Quick Summary
A drive-away awning is a freestanding shelter that attaches to your campervan or motorhome and can be left standing when you drive away. Inflatable awnings pitch in 10 minutes and are best for most tourers; poled awnings are cheaper and lighter.
Key spec to check: Attachment height — 'Low' (180–210 cm) or 'High' (210–250 cm). Look for 4,000mm+ waterproof rating for UK weather.
If you own a campervan, motorhome, or converted van, a drive-away awning could be one of the best investments you make for your camping setup. But with so many options out there, it can be hard to know where to start. Here's everything you need to know.
What Is a Drive-Away Awning?
A drive-away awning is a freestanding shelter that attaches to the side of your vehicle while you're parked up. Unlike traditional awnings that stay fixed to the van, drive-away awnings feature a detachable tunnel — so you can unhook your vehicle and head out for the day, leaving the awning standing at your pitch.
Who Should Buy a Drive-Away Awning?
- Campervan and motorhome owners who want extra living or sleeping space
- Families who need room for gear, bikes, or a separate sleeping area
- Tourers who move pitches regularly and need quick setup and takedown
Poled vs Inflatable — Which Is Better for a Drive-Away Awning?
This is the biggest decision you'll make. Traditional poled awnings use fibreglass or steel poles and tend to be more affordable, but setup takes longer. Inflatable (air) awnings — like the Vango Cove III Air Low and Outdoor Revolution Cayman T4 we stock — use air beams instead of poles, pitching in as little as 10 minutes with no fiddly assembly. For most tourers, the time saving alone makes inflatables worth the extra cost.
How Do I Get the Right Fit — Attachment Height?
Before you buy, measure your vehicle's attachment height — the point where the awning connects to your van. Most awnings come in "Low" (typically 180–210 cm) or "High" (210–250 cm) variants. Getting this wrong means the awning won't fit properly, so always check your vehicle's specs first.
What Features Should I Look For in a Drive-Away Awning?
- Waterproof rating — look for at least 3,000 mm hydrostatic head for UK weather; 4,000 mm+ is ideal
- Drive-away tunnel — essential if you plan to leave the awning standing while you explore
- Groundsheet — a sewn-in groundsheet keeps out draughts, bugs, and damp
- Ventilation — panels to reduce condensation are a must for longer stays
- Storage bag — a good carry bag makes transport and packing much easier
Don't Forget to Level Your Pitch
Before you set up your awning, make sure your vehicle is level — an unlevel van puts uneven stress on the awning connection and makes cooking and sleeping uncomfortable. Read our Caravan Levellers Buying Guide to find the right levelling ramp or step for your setup.
What We Stock at Newquay Camping Shop
We carry a range of drive-away awnings to suit different vehicles and budgets. Two of our most popular are:
- Vango Cove III Air Low (2026) — inflatable, AirBeam® technology, 4,000 mm waterproofing, new TriSpan Tunnel Support, priced at £649 (RRP £690)
- Outdoor Revolution Cayman T4 Air Low — premium inflatable awning with Tensile Active ripstop fabric, Oxygen Air Frame system, and 4,000 mm waterproofing, priced at £849
Pop into our Newquay store to see both pitched up in person, or browse our full range online.
📖 Looking for a caravan awning instead? Read our guide on how to measure for a caravan awning for step-by-step instructions on getting the right fit.
Frequently Asked Questions: Drive-Away Awnings
What is a drive-away awning?
A drive-away awning is a freestanding shelter that attaches to the side of your campervan, motorhome, or converted van. It features a detachable tunnel connection, so you can unhook your vehicle and drive away for the day while the awning stays standing at your pitch. When you return, simply reattach the tunnel.
How do I know if a drive-away awning will fit my vehicle?
Drive-away awnings are sized by attachment height — the height at which the awning connects to your vehicle. Most come in "Low" (180–210 cm) or "High" (210–250 cm) variants. Measure the height of your vehicle's connection point (awning rail, gutter, or cowl) before buying to ensure the right fit.
Are inflatable drive-away awnings better than poled ones?
Inflatable awnings are generally faster to pitch (10 minutes vs 30+ minutes), easier to set up solo, and more resilient in high winds as air beams flex rather than snap. Poled awnings are more affordable and lighter, making them a good choice for occasional use or tighter budgets.
What waterproof rating should I look for in a drive-away awning?
For UK camping, look for a minimum hydrostatic head rating of 3,000 mm. For better weather protection, 4,000 mm or higher is ideal. Both the Vango Cove III Air Low and Outdoor Revolution Cayman T4 Air Low offer 4,000 mm waterproofing, which is excellent for UK conditions.
Can I sleep in a drive-away awning?
Yes — many drive-away awnings are designed with sleeping compartments or enough space to add a sleeping area. They're a popular solution for families who need extra sleeping space beyond the campervan or motorhome, or for guests joining you on a trip.
