How Do Drive Away Awnings Work?

A drive away awning is one of the most useful accessories for campervan and motorhome owners, offering extra living space while allowing you to detach and drive away without dismantling your setup. Whether you're new to campervan awnings or looking for the best drive away awning for a motorhome, understanding how they work will help you make the most of your camping experience.

In this guide, we’ll explain what a drive away awning is, how to attach a drive away awning to a campervan or motorhome, and how to pitch and store it properly. Plus, we’ll highlight the best driveaway awnings from OLPRO, one of the leading UK brands for innovative and high-quality awnings.

What is a Drive Away Awning?

A drive away awning is a freestanding awning designed for campervans and motorhomes, providing additional living, sleeping, or storage space. Unlike fixed awnings, drive away awnings allow you to detach your vehicle and leave the awning standing while you explore the area.

Key Benefits of a Drive Away Awning:

✔ Extra space for relaxing, cooking, or storing gear
✔ Freestanding design lets you leave it pitched while driving away
✔ Versatile use – can be used as a standalone shelter or tent
✔ Easy setup and attachment

Ready to explore the best drive away awnings? Browse OLPRO’s full range of motorhome and campervan awnings.

How Do Drive Away Awnings Work?

A motorhome drive away awning works by creating an enclosed space that attaches to your vehicle but remains freestanding when detached. This means you can securely pitch it, disconnect, drive away, and reattach later.

To ensure a seamless experience, it’s important to understand how to attach a drive away awning to a campervan or motorhome and how to set it up for stability.

How to Attach a Drive Away Awning to a Campervan or Motorhome

There are several ways to fix a drive away awning to a campervan or motorhome. The best method depends on your vehicle and setup preference.

1. Using an Awning Rail (C-Channel or Reimo Rail)

The most secure method is attaching the awning using an awning rail and a driveaway kit. This method provides a strong and weatherproof connection.

How to Attach a Drive Away Awning Using an Awning Rail:

1. Slide a kador strip into the rail on your campervan.
2. Connect it to the awning’s beading using a figure-of-eight connector.
3. Peg down the awning securely.

Find the perfect Driveaway Kit here: OLPRO Driveaway Kit

2. Using Throw-Over Straps

If your campervan doesn’t have an awning rail, you can use throw-over straps to secure the awning.

How to Fix a Drive Away Awning to a Campervan with Straps:

1. Place the straps over the campervan roof.
2. Secure the straps to anchor points on the other side.
3. Peg the awning securely to prevent movement.

3. Using a Magnetic or Suction Cup Attachment

For vehicles without rails, you can use magnetic drive away kits or suction pads to secure the awning.

• Ideal for campervans and motorhomes without awning rails.
• Provides a temporary but strong connection.
  
  Find the best motorhome awnings here: Motorhome Drive Away Awnings

How to Pitch a Driveaway Awning

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up a Drive Away Awning:

1. Choose a flat area – This ensures stability and prevents water pooling.
2. Unpack the awning and lay it out in position.
3. Secure the groundsheet using pegs.
4. Attach the awning to your campervan using one of the methods above.
5. Inflate or assemble the structure (for inflatable awnings, pump up the air beams).
6. Peg the guy lines tightly for wind resistance.

Check out OLPRO’s easy-to-pitch awnings: OLPRO Drive Away Awnings

How to Drive Away and Reattach Your Awning

A key benefit of a drive away awning is the ability to leave it pitched while you use your vehicle. Here’s how:

How to Detach a Drive Away Awning:

1. Mark your parking position with wheel chocks or ground markers.
2. Disconnect the awning by removing the rail strip, unhooking the straps, or detaching the suction cups.
3. Ensure the awning is pegged securely so it stays in place while you’re gone.

How to Reattach a Drive Away Awning to a Campervan:

1. Return to your marked spot and align your campervan with the awning.
2. Reconnect the awning using the method you originally used (rail, straps, or magnets).
3. Check for a secure fit before settling in.

How to Fold and Store a Drive Away Awning

Properly storing your awning ensures longevity and easier setups in the future.

How to Fold a Drive Away Awning:

1. Dry the awning completely before packing to prevent mould.
2. Remove air beams (if inflatable) and flatten the structure.
3. Fold in sections, keeping the air vents open to release trapped air.
4. Store in a protective bag to keep it clean and ready for the next trip.

Best Drive Away Awnings for Campervans & Motorhomes

Looking for the best driveaway awning? Here are some top picks from OLPRO:

1. OLPRO Cocoon Breeze V2 Inflatable Campervan Awning

One of the best drive away awnings for motorhomes and campervans, featuring inflatable beams for fast setup, large living space, and weatherproof construction.

Best for: Spacious camping, long trips.
Shop Now: Cocoon Breeze V2 Awning

2. OLPRO Loopo Breeze V2 Drive Away Inflatable Awning

A lightweight, compact drive away awning with quick-pitch air beams.

Best for: Weekend getaways, small campervans.
Shop Now: Loopo Breeze V2 Awning

3. OLPRO Cubo XL Motorhome Awning

A large, premium awning for motorhomes, providing plenty of space.

Best for: Family camping, motorhome owners.
Shop Now: View Cubo XL Motorhome Awning

Final Thoughts: Why You Need a Drive Away Awning

A drive away awning is the perfect addition to any campervan or motorhome, providing extra space while allowing you to detach and explore without taking down your setup. Whether you need an inflatable motorhome drive away awning, a budget-friendly option, or a large family awning, OLPRO has the perfect solution.

Explore the full range of OLPRO drive away awnings here: OLPRO Drive Away Awnings