’s level from front to rear. Step 2 — Mark the Fixing Points Mark fixing points at regular intervals along the line — typically every 25–30cm. Avoid drilling into body seams, ribs, or any structural elements. Check behind the panel (if accessible) for wiring or fuel/brake lines before drilling. Step 3 — Drill the Fixing Holes Using a metal drill bit sized for your chosen fixings, drill through the van body at each marked point. Deburr the holes to prevent corrosion. Step 4 — Apply Sealant Apply a bead of appropriate sealant (e.g. Sikaflex 221 or equivalent) along the back of the kador rail channel before fixing. This weatherproofs the fixing points and prevents water ingress — critical on a vehicle that will be used in rain. Step 5 — Fix the Rail Hold the rail in position and fix using stainless steel self-tapping screws or rivets at each marked point. Work from the centre outwards to keep the rail aligned. Check alignment with a spirit level as you go. Step 6 — Fit End Caps Fit kador rail end caps to both ends of the rail. These prevent the awning bead from sliding off the end and give a neat finish. Apply a small amount of sealant inside the cap before fitting. Step 7 — Test the Fit Slide a kador bead along the full length of the rail to confirm it runs smoothly. Check for any high spots or misalignment. The bead should slide freely from end to end without binding. Common Mistakes to Avoid Not sealing fixing points: Unsealed drill holes will let water into the van body. Use sealant on every fixing. Fitting at the wrong height: Measure carefully before drilling — the rail height determines your awning profile and can’t easily be changed once fixed. Not checking for hidden wiring: Always check what’s behind the panel before drilling. Many conversions run cable looms along the upper body sides. Using too few fixings: The rail needs to be secure — a drive-away awning in wind puts significant load on the kador bead connection. Fix at 25–30cm intervals minimum. Frequently Asked Questions How long should my kador rail be? The rail should run the full usable length of the van body side where you want the awning to connect — typically 2.5–4m depending on van length. Most awnings use a section of the rail to connect rather than the full length, so a longer rail gives more positioning flexibility. Which side of the van should the kador rail go on? Convention in the UK is the offside (right-hand side when sitting in the driver’s seat). Most drive-away awnings are designed to attach on the offside and pitch out to the right. Check your chosen awning’s instructions before fitting. Can I fit a kador rail myself? Yes — it’s a straightforward metalworking job that most competent DIYers can complete in a few hours. The key steps are marking the correct height, sealing all fixings, and checking alignment. If you’re unsure, a campervan conversion specialist can fit one quickly. What’s the difference between a kador rail and an awning rail? They’re the same thing — different terms for the same C-shaped aluminium channel. “Kador rail” refers to the specific kador bead profile that fits the channel; “awning rail” is the more general term. Both refer to the same fitting. Can I use a drive-away awning without a kador rail? Yes — most drive-away awnings support a pole & clamp attachment as an alternative. It’s less neat than a fitted rail but effective. See our Drive-Away Awnings Buying Guide for more detail on connection methods. Shop Drive-Away Awnings at Newquay Camping Shop Once your kador rail is fitted, browse our full range of drive-away awnings — low, mid, and tall profile, poled and inflatable. Newquay Camping Shop4 Bamber House, Victoria, PL26 8LQOpen Monday to Friday Browse all drive-away awnings online. Related Guides What Size Drive-Away Awning Do I Need? Best Low-Profile Drive-Away Awnings (180–210cm) Best Mid-Profile Drive-Away Awnings (210–255cm) Inflatable vs Poled Drive-Away Awnings — Which Should You Choose? Drive-Away Awnings Buying Guide — How to Choose

Drive-Away Awning Care & Maintenance — Cleaning, Reproofing & Storage

31.08.26
A good drive-away awning is a significant investment — and with proper care it should last many seasons. The most common causes of premature awning failure are poor storage (storing damp), neglected seam tape, and UV degradation of the fabric. This guide covers how to clean, reproof, and store your awning correctly to maximise its lifespan. 1. Cleaning Your Drive-Away Awning After Every Trip Shake out the awning and remove loose dirt and debris before packing down. Wipe down poles or air beams with a dry cloth. Check for any mud or grass on the groundsheet before folding. Regular Cleaning For general cleaning, use cool water and a soft brush or sponge. Avoid harsh detergents, washing-up liquid, or bleach — these strip the DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating from the fabric and can damage seam tape. Set the awning up if possible for cleaning — easier to clean flat panels when erected Use a specialist tent and awning cleaner (e.g. Nikwax Tech Wash) for a deeper clean Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap residue Allow to dry fully before packing away Dealing with Mould & Mildew If your awning has been stored damp and developed mould or mildew spots, treat with a specialist mould remover designed for outdoor fabrics. Do not use bleach — it damages the fabric and waterproof coating. After treatment, re-proof the affected area. 2. Reproofing Over time, the DWR coating on your awning fabric wears off and water begins to “wet through” rather than beading off the surface. This doesn’t mean the awning leaks — the underlying polyurethane coating still provides waterproofing — but a compromised DWR makes the fabric absorb water, increasing weight and reducing performance. When to Reproof Water no longer beads and rolls off the fabric The fabric surface looks “wet” rather than shedding rain The awning feels significantly heavier when wet than when new How to Reproof Clean the awning thoroughly first (see above) — reproofing works best on clean fabric Apply a specialist DWR reproofing spray (e.g. Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof or Grangers Tent Repel) to the outer fabric Apply evenly, covering all panels including seams Allow to dry according to the product instructions — some benefit from gentle heat to activate the coating Test with water — it should bead and roll off cleanly Reproof after every deep clean, and at least once per season for awnings used regularly. 3. Seam Care Seam tape is the waterproofing layer applied over stitching lines. On most awnings, seams are factory-taped (either hot-air taped or factory-sealed) but the tape can lift at the edges over time, particularly on older awnings or those stored damp. Inspect seams annually for lifting or peeling tape Re-seal lifting seams with a seam sealer appropriate for your fabric type Pay particular attention to the roof panel seams — these take the most rain loading 4. Air Beam Care (Inflatable Awnings) Inflatable awnings have additional maintenance considerations for their air beams: Check pressure before each use — air beams can lose a small amount of pressure between uses. Always inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI before use. Inspect valves — check valve caps are secure and undamaged. Carry a spare valve cap. Puncture repair — small punctures can be repaired with a TPU patch kit. Locate the puncture by inflating the beam and listening/feeling for escaping air. Clean the area, apply the patch, and allow to cure before re-inflating. Never over-inflate — exceeding the maximum PSI rating can damage the beams permanently. Most awnings specify 7–8 PSI (0.5–0.55 bar). 5. Pole Care (Poled Awnings) Wipe aluminium or fibreglass poles clean after each trip Check for cracks or splits in fibreglass poles — replace damaged sections before the next trip Carry a spare pole sleeve for field repairs Store poles loosely — don’t leave them bent or under load in storage 6. End-of-Season Storage Correct end-of-season storage is the single most important thing you can do to extend your awning’s life. The primary rule: never store your awning damp. After your last trip, set up the awning at home if possible and allow it to dry completely — including the groundsheet, inner tent (if used), and bag Clean thoroughly before storage (see above) Reproof if due Fold loosely — avoid folding along the same crease lines every time, which can stress the fabric. Different fold patterns extend fabric life. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Avoid garages prone to damp or condensation. Do not store under heavy objects that could compress and crease the fabric permanently If storing in the original bag, ensure the bag itself is clean and dry Quick Reference: Annual Maintenance Checklist ☐ Clean fabric with specialist cleaner ☐ Reproof DWR coating ☐ Inspect and re-seal any lifting seam tape ☐ Check air beam valves and pressure (inflatable awnings) ☐ Inspect poles for cracks or splits (poled awnings) ☐ Check groundsheet for wear or delamination ☐ Check guy ropes and pegs — replace worn or bent pegs ☐ Store dry, loosely folded, in a cool ventilated location Frequently Asked Questions Can I put my drive-away awning in a washing machine? No — machine washing damages the DWR coating, seam tape, and fabric structure. Always hand-wash with cool water and a specialist outdoor fabric cleaner. How do I know if my awning needs reproofing? If water no longer beads and rolls off the outer fabric — instead soaking in and making the fabric look wet — it’s time to reproof. The awning may still be waterproof underneath, but reproofing restores performance and reduces weight when wet. My awning smells musty after storage. What should I do? This usually means it was stored with some residual moisture. Set it up to air thoroughly, treat any visible mould with a specialist outdoor mould remover, clean with Tech Wash or equivalent, reproof, and dry completely before re-storing. How often should I reproof my awning? At least once per season for regularly used awnings. After every deep clean. Sooner if water stops beading on the fabric surface. Shop Drive-Away Awnings at Newquay Camping Shop Newquay Camping Shop4 Bamber House, Victoria, PL26 8LQOpen Monday to Friday Browse all drive-away awnings online. Related Guides Drive-Away Awning Accessories — What Do You Actually Need? What Size Drive-Away Awning Do I Need? Inflatable vs Poled Drive-Away Awnings — Which Should You Choose? Drive-Away Awnings Buying Guide — How to Choose

Best Tall-Profile Drive-Away Awnings for Campervans & Motorhomes (255cm+) — 2026

31.08.26
If your campervan or motorhome has a kador rail that sits above 255cm from the ground, you need a tall-profile drive-away awning. This covers high-roof variants of popular large panel vans and A-class or high-specification motorhomes. Tall-profile awnings are a smaller part of the market than low or mid-profile options, but the need is real — a mid-profile awning simply won’t reach the connection point on a high-roof van. If you’re unsure whether you need a mid or tall profile, measure your kador rail height from the ground before ordering. At Newquay Camping Shop, we can advise on tall-profile awning options for your specific vehicle. Contact us or visit our Cornwall showroom for guidance. Which Vans & Motorhomes Need a Tall-Profile Awning? Tall-profile awnings (255cm+) are typically needed for: Mercedes Sprinter (high roof / super high roof) VW Crafter (high roof) Fiat Ducato (high roof / extra high roof) Ford Transit (high roof full size) A-class motorhomes (most models) High-specification coachbuilt motorhomes Standard and medium roof variants of the above vans typically fall in the mid-profile range (210–255cm). Always measure your own kador rail height before ordering. How to Confirm You Need a Tall-Profile Awning Measure from the ground to the bottom of your kador rail channel on a level surface with the van unladen. If the measurement is above 255cm, you need a tall-profile awning. See our full sizing guide for more detail. Tall-Profile Awning Options The tall-profile market is more limited than low or mid-profile. Key options include tall-profile variants from Outdoor Revolution and Vango — contact us for current availability and to confirm fitment for your specific vehicle. Tall-Profile vs Mid-Profile — Don’t Guess It’s worth emphasising: do not order a mid-profile awning for a high-roof van hoping it will stretch. A mid-profile awning rated for 210–255cm will not safely or neatly reach a kador rail at 270cm+. Always measure before ordering, and contact us if you’re unsure. Fitting Tips for High-Roof Vans Measure carefully: High-roof variants often have kador rails at 260–290cm. Some super high-roof Sprinters exceed 290cm. Confirm your exact height before selecting an awning. Guy thoroughly: Tall-profile awnings present more wind surface area than low or mid-profile options. Always use all guy rope points and storm pegs, particularly on exposed Cornish and South West sites. Check tunnel compatibility: The awning tunnel width should accommodate your van width (most large vans are 2.0–2.1m wide). Frequently Asked Questions What is a tall-profile drive-away awning? A tall-profile drive-away awning is designed to connect to a vehicle with a kador rail height of 255cm or above. This covers high-roof large panel vans and A-class or tall coachbuilt motorhomes. Always measure your kador rail height before ordering. Can I use a mid-profile awning on a high-roof van? No — a mid-profile awning rated for 210–255cm will not reach the kador rail on a high-roof van. You need a tall-profile awning specifically rated for your rail height. Which tall-profile awnings do you stock? Tall-profile awning availability changes with each season. Contact us or visit our Cornwall showroom for current options and to confirm fitment for your specific vehicle and kador rail height. Can I buy a tall-profile drive-away awning in Cornwall? Yes — contact Newquay Camping Shop at 4 Bamber House, Victoria, PL26 8LQ (Monday to Friday) or browse online. We’ll help you identify the right tall-profile awning for your van. Contact Us for Tall-Profile Awning Advice Newquay Camping Shop4 Bamber House, Victoria, PL26 8LQOpen Monday to Friday Browse all drive-away awnings online. Profile Guides Best Low-Profile Drive-Away Awnings (180–210cm) Best Mid-Profile Drive-Away Awnings (210–255cm) Related Guides What Size Drive-Away Awning Do I Need? Drive-Away Awnings for Motorhomes Inflatable vs Poled Drive-Away Awnings — Which Should You Choose? Drive-Away Awnings Buying Guide — How to Choose

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