Whether you're new to campervan adventures or an experienced tourer, a drive away awning is one of the best investments you can make. It provides valuable extra living space, somewhere to cook, relax, store your gear or even sleep, all while allowing you to leave your pitch and return without having to pack everything away.
At PJ Outdoors, we stock a wide range of premium drive away awnings from leading brands including Vango, Outwell, Dometic, Kampa, Outdoor Revolution, Telta, Westfield and Quest. This guide will help you set up your awning correctly, choose the right accessories and get the most from your camping adventures.
Why Buy a Drive Away Awning?
A drive away awning effectively doubles your living space and gives you much more flexibility when touring.
Benefits include:
- Extra living and dining space
- Additional sleeping area
- Storage for bikes, clothing and camping equipment
- Shelter from rain and sun
- The ability to leave your campsite without taking your awning down
- Perfect for weekend trips and extended touring holidays
Choosing the Right Height
Before purchasing an awning, it's important to check your vehicle's attachment height.
Most drive away awnings are available in different height ranges to suit:
- Low campervans
- Standard campervans
- High-top vans
- Motorhomes
Always measure from the ground to your vehicle's awning rail or connection point before ordering.
Before You Start Pitching
Choose a flat, level pitch wherever possible.
Remove any sharp stones or debris before laying out your awning and always consider the direction of the wind. Pitching with the rear of the awning facing into the wind can make setup much easier.
Before inflating or assembling your awning, make sure every zip is fully closed. This allows the structure to inflate correctly and reduces unnecessary stress on the fabric.
Step-by-Step Pitching Guide
Step 1 – Lay Out Your Awning
Lay the awning flat in the position you want it, ensuring the connecting tunnel is facing your campervan.
Spread the fabric out neatly and identify all pegging points before beginning.
Step 2 – Connect to Your Vehicle
Depending on your setup, you may connect your awning using:
- Awning rail
- Drive Away Kit
- Figure of 8 strips
- Kador strip
- Magnetic fixing kit
- Roof bar attachment kit
Make sure the connection is straight before moving on.
Step 3 – Inflate or Assemble
If you have an inflatable awning, inflate each beam in the manufacturer's recommended order.
If using a poled awning, assemble each pole carefully before inserting them into the correct sleeves.
Never overinflate an air awning beyond the recommended pressure.
Step 4 – Peg the Four Main Corners
Start by pegging the four corners.
This keeps the awning square and makes tensioning much easier later.
Step 5 – Peg Out All Guy Lines
Once inflated or assembled, peg every guy line securely.
Guy lines improve stability, especially during windy weather.
Always angle pegs away from the awning at approximately 45 degrees for maximum holding strength.
Step 6 – Adjust the Tension
Walk around the awning checking each panel.
Tighten straps where necessary until the fabric is smooth but not overstretched.
A well-tensioned awning performs better in poor weather.
Essential Drive Away Awning Accessories
The right accessories make a huge difference to comfort, protection and ease of use.
Awning Carpet
Creates a warm, comfortable living space while protecting your flooring.
Groundsheet Protector
Protects the sewn-in groundsheet from stones, mud and general wear.
Drive Away Kit
Allows you to disconnect your vehicle quickly while leaving your awning pitched.
Storm Straps
Provide additional security during windy conditions and reduce movement.
Heavy Duty Pegs
Upgrade your pegs to suit different ground conditions such as hardstanding, gravel or soft grass.
Peg Puller and Rubber Mallet
Makes pitching and packing away much easier.
Electric Air Pump
Ideal for larger inflatable awnings, reducing setup time considerably.
LED Awning Lighting
Adds practical lighting for evenings and creates a welcoming campsite atmosphere.
Camping Furniture
Complete your awning setup with:
- Folding tables
- Camping chairs
- Storage cupboards
- Kitchen units
Cooking Equipment
Many campers use their awning as an outdoor kitchen.
Consider adding:
- CADAC BBQs
- CAMPINGAZ stoves
- Portable gas cookers
- Cool boxes
- Dometic portable fridges
Top Tips for a Better Awning Setup
- Always practise pitching your awning before your first camping trip.
- Close all doors and windows before inflating an air awning.
- Never skip guy lines, even in calm weather.
- Check guy line tension after the first hour as the fabric may settle.
- Use storm straps whenever strong winds are forecast.
- Sweep mud and debris off the groundsheet before packing away.
- Dry your awning completely before storing it to help prevent mould and mildew.
- Store pegs, pumps and accessories together so nothing gets left behind.
Air Awning or Poled Awning?
Air Awnings
Perfect if you want:
- Fast pitching
- Simple setup
- Fewer components
- Excellent stability
- Family-friendly camping
Poled Awnings
Perfect if you want:
- Lower purchase cost
- Lighter pack weight
- Easy replacement parts
- Traditional setup
Both options offer excellent performance, and the best choice depends on your budget, camping style and how often you tour.
Why Buy Your Drive Away Awning from PJ Outdoors?
PJ Outdoors stocks an extensive range of drive away awnings from trusted brands including Vango, Outwell, Dometic, Kampa, Outdoor Revolution, Telta, Westfield and Quest . Whether you're looking for a compact weekend awning or a spacious inflatable model for extended touring, our expert team is here to help you choose the perfect setup.
Browse our online range of drive away awnings and accessories, or contact PJ Outdoors for friendly advice on finding the ideal awning for your campervan or motorhome.