What VW drive away awning do I need?
Most VW Transporter and California campervans need a low drive away awning, around 180 to 210cm, measured to the awning rail. Attach it with a rail and driveaway kit if you have one, or straps if not. Then choose air or poles, decide if you need a bedroom, and pick the tunnel orientation that suits the door you use most.
Key takeaways
- Low height for most VWs. Standard-roof and pop-top Transporters sit in the low band.
- Rail and kit is easiest. Many VW conversions already have a rail.
- Air is quicker; poles are lighter. Pick based on how often you pitch.
- Bedrooms need planning. Look for an inner bedroom option if anyone will sleep outside.
- Mind the orientation. Choose which end of the van the tunnel door faces.
What height VW drive away awning fits a Transporter?
Unless you have a high-top roof with a rail fitted high up, VW Transporter-sized campervans fall into the low band of about 180 to 210cm. That includes pop-tops, where the rail sits on the body below the roof. Always measure on level ground to be sure. Our drive away awning heights guide walks you through it.
How do I attach it to my VW?
Many VW conversions have an awning rail above the sliding door, which is ideal with a driveaway kit. If your van has a wind-out awning, its channel can usually take a kit with 4mm beading. No rail? Throw-over straps or a magnetic strip will work. See our guide on how to attach a drive away awning.
We build campervans on the VW Transporter at Jerba Campervans, and fitting a rail is one of the simplest upgrades if you plan to use an awning often.
Air or poled for a VW?
Air awnings pitch faster with no poles to sort, and the beams flex in gusts. They usually cost more and pack bigger, which matters in a Transporter where storage is tight. Poled awnings are cheaper and usually lighter. Our air awning vs poled awning guide goes deeper.
Sleeping in the awning
If the kids are moving out of the van, or you are, look for an awning with an inner bedroom option. A clip-in inner helps regulate temperature and reduce condensation, and many take a double airbed. Some compact awnings have no bedroom option at all, so check the specification. Larger layouts can add an awning annexesannexe for more sleeping space.
Side, front or rear facing?
Think about which door you use most. On a VW, that is usually the sliding side door, but some people prefer to reach the tailgate for bikes and kit. Many awnings come in mirror-image versions, and the tunnel door position decides which end of the van you walk out from.
Fabric and groundsheet
- Polyester is lighter and usually cheaper.
- Polycotton-type fabrics breathe better and insulate, but cost and weigh more.
- Sewn-in groundsheets keep draughts and insects out; separate ones are easier to clean and dry.
VW drive away awning by model: T4, T5, T6 and California
The basic choice of VW drive away awning is similar across Transporter generations, but there are small differences worth knowing.
- T4. Older conversions may have a gutter rather than a rail, so a pole and clamp or throw-over straps are common. Most still fall in the low height band.
- T5 and T6. Many conversions have an awning rail fitted at roof level, and a wind-out awning is a popular addition. Check whether you will connect to the rail or to the wind-out case, because they sit at slightly different heights.
- California. Usually supplied with a wind-out awning, so a driveaway kit or adaptor for the awning channel is the normal way to connect.
- Long wheelbase and high roof versions. A high roof can move the connection point into the mid band, so always measure.
Whichever model you have, measure from level ground to your connection point and check it against the awning height range. For a wider choice of models that suit these vans, see our campervan awnings.
Which awning suits my VW?
Browse our campervan awnings and filter for low height.
Three to look at first
- OLPRO Uno Breeze V2: an inflatable drive away awning for campervans.
- Vango Faros III Air Low: a compact low-height air awning.
- Vango Cove III Air Low: a low air awning with more living space.
Frequently asked questions
Will a low drive away awning fit a VW California?
A California normally sits in the low band. Measure from the ground to the attachment point on level ground and check it falls within the awning's stated range.
Does a pop-top change the awning height I need?
No. The rail sits on the body below the pop-top roof, so you measure to the rail as usual. The pop-top does not affect it.
Can I use a drive away awning with a wind-out awning on my VW?
Yes. Most wind-out awnings have a channel that takes a driveaway kit, commonly with 4mm beading.
Is an air awning too bulky for a Transporter?
It depends on the model and your storage. Air awnings usually pack bigger than poled ones, so check the packed size against your space before buying.
Does a VW drive away awning fit both a T5 and a T6?
Usually yes. The T5 and T6 share very similar body heights, so a low VW drive away awning that fits one will normally fit the other. Measure your own van to confirm.
The bottom line on drive away awnings for VW campervans
Most VW campervans need a low awning, attached through the rail with a driveaway kit. Then choose air or poles, a bedroom option if needed and the right tunnel orientation. Unsure? Use the awning fit finder or call our team on 0330 122 7773. Delivery is free to the UK mainland.
