The Ultimate Guide to Drive-Away Awning Kits for Campervans

If you’re a campervan enthusiast looking to extend your living space and enhance your camping experience, a drive-away awning is a must-have addition. Drive-away awnings provide extra room for dining, sleeping, or storage, and a drive-away awning kit allows for an easier experience when it comes to driving away from your awning for a day out. In this guide, we’ll cover the benefits of drive-away awnings, the components of a drive-away awning kit, and tips for choosing the right awning for your needs.

What Is a Drive-Away Awning?

A drive-away awning typically includes all the essential components needed to attach and set up an awning with your campervan or motorhome. Unlike a regular awning, a drive-away awning allows you to detach and leave the awning standing when you want to drive your vehicle away from the campsite. A drive-away kit is an additional product that allows an easy connection for you to detach and reattach your awnings tunnel to your vehicle as you come and go from your site.

A drive-away kit offers convenience and flexibility for campers, providing the opportunity to leave your awning pitched up whilst you explore the local area.

Benefits of a Drive-Away Awning

1. Extra Living Space

A drive-away awning provides additional space that can be used for sleeping, dining, cooking, or simply relaxing. It expands the functionality of your campervan, turning it into a mobile home with separate areas for different activities.

2. Flexibility and Convenience

With a drive-away awning, you can set up camp and then freely detach your van without dismantling your entire setup. This allows you to drive off to explore nearby attractions, pick up supplies, or visit friends while leaving your awning and campsite intact. It’s the perfect solution for those who want the flexibility of using their vehicle without losing their pitch at the campsite.

3. Easy Setup and Pack Down

Most modern driveaway awnings are designed for ease of setup. Awnings often include colour-coded poles, inflatable beams, or quick-setup mechanisms that make pitching the awning straightforward and efficient. For example, inflatable awnings reduce the time spent wrestling with poles, allowing you to set up camp in minutes using the pump provided with your awning.

4. Secure and Weather-Resistant Attachments

A drive-away awning kit ensures a secure and weatherproof connection between the awning and your campervan. This kit helps create a tight seal, protecting against wind and rain while keeping the awning stable when the campervan is detached.

Components of a Drive-Away Awning Kit

To get the most out of your driveaway awning kit, it’s essential to know what components are typically included and their importance:

1. Drive Away Awning Kit

The drive-away awning kit is a critical component, providing a secure attachment point for your awning. This kit, connects the campervan to the awning, creating a stable link that is easy to detach and reattach. There are different sizes of drive-away kits, which feature different-sized beading. The beading is what fits into your awning rail c-channel and then you use a figure-of-eight connector to attach to your awning tunnel.

At OLPRO, the Drive-Away Awning Rail Kit is a versatile option, compatible with most campervans and motorhomes. It’s an essential accessory for anyone looking to set up their awning securely and efficiently.

Pro Tip: When choosing a Drive-Away Awning Kit, ensure it matches your vehicle's rail c-channel size to achieve a proper and weather-resistant seal.

2. Awning Structure (Poles or Air Beams)

The awning itself can come with either traditional poles or inflatable air beams. Pole systems, like those found in the OLPRO Cubo V2 Campervan Awning, offer a lightweight and budget-friendly setup that’s easy to assemble. Alternatively, inflatable models, such as the OLPRO Cocoon Breeze V2 Inflatable Awning, feature air-beam technology for a quick and hassle-free setup that’s sturdy and durable.

3. Connecting for a Secure Set-Up

Straps and pegs are included to secure the awning to the ground and maintain its stability in windy conditions. For a more secure set-up, attach your awning tunnel to your vehicle with a drive-away kit and also use the storm straps that go over your vehicle. This will give you a more secure set-up if you run into windy conditions.

Additionally, you can also use Awning Rail Stoppers to prevent the tunnel beading from coming out of your rail.

How to Choose the Best Drive Away Awning

1. Consider Your Campervan Size and Awning Compatibility

Before purchasing a drive-away awning, measure your vehicle's attachment height and width. This ensures that the awning itself fits correctly. All of OLPRO's standard Drive-Away Awnings fit vehicles between the height of 190cm and 250cm, however, if your vehicle is above 250cm, we do also have Drive-Away Motorhome Awnings available that fit the height of 250cm - 290cm.

2. Choose Between Inflatable or Pole Awning

Both inflatable and pole awnings have their advantages. Inflatable driveaway awnings are quick and easy to set up, making them ideal for families or campers who want to save time. Pole systems are generally more affordable and offer a lightweight alternative, perfect for those who prefer a traditional setup.

Camping Insight: According to the Camping and Caravanning Club, "Choosing an inflatable awning is a great option for those who want to set up camp quickly and efficiently. However, traditional pole models remain popular for their affordability and simplicity."

3. Check for Additional Features Like Sleeping Pods

If you plan on using the awning as an additional sleeping space, look for awnings that offer modular designs or add-on sleeping pods. OLPRO’s drive-away awnings, such as the Cocoon Breeze V2, come with the option to add bedroom compartments, transforming the awning into a multi-room setup suitable for families or groups.

4. Weather Resistance and Ventilation

A well-ventilated and weather-resistant awning is essential for a comfortable camping experience. Look for models with mesh windows, adjustable vents, and a high waterproof rating (3000mm or higher) to keep the interior cool and dry. This ensures that you stay protected from rain, wind, and condensation, making your outdoor adventures more enjoyable.

Setting Up Your Drive Away Awning

Setting up a drive-away awning is straightforward, but following a few tips can make the process even easier:

1. Attach the Awning Rail: Secure the drive-away awning tunnel to your campervan, ensuring it is aligned correctly. Use a Drive-Away Kit as a connector between your awning and vehicle for a better experience when driving away.
2. Inflate or Assemble the Awning: Depending on your awning type, either inflate the air beams or assemble the poles. Ensure all beams are fully inflated, or poles are securely in place.
3. Secure the Awning: Use the provided straps and pegs to stabilise the awning, making sure everything is tightly fastened for maximum stability.
4. Add Extras: Set up any additional components such as chairs, windbreaks etc.

Why Choose OLPRO for Your Drive Away Awning Kit?

OLPRO offers a range of high-quality drive-away awnings designed to provide maximum comfort and flexibility for your camping adventures. Whether you prefer a quick-inflate model like the Loopo Breeze V2 Campervan Awning or a more traditional setup like the Cubo Breeze V2 Awning, OLPRO has a solution to fit every campervan and every need.

The Ultimate Guide to Drive Away Awning Kits for Campervans

Final Thoughts

Investing in a drive away awning kit is a fantastic way to extend your campervans functionality and make the most out of your outdoor experience. With the right awning, you can enjoy the freedom to explore while still having a secure and comfortable living space ready when you return. Explore OLPRO’s range of driveaway awning kits today to find the perfect fit for your next adventure.