One of the most common questions we get from first-time drive-away awning buyers is: how does it actually attach to my van? It’s a reasonable question — and the answer depends on your van, your awning, and which attachment method works best for your setup.
Here’s a complete guide to the three main attachment methods.
Method 1 — Kador Rail (Most Common)
The kador rail (also called a kador strip or awning rail) is a channel fitted to the side of your campervan into which a beaded rope or strip on the awning is threaded. Most professional campervan conversions include a kador rail as standard.
How it works:
- Locate the kador rail on the side of your van — usually a narrow aluminium channel running horizontally along the roofline or just below it
- Find the beaded kador strip on your awning — most drive-away awnings include dual kador beading (4mm and 6mm) to fit different rail sizes
- Feed the kador bead into the open end of the rail and slide the awning along until it’s centred in the position you want
- Peg or tension the awning to hold it in place before inflating or poling
Don’t have a kador rail fitted yet? The Universal Twin Drive Away Fitting Kit (£26.99) is an affordable solution — it includes 3 figure-of-8 sections and a 3m kador strip with dual 4mm and 6mm beading, compatible with C-channel guttering and wind-out awning rails. A simple way to add kador rail compatibility to your van without a full conversion.
Kador rail tip: If your rail is stiff or the bead is tight, a small amount of silicone spray lubricant on the rail makes feeding the bead significantly easier — particularly in cold weather.
Method 2 — Over-Vehicle Straps (No Rail Required)
If your van doesn’t have a kador rail, over-vehicle straps are the most versatile attachment method. Straps run up and over the roof of the van and hook or loop to the awning on each side, holding it against the vehicle.
How it works:
- Position the awning against the side of your van where you want it attached
- Feed the straps up and over the roof, passing them through the door gap or over the roof rack
- Tension the straps evenly on both sides so the awning is pulled snugly against the vehicle
- Peg out and inflate/pole as normal
Best for: Vans without a kador rail, tailgate attachment, or when you want to avoid threading the kador bead.
We stock Vango Spare Attachment Straps (8m) — suitable for most campervans and a useful spare to carry if you rely on strap attachment.
Strap tip: Route straps through the door gap rather than over sharp roof edges to prevent wear. Check strap tension after the first hour as they can loosen slightly as the awning settles.
Method 3 — Clamp Attachment
Some campervans have roof bars, awning rails, or gutters that can accept awning clamps — metal or plastic clamps that grip the rail or gutter and provide a fixing point for the awning. Less common on modern campervans but widely used on older vehicles and motorhomes.
Best for: Vehicles with gutters or roof bars where a kador rail isn’t present.
Which Method Is Right for Your Van?
| Van type | Recommended method |
|---|---|
| Modern campervan conversion with kador rail | Kador rail |
| Van without kador rail | Universal Twin Fitting Kit or over-vehicle straps |
| Tailgate/rear attachment (e.g. Vango Arden) | Over-vehicle straps |
| Vehicle with roof gutters or bars | Clamps or straps |
Do I Need a Kador Rail Fitted?
If your conversion doesn’t include a kador rail, you have three options:
1. Use the Universal Twin Fitting Kit — at £26.99, this is the quickest and most affordable way to add kador rail compatibility. Includes a 3m strip with dual 4mm/6mm beading and figure-of-8 connectors. Shop the Universal Twin Drive Away Fitting Kit.
2. Use straps — no modifications needed. Works well and is fully reversible.
3. Have a kador rail professionally fitted — a campervan converter or awning specialist can fit a permanent kador rail to most steel or aluminium van bodies. Worth doing if you plan to use a drive-away awning regularly long-term.
Measuring Your Connection Height
Whatever attachment method you use, you need to know your connection height — the distance from the ground to where the awning attaches to your van. This determines which size awning you need:
- Low: 180–210 cm — VW Transporter T5/T6/T6.1, Ford Transit Custom, Mercedes Vito
- Mid: 215–255 cm — Mercedes Sprinter, VW Crafter, Fiat Ducato, Ford Transit full-size
Measure from the ground to the bottom of your kador rail (or the attachment point if using straps). Always measure your specific van — roof racks, solar panels, and high-roof conversions all affect the height.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all drive-away awnings come with attachment straps?
Most do — check your product listing. Vango and Kampa awnings typically include throw-over straps as standard. We also stock Vango Spare Attachment Straps (8m) separately.
What size kador bead do I need?
Most modern campervan kador rails accept a 6mm bead. Older rails or motorhome rails may use 4mm. Most drive-away awnings include dual beading (4mm and 6mm). The Universal Twin Fitting Kit also includes both sizes.
Can I use a drive-away awning without a kador rail?
Yes — the Universal Twin Fitting Kit adds rail compatibility affordably, or use over-vehicle straps for a no-modification solution. The Vango Arden Tailgate Awning is specifically designed for strap-only attachment at the rear of the vehicle.
My kador rail is stiff — what should I use?
Silicone spray lubricant (not WD-40) applied to the rail channel makes sliding the kador bead much easier. Available from most hardware stores.
Can I attach a drive-away awning to a van with a roof rack?
Yes — but your effective connection height may be higher than a standard van. Measure from the ground to the attachment point with the roof rack in place before buying.
