What drive away awning height do I need?
Your drive away awning height is set by your van, not the awning. Measure from the ground to your awning rail, or to wherever the tunnel will attach, with the van parked on level ground. Most campervans the size of a VW Transporter need a low awning, roughly 180 to 210cm. Mid models suit around 205 to 245cm and tall models suit motorhomes at about 245 to 295cm. Always check the exact range of the model you like.
Key takeaways
- Height beats length. The tunnel has to meet your van at the right point, or it will not seal.
- Measure to the attachment point. That is your awning rail, roof bars or gutter, not always the roof.
- Level ground first. A slope changes the figure, so measure on the flat and at both ends.
- Bands overlap. Low, mid and tall ranges vary between makers, so go by the stated range, not the name.
- Transporter-sized vans are usually low. Unless the rail sits high on a high-top roof.
Why drive away awning height matters
A drive away awning stands on its own and joins your van through a fabric tunnel. If that tunnel is too short, it will not reach your rail without strain. If it is too long, it sags, and a sagging tunnel collects rainwater. Getting the height right is the difference between a neat, dry seal and a soggy one. If you are new to the idea, our guide to how a drive away awning works covers the basics.
Drive away awning height bands: low, mid or tall
| Band | Typical connection height | Usually suits |
|---|---|---|
| Low (lowline) | About 180 to 210cm | VW Transporter, California and similar sized campervans |
| Mid (standard, midline) | About 205 to 245cm | Taller panel vans, some high tops and smaller motorhomes |
| Tall (highline) | About 245 to 295cm | Coachbuilt motorhomes and large panel vans |
Bottom line
Treat these bands as a guide and check the stated range on the product page before you buy.
Some makers use only two bands, with low running up to about 240cm, so the same van can be "low" for one brand and "mid" for another. That is why the measurement matters more than the label.
How to measure your van, step by step
- Park on level ground. Use levelling blocks if your usual pitch is not flat, and measure as the van will sit on site.
- Find your attachment point. This is usually your awning rail or the channel on a wind-out awning. With no rail, use the point where your roof bars, gutter or magnetic strip will sit.
- Measure from the ground up. Take the figure at both ends of where the tunnel will connect.
- Use the higher figure if the two ends differ, and check it sits inside the awning's range rather than right at the edge.
Write the number down and keep it with your van paperwork. You will need it again if you buy an annexe or a replacement awning.
What about pop-tops, high tops and wind-out awnings?
On a pop-top, the rail is on the body below the roof, so the roof itself does not change your measurement. A fixed high top may have a rail mounted higher up, which can push you into the mid band. If you have a wind-out awning, measure to its channel, because that is where a drive away kit will attach. Our driveaway kit guide explains the beading sizes you will meet there.
Drive away awning height for high top vans
High top vans, such as a high roof Transporter, Transit or Sprinter conversion, often have an awning rail or fixing point well above 245cm. That usually puts you in the tall band, which is the range built for coachbuilt motorhomes. Do not assume a high top needs the tallest awning, though. Many high top conversions keep the rail at the original roof line, so the connection point may still fall in the mid band.
The rule is the same as for any van: measure the drive away awning height to where the tunnel will actually attach, not to the top of the roof. If you are fitting a new rail, decide its height before you buy the awning, because a few centimetres can move you from one band to the next. If you sit right on a boundary, a model with an adjustable tunnel or a wide stated range gives you room to adjust, and the awning fit finder can narrow the shortlist for your vehicle.
Which awning is right for my height?
Once you know your band, shortlist by space and how you travel. Browse our campervan awnings, or our motorhome drive away awnings for taller vehicles.
Three to look at first
- Vango Faros III Air Low: a compact low-height air awning for Transporter-sized vans.
- Vango Cove III Air Mid: a mid-height option for taller vans.
- Vango Kela Pro II Air Tall (2027): a tall air awning for motorhomes.
Frequently asked questions
Is a VW Transporter a low or mid height van?
Almost always low. Standard-roof and pop-top Transporters sit in the low band of about 180 to 210cm, measured to the rail. A high-top roof with a rail mounted near the top may need a mid model, so measure to be sure.
Do I measure to the roof or the awning rail?
Measure to the point where the tunnel attaches. That is normally the awning rail or wind-out channel. Only measure to the roof if the tunnel will attach there, for example with roof bars or throw-over straps.
What if I am between two heights?
Pick the model whose stated range covers your figure comfortably, rather than one where you sit right at the top or bottom. If no model fits well, use the awning fit finder or ask our team.
Does the height affect the price?
Often, yes. Taller versions use more fabric and longer beams. In our own range today, tall air awnings start higher than most low models.
Is drive away awning height measured to the roof?
No. Measure the drive away awning height from level ground to the awning rail or fixing point where the tunnel connects. On most campervans that is lower than the roof line.
The bottom line on drive away awning heights
Measure from level ground to your attachment point, take the higher of two readings and match it to the model's stated range. Most Transporter-sized campervans are low, motorhomes are tall. Still unsure? Use the awning fit finder or call our team on 0330 122 7773. Delivery is free to the UK mainland.
