A driveaway awning is perfect to shelter, store and additional space when you are on your motorhome or campervan journeys and is a very popular accessory.
Of course, some motorhomes come with a roll-out awning as standard However, for certain models the models, it’s not enough for extended stays or even for storing muddy boots, dry the pooch or perhaps even have the option of a bedroom!
We speak with Outdoor equipment experts Outwell for top tips about choosing an awning that can drive away for your campervan or motorhome.
What is a driveaway awning?
It’s a awning that is freestanding, similar to a tent, it is attached to the side of your motorhome or campervan. With two openings which allow you to detach it from your vehicle and leave it standing if you are planning to venture out for long periods of time with your camper. Once you’re back, simply park your vehicle alongside it, and then attach the awning.
Top tips for purchasing an awning
You should think about the purpose you’re using your driveaway awning
This will allow you to decide on the layout and size. Do you just want to store some muddy boots are use it as an area for living?
Think about storage
Where are you going to put your awning while traveling or when the van is stored? Also, you need space to dry and clean up your awning. An air awning is likely to take up more space than an awning with poles.
Think about transportation
Consider the weight of any awning and how this might affect your payload.
Think about the size
Make sure you measure the height of your recreational vehicle, and then purchase an appropriate awning. Find the distance from your campervan’s motorhome awning rails all the way to the bottom. Certain manufacturers may have small models designed for campervans. some are a lot bigger than others – this is why you should consider the points above.
Imagine getting an erection
When looking for a awning with a driveaway option, ensure that you have all the relevant information about your campervan or motorhome especially what’s on the vehicle that can aid in attaching an awning to it. For instance, if you already have a wind out awning, be aware of the brand and model of awning it is, as well as the size of it on the van. This will help you choose your awning a lot easier as a few will attach to the wind out awning that usually have a channel that will accept the driveaway awning.
There are many fixing kits available, based upon the condition of the vehicle.
Think about what type of awning you’d like to use – pole or air and the best way to fix it to your vehicle. Inflatable awnings are simple and easy to install and the lack of poles reduces the chance of damage to your vehicle as well as a campervan or motorhome insurance claim.
How does a driveaway canopy connect to a motorhome campervan?
Most driveaway awnings come with straps that you can attach to at the very top of your car, and anchor them on the opposite side. Then, you’ll be able to use the awning straight away.
Tips: If you’re using awning straps to cover the van, especially during stormy weather, grab the tennis ball, then put a little snip in it and insert the ends of your strap in the tennis ball then quite simply drop the ball on your motorhome or campervan.
Other features of a driveaway awning comprise a channel that you can place a pole inside that you can secure into it to make guttering for your campervan or motorhome.
Velcro straps or loops attached to an awning work for motorhomes and campervans that have bar roofs. It is enough to Velcro the straps onto those bars to connect the awning’s driveaway straps to your vehicle. You can then peg it down.
It is possible to purchase an awning rail that is attached your motorhome, or connect an awning that can be driven away in the C-channel to a wind-out awning, with the fixing kit.
The best tip is to first take your awning out from the bag, film yourself getting it out.
What do you do to get there and take your awning off?
You need a fantastic product that includes three strips of plastic along with a long strip of fabric.
Once you’ve got your awning removed from the bag, search for your beadings on the top of the awning and put the pieces of plastic onto the awning’s end. Simply thread the piece of fabric through the plastic, and then mount it onto your vehicle.
When you’re ready to leave, you just pull the piece fabric that falls and then you fold the fabric up until it’s neat and tidy against your awning. You can leave for the rest of the day.
Top tip: Before you depart, anchor down your motorhome’s levelling blocks precisely at the point where your front wheels are. It’s much easier to drive back to your levellers and you’re at the same place to connect the awning.
New driveaway awnings from Outwell
Outwell has improved its inflatable driveaway awnings, including new Superior Air Touring collection and new features and models that are added to the wildly popular Air Cruising range.
For fast, easy erection For quick, simple erection Superior Air Touring Collection uses the Outwell Power Air System. In addition, there’s a wide selection of floorplans and sizes to fit every kind of campervan and motorhomes.
One of their most important attributes is the unique Link Access Zone which is a separate connecting area accessed through side doors in poor conditions to keep mud and water out of the awning and van. This is a groundsheet that can be removed that is extended to cover the space below the vehicle in order to prevent draughts.
The tents that are used for guest rooms with storage space are also available on the Parkville 260SA, Jonesville models, Milestone Dash Air, Milestone Shade Air, Newburg models as well as the Blossburg 380 Air.
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