Choosing the right driveaway awning for your campervan or motorhome comes down to getting two key measurements correct: the height of your vehicle's attachment point and the length of your awning rail or windout track. Get these right and you'll have a snug, weatherproof fit. Get them wrong, and you'll end up with gaps, sagging fabric, or an awning that simply won't attach. This guide walks you through everything you need to know before you buy.
How to Measure Your Vehicle for a Driveaway Awning
Campervan and motorhome driveaway awnings are categorised by height range, so the first step is always measuring your vehicle correctly.
Height: Measure from the ground to the point on your vehicle where the awning will attach. This is usually the bottom edge of your awning rail or windout track. Always measure on a flat, level surface for accuracy.
Length: If your vehicle has a windout awning or a fitted awning rail, measure the maximum attachment length in centimetres. This tells you how wide a driveaway awning your rail can accommodate.
It's worth measuring twice and at more than one point along the vehicle, particularly if your van isn't perfectly flat-sided, to make sure you're buying an awning that will fit properly along its full length.
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How to Connect Your Awning to Your Vehicle
There are a few different ways a driveaway awning can attach to your van, depending on what your vehicle already has fitted.
Awning Rail (Standard 'C' Channel)
The most common and secure method is a dedicated awning rail fixed to the vehicle. A standard awning rail uses a 6mm channel.
Windout Awning Channel
If you're connecting to the channel on the underside of an existing windout awning, make sure the driveaway awning you buy has twin beading — this covers both the 6mm and 4mm beading sizes needed for a secure fit.
No Rail or Windout? Use 'Up and Over' Straps
If your vehicle doesn't have either of these fittings, most driveaway awnings come supplied with 'up and over' straps. These are thrown over the roof of the vehicle and pegged down on the opposite side, giving you a secure connection without needing a permanent rail.
Do You Need a Driveaway Kit?
If your vehicle has an awning rail or a windout awning, a driveaway kit is highly recommended. This is a strip of beading that slots between your awning's access zone and your vehicle's rail or windout channel, creating a quick-release connection.
The main benefit is convenience: when you want to drive away and leave your awning pitched, you simply remove the adapter strip rather than having to pull the entire awning out of the channel. Without a driveaway kit, releasing the awning means sliding the whole thing back out of the rail, which is far more time-consuming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a driveaway awning and a standard caravan awning?
A driveaway awning is designed to be detached from your vehicle while it stays pitched on the ground, so you can drive away without dismantling the whole structure. Standard caravan awnings are typically more permanently fixed to the caravan itself.
What if I don't know my awning rail size?
Most UK vehicle awning rails use a standard 6mm channel, but if you're attaching to a windout awning, check whether it needs 4mm or 6mm beading, or both. If you're unsure, contact us with your vehicle details and we'll help you confirm the right fit.
Can I fit a driveaway awning without an awning rail?
Yes. Most driveaway awnings include 'up and over' straps as a fitting option if your vehicle doesn't have a rail or windout track fitted.
How accurate does my height measurement need to be?
As accurate as possible. Awnings are sold in height ranges, so measuring on a level surface and double-checking at more than one point along your vehicle will help you avoid ordering the wrong size.
Still not sure which driveaway awning is right for your vehicle? Get in touch with our team with your van's measurements and we'll recommend the best options for you.