How do you attach a drive away awning to a campervan?
The neatest way is through an awning rail with a driveaway kit, which lets you pull a strip out and drive off. No rail? Use a magnetic strip on a steel body, throw-over straps pegged down on the far side, Velcro straps round roof bars, or a pole and clamp in the gutter. Most drive away awnings support more than one method.
Key takeaways
- Rail plus kit is the gold standard. The tightest, most weatherproof seal and the quickest to leave.
- Magnetic strips suit steel bodies. No drilling, but the van must be steel where the strip sits.
- Straps work on almost anything. Throw them over and peg them down on the other side.
- Roof bars and gutters are options too. Velcro straps for bars, pole and clamp for older vans with gutters.
- Match the method to your height. Measure to wherever the tunnel will attach.
1. Awning rail with a driveaway kit
Most purpose-built campervans have a C-shaped awning rail, or a wind-out awning with a channel. The awning tunnel has beading that slides into it. With a driveaway kit, a double-beaded strip goes in the rail and joins the tunnel through figure-of-8 profiles, so you pull the strip to leave. Our driveaway kit guide explains 4mm and 6mm sizes.
Best for: anyone who drives off most days and wants the tidiest seal.
2. Magnetic strip
A magnetic awning strip holds the tunnel against a steel body using strong magnets. It is a clever option for vans with no rail and no wish to drill one.
Best for: steel-bodied vans without a rail. Check the body is steel where the strip will sit, and keep the paint clean underneath to avoid scuffs.
3. Throw-over storm straps
Most drive away awnings come with long straps. You throw them over the roof and peg them down on the far side. It is not the neatest method, but it works on almost any van. A tip from experienced owners: put the strap end through a slit tennis ball to throw it over more easily on a windy day.
Best for: occasional use, borrowed vans, or as a backup.
4. Roof bars with Velcro straps
If your van has roof bars, Velcro straps or loops on the tunnel wrap round them and hold it in place. Peg the tunnel down to keep it tight.
Best for: vans with roof bars but no rail.
5. Pole and clamp in the gutter
Some awnings have a sleeve along the tunnel. You slide a pole through it and clamp it into the roof gutter. Many older campervans have gutters that suit this.
Best for: older vans with a roof gutter.
How to attach a drive away awning step by step
- Park and level the van where you want it, with the side door facing the way you want the awning to sit.
- Lay out the awning next to the van with the tunnel towards the body, and peg the corners loosely.
- Connect the tunnel using your chosen method: slide the beading into the rail or driveaway kit, place the magnetic strip, throw the straps over, or clamp the pole.
- Inflate or pole the awning, then adjust its position so the tunnel sits square to the van.
- Peg out fully, including guy lines and storm straps, then tension the tunnel so there are no dips.
- Check the seal along the top of the tunnel. Gaps here are where wind and rain get in.
The first pitch always takes longer. After two or three trips, most owners can attach a drive away awning in well under half an hour. A drive away awning fixing kit with a figure-of-8 strip makes the connect and disconnect step the quickest part of the job.
How to attach a drive away awning: which method suits my van?
| Method | Needs | Seal | Speed to leave |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rail and kit | Awning rail or wind-out channel | Best | Fast |
| Magnetic strip | Steel body | Good | Fast |
| Throw-over straps | Nothing | Fair | Medium |
| Roof bars | Roof bars | Fair | Medium |
| Pole and clamp | Roof gutter | Good | Medium |
Bottom line
Use a rail and kit if you have one; otherwise pick the method that matches what is already on your van.
Whatever you choose, connection height still matters. See our drive away awning heights guide before you buy, and browse our campervan awnings and awning accessories.
Frequently asked questions
Can I attach a drive away awning without a rail?
Yes. Throw-over straps, a magnetic strip on a steel body, Velcro straps round roof bars and a pole and clamp in the gutter all work without a rail.
Is it worth fitting an awning rail?
If you use an awning often, yes. A rail gives the neatest seal, and with a driveaway kit it makes leaving and reconnecting quick.
Will a magnetic strip damage my paint?
Magnets hold firmly, so keep the paintwork and the strip clean before fitting. Grit trapped underneath is what causes scuffs.
How do I stop the tunnel sagging?
Use the right height, seat the beading fully, and peg and tension the tunnel so there is no slack for water to collect in.
What do I need to attach a drive away awning?
At minimum, a way to connect the tunnel to the van, such as a rail and driveaway kit, a magnetic strip or throw-over straps, plus pegs and a mallet. A pump is needed for an air awning.
The bottom line on attaching a drive away awning
Use your awning rail and a driveaway kit if you have them. If not, a magnetic strip, throw-over straps, roof bars or a pole and clamp will all do the job. Need a hand? Use the awning fit finder or call our team on 0330 122 7773. Delivery is free to the UK mainland.
