The Ultimate Guide to Drive Away Awnings for Campervans: Enhance Your Outdoor Experience

Posted by Holly Walton on 29th Oct 2024

The Ultimate Guide to Drive Away Awnings for Campervans: Enhance Your Outdoor Experience

If you own a campervan or motorhome, you know how valuable it is to have extra space during your outdoor adventures. Drive-away awnings are an excellent solution, offering additional living space, storage, and even extra sleeping areas for your travels. Whether you’re looking for a small drive-away awning for compact setups or a larger campervan drive-away awning with bedroom options, this guide will cover everything you need to know to choose the best drive-away awning for your needs.

What Is a Drive-Away Awning?

A drive-away awning (sometimes called a drive-away awning) is a detachable structure that attaches to the side of your campervan or motorhome, providing additional space that acts as an extension of your vehicle. Unlike traditional awnings that remain attached, drive-away awnings can be left standing when you drive away from the campsite. This feature allows you to reserve your camping spot and come back without the hassle of dismantling and re-pitching the awning.

Driveaway awnings are versatile and come in various styles, including blow-up awnings for campervans, traditional pole setups, and compact options for small spaces. Whether you need a campervan drive-away awning for quick weekend getaways or a drive-away awning with bedroom space for family trips, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Benefits of Driveaway Awnings for Campervans

Driveaway awnings offer numerous advantages that enhance your campervan experience:

Extra Space: They provide additional room for sleeping, dining, or storing gear, transforming your camping setup into a more comfortable and functional space.
Flexibility: You can detach the awning and leave it standing, allowing you to explore the area in your campervan or motorhome without dismantling your campsite.
Variety of Options: From small drive-away awnings to expansive setups with multiple rooms, there’s an awning to suit every need and vehicle size.
Quick and Easy Setup: Modern designs, including inflatable drive-away awnings, make it easier than ever to set up and pack down your awning.

Types of Driveaway Awnings for Campervans

1. Inflatable Drive Away Awnings

Inflatable drive-away awnings (also known as blow-up awnings for campervans) have become increasingly popular due to their convenience and ease of setup. These awnings use air-beam technology, eliminating the need for traditional poles. Inflatable campervan awnings can be set up in minutes using a pump, and they are designed to be stable and weather-resistant.

The OLPRO Cocoon Breeze Driveaway Air Awning is a great example of a driveaway air awning that offers a quick setup, durability, and a spacious interior. It also includes multiple rooms, providing flexibility for storage and sleeping arrangements.

Pro Tip: When considering an inflatable drive-away awning, check the quality of the air beams and the overall waterproof rating. A sturdy design and high hydrostatic head rating ensure that your awning can withstand various weather conditions.

2. Traditional Pole Driveaway Awnings

While inflatable campervan awnings are popular, traditional pole models are still a reliable choice for many campers. These awnings use fiberglass or steel poles, offering a more affordable option and a lightweight structure. They are ideal for those who prefer a classic setup and want a small drive-away awning that is easy to transport.

The OLPRO Cubo Campervan Driveaway Awning combines the traditional pole system with modern design elements, creating a compact and efficient setup perfect for weekend trips or festivals.

3. Driveaway Awnings with Bedrooms

For those who want additional sleeping space, driveaway awnings with bedrooms are the perfect solution. These awnings feature separate sleeping pods or compartments, making them great for families or groups who need extra privacy. Many models also include built-in storage and living areas, providing a comfortable and spacious setup.

The OLPRO Loopo Breeze Campervan Awning is a fantastic example of a campervan drive-away awning that offers the option to purchase a removable bedroom compartment, making it suitable for family trips. With its quick-inflate system and durable construction, it ensures comfort and convenience during your outdoor adventures.

Key Features to Look for in the Best Drive-Away Awnings

When choosing the best drive-away awning for your campervan or motorhome, keep the following features in mind:

1. Compatibility with Your Vehicle

Ensure the awning is compatible with your campervan’s attachment height. The awning should be designed to fit your van’s size, ensuring a secure connection. Many driveaway awnings for campervans come with adjustable attachments, making it easy to match your vehicle’s dimensions.

2. Weather Resistance

Weather resistance is crucial for any driveaway tent. Look for an awning with a high hydrostatic head rating (3000mm or above) to protect against rain, and ensure it is built with UV-resistant fabric to handle sun exposure. Reinforced guy lines and sturdy frames (whether air beams or poles) will provide stability in windy conditions.

3. Ease of Setup

Whether you opt for an inflatable camper awning or a traditional pole design, ease of setup is essential. Inflatable models are often quicker to assemble, but some pole systems offer simple color-coded designs that make the process straightforward.

4. Ventilation and Comfort

Proper ventilation is vital for keeping the interior of your awning comfortable, especially during the hot summer months. Look for models with mesh windows, multiple doors, and adjustable vents that promote airflow while keeping insects out.

5. Modular and Versatile Layouts

A modular layout allows you to adapt your awning to suit your needs, whether you want a simple shelter, an extended living area, or an additional sleeping space. Some camper air awnings feature removable panels, attachable bedrooms, and extendable canopies, offering maximum flexibility.

Stand Alone Awnings vs. Driveaway Awnings

While driveaway awnings are designed to detach and be left standing, it’s important to differentiate between stand-alone awnings and driveaway models. Stand-alone awnings are completely independent and do not connect to the campervan, acting as separate shelters or living spaces that can be moved around freely. On the other hand, driveaway awnings attach securely to your vehicle but offer the convenience of detaching when needed.

For most campers, a driveaway awning offers the best of both worlds—connected living space when you want it and the freedom to drive away without losing your campsite when you need to explore.

Choosing the Right Driveaway Awning for Your Campervan

Selecting the right awning depends on your specific needs and travel habits:

For Compact Adventures: A small drive-away awning, like the OLPRO Cubo Breeze, is ideal for solo travellers or couples looking for a quick, easy-to-set-up option that adds just the right amount of space.
For Families or Groups: Larger options like the Cocoon Breeze Campervan Air Awning provide multiple rooms and plenty of space for sleeping, dining, and storage, making them perfect for family camping trips.
For Easy Mobility: If you prefer a simple setup that allows you to quickly hit the road, an inflatable drive-away awning, such as the Loopo Breeze, ensures you can set up camp quickly and move on whenever you’re ready.