Drive-away awnings can increase your outdoor space campervan. This makes longer stay at a campsite with the family more enjoyable. By their very nature, they are able to be put away at the campsite, even if the van is on the move. This is why they come extra handy when you need to leave behind people in the group travelling with you, heavy things, and awkward camping furniture. But how do drive away the awnings function? That’s exactly what we’ll be discussing in our brief tour through of specifications and features.
But what’s the point of knowing how to use and adapt one to your car without knowing what kind of driveaway awning is the best fit for your needs? Since we’re on the topic, let’s get started with a few tips on the most sophisticated and most efficient features. Our easy drive away awning buying guide can provide just that.
What is a drive-away Awning?
An awning is essentially the tent that is attached to the side of your campervan or motorhome. It’s made of the same type of weatherproof and hardwearing material. It’s also possible to set up a drive away awning up like you would an awning. However, it has an opening that lets you move between your van and the awning, and vice versa.
It’s clear the awnings can be found in all dimensions and shapes, from canopy-style roofs to makeshift lounges like that of the Vango Airhub Hexaway in the image above. They also have drive-away awnings, which are different. They’re designed especially for large vans, like the Vango Galli III Airaway awning available in different heights, high and low, whereas others can be utilized with SUVs. However, the principle of operation is the identical.
How do awnings for drive-away work?
What makes a drive-away tent unique is the fact that it’s a freestanding tent that does not lose shape or stability when you leave. Thus the name ‘drive away’. It’s secured to your vehicle when you put it in place, but you can simply detach it whenever you’re in need.
Why should you buy a drive away awning?
A great driveaway awning could make your living space double. Certain premium products will do beyond that, and mimic the decor of your home with lavish features, so you never miss your home comforts. It provides shelter at all times of the year, offers extra space to eat breakfast, and provides more storage space and space for children to play the way they like best. You can literally increase the space you live in with drive-away awnings, like the Outwell Scenic Road 250SA Smart Air drive away awning.
When you are in the mood for a drive then you simply leave it there. You don’t have to pack and move on. Do not bother putting all of your belongings in the garage and putting your awning off whenever you want to venture further afield. Just remove it then secure it as needed, and off you go. When you’re ready to return back to the field you’ll find it the same location you left it.
How do you connect a drive away awning?
If you’re wondering how do awnings for drive-away use work, it’s because you’re not familiar with the different ways they connect to a vehicle. It’s safe to say that connecting your drive away awning to your vehicle is a single job. The connection points on your car and your awning will determine the ease with which it can be fitted. But, whether you own a motorhome or a campervan, you shouldn’t have any problems connecting your awning to your vehicle yourself. Here are some of the ways that people connect an awning:
to a pre-existing wind-out awning
to the awning channel on the vehicle’s rail
to the vehicle gutter
to roof bars
with magnets
with suckers
To determine the most suitable option for your vehicle, consider looking more closely at the different ways that drive-away awnings can be installed:
Wind-out awnings are a great option. When you have already got a wind-out awning, you’ll require a 4mm-to 6mm type driveaway kit for fixing awnings such as this figure of 8. It is a join strip. The beading slides into section of windout awning to one side and the figure of 8 to the other. All three pieces are interlocked. Then another strip of beading slide onto the open side of the figure of 8 strip. To remove it, slide the figure of 8 connecting strip out.
The awning channel of the vehicle or rail. In this scenario, the driveaway awning should be attached to the vehicle’s rail or channel exactly as described above. The awning fixing kit must be a 6mm to 6mm one. The reason is that the vehicle’s rail will have a diameter of 6 millimeters. This Vango Driveaway 6mm to 6mm kit is an ideal choice. So, if you don’t already have a rail on your campervan or motorhome, it’s well worth buying one. This is the most efficient, clean, and most convenient way to connect your awning on your vehicle.
Vehicle gutter. The way you fasten the awning that you drive-away to the vehicle gutter will depend on the depth. A figure 8 channel strip can be easily clipped into a slender gutter. You can then connect another edge in the figure of 8 the beading on your awning. For removal, remove the figure of eight. If you want a deep gutter, you could try the Vango pole and clamp set, provided it’s suitable for your vehicle. The pole slide into the sleeve near the rear of the awning after which it secures itself to the gutter, securing the fabric. The awning is secured with clamps in the middle and sides, and the problem is sorted.
Roof bars. For awnings that come with built-in Velcro loops attached to the rear cowl, putting them onto a vehicle is as easy as tying these loops to the roof bar. To leave the vehicle and drive away, leaving the awning freestanding you need to remove the bar that is on its roof.
Guys and Straps. This isn’t ideal, but should your vehicle not come with any fittings for an awning, or if you have realized that the kit for your awning doesn’t fit your vehicle it is always possible to rely on straps. Awnings come equipped with straps and guy lines by default and you’re able to get spare ones. So, simply throw them across to the other side of the vehicle, and anchor them onto the vehicle with special pegs and extra straps from Vango.
Affixing strips magnetically. It’s a great alternative for cars that do not have Awning attachments of any kind. They’re specifically designed to work with larger motorhomes and campervans equipped with a steel body. They draw magnets to remain in place.
Suction kit. This device uses vacuum to hold the awning up. The kit includes beading and figure of 8 strip. It can be attached onto the top of your vehicle. The awning easily slides on and off the other side of the figure of eight.
Your decision on which awning to choose will ultimately be based on the model of your vehicle and your personal preferences, as well as your budget. The options are endless, so our drive away buying guide for awnings will concentrate solely on the awning itself. Whatever you prefer for ensuring that you get the most enjoyment from your driveaway awning the full, you should take note of these three key characteristics of awnings for drive-away:
Size. Before you purchase an awning be sure to determine the dimensions. People often realize their awning isn’t the proper size in the last minute. This is usually at the campsite. Height is crucial. To find the height, first look for the awning rail that is on the outside of your motorhome or campervan. Take measurements from the rail all up to the floor. Motorhome awnings tend to be the most tall awnings, followed by campervans and SUV awnings. Certain awning companies make the awnings available in a variety of sizes, suited to every type of vehicle. Others design them for specific models, such as this Volkswagen Camper awning from Vango Magra. Better still, some come with adjustable height.
Versatility. Your travel requirements could be changing over the course of time. If you want to enjoy your vacation to the fullest with your growing travelling group, consider the possibility of having space. For many campers having the option of adding an additional room is vital since it gives them an additional lounge or bedroom. Luckily, many awnings can be equipped with an annexe that is attached to them. Since they’re versatile and popular and a good investment, their value for resales could also be high.
Privacy. At times, even a small space isn’t much use without privacy. Luckily, some driveaway awnings have privacy screens while others are able to fit a complete inner bedroom. The Vango inner bed can accommodate three models of drive-away awnings, at a minimum, including three models: the Vango Idris, Galli and Kela models.
With awnings that drive away, it gives you the possibility of leaving your campsite for your daily adventures without packing, you will have way more time for entertainment and relaxation.
