As a single-point inflatable awning, it’s really easy to assemble, so you can inflate it in no time. This makes it simple to erect. To do so, you first inflate the two main integral tubes (one at each end), then the removable centre tube which fits between the two main tubes. Finally, the awning is pegged down and the guy ropes tensioned. After you’ve done this a few times and are familiar with the process, the awning can take as little as 10 minutes to erect. There are four ways to attach the California awning to the vehicle: Drive away awnings have benefitted from advancing tent tech. Although they tend to be a little more expensive, price is no longer a significant differential. We think an inflatable awning is the best option for speed and ease of setup. Choosing The Right Size There’s a small risk you could snag an air beam, but a simple bicycle repair kit will sort that out.

The Outhouse Handi XL Drive Away Awning does offer functional space, whether using it as an outhouse or as somewhere to cook or just unwind. It can be freestanding, too, if you choose to separate it from the campervan completely. When buying Awnings, the quality of the product is going to be one of the factors that you really scrutinise before you commit to buying. Constructed from flame retardant lightweight fabric and fibreglass poles, the Handi is easy to erect and store and is incredibly light at just under 5Kg. Fast set up: In around 10 minutes (less for an inflatable campervan awning), you can add considerable square footage to your usable living space. It’s made of durable fabric and has waterproof seams. The frame is easy to set up, and the window panels are clear with curtains. There’s also mesh ventilation to help airflow without letting bugs in.I realise times & technology have changed and would appreciate some comments on poles vs inflate, and owt else as we say in Yorkshire…. Price – as you’d expect the price of a product can be an instantly recognisable factor on what sort of quality you can expect. Whoever came up with the phrase “you get what you pay for” pretty much hit the nail on the head. Whilst it’s not always the case and there are many bargains to be had, you can as a general rule, expect the higher priced products to offer better quality than a the cheapest option. We’ll dive into the price of Outdoor Revolution California Coast Drive Away Awning in more detail in a moment.

If you’re looking for extra living space while travelling in your campervan, this drive away awning is a great option to consider. The most basic is to use the over-vehicle straps, which you literally throw over the top of your campervan and peg down on the other side. However, it’s not ideal because it’s not the easiest to detach when you want to go for a drive. The awning won’t sit snug against your campervan, so water can get in. The California Coast is designed to keep the rain out. All the awning seams are sealed. The 75 dernier canvas fabric as been tested for waterproofness to a hydro static head of 3000 mm. The groundsheet is sewn in to prevent draughts and insects getting in. Mesh ventilation helps reduce condensation and also keeps insects out. The PE groundsheet is fully sewn in. Many drive away awnings are pretty similar, so you just need to make sure you find one that fits your campervan or motorhome and has enough space.On the other hand, inflatable awnings have fewer parts. There’s no fiddling about extending poles and all the palaver they involve. Inflatable awnings are fully integrated, include an air pump, and most include a lifetime guarantee on the air valves. Like virtually everything related to camping, campervans, and motorhomes, drive away awnings aren’t all made equal. It’s more involved than choosing a great colour to compliment your van. If so, consider a model that can accommodate modular extension rooms like the California Coast Drive Away Awning. Access To Vents & Hook Up Connections Fully waterproof, so you can keep your living space dry. It also makes it suitable for sleeping in. Sadly we have to replace our Khyam drive away awning. It’s 13 years old and the flap attaching to the van got ripped in recent storms and though our local tent shop will repair it they have to have it off the poles. Having spent an hour investigating it looks impossible as it would have to slide off at the top and it is impossible to disconnect the four poles at the crest, looks like they were glued into the hinges after the canvas was threaded in. Also it is prob coming to the end of life for the canvas as it also ripped on one of the roof panels, which I could repair with the supplied repair kit.