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Leaving the Pitch: Tips for Re-connecting Your Awning Without the Stress
At a Glance: The Rose Awnings Quick Guide
- Mark Your Territory: Use luminous pegs or “T-markers” by your tyres to create a visual “docking bay” before you drive away.
- The Power of the Drive-Away Kit: Never connect directly to the rail. Use a Kador strip and ‘Figure of 8’ channel for a 30-second release and re-attachment.
- The Dometic Kampa Advantage: Models like the Kampa Touring AIR offer massive living spaces and stable tunnel designs that keep their shape while you’re out exploring.
- Alignment is Key: Use your wing mirrors to align with ground markers rather than trying to eye-ball the awning fabric itself.
For many motorhome and campervan enthusiasts, the primary draw of a drive-away setup is freedom. You can set up your base camp, secure your pitch, and then head out to explore the local area or run errands. However, the most common concern we hear at Rose Awnings is the “re-entry anxiety”—the fear of returning to the site and failing to line the vehicle up correctly with the standing awning.
If you don’t get the alignment right, the connecting tunnel will be saggy, under-tensioned, or worse, unable to reach the rail. Here is how the specialists at Rose Awnings recommend you master the art of the perfect re-connection.
Why is re-aligning so difficult for van owners?
The challenge lies in the precision required. Most drive away awnings are connected to the vehicle via a Kador rail or a gutter channel. Because the awning is pegged into the ground, it becomes a fixed point. If your vehicle returns even a few inches too far forward, back, or away from the side, the fabric tunnel will not sit correctly. This can lead to water pooling in the roof of the tunnel or draughts entering the living space.
What are the best methods for marking your pitch?
The secret to a stress-free return happens before you even turn the ignition. You must mark your vehicle’s position.
- The Peg Method: Place a luminous tent peg in the ground exactly next to your driver-side front wheel and another by the rear wheel. When you return, simply line your tyres up with these markers.
- The “T” Marker: Some campers use two strips of tape or small mats on the ground to create a “docking bay.”
- The Guide Rope: Attach a small piece of string from the awning to a fixed point on the ground. When you return, ensure the string reaches the same point on your vehicle’s step or wheel arch.
How does a drive-away kit simplify the process?
You should never try to slide a fixed awning bead directly into a rail when you return; it is far too difficult to align. Instead, we always recommend using a drive-away kit. This consists of a ‘Figure of 8’ plastic strip and a double-sided Kador bead.
When you are ready to leave, you simply slide the Kador bead out, leaving the awning standing. On your return, once the van is parked in its marked spot, you only have to slide the Kador strip back into the ‘Figure of 8’—a much more forgiving process. Our selection of Kampa and Isabella drive away awnings are designed to work seamlessly with these kits to ensure a weather-tight seal.
Which awning models offer the most forgiving connection?
At Rose Awnings, we pride ourselves on supplying the best in the industry. While many opt for premium brands, the Kampa Touring AIR remains a firm favourite for its incredible stability. Because this model uses a robust AirFrame system, the structure remains rigid and the tunnel stays perfectly poised even while the vehicle is away. This makes it significantly easier to reverse back into position compared to lighter, pole-based alternatives that can sag in the wind.
Furthermore, the Kampa range features adjustable height tunnels, which provide a little extra “wiggle room” if your pitch isn’t perfectly level. Investing in high-quality drive away awnings ensures that the materials won’t stretch or sag over time, maintaining that crucial alignment.
FAQ’s: Your Re-connection Queries Answered
Do I need to take the whole awning down if I’m only going out for an hour?
Not at all! That is the beauty of the drive-away system. Just ensure the tunnel is neatly toggled up or zipped shut to prevent it from flapping in the wind while you are gone.
Can I re-connect the awning on my own?
It is easier with a “spotter” to guide you to your markers, but with the peg method mentioned above and a clear reversing camera, solo-reconnection is perfectly achievable.
What if the ground is too hard for marker pegs?
Use a small splash of biodegradable marking paint or a heavy rock that won’t be easily moved.
Ready to upgrade your touring experience?
Whether you are looking for the premium craftsmanship of Isabella or the versatile, spacious designs of the Dometic Kampa range, we have the expertise to find the perfect fit for your vehicle. Explore the full Rose Awnings range of drive away awnings here.
