Modern motorhomes and campervans offer impressive living spaces, but to truly maximise your comfort on the road, a drive-away awning is essential. These versatile extensions create instant extra room while letting you explore freely without packing up camp. In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about choosing and using drive-away awnings
What Exactly is a Drive-Away Awning?
A drive-away awning is a specially designed tent that attaches directly to your motorhome or campervan. Featuring a vehicle-facing opening, it creates a seamless transition between your living space and the awning. Constructed from durable tent fabrics and pitching similarly to standard tents, their unique advantage lies in their drive-away capability - detach in seconds when you want to explore, then reconnect upon return without dismantling your setup.
Why Invest in a Drive-Away Awning?
- Double Your Living Space: Create extra room for dining, relaxing, or storage - perfect for families or longer trips
- All-Weather Shelter: Enjoy a covered outdoor space, whether escaping rain or seeking shade on sunny days
- Travel Freedom: Explore local attractions without packing up your entire camp
- Sleeping Flexibility: Many models accommodate inner tents for additional sleeping quarters
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Social Hub: Relax comfortably, even with visiting guests, regardless of your vehicle size
Choosing the Correct Size
Getting the size right is crucial. Follow these steps:
- Measure Your Attachment Height: From your awning rail (or intended attachment point) straight down to the ground
- Consider Vehicle Type: Campervans typically need lower tunnels (180-210cm) than motorhomes (240- 270 cm+)
- Check Depth Requirements: Allow at least 100cm for the tunnel plus your desired interior space
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Verify Specifications: Always double-check product dimensions against your measurements before purchasing
Connecting Your Awning:
| Connection Method | Best For | Key Components | Ease of Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wind-Out Awnings | Vehicles with factory-fitted canopies | 6mm-to-4mm fixing kit, figure-of-eight strips | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Awning Rails | Dedicated side channels | 6mm-to-6mm beading kit | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Roof Bars | Vehicles without dedicated rails | Integrated Velcro straps | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ |
| Alternative Solutions | Bare vehicles | Suction cups, magnetic strips, or tension straps | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ |
Detailed Connection Guide:
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To Wind-Out Awnings
Use a dedicated fixing kit (e.g., 6 mm-to-4 mm beading). Slide the 4mm side into your wind-out awning's channel, then attach figure-of-eight strips to connect your drive-away awning. Disconnection takes seconds by sliding out the strips. -
To Awning Rails
The simplest method is with a 6 mm-to-6 mm beading kit. Slide directly into your vehicle's channel for a secure, waterproof seal. Ideal for frequent use. -
To Roof Bars
Models like Vango feature Velcro straps on the rear cowl. Simply loop around roof bars for quick attachment and release. Perfect for campervan conversions. -
No Attachment Points?
Three main solutions:- Tension Straps: Throw over the roof and peg down
- Suction Cups: Outdoor Revolution's 120mm cups hold up to 15kg
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Magnetic Strips: Instant attachment for metal-bodied vehicles
Some of Premier Camping's Popular Drive-Away Awnings for 2025
Vango Hexaway Pro Air
The accessible social hub
With its unique hexagonal design and flat-entry door, this premium awning creates a stunning living area accessible to all. AirSpeed® valves make setup effortless.
Key Features:
→ Wheelchair/pram-friendly flat access door
→ Rapid inflation with AirSpeed® valve system
→ Ultra-durable Sentinel Pro® fabric (5,000mm waterproof)
→ Spacious 4.9m x 2.9m footprint when pitched
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Sunncamp Swift Van 325
The budget-friendly space creator
Perfect for couples or small families needing extra room without complexity. Its adjustable tunnel fits most vehicles, while the roll-up door maximises ventilation.
Key Features:
→ Height-adjustable tunnel (Low: 180-210cm / High: 240-270cm)
→ Generous 325cm width with 240cm depth
→ Roll-up front door with optional canopy
→ Lightweight yet durable construction
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Outdoor Revolution Cayman Air T3
The modern explorer's choice
Sleek design meets smart functionality with zip-back doors and advanced ventilation. DSV valves ensure rock-solid stability in changing conditions.
Key Features:
→ Oxygen AirFrame® with double-skin valves
→ Zip-back front door for indoor/outdoor flow
→ Adjustable cowl tension straps for a perfect fit
→ Integrated mesh ventilation system
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Easy Camp Utne
The compact essential
Ideal for weekend adventurers, this lightweight dome-style awning adds practical space to campervans and MPVs in minutes.
Key Features:
→ Detachable bathtub groundsheet
→ Large roof ventilation panel
→ Simple front entry system
→ Compact pack size (60x40x40cm)
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Pro Tips for Awning Success
- Practice pitching at home before your trip
- Always use a footprint to protect your investment
- Check compatibility with our expert team before buying
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Secure loose fittings & straps before driving away
Ready to transform your camping experience? Explore our full collection of drive-away awnings or visit our Yorkshire showroom for personalised advice.
Why Premier Camping?
As a family-run business with extensive experience of the needs of campervan and motorhome owners, we combine genuine expertise with unbeatable customer care.
