Drive away awnings

[Gilo]

Hello all, we just got our first Cali, the beach model. Love it and can’t wait to use it in anger.
Looking for some advice on what are the best drive away awnings . We are a family of five and a dog. We have always been campers and mostly gone for Berghaus tents .
We have been looking at the Kampa Touring rhair drive away , some have deals on right now anyone recommend.
We did see it’s polyester not poly cotton again any views and help much appreciated.

 

[dspuk]

Welcome. If you use the search function top right you will find a wealth of conversations about awnings good and bad on previous threads.

 

[KevH]

If you live within driving distance of Birmingham you can see a huge range of awnings at the NEC Motorhome and Caravan Show next month.
There nothing quite like seeing one in the flesh when faced with a wide choice, especially as we all have very different preferences.

 

[Lee.Van.Cleef]

We're not dog owners, but from previous discussions on the topic you should probably focus on models with a sewn in groundsheet to prevent escapes.

 

[Perfectos]

Check how big the awning is when packed up. They can be surprisingly big & take up valuable space.

I've used mine in the U.K. when weather has been forecast to be poor, with excellent results.
We set it up as an outside kitchen, chill out and storage area.

We have used as extra bedroom when more than 4 people have been camping

Go for one with a removable floor. (Ground sheet)

I prefer to use a Hub tent (pole version) when aboard or weather is going to be better. Packs down much, much smaller than an air beam awning.

Couple of photos of each set up, each has its own merits, the internal shot is pretty similar for both set ups

 

[Jay-D]

It’s a real challenge finding one that will suit as we all have different preferences. Like @KevH mentioned, would be best to go to the nec show, that’s what I did and ended up going for a vango hexaway.
Pros, it’s really big, like adding a large living/dining room area to the van. You don’t need to bend over moving around as it’s full height. I’ve been in it during some awful weather and it handles it great!
Cons, it can be a pain to put up and pain to put away, but by no means a divorce in a bag! It doesn’t fit on some pitch sizes alongside the van. The bag is rather big and it weighs nearly 20kg. I suspect I’ll be using this for longer stays and looking at a sunshade type awning (not drive away) or wind out awning for the shorter stays, apparently quite a lot of people end up doing the same.

 

[Gavin123]

Hi - We have a Camp CrossAir and its been great. Pretty easy to put up and (so far) reliable. One big space which isn't for everyone but suits us. High too which was key as we are a tall family. Has a removable ground sheet - which is useful for the occasional site which asks for breathable ground sheets. The dog refuses to sleep in it though and insists on being in the van!

 

[ParachuteMan]

I hum and ha about a drive away awning. Great extra space but (for me): time taken to put up and down; I rarely stay longer than 3 nights; takes up a lot of space in the van; how well does it stay up in wind and rain (at 0300…); and drying it out on return. I was at the Manchester show today and saw the Ducato stand and awnings. Excellent quality and design - but little change from £1000. Each to their own - but I do read these discussions….

 

[dspuk]

I hum and ha about a drive away awning. Great extra space but (for me): time taken to put up and down; I rarely stay longer than 3 nights; takes up a lot of space in the van; how well does it stay up in wind and rain (at 0300…); and drying it out on return. I was at the Manchester show today and saw the Ducato stand and awnings. Excellent quality and design - but little change from £1000. Each to their own - but I do read these discussions….

We had the same reservations, still do. We got ours for 500 but agree, they are quite bulky, even after practice.

We tend to only use for stays of more than one night because of the extra space and privacy it gives us. Especially with a 1 year old.

In the winter we found it a chore and in a gale and horizontal rain last year even more so. Our neighbour took pity on me taking it down!

That said we used for a 5 day hot summer stay in Sandringham and it was amazing. The drive away portion was perfect as we went out every day, unhooked and slotted back in with ease every evening.

For space we just slide the bench forward when stowing and it slides in between the seat and our SpaceMate. With other seats we take and child folding high chairs and guff.

We can get up in 15 minutes, down takes about 30 to get the folding right. Drying out as you say can be a faff, as you have to do it all again in your back garden.

On balance. We very happy with it. But you may not need the space and enjoy the other freedoms.

 

[Keith Smith]

I like the look of the Isabella Air X Tension, especially as it seems to have few guy ropes for our dog to get tied up in, but the cost!!! Has anyone got one, is it worth the money?

 

[MichaelB65]

@Keith Smith Staycation Lifestyle did a YouTube review on the Isabella Air X Tension which was positive and some of the comments are good.

 

[PugmeisterCali]

I like the look of the Isabella Air X Tension, especially as it seems to have few guy ropes for our dog to get tied up in, but the cost!!! Has anyone got one, is it worth the money?

We have one. Superlative quality. Family of 4 with a dog. We sometimes put a small inner tent inside and my daughter sleeps there. No regrets at all about biting the bullet on the X Tension. We have the connector as well but only use occasionally. Construction is rock solid without the faff of using guy ropes (included but never used). We see quite a few on camp sites and all agree it’s the biz.

 

[pchmlk]

We have one. Superlative quality. Family of 4 with a dog. We sometimes put a small inner tent inside and my daughter sleeps there. No regrets at all about biting the bullet on the X Tension. We have the connector as well but only use occasionally. Construction is rock solid without the faff of using guy ropes (included but never used). We see quite a few on camp sites and all agree it’s the biz.

View attachment 131910

That looks great.

We have a much cheaper, but along the same lines, Berghaus Air shelter

 

[Keith Smith]

Thanks, I’d better get saving up.

 

[colintfcolintf]

That does look a good bit ok kit the Isabella

I also like the look of the Vango Versos

Currently use Khyam Dub Hub awning

 

[AdamsFamily]

That does look a good bit ok kit the Isabella

I also like the look of the Vango Versos

Currently use Khyam Dub Hub awning

Isabella is great quality but crazy pricing - but as they say, you get what you pay for.
I paid a bit under a grand and got the Vango Versos. You have the choice of the additional bedroom if you want - if you don't, don't take it away. Removable groundsheet, nice open covered awning area for sitting out under and plenty of living/storage space.
Best bit, the name says it all. So versatile in pitching options.

 

[Neilos]

Family of 4 plus medium dog. We had a vango hexaway air hub and didn’t love it. Was ok. Flapped about a bit and the door zips used to get jammed and then annoying also work themselves undone in the wind. That one ripped in a storm, the fabric seemed very thin, I wonder if the UV had degraded it. 2 or 3 years use only. I saw a glawning 4m in a sale and we love it. I find it’s quicker or about the same to put up, and I can do it on my own, it doesn’t flap about as much, very sturdy and feels much nicer to be in when it’s raining. Was concerned about the size but I find the shape much better to pack than the old vango. We have a beach, and it sits nicely across the back. Excellent quality should last a long time if we look after it. Only downside is the weight, it’s not too bad but it is heavier, and you need to be sure it’s really dry to prevent mould, but then even any tent/awning can go mouldy.


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