Fitting a drive-away awning for the first time can feel daunting — but once you understand how the connection system works, it's straightforward. This guide covers everything you need to know: how to measure your vehicle, which connector you need, and how to pitch your awning correctly.

Step 1 — Level Your Vehicle Before You Pitch

Before you start connecting your awning, make sure your vehicle is level. An unlevel van puts uneven stress on the tunnel connection and on your awning legs — and once the awning is up, it's harder to fix. Use levelling ramps under your tyres to get the van sitting correctly on the pitch. See our Caravan Levellers Buying Guide for help choosing the right ramp or step leveller for your setup.

Step 2 — Measure Your Vehicle's Attachment Height

You need to know your vehicle's attachment height — the height at which the awning will connect to your van, measured from the ground to the point where the awning sleeve or connector will sit on your vehicle's roof rail or awning channel.

Most drive-away awnings come in two height categories:

• Low profile — typically 180–210 cm. Designed for standard-roof campervans including VW T5, T6, T6.1, Mercedes V-Class, Ford Transit, and similar. Browse our Low Drive-Away Awnings.
• Mid/standard height — typically 210–260 cm. Designed for high-top vans, motorhomes, and larger vehicles. Browse our full Drive-Away Awning range.

Always measure your vehicle before buying. Getting this wrong is the most common fitting mistake — an awning that's too tall or too short won't seal properly and will let in draughts and rain.

Step 3 — Identify Your Vehicle's Connection Point

A) Roof Rail / J-Rail / Gutter Rail (most campervans)

A J-rail or gutter rail runs along the roofline of the van. The awning connects via a Figure 8 connector — a plastic strip that slides into the awning's bead channel on one side and clips over the J-rail or gutter on the other.

What you need: Figure 8 Drive-Away Awning Connector — £4.99 — 75 cm of plastic Figure 8 strip. Most awnings need 2–3 lengths depending on the awning width.

B) C-Rail / Awning Channel (caravans and some motorhomes)

Some motorhomes and caravans have a C-rail running along the side. You need a keder strip — a flexible strip with dual-size beading that slides into the C-rail and provides a connection point for the Figure 8 connector.

What you need: Kampa 4mm to 6mm Keder Strip — £4.99/metre

C) Wind-Out Awning Lead Bar (Fiamma, Thule, Dometic)

If your van has a wind-out awning, the drive-away awning connects to the lead bar using a keder strip.

The Easiest Option — Kampa Dometic Twin Driveaway Kit

The Kampa Dometic Twin Driveaway Kit — £26.99 includes 3 x Figure 8 sections and a 3m keder strip with dual 6mm/4mm beading — everything you need in one box.

Step 4 — Fit the Connector to Your Vehicle

1. Clean the J-rail or gutter with a damp cloth.
2. Slide the Figure 8 strip along the rail from one end, with the open channel facing outward.
3. Position the Figure 8 at the point where your awning tunnel will connect.
4. If your awning is wider than one 75 cm strip, butt multiple strips together end-to-end.

Step 5 — Connect the Awning

1. Locate the awning's connection sleeve or bead.
2. Slide the awning bead into the Figure 8 channel, working from one end along.
3. Check the height — the awning should sit level with your vehicle's roofline.
4. Extend the awning legs and adjust to the correct height.
5. Peg out and guy all guylines — don't skip this, especially on exposed pitches.

Step 6 — Detaching to Drive Away

1. Disconnect the tunnel — unzip or detach the tunnel from the main awning body.
2. Slide the tunnel bead out of the Figure 8 connector.
3. Check all pegs and guylines are secure before driving away.
4. On return, reverse the process to reattach the tunnel.

Common Fitting Problems

The awning bead won't slide into the Figure 8 connector. Check bead and connector sizes match — most awnings use 6mm, some use 4mm. A little washing-up liquid on the bead helps.

There's a gap between the awning and the vehicle. The attachment height is likely wrong — recheck your measurement against the awning's specified height range.

The awning sags or pulls away from the vehicle. Check the Figure 8 is fully engaged and all guylines are pegged out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special connector for a VW T5 or T6?
VW Transporters typically have a J-rail. A standard Figure 8 connector is usually all you need.

Can I fit a drive-away awning to a Fiamma F45 wind-out awning?
Yes — use a Kampa 4mm Keder Strip on the lead bar, then connect your drive-away awning's Figure 8 to the keder strip bead.

Where can I get help fitting a drive-away awning in Cornwall?
Pop into Newquay Camping Shop at 4 Bamber House, Victoria, PL26 8LQ — our team can advise on the right connector for your vehicle and awning combination.